What is Animation?
Animation is a technique that can be used to bring characters to life and make appear that they are in motion. It is the process of making the illusion of motion by means of rapid succession of sequential images that minimally differ from each other. There are various types of animations. These days, computers and various software are used to create works of animation (2D & 3D). This field is also known as CGI. One can see it in movies, cartoons, animated movies etc..
History of Animation
Animation dates back to paleolithic period but the introduction of the phenakistoscope in 1833 marks the start of true animation, although still limited to short loops of a relatively small number of “frames”. Emile Cohl, a French artist, created the first animated film using traditional animation techniques.
Types of Animations
There are various options in animation. One can be hard pressed when it comes to choose one option among them. Following are the types of animations:
- Simple Animation
- Traditional Animation
- Computer Animation
- Stop Motion
Simple Animation:
A basic and early form of animation where no film is used. One good example of simple animation is a flipbook in which there are different images on each page of a book and it creates an optical illusion when the pages are flipped quickly.
Traditional Animation
Traditional animation, known as cel animation, is one of the older forms of animation. In it the animator draws every frame to create the animation sequence. The animation process of traditional animation can be lengthy and costly. Animators draw images on a transparent piece of paper fitted onto a light box like these here. Using a pencil, one frame is drawn at a time, with only minute differences between each frame. The transparent paper shows the previous frame below, allowing the artist to draw the new frame on top.
Computer Animation
History was made in 1995 when the first feature-length computer animated film, Toy Story, was released by Pixar. In computer animation, software programmes are used to model 3D shapes that are then programmed to move. It is also referred to as CGI (computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging). CGI has now advanced to the stage that it is almost photo-realistic, meaning it’s impossible to tell the difference between animation and live-action.
Stop Motion
Stop motion is a kind of animation that physically manipulates objects between frames so that it gives the illusion that it is moving. As each frame is captured, the object is moved, and a new frame is taken. That is why it is also known as stop frame animation. The best example of this technique is seen in Aardman films, famous for Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.
Scope of Animation
The scope of Animation is increasing at a faster rate, thanks to the entertainment world. When an animated movie is mad, almost 500 animators are required which means there are countless opportunities. In addition, if you are confident in your skills, you could also participate in events such as Think Tank Online Asset Creation program. Animation is becoming a new hub for creative minds where you can explore and make something creative and attractive. One can study animation, graphics, and multimedia courses either as a full-time or part-time student. With the availability of plenty of online graphic design tools (https://serp.co/top-picks/best-online-graphic-design-tools/), you will get creative satisfaction as an artist. There are several programs that offer certificates, diplomas, degrees, etc in this field.
Job Opportunities for Animation Course
Work opportunities for quality animators and related professionals like graphic designer, multimedia developer and game developer, character designers, key frame animations, 3D modelers, layout artists etc exists in following sectors at large-
- 2 D Animator
- 3D Animator
- Key Frame Animator
- Image Editor
- Modeller
- Character Animator
- Texture Artist
- Layout Artist
- Lighting Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Background Artist
- Clean Up Artist
- Rigging Artist
- Rendering Artist
- Digital Ink and Paint Artist
Skills required in Animation
All you need to require in this field is passion.And believe me, if you have that drive in you- you can break any ceiling. You can opt for a diploma or a full time course. Full time course is recommended.
Job Opportunities beyond India
Even companies overseas are providing great opportunities to animators. Big companies like Funbag Animation, Warner Brothers, Disney are always looking for creative talents around world and pay awesome salary for the hard work. Besides that, you can always create your own animations and sell them as individual, original art. In fact, the trading of digital art assets are gaining momentum in the global scene. In the form of NFTs, digital art collectibles are being sold and bought at high prices. So, if you think your creation is worth it, then you can even make some Pastel coin to help secure your financial future!
Top Animation Companies
Below are the name of the companies that are best for Animation across world.
Top Animation Companies In India
- Pentamedia Graphics
- Crest Animation Studio
- Toonz Animation India
- UTV Toonz
- Heart Entertainment Limited
Top Animation Companies in the world
- Pixar, Emeryville, CA
- Walt Disney Animation Studio, Burbank CA
- DreamWorks Animation, Glendale, CA
- Studio Ghibli, Japan
- Framestore, UK
Best Colleges of Animation in India
There are various colleges in India that offer diploma, part time and full time courses. Some colleges to look for are:
1. National Institute of Film and Fine Arts or NIFFA:
It is a Film and Fine Arts institution which offers around 2 UG courses as of now. It is known for producing some illustrious alumni in the field of Film making and Journalism both. Admission to N.I.F.F.A. is through a two-step process: Candidates will be selected for the interview call & aptitude test and final selections will be based on interview and written test. The placement cell and the infrastructure make it one of the Top Animation Colleges in India.
2. MAAC
MAAC is a well-known Animation Academy that conducts training in 3D Animation & VFX. MAAC offers a wide range of career-oriented courses in 3D animation, VFX, multimedia, graphic & web designing, gaming, and media & entertainment. Work with software like Adobe Photoshop™, Adobe After Effects™, Adobe Premiere™, Autodesk 3ds Max™, Autodesk Maya™, Autodesk Mudbox™, Eyeon Fusion™, Apple Final Cut Pro™, Autodesk MatchMover™ & more!
3. Arena Animation
Arena Animation offers career oriented courses in 2D and 3D animation filmmaking, visual effects, multimedia, digital marketing, broadcast, web and graphics.
Famous People who hold the degree of Animation
This list includes popular actors, musicians, athletes and more that majored or minored in animation.
- Ram Mohan
He is regarded as the “Godfather of Indian animation”. He is credited to have one of the earliest exponents of animation content in India when the market was in its nascent stage.
- Darren Aronofsky
Who doesn’t know him? He is an American film director, screenwriter and film producer. He has received acclaim for his often surreal, disturbing films.
- Shane Acker
Shane Acker is an American filmmaker known for creating 9, which is based on his 2005 Academy Award-nominated short film, 9.
- Dhimant Vyas
Known as the “king of clay”, he is credited to bring the clay animation art in to the Indian mainstream industry. He has contributed to films like “Taare Zameen Par” and has done commercials for BBC, UNICEF, Zee TV, MTV, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon and mo
- Eric Stefani
Eric Matthew Stefani is an American musician, composer, writer and animator, best known as the founder and former member of the ska punk band No Doubt.
- Emraan Hashmi
I can sense of you raising your eyebrows on this one. Yes, he is a degree holder in animation.
- Gayatri Rao
She is the queen of Indian Animation. Completed her internship at Walt Disney, she is one of the best animators in the country. She has made pioneering films as “Raju & I” and “Calls Of Animals” along with that, she has been part of numerous commercials and short film projects throughout her career.
- Kireet Khurana
Called as “The Indian animation hero”, he directed India’s first live-action and 3D animation film “Toonpur Ka Superhero”. An alumni of Sheridan College, he also won national award for his film “Mahagiri”. He has also worked in many short films like “Chota Birbal”, “Shaadi Ka Laddoo” and “Sand Castle”, etc.
- Rajeev Chilaka
He is none other than the creator of Chhota bheem. He has founded the famous Green Gold Animation Studios and has studied animation from Academy of Art University in San Francisco..
- Tinchy Stryder
Kwasi Danquah, better known by his stage name Tinchy Stryder also known as The Star in the Hood, is a Ghanaian-born English businessman, investor, and rapper.
List of Top Animation works
Following are some of the best creative work in the field of Animation:
Famous Animation Movies:
- The Lion King
- Shrek
- Frozen
- The Incredibles
- Ice Age
Famous Animation Movies In India:
- Jungle Safari
- Chhota Bheem
- Roadside Romeo
- Toonpur ka super Hero
- Arjun: the Warrior Prince
- Ramayana: The Epic
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Hope you have got all the answers about Animation. And if still any question is there that you want to ask us, please leave it in the comment section below. All the best!
