Career in animation
While a career in animation suggests, to the casual observer, a never-ending series of fresh artistic challenges, there are certain tasks that animators in any field may complete in the course of their daily work. For example:
* Drawing storyboards and creating models
* Designing animated environments with backgrounds, sets and objects
* Designing characters and creating individual frames
* Working out movements and ensuring the correlation between script and soundtrack requirements
* Effective use of appropriate computer software, including Flash, Maya, Lightwave
* Solid teamwork to meet common goals
* Close working relationship with clients (developing concepts, pitching ideas, etc.)
There are several additional cornerstones which form the foundation of a successful animation career, including:
Artistic Ability – Creative thinking, understanding composition and the ability to draw are the cornerstones of an animation career. Whether you’re creating storyboards or putting the finishing touches on a series of computer generated images, you need to have a good grasp of basic artistic skills.
Storytelling Ability – If you want to work as a top-level animator, You need to be a good storyteller. This includes a good sense of timing and pacing, and making your characters believable and human (even if they’re animals). This means portraying their emotions in a credible way, which demands an understanding of the character development of the person or creature you’re creating
Technical Skill / Software Knowledge – With Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) now widely used in the film industry—in both live action films and animated movies—you’ll need to understand and be confident in using a large selection of software programs. A general knowledge of certain computer operating systems, as well as basic maths and physics, are a distinct advantage.
The ability to work in a team – Good teamwork is important in most careers, and an animation career is no exception. You not only need the ability to work with clients, but also be a good ‘team player’. The team mentality may involve management of staff for a common purposed, working to meet tight deadlines, and a clear understanding to both team members and clients of project goals.
According to figures released by NASSCOM, the Indian gaming industry (which comprises computer games and mobile games) is expected to generate $424 million by the year 2010, including a US$14 million deal between Italy’s Mondo TV, Europe’s second-largest cartoon producer and distributor, and India’s Padmalaya Telefilms.
NASSCOM has projected a creation of an additional 300,000 jobs in this sector in the next five years.
Although a late starter when compared to other geographical locations, the Indian animation industry is on the verge of a period of sustained and massive growth.
When all this is combined with India’s rich history and mythology, blessed with a multitude of fascinating stories and characters, together with good artists and technicians, the potential career opportunities for the talented, qualified and motivated animator in at the start of this growth surge are unlimited.
What’s more, the various
Animation application areas discussed in detail above include numerous career openings in the following areas:
* Entertainment (movies and television)
* Business (product promotions and marketing demos)
* Sales (presentations)
* Education (Computer Based Tutorials/Web Based Tutorials)
* Publishing (graphics and printing)
* Virtual reality in Defense (practical simulation models)
* Web designing (with a view to enhancing the brand image and increasing sales)
* Engineering (prototype design)
* Advertising (commercials and print ads)
* Fashion designing and interior designing
* Development of computer games/mobile games
* Medical, legal and insurance industry (presentations and models)
* Leading studios and training institutes
In summary, Animation has come a long way in the last few decades. Its applications range from advertising campaigns to special effects and the multi-billion dollar PC gaming industry. Whether online or on the big screen, animation is in high demand—which makes this a great time to consider an animation career, especially when you consider the vast opportunities on offer as an Animator in movie making .