The present time is the age of animation. Now everything is eye-catching with animation and special effects. From websites to movies, apps, mobile phones, everything is now a paradise for animators. So good animators are in great demand now.
What is Animation?
The word ‘animation’ comes from the Latin word ‘anima’. The meaning of the word is soul. In other words, the main meaning is to draw a character and bring him to life. That character can be any human or animal or any object on earth. That is to say, infusing life into inanimate objects is a unique creation of human entertainment. From Tom and Jerry to Kung Fu Panda, Chhota Vim, everything is made with the help of animation.
Now this animation has become the main tool in the work of film advertising. In 1908, J. Stuart Blackton had the opportunity to see the world’s first animated film, Humorous Phases of Funny Faces. These animations are usually of two types, 2D and 3D. Again there is a kind of animation called stop motion or clay motion. Frame by frame pictures is taken at different angles by making different models with clay.
Ability to Learn Animation
Learning animation does not require any special academic qualifications, but it is essential to have some general idea about pictures. Especially if there is a movement of a picture, you have to have an idea of what it should look like. To do 2D animation you need to have a good idea about drawing because it is mostly done by drawing. Courses are usually of two types namely diplomas and degrees.
What Kind of Skills and Knowledge does an Animator Need to Have?
- An animator needs to be well versed in 2D and 3D animation
- Must be proficient in Macromedia Direct, Multimedia Flash, 3D Max, Maya, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc
- Must show creativity with graphical concepts and art
- Must be up-to-date about UI technology
- It is better to have knowledge of virtual reality.
What Can You Learn in an Animation Course?
Doing this course will first give you an idea about the history and basics of this industry. Then you will be taught about some basic software like Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. by which animation is created. Then you will be taught scriptwriting, storyboard, character design, modeling, rendering, lighting, etc. Also taught are color, shape, visualization, background art, sound, and video editing.
What Can an Animator Career Look Like?
Animation is being fought all over the world. Million-dollar budget movies, games, advertisements, cartoons are being made in animation. The promotion and expansion of the animation industry are happening at a very fast pace. And with it, the demand for animators is also increasing. Television and mass media are now working on a big-budget with animation on the big screen as well. So if you know a good job, there is no fear of animators sitting idle at home, but the opportunity to work with big companies abroad will increase.
Job Fields and Opportunities of an Animator
- The demand for animators is increasing day by day. The scope of work is also increasing.
- Almost every movie in Hollywood today is getting a neat look with the help of animation. Almost everything is going to be created by the hand of visual effects.
- Now there are plenty of advertising agencies where the demand for animators is highest.
- There is also the opportunity to work as an animator on any TV channel.
- On the other hand, in this golden age of digital media, you can get a lot of work as an animator by freelancing in the online marketplace.
- In addition, many companies hire animators to promote their content.
Where to Get the Work of Animation?
There is no shortage of work for a person who is skilled in animation. There are many opportunities for animators to work from the movie to the advertising industry. Usually, an animator gets a job for background design, character design, lighting, rendering, effects, etc. Again, many can work independently if they want. You can do a lot of work as an online freelancer. You can design characters and sell them online through your own website. Again, by creating a channel on YouTube and making a cartoon series, you can earn a lot of money through Google Adsense.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an Animator
Benefits:
- Creative interesting activity
- The ability to combine rest and work
- Lots of useful contacts and acquaintances.
Difficulty:
- Physically demanding work
- At the beginning of the journey, no one can rely on a fixed income.
Animation is a lot of patience and creative work. So without patience and a creative mind humanity, nothing good can be done by studying it. Many people start learning animation after seeing the surprises of the pay package but get stuck in the middle. So before building a career in this field, you should keep all these things in mind.