How to Become an Animator in India

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Do you have a knack for storytelling as well as being artistic, and are looking for a career where you can use both, then animation is your answer. If you are looking for a write-up as to how to become an Animator in India, you have come to the right place. Being imaginative and creative are both imperative in becoming an Animator. However, learning certain skills and technology is also vital so as to bring forth your creative vision to action. Lastly, along with the learning, you also need to get a quality experience. This article presents the steps you’ll need to become an Animator in India.

To become an Animator, one can find inspiration from Walt Disney’s quote,

“Animation offers a medium of storytelling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world.”

Walt Disney was one of the most renowned filmmakers of all time and the founding father of the American animation enterprise. The above quote is so inspiring and true. Being an Animator makes your imagination and creativity come to life. It also spreads social awareness as well as gives direction to people across all generations. As animation has no age restriction, all age groups find liking for animated movies. Moving further let’s talk about the world of animation and how to find success in it.

What is animation?

Become an Animator and bring your imagination and creativity to life!

Animation, by definition, is the process where successive drawings, models, or even puppets are photographed so that they appear as moving images, thus creating a story. Animation is not new to the world, and it has been used in the past. Not everyone knows that the animation sequence was first captured in the film – The Enchanted Drawing (1900) by J. Stuart Blacktron where he used live-action actors, props, and stop-motion technology.

Fun fact – The first animated feature film is Walt Disney Studios ‘Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (1937). Some film buffs claim that Emile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie (1908) was the first animated film using traditional animation techniques.

Before the invention of CGI (Computer-generated Imagery) technology, early animators photographed pictures that were hand-drawn or painted on transparent celluloid sheets called Cel. The animation industry, however, has evolved and it keeps on developing new technology. With the innovation of computers, graphics came into existence, thus advancing the animation industry.

What does an animator do?

Animators, in short, are professionals who bring their drawings to life for movies, cartoons, TV series as well as video games. They can also bring animation to fields such as law, healthcare, or education.

The workspace of an Animator looks colorful and full of life!

What are the roles and responsibilities of an Animator?

The main aspect of an Animator is to generate special effects or visual images in films, video games, computers, music videos, and commercials.
With the help of computer technology or animation software, an animator produces two-dimensional and three-dimensional effects on the characters.
Using their skills in creativity, computer programs as well as instinct, an Animator must design elaborate graphics and animation.
Make characters or objects realistically looking by adjusting the light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency.
An Animator must create a storyboard so as to indicate the progress of the animation and lay out the important details.
Animators need to be involved in the production of any media campaigns as well as their background designing, along with tracking their progress.
An Animator’s role is so diverse that other than working on films, they can use their skills to design or illustrate product labels, cartons, brochures, media presentations, web pages, literature, computer artwork, newsletters, and slide shows.

Now getting to the main point of the article i.e. how to become an Animator in India one can follow these guidelines –

Animation degree/ course
Skill development
Build a portfolio
Gain quality experience

1. Acquire an Animation degree/ course to become an Animator

Individuals who want to become animators in India need to get proper education and it is essential to complete your degree before moving forward. Students who have completed their 12th (in any stream) should complete either a Bachelor of Design program or any course in graphics. Alternatively, you can opt for a certification course which can be done online as well. Henry Harvin® Animation Academy provides diverse programs that can be availed by beginners as well as individuals who are at an advanced level.

2. Achieve Skills to become an Animator

Learning and acquiring the degree is just the foundation to becoming an Animator. After the program ends, one must set goals in developing skills other than art skills and editing software skills. Also, one can expand their skills in acting and observation where you get the knowledge of body language and movements as well as understanding the concept of adding emotions and qualities in your characters. Other than these, teamwork or collaboration with others is also an important skill to develop.

3. Build a portfolio to become an Animator

A portfolio is defined as a display of a collection of artwork, achievements, career highlights, and work achievements you have obtained to date. A portfolio gives a glimpse of the animator’s work and skills for the employers while hiring. Hence, having a unique and exceptional portfolio is a must to become an Animator.

However, one should know what to showcase in their portfolio. First of all, you can present your art skills like sketching, character designing, storyboard designing, and lighting. Then, you should mention your contact details and upload your resume and synopsis of your background. Last but not least, for an Animator, an online portfolio suits best along with a demo reel. One must keep in mind to only present their best work and also should keep on updating it whenever one creates a new design.

4. Gain quality experience to become an Animator

One can acquire experience through internships. Even after starting an entry-level job, one should keep working on select work as a freelancer or volunteer. All these experiences will enhance your career. Thus, remember to collaborate with other professionals, increase your skills, and build your portfolio stronger.

Numerous courses do provide internships, but your success will also depend on the institute you choose. Henry Harvin’s® Animation Academy enters here! Why Henry Harvin®? It is a one-of-a-kind place where along with gaining knowledge you gain proficiency in animation. They provide internships and many other benefits. Firstly, with the help of experienced instructors, you can enhance your skills in both 2D and 3D animation. Secondly, gain knowledge in storyboard designing, and thirdly, develop interesting characters. They boast of state-of-the-art technology and workstations. Furthermore, they offer hands-on experience with project-based learning thus, expanding your portfolio.

Animation Courses provided by Henry Harvin® Animation Academy

Conclusion:

Animation is surely an exciting career to pursue for those individuals who desire to utilize their artistic talent and creativity. Though the pathway to becoming an Animator seems to be effortless, only by investing time and effort will you be successful? Henry Harvin’s® Animation Academy will make sure that your dream of becoming an animator is a smooth sailing one.

FAQs

Q1. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Design course?

Ans. Completion of higher secondary education (12th ) in any stream from a recognized state board is compulsory to get admitted for a Bachelor’s degree in Animation.

Q2. How long does it take to complete a degree in Animation?

Ans. An undergraduate degree in Animation or Fine Arts is a 3-year course while a diploma in Animation ranges from 6 to one and a half years.

Q3. What are the fees for the course?

Ans. One must invest up to 3 to 4 lacs for a course which can be of 1 year or more than a year of duration.

Q4. What job opportunities are available?

Ans. A professional Animator can work as –
– Multimedia Arts or Computer Animation
– Web Developer
– Art Director
– Graphic Designer
– Computer Programmer

Q5. What is the salary for an Animator?

Ans. Animators in India earn up to 5 lacs on average for a fresher. The salary increases with experience.

Q6. What are the job requirements?

Ans. The following are required for one to get employed as an Animator –
– A Bachelor of Design or any certificate course in Animation.
– Proficiency in using animation software and platforms.
– Soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and being organized
– Time management and organizational skills.
– An extraordinary portfolio.

Q7. What are the skill set requirements to become an Animator in India?

Ans. Knowledge of particular skills is important for an animation course. They are –
– Creativity
– Storytelling
– Attention to detail
– Time and pressure management
– A Mindset to keep on learning
– Technical skills like Adobe Animate, Adobe Character Animator, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, Toon Boom Harmony, Houdini, Pencil 2D, Blender, etc.