Career as an Animator
An animator has to be both creative and technical. While he should be able to visualize and conceptualize, he also needs to know how to develop them.
How do I reach my goalStep 1: To become an animator, you can opt for Science, Arts or Commerce. All you need is knack for sketching and drawing.
Step 2: Though the minimum qualification required for enrolling in an animation institute is Class 12, it is always better to pursue graduation alongside your animation course for better job prospects.
Step 3: Start building your portfolio by making animations for friends and others. The more you work on it, the better will it be.
Step 4: Adapt and learn new skills and stretch your imagination as wild as you can. Animation is all about your imagination and how well you can translate that to live characters on screen.
Do you have it in you
- Passion for sketching and animation
- Loads of imagination and an eternal love for cartoons
- Ability to play with colours
- Ability to work under strict deadlines and pressure
- Good team player
Pros and Cons of an Animator
Pros
- You are able to play with your imagination and let it run wild unlike other jobs where you probably need to have control over your imagination
- You can etch memorable characters that will long be associated with your name
- Good pay packet
Cons
- Tight deadlines and extreme pressure
- Long and unhealthy working hours especially if you are working for international clients
- Sometimes you might have to compromise with your creativity as client might have other specifications in mind
Perks
Animators are usually paid according to grades. A fresher is given a Grade P5 and is usually paid Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. An experienced animator (5-6 years) of Grade P1 is paid between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. The pay goes higher with experience and projects.
Animation Institutes in India
- Arena Multimedia
- Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics
- ANTS (Animation Training School)
- Toonz Academy
- Industrial Design Centre (IIT Mumbia)
- Birla Institute of Technology, Noida
Where Can you Work
- Animation Institutes as a faculty
- IT Companies
- Media Houses
- Freelance
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AnimationFAQsDo I need to study science to be an animator?No you can take up any stream after Class 10. Science is not compulsory but it would definitely help you if you have a technical bend of mind and a knack to learn new softwares.
I am not too good with colours. Can I be a good animator?Knowing to play with colours will definitely be an advantage but even if your sense of colours is not that strong you will not lose too much.
I can draw and sketch very well on paper. But I am not too confident with computers. Can I still be an animator?Yes, you can still be an animator and a successful one. Join an animation institute that will train you on computer animation.
Do I need to be a computer engineer to be an animator?No. Only basic computer knowledge is essential.
