Career as an Animator – Guide 101

Whether you are a fan of Goku from Dragon BallZ or Saitama from One Punch Man. You are bound to have a favourite animated character from movies or web series. Disney and Pixar have won our hearts for ages with their animation. 

Do you want to create a memorable animated character of your own? Being an animator might just be the career for you!

Read our blog to know more about a career as an animator, career paths, job roles, top industries, and salary insights. 

What does an Animator do?

An animator combines sketches, layouts, designs, graphics, etc. to create characters for a variety of projects, such as movies, television advertisements, marketing campaigns, etc.

There are different roles that an animator can adopt based on his/her skill set and area of specialization. The nature of the job requires the following duties or responsibilities:

• Developing concepts for animation’s characters, scenarios, backgrounds, and other elements.
• Designing character concepts for projects based on design briefs.
• Designing backdrops, sets, and other parts of the animated environment.
• Producing animations with the aid of software and other methods.
• Working with the narrative editors to integrate the many levels of animation.
• Where required, record dialogue for the animation.
• Working with the client and members of the production team to understand needs, evaluate scripts, build storyboards, and produce and edit animations.
• Ensuring that the finished result meets the client’s expectations.

Job Roles in an Animator

• 2D animators
  2D animators create frame-by-frame drawings that imitate a figure, prop or machine’s movements in a two-dimensional scene.  It might range from a 5-second corporate logo to an actual film, TV show, or 2D video game.

• 3D animators
  3D animators use digital models or digital surroundings to generate animated visuals, depending on their expertise.

• Key frame animator
  Each frame of animation production had to be produced by hand in the beginning. Now, key frame animators can save hours, weeks, or months of effort by identifying different aspects of a graphic and deciding how these elements will move or change over time.

• 3D Modeller
  Also known as model makers in stop-motion animation. In 3D computer-generated animation, it’s known as a “modeller.” In a virtual world, a 3D modeller builds things and characters.

• Texture Artist
  The description is in the name. A texture artist is someone who is responsible for adding realistic elements on surfaces and objects in an animation.

• Composite Artist
  A term similar to the composite artist is Compositor/ VFX Compositor. Compositors are responsible for creating the final image of a frame, shot, or VFX sequence.

Career path for an Animator

Path I

• A minimum of 60% in Grade 10
• Diploma in Animation (1-2 years)
• Internships (3-6 months)

Or

The paths pursuing Bachelor in Animation

Path II

• A minimum of 60% in Grade 10
• 55% or equivalent in Grade 12 (any stream)
• Qualify entrance exam and enrol for Bachelors in Animation 

Path III

• A minimum of 60% in Grade 10
• 55% or equivalent in Grade 12 in Science 
• Qualify entrance exam and enrol for B.Sc in Animation

Of the above-mentioned pathways, one can apply for a postgraduation program after the completion of their undergraduate course. To learn more about the educational qualifications and courses, read our blog on How to become an Animator

Salary in different stages of a career as an Animator

The income of animators differs based on the level of experience and the job title. 

Skills Required to become an Animator

Here are the skills one should possess to become an animator:

1. Creativity and Storytelling: Creativity is required to depict the content in an engaging and memorable way.

2. Communication: As an animator, you will have to communicate with stakeholders and most importantly, your audience through your work.
3. Flexibility and adaptability: Perhaps one of the cons of the profession is the time crunch under which an individual will have to work. Therefore one should be flexible with the working hours. 
4. Teamwork: You’ll have to work with multiple teams and clients, therefore collaboration and teamwork will aid in the creative process. 
5. Eye for detail: As mentioned above, each of the roles works on minute details and needs a technically skilled person. 
6. Patience: Creativity might come to you naturally or with hard work, but irrespective of that, one will need to be patient with the feedback and multiple reworks that is a part of the profession. 

Technical skills:

1. 3D rendering
   The process of turning a three-dimensional (3D) model into a two-dimensional (2D) image, such as on a computer screen, is known as 3D rendering.

2. Animation fundamentals
   The basic principles, tools, and techniques. 

3. Visual effects
   The phrase “visual effects” (VFX) refers to any imagery that has been produced, altered, or improved for a film or other moving image.

4. Game art and design
   The process of developing the artistic components for video games is referred to as game art design, a branch of game production.

5. Motion capture software
   Motion capture, often known as mo-cap, is the process of using sensors on actual bodies (both objects and living things) to detect motion and digitally record the movements, usually for use in 3D virtual modelling.

6. Character rigging
   Building a structure for character rigging is what makes your still image into an animated one.

Is an Animator a good career option?

The job opportunities for animators extend to multiple industries. For instance, Edtech firms have been hiring animators to develop visually appealing and engaging content that targets learners of various ages and backgrounds in order to make learning entertaining and engaging.

In the last several years, the need for animators in the film business has grown significantly. By 2030, the demand for animators is predicted to increase by 17%, according to a study of the employment market today. This may not seem like a lot, but when compared to other job sectors, it is.

Type of industries Hiring an Animator

• Film Industry
  It is not uncommon that the first name that pops in our head when we think about animation is Disney or Pixar, or Anime. Thanks to the OTT platforms, we have received exposure to various kinds of animations and effects.

• Gaming Industry
  The gaming industry has been booming to glory in the last decade. Animators have dominated the gaming industry with high-quality action content that is not any less than a movie. Thus, it is the second most popular industry to hire animators. 

• Advertising Industry
  We all know the popular Amul Billboards starring the brand mascot, the little girl with a slice of bread and butter. Or the white funny characters, Zuzu from Vodafone Ads. Animation in advertising can benefit the brand by making it popular and memorable. 

• E-learning Industry
  The pandemic has highlighted how learning can continue in an engaging and rewarding manner from the comforts of our homes. The E-learning industry is one of the fastest growing industries today.

• Businesses
  Many businesses have social media accounts that are utilized to reach a larger audience and increase sales. To stay up with the trend and algorithms, animators are hired to create exciting content that can represent the company. 

Top Recruiters for an Animation India

There are recruiters from diverse industries that hire animators on a project basis or full-time employment.  Here are a few recruiters for animators in India:

• Toonz Animation India
• Arena Multimedia
• MAKUTA
• UTV Toonz
• Reliance Media Companies Ltd, Mumbai
• Pentamedia Graphics, Chennai
• Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics
• Industrial Design Centre (IIT Mumbai)
• Birla Institute of Technology, Noida
• Heart Entertainment
• Padmalaya Telefilms
• Jadoo Works

Courses to upskill as an Animator

Enrolling in certificate programs would be a good idea because most degrees require technological tool knowledge. Animation certificate programs last between three and six months. The cost of the certificate programs ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000.

• Certificate in Basics of 2D and 3D Animation 
• Certificate in 2D Animation
• Certificate in 3D Animation
• Certificate in Editing, Mixing, and Post Production Works
• Certificate in VFX
• Certificate in CG Arts

It can be challenging to learn about technical tools. With the Clever Harvey JuniorMBA Chief Technology officer course, gain an early introduction to the world of technology.

Qualifications to become an Animator

A particular skill set is required for the position of an animator, which can be developed and enhanced through technical training and professional degrees.

You must complete Grades 11 and 12 in any stream, ideally, the science stream, to pursue your undergraduate degree in animation.

Depending on the type of animator one wishes to become, one might select a speciality. Let’s explore the education certification and available degree programs.

Degrees in India

One may pursue a diploma after the 10th grade or 12th Grade. An aggregate grade average of at least 60% in Grade 10 and 55% in the 12th grade is necessary to enrol in any animation course. Alternatively, students could do their graduation and earn a master’s degree in animation.

UG degrees

One must achieve the following requirements after completing Grade 12  to be eligible to apply for a 3-4 years undergraduate degree:

• A minimum score of 50% on the 10+2 grade exam or equivalent from a recognized board and institution.
• A good score on an institution-specific entrance exam or aptitude test.

Here are a few undergraduate courses you can try:

• B. Des in Animation
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Graphics, and Web Design
• B.Sc. in Animation
• BA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
• B.Sc. in Animation and VFX

PG 

The eligibility criteria for postgraduation in Animation is,

• A minimum of 50% or equivalent grade point average in graduation from a recognized University.
• Bachelors in Animation or related discipline.
• Qualifying entrance exam score and interview

The postgraduation courses are for two years. Here are a few options one can try:

Name of the course	Duration
MA/MSc in animation	2 years
M.Sc Game Technology	2 years
M.Sc Animation and Graphic Design	2 years
M.Sc Animation and Multimedia	2 years
M.Sc Animation and Game Design	2 years

Degrees Abroad 

Different undergraduate and diploma programs in animation are available abroad. Several of these courses concentrate on a particular style of animation. The eligibility criteria and college details are available here.

You can pursue your undergraduate degree in Fine Arts (Animation), Game Design, 2D Digital Animation, Design Innovation- Animation, Visual Effects, etc. 

The eligibility criteria for post-graduation are as follows:

• Candidates must possess a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree from an approved country-specific college or university, or a foreign degree that is equivalent.
• Outstanding communication skills. IELTS minimum score of 6.5.
• Certificates in creative arts or technical courses.
• A high score on the university/institution-specific entrance exam.

Here are a few postgraduation degrees in animation:

Name of the course	Duration
MS in Animation	2 years
Master of Fine Arts in Game Design	2 years
MFA in Animation & Digital Arts	2 years
Master of Animation, Games, and Interactivity	2 years
MS Game Science and Design	2 years

References for an Animator

Books you can read:

• Animation from Pencils to Pixels: Classical Techniques for the Digital Animator – Tony White
• Animation: The Art of Layout and Storyboarding – Mark Bryne
• The Art of Pixar The Complete Colour Scripts and Select Art from 25 Years of Animation
• The illusion of life: Disney Animation – Hyperion
• Sketching for Animation: Developing Ideas, Characters and Layouts in Your Sketchbook
• The Animators Survival Kit – Richard Williams
• Cartoon Animation- Preston Blair
• Frames of Anime: Culture and Image-Building by Tza Hu
• Starting Point, 1979-1996 – Hayao Miyazaki 
• Talking Animals and Other People –  Shamus Culhane

People you can follow:

• Aaron Blaise (@AaronBlaiseArt)
• AnimationMentor (@AnimationMentor)
• Daniel Gonzalez (@dannyanimator)
• Catherine Hicks (@cathicks)
• Omar Momani (@omomani)
• Floyd Norman (@floydnorman)
• Scott Wright (@SideKickBoy)
• Disney Animators (@DisneyAnimators)
• Patrick Smith (@scribblejunkie)
• Paul Clements (@paulclementstv)
• Mike & Tim Rauch (@RauchBros)
• Richard Swarbrick (@RikkiLeaks)
• Sundeep Toor (@SundeepToor)
• Adam M. Watts (@FMAnimation)

As mentioned before, the scope of the field has extended to multiple sectors. It is one of the most creative fields with demanding working hours and potential for diversity and growth. One should try for creative satisfaction, exposure, and the desire to learn new things. 

FAQs about the career as an Animator