Combining pictures of different height and width to create an illusion in two-dimensional way is known as 2D Animation. The role of a 2D animator spells across all stages of production from pre-production, production to post-production? Does this sound interesting to you? Do you aspire to showcase your animation skills to the world. If yes, a career in 2d animation awaits and you should get a professional degree to make a worthy beginning in this interesting and challenging field.
What is Animation?
In literal terms, animation can be considered as photographing of drawings, models or puppets in a successive manner which creates an illusion of movement. The retention power of retina is approximately for 1/10th of a second so these images seem to move in succession and appear as single moving image.
What do you need to become an Animator?
There is a certain skill set which prepares a person to become a successful animator. These can be as under:
- Artistic ability
- Story telling ability
- Eye for details
- Software Knowledge
- Design Knowledge
- Project design and planning skills
- Professional degree or diploma
What are the different types of Animation?
There are a range of animations and these can be placed under the following heads:
- 3D animation
- 2D animation
- Whiteboard animation
- Stop Motion animation
- Puppetry animation
Steps for Beginners to Start Career in 2d Animation
There are certain steps which if followed in true earnest can guarantee a successful career in 2d animation. Let us list down these steps in sequence:
1. Explore various types of 2D Animations
When it comes to pursuing a career in 2d animation in india, a student needs to master key animation styles in this niche.
2D Vector Animation
This is basically a type of animation in which vectorized shapes instead of bit mapped shapes are used. This is done to generate a clear idea of visual images in motion.
During early days of computing, bit mapped animation was used which had low resolution.
Adaptability and scalability of videos improved ever since 2d vector animation was used and these vector graphics are animated using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe after effects. In this, the illustrator is used to build the shape and these files are imported to After Effect for the animation related work.
2D FX Animation
To build up career in 2d animation, you also need to master 2d fx animation. In 2d fx animation, basic physics of elements like fire, lighting, water, smoke etc. is taught along with the techniques to use it in inspirational manner.
Creating appealing shapes and dynamic designs is also part of 2d fx animation. Rendering and adding multiple elements is also a part of 2d fx animation and anyone with basic knowledge of 2d animation is a fit candidate for learning this animation.
2D Typography Animation
This is a motion graphic technique which is a combination of text and animated elements for creation of movement along with visual interest. Through 2d typography animation, the animator is in a position to make words and phrases attractive.
Infact, this is one of the most popular forms of motion graphics. Timing plays a vital part in making 2d typography animation lively and when any such project is successfully accomplished, you can see that letters and words move apart from one another and also in three-dimensional space giving a better and organized visual appeal.
2. Learn and Practice 2D Animation Softwares
Animation demands persistence and practise. You need to practise a lot in order to master some vital 2d animation softwares to pursue your dream of having a successful career in 2d animation.
Adobe Animate
This is a computer animation program developed by Adobe. This software is used for creating designs out of vector graphics and animation for websites, web application and television series among a range of other applications.
An interesting application of adobe animate is in character animation and its seamless movement with other adobe applications like photoshop and illustrator.
With advancement of technology, this animation through adobe animate can also be done in real time and character animator can match movements and expressions to animate the character like your real self.
Pencil2D
To master animation, Pencil 2D can be used. This tool allows anyone to design 2d-hand drawn animations. It runs on all operating systems and is extremely easy to use. This is an open-source software and two-dimensional animations can be created through it using bitmap and vector graphics.
As a beginner who is aspiring for career in 2d animation, use of such softwares can help strengthen professional skills as this software comes with minimal design, is a cross platform and is open source and free to use.
Animaker
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are creating impression across sectors and 2d animation is no exception. Animaker can also be considered as a learning tool by anyone who is looking forward for having successful career in 2d animation. Through its multiple video templates, you can learn to use this AI powered platform to create visually appealing animations and live videos.
3. Get a Free Course or Complete Degree
Getting a course or a professional degree is a vital step for pursuing career in 2d animation. Among the range of options in this category, Shoolini university takes the lead. If you aspire to study in himachal and complete your Btech CSE Graphics & Animation in the hills, Shoolini which has been ranked as leading private university of India can be your best bet.
For pursuing this course, a student should be 10+2 with 60% marks with mathematics as compulsory subject and physics, chemistry, computer science or other allied subjects in combination. They should have also qualified CUET/NEET/JEE or Shoolini University’s MCQ based entrance test to enroll for this course.
All the traditional computer science subjects like DBMS, OS, Data Structure and Java etc are covered along with specific courses like 2D, 3D modelling, animation and game development at Shoolini University in the Btech CSE Graphics & Animation degree programme. Moreover, this university has a comprehensive student exchange programme with leading universities worldwide to equip students with latest technical skills in the field of 2d animation.
Shoolini University has highly qualified faculty from leading institutions like Oxford, IITs and IIMs with years of experience and expertise in their field. Practical training is also offered and hands on experience is given in game development through use of 3D modelling and animation. Free animation courses can also be learnt during this duration to master the skill set for becoming a successful animator.
This university has a dedicated placement cell and has ensured 100% placement of its students over the years. Students have been placed at leading companies like Microtek, Eicher, Window IT to name a few.
4. Build Strong Portfolio and Add Hands-on-Project
A strong portfolio can be a crucial step in creating a career position for yourself in animation. When you are applying for any potential position, choose a selection of clips which highlight your grasp of knowledge on principles of animation. Your mastery on crafting skills like lip synchronisation, composition etc. should also look balanced.
You also need to highlight that you can control character’s movements, their emotions and interactions they have with others. Also include a range of genres from preschool characters to complex faces so that you can demonstrate your capabilities.
Make drawings that portray human expression and gestures. All these skills can be learnt while you are on a hands-on project during your Btech CSE Graphics & Animation at universities like Shoolini in Himachal Pradesh which pay a special emphasis on highlighting this aspect.
5. Clear Interview and Get a Job
Clearing interview and getting a job is the last step in beginning a worthy career in the field of animation. To be successful in any such interview, you must be able to showcase or put forth the capacity to comprehend the vision which the client might expect from you.
Any problem-solving process, you have been a part of, be it technical or general, should be shared with the interview panel. This will help them understand your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Any employer would want the project to be completed on time. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to organize the workflow so that any given project is completed on time. Any time management experience you might have had during completing your Btech CSE Graphics & Animation should be shared.
In addition, from the technical aspect, questions related to behavioural aspect of the candidates are also put forth by the interview board. You should be able to answer all such questions with conviction and true intent to qualify for the position that you have applied to. As a budding 2d animator, you can expect a beginning salary ranging from 20,000/- to 35,000/- per month. This eventually increases with experience and expertise and can also go upto 1 Lakh INR per month depending upon your performance and position in the company.