How to become an Animator after 12th – Colleges, Courses, Salary – [Latest Guide]

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Remember when you used to tell stories by drawing stick figures on the pages of a tiny book? Flipbooks! Yep. That could have been your first try at animation.

Animation is just the technique of drawing many static figures and compiling them together to portray them in motion. We all have favorite animated characters that we enjoy watching on screen, and long to be a part of the animated world. Behind that stunning picture is a team of animators creating, editing, and assembling all of their work to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

In this blog, you will briefly learn about, Who are Animators? How to become an Animator after 12th Grade? What are the qualifications and skills required to be an Animator? We’ll also shed light on various colleges to apply to in India and abroad, the job preparation required, opportunities for animators, and the pay scale.

How to become an Animator?
[source] How to become an Animator?

Who is an Animator

An animator blends drawings, designs, layouts, graphics, etc. to create characters for different projects, including films, commercials, television, marketing campaigns, etc.

How to Become an Animator 

The role of an animator demands a specific skill set that can be honed and improved through professional degrees and technical courses. One can choose the specialization based on what kind of animator one wants to become. Let’s dive into the education qualification and certificate courses one can pursue.

Also read: How to become a Computer Science engineer

Step 1: Stream to select

To pursue your undergraduate degree in animation, you would be required to pursue your Grade 11 and 12 in the science stream. As most degrees demand knowledge of technical tools, it would be a wise decision to enroll in certificate programs. 

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Step 2: Certification Courses & Project Courses 

Certificate courses in animation are for a duration of 3 months to 6 months. The fees for the certificate courses are anywhere between Rs.15,000 to Rs.30,000

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

Also Read – How to become an Illustrator in India – 2022 Guide

Step 3: Educational Qualifications

The minimal requirement to enroll in any course on animation is an overall grade average of 55 percent in the 12th class. After 12th grade, one can pursue a diploma, graduate, and seek a career. Or they can continue their education and get a master’s degree in animation after their graduation.

How to become an Animator after 10th

Diplomas in animation are courses with shorter duration. An estimated 6 months to one year. A few of the courses have an entrance exam. The fees for these courses are around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 55,000. Here’s a list of a few diploma courses in animation:

Sr. No.Course NameDuration
1.Diploma in 3D animation.1 year
2.Diploma in Digital animation.1 year
3.Diploma in video editing and VFX1 year
4.Diploma in Animation, editing, and post-production work1 or 2 years
5.Diploma in 3D animation and visual effects1 year
6.Diploma in 2D animation1 year
7.Diploma in CG animation6 months
8.Diploma in Fusion animation1 year

How to become an Animator after 12th 

After the completion of Grade 12 one should meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for an undergraduate degree,

  1. Minimum of 50% in 10 + 2 Grade or equivalent exam from a recognized board and institution.
  2. Good score in institution-specific entrance exam or aptitude test. 

Courses to become an Animator In India

Education required to become an Animator
[source] Education required to become an Animator

Few institutions conduct entrance exams for their animation courses or aptitude tests. Below are some of the popular entrance exams. :

  1. NID DAT- National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test
  2. BIT – Birla Institute of Technology
  3. ITM IDM – ITM Institute of Design and Media  
  4. JET – Jain Entrance Test
  5. NPAT- National Test for Programs After Twelfth
  6. CUET – Common University Entrance Test
  • UG Courses in India to become Animator 

Graduation in animation is a three-year-long course. The fees for these courses are estimated to be around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 based on the choice of institution. Here’s a list of courses:

Sr. No.Name of the courseDuration
1B. Des in Animation3 years
2Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Graphics, and Web Design3 years
3B.Sc. in Animation3 years
4BA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation3 years
5B.Sc. in Animation and VFX3 years
6BA in Animation & Multimedia3 years
7BA in Animation and CG Arts3 years
8B.Sc. in Animation and Gaming3 years
9Bachelor of Visual Arts3 years
  • Top colleges for Animation in India
Name of the InstitutionLocation
Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay
ITM Institute of Design and MediaPune
VIDM Institute of Management and DesignNew Delhi
Artemisia College of Art and DesignIndore
Arena AnimationBangalore
AAFT  School of AnimationNoida
Andhra Loyola CollegeVijayawada
Unitedworld Institute of DesignGandhinagar
Brainware UniversityKolkata
National Institute of DesignAhmedabad
Amity UniversityLucknow
IIFA MultimediaBengaluru
Apeejay Institute of DesignSouth Delhi
Zee Institute of Creative ArtsNew Delhi & Cochin
Frameboxx Animation and Visual EffectsMultiple locations
Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematic (MAAC)Multiple locations
NIMS UniversityJaipur
World University of DesignSonipat

Read more: How to ensure a career that’s a money-magnet?

Study Abroad to become Animator 

There are different Diploma and Undergraduate degree on Animation offered abroad. A few of these courses focus on a specific type of animation. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Minimum 60% in Grade 10 + 2  in science background from a recognized board and institution. 
  • Excellent communication skills. A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS.
  • Certificates in creative arts or technical courses. 
  • Good score in University/Institution specific entrance exam. 
  • Diploma courses Abroad for Animation 

Below are a list of a few Diploma courses you can apply for abroad. 

Note: The Advanced Diploma courses require an undergraduate degree as eligibility criteria. 

Sr.No.Name of courseDuration
1.Diploma in Animation- 3D16 months
2.Diploma in 3D Computer Animation1 year
3.Advanced Diploma in 3D Animation3 years
4.Diploma in Graphic Design1 year
5.Diploma in Animation essentials1 year
  • Undergraduate courses Abroad for Animation

Here are a few popular undergraduate degrees in animation you can apply for abroad:

Sr. No.Name of the courseDuration
1.Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)3 years
2.Art (Animation), BFA3 years
3.Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design3 years
4.BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation3 years
5.Bachelors of Design Innovation- Animation and Visual Effects3 years
  • Top Colleges abroad for Animation
Name of UniversityLocation
Sheridan CollegeCanada
California Institute of the ArtsUnited States
GobelinsFrance
Vancouver Institute of Media ArtsCanada
The Maryland Institute College and Art(MICA)United States
Queen’s UniversityKingston, Canada
Humber CollegeToronto
University of HertfordshireHatfield, UK
Arizona State UniversityTempe, USA
Teesside UniversityMiddlesbrough, UK

Step 4: Job Preparation 

 Job Preparation required to become an Animator
[source] Job Preparation required to become an Animator
  1. Internships:

Ensure to enroll in internships during and after under graduation. For someone to be successful in the field of animation, it is important for them to work on multiple projects and upskill themselves. It would also be a good time to identify your area of interest for future specializations. 

  1. Portfolio creation:

Right from the certificate courses to the internship experiences, all the essential certificates and experiences highlighting your skills should be included in your portfolio. Your portfolio will also include 10-15 pieces of your original work such as life drawing, layout, character sketches, freestyle, movement, etc. 

  1. Freelance:

Freelancing is a viable option for many animators. Once you have built a profile with credible works to your credit, it makes you a trustable candidate. You can work on multiple projects and have diverse options. 

Also know about: How to become a Project Manager – A computer guide

Skills to become an Animator 

Skills and Tools required to become an Animator.
Skills and Tools required to become an Animator

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

  1. Creativity
  2. Storytelling
  3. Communication
  4. Flexibility
  5. Adaptability
  6. Teamwork
  7. Eye for detail
  8. Patience

Technical skills:

  1. 3D rendering
  2. Animation fundamentals..
  3. Visual effects.
  4. Game art and design.
  5. Motion capture software.
  6. Character rigging

Tools you should be familiar with:

  1. Storyboard
  2. Adobe Illustrator
  3. Adobe Photoshop
  4. After Effects (Adobe)
  5. Dragonframe (DZED Systems)
  6. Pencil2D
  7. Powtoon
  8. Adobe Character Animator
  9. Moho Debut & Moho Pro

Salary of an Animator in India

The average monthly income of animators differs based on the job title. 

Type on Animator (Job Title)2D Animator3D AnimatorKey Frame animator3D ModelerTexture ArtistComposite Artist
Average salary/month30,000 INR32,000 INR37400 INR44857 INR32859 INR32403 INR

Salary of an Animator Abroad

The income of animators in different countries.

Name of the countryUSA(in dollars)UK(in pounds)Japan(in yen)Canada(Canadian dollars)Australia(in Australian dollars)France(in EUR)
Avg. annual salary$69,896£35,2601,550,000 yen$58,316$7000034,000 EUR

Top recruiters in India

Top recruiter in India for Animators
Top recruiters in India
Toonz Animation India
UTV Toonz
Anibrain, Pune
Pentamedia Graphics, Chennai
Reliance Media Companies Ltd, Mumbai
MAKUTA
Arena Multimedia
Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics
ANTS (Animation Training School)
Industrial Design Centre (IIT Mumbai)
Birla Institute of Technology, Noida
Heart Entertainment
Padmalaya Telefilms
Nipuna Services Ltd
Jadoo Works 
Crest Communications
Silvertoon Studio, Mumbai

Top recruiters abroad 

Top recruiters abroad for Animators.
Top recruiters abroad
Studio Ghilbi
Dreamworks Animation
Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Toei Animation
Warner Bros. Animation
Cartoon Network Studios
Disney
Pixar
Marvel
Blue Sky Studios

There is a lot of scope for Animators in the film industry, gaming industry, businesses, advertising, and e-learning industry, etc. An analysis of the current job market suggests there will be a 17% rise in the demand for animators by the year 2030. This might not sound like a high number, but it is compared to other job industries. 

Careers for creative people

FAQs related to becoming an Animator after 12th in India

How much does an animator earn in India?

The income of an animator differs based on the position. An average salary is estimated between Rs 2,00,000 to Rs. 6,60,000 annually. 

How can I become an animator after the 12th?

One can choose to pursue a Diploma or bachelor’s after the completion of after 12th. 

Where do Animators work

Animators work in Film and TV industry, Gaming industry, E-learning, and Businesses. 

What does an Animator do?

An animator compiles still live pictures and puts them in a sequence to show movement. 

What are the duties of an Animator?

The duties of an animator differ based on the job position. For more info refer to “What are the duties and responsibilities of an animator”

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Are you someone who wants to bring your characters to life on a screen? Learn how to be an Animator in this article, with insights on top colleges, skills, and salaries in India and abroad.
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How to become an Illustrator 8 Skills required to become an Illustrator Top 10 colleges to become an Animator in India Top 10 colleges to become an Animator Abroad
How to become an Illustrator 8 Skills required to become an Illustrator Top 10 colleges to become an Animator in India Top 10 colleges to become an Animator Abroad