What Skills Do You Need To Be An Animator

Useful advice from Kireet Khurana, award winning animator and film maker (Toonpur ka Superhero, Chotta Birbal) for aspirating animators, “Nurture creativity and imagination. There is no replacement for a solid foundation and education. Grasp the basics, observe from life, learn the fundamentals of classical animation as they will hold you in good stead, irrespective of the fact whether you choose to do 2D, 3D, clay or any new form of animation. Learn anatomy – it will help in designing great characters. Above all be a psychologist – it will make you an adept storyteller and a master in creating indelible, identifiable characters.”

If you think you have the skills required to study animation and gaming, then you could opt to study animation courses in India. There are various well-known animation colleges across the country; most of them are located in metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Mumbai or Delhi. Usually the minimum eligibility criteria for students is passing the 10+2. Entrance exams are institute-specific. Courses are often available in both full-time and part-time. There are certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which vary in cost and duration according to different institutes.

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Animation course taught in most institutions imparts education that lets students work in most or all of the formats that are used by animators. In the first year, students usually focus on animation fundamentals, new media theories, colour use and significance, drawing and composition, digital imaging and fundamental 2-D animation. In the second year, 2-D and computer animation, fundamentals of 3-D animation and 3-D space and visual effects are generally taught. In the third year, courses could include media management and aesthetics, visual effects, game art and design, modelling, animation, rendering and lighting. These subjects are mostly available as options and a students’ career depends upon what he/she chooses to specialize in. As you may understand from this typical course curriculum of an animation course, it is important to have a flair for drawing and inherent creativity to be able to successfully pursue an education and a career in this field.

Some institutes offer postgraduate courses that focus on particular aspects like digital publishing, web authoring, film animation or interactive art.