Animation
Today who can forget characters like Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse? Over the years, these names have become household names in almost all the homes across the globe.
The word animation is originated from a Latin word called ‘anima’ which means soul and hence the term Animation can be defined as the process or tool of bringing life to sketches and characters. Down the ages, people of all generations had a keen desire to draw sketches and figures. Initially the art of animation may have started with the cavemen as they drew pictures and sketches on the rocks surfaces.
Today Animation industry is passing through a golden phase and has come forwarded as a special form of media. Animation industry now comprises of a multi-billion dollar industry. Animation is now has diversified into many branches each resulting in thousands of jobs to qualified animators.
In animation industry, aspirants can further specialize as a 3D or 2D modeler, special FX Creator, Animator, Character Designer, Games Designer, and Interaction Designer.
Many institutions and private educational institutes impart training in various aspects of animation industry.
Eligibility
There are many diploma and degree courses available to groom animators for this industry. Aspirants seeking a diploma a bachelor degree in animation should have passed 12th standard from any recognized board with minimum of 45% marks.
Likewise, for postgraduate programs in animation training, one must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline preferably arts. One should ideally have a basic knowledge of handling computers.
Popular institutes like Industrial Design Center (IDC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Design (NID) have a stringent eligibility condition-only candidates with engineering background (architecture, technology or other engineering background or graduate of fine arts are welcome to apply.
Job prospects
Going by the NASSCOM recent report on the animation industry, India's gaming industry (computer games and mobile games) is expected to generate $424 million by the 2010.This fact can only be regarded as tip of the iceberg as numerous avenues are open for skilful animators in many allied fields.
This field being new to the Indian sector has a lot of hidden potential and talent, which needs to be properly groomed and exploited according to the international standards. There are many companies like Walt Disney, I Max and Sony who are ready to outsource their cartoon characters and are ready to invest heavily in this sector in India.
Personal skills
An inborn talent, dedication, an eye to form, ability to utilize colors and creative ability to develop original ideas are important factors for making a name in animation field. An animator must be imaginative and should always be passionate about the career.
An animator should have flair for sketching/drawing. As this job profile requires long hours of continuous work, a lot of dedication and commitment is necessary on the part of animator.
Remuneration
Animation is a dazzling career option. After finishing the in-house training with leading animation production studio, one can work as a junior animator with salary ranging between Rs.12000 to Rs.18000. As an animator gains expertise and experience, he/she can surely look forward to a salary anywhere between Rs. 25,000 to Rs.40,000.
