Boost Your Career as an Animator: Tips to Help Transition into the Growing Animation Industry in India

Last updated on May 7, 2023

Photo by Ihnatsi Yfull on Unsplash

Are you looking to take your career to the next level by transitioning into the animation industry? With the ever-growing popularity of animations, job opportunities in the animation sector in India is expected to rise significantly in the upcoming years, making this the perfect time to make the transition. If you’re looking for guidance on how to transition into the animation sector in India, then this article is for you!

Where to Start: Educational Opportunities

The most important factor to begin a successful transition into the animation industry is to become well-versed in the necessary skills, which can be achieved through receiving proper educational opportunities. There are a variety of animation courses suited for entry-level applicants and experienced animators.

For beginner applicants, there are several short-term certificate courses available, such as high-end film and-TV production, After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, and other such animation courses. These courses are perfect for those who are just starting out in their qualification journey and provide an introduction to animation and its related technologies. Experienced animators or those who have obtained a diploma or degree in animation can choose to pursue higher-level courses like Advanced VFX, CG Animation, etc. There are also advanced diploma programs, which are suitable for those looking to develop their skills further. Such courses may also involve specialized software, such as Maya, Z-Brush, and Adobe Premiere.

Networking: Making Connections

Making connections within the animation industry is another key factor to boost your career as an animator. Having a good network of contacts in the animation field can open up multiple opportunities for finding roles and resources and also facilitating interactions with other professionals. Networking can be achieved online as well as offline, through events such as webinars, seminars, and animation festivals.

To ensure a successful networking process, it is important to be proactive. Connect with people through online platforms such as LinkedIn, Pinterest, and other social media sites. Attend industry events such as film festivals and industry talks, and make sure to identify key players in the market. Reach out to the management of production studios and request for meetings or internships. It can be helpful to show portfolio work and references as a way to get recognition among professionals.

Salary Insight: What to Expect

The animation industry in India is growing at a rapid pace, with no signs of slowing down any time soon. This means that the job opportunities available and salaries offered in this sector are expected to increase in the upcoming years. According to the National Skills Development Corporation, the average salary offered to an animator in India is between INR 1.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh per year, depending on the experience and expertise.

Moreover, the scope for a career in animation is not limited to India. With the globalization of entertainment, animation studios in Europe and the US often recruit Indian animators for projects that require qualified and experienced animation professionals. While salaries abroad may vary from region to region, the Indian animator may expect to receive an even higher salary packages. It thus serves as an additional incentive to take advantage of the opportunities and grow one’s career in the animation industry.

Testimonials: Real-Life Stories

Aftab, who has been working in the animation industry for the past 5 years tells his story of how he first started out. Aftab had always had a passion for art and storytelling, and he chose to pursue animation after becoming familiar with the industry. He completed a course in animation from the Media and Film Production Institute in Mumbai and got his first break as a Junior Animator in a studio in the city. He says that being able to complete his course from a recognized institute made it easier for him to find a good job opportunity.

Moreover, for those interested in pursuing a career abroad, Akhil shares his story of how he transitioned into the animation industry. Akhil was an engineer who found his true passion in the arts and decided to switch careers. He completed an advanced diploma in Animation and Visual Effects from India and later moved to the UK to find a job in the animation industry. He managed to get a break in a well-established international studio with the help of his impressive academic qualifications and portfolio. Akhil has now been working in the animation industry as a 3D Animator and credits his growth solely to his enthusiasm and hard work.

Actionable Steps

Whether you’re an experienced animator looking to switch jobs or an entry-level applicant aspiring to make it big in the animation industry, the steps to transition into a career as an animator in India are simple and straightforward:

1. Familiarize yourself with the animation industry, its scope and related technologies for producing content.
2. For beginners, look for a profession-oriented course that suits your preferences. Experienced professionals are advised to pursue advanced diploma or degree in animation.
3. Network with industry professionals through online platforms, or industry events and seminars.
4. Work on building a portfolio, showcasing your best work and gaining recognition in the industry.
5. Look for job opportunities in animation studios or production houses and apply for the positions.

Conclusion

With so much potential in the animation industry in India, transitioning into the animation sector can be one of the best career moves, allowing you to enjoy a very rewarding and fulfilling career. With the right skills and dedication, you can elevate your career to the next level and realize your full potential in the field. All you need is to get started and take those first steps today!