A career in animation is a popular trend now a day. Animation is an emerging field where one can show his/ her creativity or power of imagination .It has not just remained in the periphery of movies and advertisements as the use of animation is being done in different kinds of professional fields
An animator creates characters and makes them interact in an ever changing, exciting backdrop. From entertainment, education to simulators for military flight or combat training, animators work in a various sectors. 3D animators give realistic effects or fantastic turn by using specific software.
Effects animators create effects based on concept art and design from art departments. They use 3D lighting and effects and compositing tools to achieve the desired look. In addition to VFX supervisors, effects animators work with technical directors, designers, and art directors to create realistic effects. Effects animators collaborate with other departments on the best approach to improving throughput. This requires good knowledge of tools and interfaces. Effects animators are experts with Houdini, Mantra, Nuke, and other technology used to create effects. They work for animation studios and film and video production studios, as well as gaming companies, web design firms, graphic design firms, and advertising agencies.
The highest paying states for animators are:
- California
- Maryland
- Washington
- New York
Career Prospectus
After completing animation classes and acquiring a Bachelor’s degree, an animator could be able to work in advertising, web designing, video making, editing, games development, and even in film industry. Special effects, which is now an important aspect of film making is a direct representation of 2d and 3d techniques. Animation also allows freedom of expression in ways of visuals. It gives opportunity to express the ideas in the most fascination or weird forms.
The opportunity in animation stream is boundless these days. For people who loves magic and is creative with his work and skill can experiment in this particular animated world which has got great scope within a short span of time. It has got really considerably fantastic boom with a rapid growth, experiments and it’s expansion even in the time of recession. Animation is a strong developing sector. You can make your career in animation by working in various fields such as...
- 3D Animator
- Character Animator
- Character FX Artist (Hair/Cloth/Fur)
- Lighting Artist or Lighting Supervisors
- Matte Painters
- 3D Modelers
- Renderers
- Character Designer
- Roto Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Art Director
- Animation Director
- Animator
- Concept Artist
- CG Supervisor
- Character Designer
- Hair and Cloth Simulation Artist
- Creative Director
- Effects Director or Supervisor
- Environment Designer
- Fur / VFX Artist
- Layout Artists
- Technical Director
- Modeling Supervisors
- Modeling Technical Directors
- Compositor
- Producer
- Rigging Artists
- Rigging Supervisor
- Rigging TD (Technical Directors)
- Shading TD
- Texture Artist
- Texture Supervisors
- Game Programmer
- Video Game Technical Director
- Video Game Producer
- Video Game Engineer
- Designer
- Game Artist
- Visual Effects Supervisor
- Visual Effects Artist
- Water/Flame/Smoke Artists
Essential Skills
To become a good animation artist an animator should -
- be creative and artistic
- have drawing skills (and sculpting skills for stop frame animation using clay)
- be patient and able to concentrate for long periods
- pay attention to detail
- be observant and understand how people move and express emotions
- have good organisational skills
- be original and inventive
- work well as part of a team and be able to take direction from senior animators, directors and clients
- be able to follow a brief and work on their own initiative
- take criticism well
- work well under pressure and to strict deadlines
- have good communication skills to convey his/her ideas to others
- have self –disciplined and motivated
Eligibility
There are number of courses are available after passing 10+2 level examination. You can choose courses like 2D-Animation,3D-Animation. The some of the following Animation Courses are-
- Advance Diploma in 3D Animation
- Advance Diploma in Game Art
- Bachelor of Art in Digital Media
- Diploma in Animation Arts
- Diploma in Fusion Animation
- Diploma in VFX and Animation
Remuneration
The good salary is the most attractive part of this profession. With in years these professionals can earn six-digit salary. As a junior animator or trainee one could get between Rs.10000- 15000/- approx per month. A three to five year experienced animator will get Rs. 25000 to 40000./- approx per month And a well-experienced animator who has a good portfolio of excellent animation work could easily get Rs. 50000- 60000/ approx per month.