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How to Become an Animator and Find Success in India

Last Updated on May 7, 2023

What Does an Animator Do?

An animator creates animated films, commercials, video games, mobile apps, and other media using a variety of software and techniques. Animators can produce complex, high-quality visuals—from movement to sound effects—in a variety of styles and genres.

Animators use specialized software to draw and animate the characters, objects and scenery for the films, games and audio-visual products they are working on. The animators use the software to generate realistic animation and also to add effects, such as lighting and color alterations. Animators often collaborate with other experts in the field, such as graphic designers, computer programmers, and sound engineers in order to create the products.

How to Become an Animator in India

Becoming an animator in India is no easy feat, but it is possible. You need to have a combination of skills, knowledge, and attention to detail to succeed in this field. Here are the steps you need to take to enter this exciting field:

Step 1: Investigate Different Schools/Programs: You need to decide which schools, college and program are right for you. Look at the academic requirements, tuition fees, and course content to ensure you’re getting a quality program. Some programs offer internships and co-op experiences, which can add to the learning process and help you to better demonstrate your skills to employers.
Step 2: Learn the Necessary Software and Techniques: Many animators use the Adobe Creative Suite, which includes programs such as Flash, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator and Cinema 4D. You should have a thorough understanding of all of these programs. You should also learn various techniques, including character design, vector graphics and 3D modeling.
Step 3: Craft a Professional Portfolio: You will need to showcase your skills and creativity in order to secure a position. A good portfolio should include a wide variety of samples and examples of your work. You should also include a resume and any awards or recognition you have earned. Your portfolio is your calling card, so you need to make sure it accurately reflects your talent.
Step 4: Search For Job Opportunities in Your Field: Once you’ve completed your studies, you should start your job search. Look for positions in television shows, movies, video games, mobile apps and more. You can also apply for internships or freelance work. When searching, look for companies and studios that specialize in animation. Be sure to also search on job boards and other sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor.
Step 5: Stay Up-To-Date With Trends and Technologies: As technology advances, so do the tools and techniques of animation. You need to stay on top of the changes in order to remain competitive. Subscribe to industry magazines and blogs to keep up on the latest news and trends. It’s also a good idea to follow other animators and studios on social media to get updates and see the types of projects they are working on.
Step 6: Network With Other Animators: Establishing relationships with other animators is one of the best ways to learn and get tips on the industry. You should attend animation events, join online forums, and attend local workshops and classes. Networking can also lead to job opportunities and collaborations.

Salary Insights for Animators in India

According to PayScale.com, the median salary for an Animator in India is ₹273,728. The pay range varies from company to company, with high salaries typically earned by those with experience, knowledge, and a well-developed portfolio. Furthermore, top animation companies in India such as Tata Elxsi, Maya Digital Studios, and Soho VFX pay between ₹380,000 and ₹700,000.

Real-Life Examples of Successful Animators in India

Finding inspiration and motivation can be a valuable part of your journey to becoming an animator in India. To equip readers with the same, we have some real-life examples of those who have achieved impeccable success in this career:

Anirudh Sharma
Anirudh Sharma is a Mumbai-based animator and art director who began his career in the industry with CAVA Studios. With over 8 years of experience under his belt, Anirudh has worked on high-profile projects such as Veere Di Wedding, Shazam!, Prassthanam and Dev DD, among others. He is now working on his own projects as a freelancer and is also the creative director of an upcoming animation series.
Daniel Rajkumar
Daniel Rajkumar majored in 3D Animation and Photography and worked at Prana Studios as an Animator and Lighting Artist for two years before founding his own studio. He has worked on numerous projects such as How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, The Angry Birds Movie, and Shanghai Noon. He currently serves as the Creative Director at Dharma Productions and is a household name in India’s animation scene.
Surekha Jain
Surekha Jain is a highly respected name in India's animation industry. She is currently known for her work as the Creative Head and Lead Animator at DQ Entertainment, India. She is a renowned figure in the animation and gaming industry for her expertise in visualizing animations and has worked with several big-name brands, such as Disney, Nickelodeon and Viacom. Her body of work includes popular shows such as Little Singham, Noddy and The Wiggles.

Possible Challenges and Obstacles in Becoming an Animator

Like with any other career, becoming an animator in India has its own set of challenges and obstacles. The most common difficulties animators face include the following:

Getting a job: Finding employment can be difficult due to the high competition in India’s animation industry. To stand a chance, you need a strong portfolio and a stellar resume. Additionally, you need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the software and techniques used in animation. Networking also helps.
Developing Your Skills: Animation requires a lot of skill and knowledge. You need to understand the basics such as storytelling, design, music, human anatomy, and color theory before you can create compelling animated sequences or characters. You should also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
Maintaining a Balance: Animators must be able to balance creative pursuits with business needs. You need to know how to effectively market yourself and your work in order to secure jobs. You also need to be able to meet deadlines and understand the business side of the industry. To succeed, you must be able to find a healthy balance between creativity and commercialism.

Conclusion

Animators in India have the potential to make a great career but at the same time face a lot of challenges and obstacles. To become an animator, one must invest their time and money in quality educational resources. An advanced understanding of software and techniques is essential for an animator. They must also ensure they have a strong portfolio to showcase their projects, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies. Last but not least, they should network with other animators and explore different job opportunities available in the industry.