Date of submission: 23-07-2024

No. of words (excluding title and sources) : 1017

Most of us spend our free time watching a movie, anime or a tv series. We often are intrigued and amazed by its music and visuals, especially in the case of film and design enthusiasts. A lot of what we see is the magic of VFX (visual effects) and animation. In what would seem like a world away from reality, we’re sure that for most people the world looks like one from a Studio Ghibli production. If you are someone passionate about animation and visual effects and you look forward to pursuing a career in the same, then this blog is for you.

VFX, Animation and Modern Media

The significance of animation and visual effects in modern media is immense. We have always believed that animation and VFX only has to do anything with cartoons, comics or children’s movies and that mainstream movies or TV series barely require any kind of VFX. However, that isn’t the case. Most video productions require the integration of VFX to show locations, people, objects, showing action sequences, illusions, magical realism etc.

We see the extensive and quintessential use of visual effects and animation in movies like Avatar, Bahubali, Kalki 2898 AD, Interstellar and much more. This equips the production to be more of an immersive experience for the audience, it also shows that the industry is thriving and growing with more scope for a career in animation and VFX.

Source: Market Research Intellect.
Above is statistical representation of the market size of Animation and VFX Tools with an analysis of trends and a forecast till the year 2031

Determining The Right Course

It is imperative to choose the right course in animation and VFX to pursue a prospective career in the industry. There are many leading institutes and colleges that offer well-curated curricula and exemplary programs. These courses guide you to become a proficient animator and VFX specialist. The courses can be full fledged degree courses, workshops, month-long internships, certifications and diploma programs. Certain kind of courses you can look out for are:

• Foundational Courses

Foundational courses are usually best and ideal for beginners and any one who aspires to take up animation and VFX as a profession. The course teaches all the basics, terminologies and simple preliminaries you need to know. These courses lay the very framework of all animation and VFX related practices.

• Advanced Degrees

Advanced degrees are more sophisticated, detail oriented programs that are elaborate. In these courses you get to learn all theories and applied knowledge required to become a professional. The curriculum would be more extensive and also include workshops, internships and job placement opportunities.

• Specialized Programs and/or Certifications

These programs can ideally serve as additional certifications for someone who has already graduated or is current;y enrolled in an advanced degree program. Certifications can prove to be an added advantage while building a portfolio. They provide in-depth knowledge and help candidates specialize in specific genres and techniques.

Careers You Can Pursue in Animation and VFX

The industry of animation and VFX Course is rather vast and holds many opportunities for freshers and experienced professionals alike. A graduate in animation can pursue careers that are specific to their passion. Some of the career paths are:

• Motion Graphic Designers – The responsibilities of a motion graphic designer includes designing trailers, end-credits, title sequences, teasers of a movie, shorts clips required for branding and promotion etc.
  

• Visual Effects Supervisor – A VFX Supervisor is responsible for all overseeing and managing all productions related to visual effects.
  

• Rigging Artist –  The rigging artist creates the digital skeleton or CG (3D computer-generated) models for the required animation.
  

• Compositing Artists – These are experts responsible for identifying errors and ensuring plans are in place for the final animated film. They mostly use softwares like Adobe After Effects and Motion 5.
  
• Animator – The animator is responsible for working on creating motion for objects, characters, and environments for games, TV shows and movies.
  
• Storyboard Artist – These professionals craft the narrative of any video production with techniques of visualizing and sketching using design softwares. The map out key sequences and shots for films, games and series.

Potential Curriculum Breakdown – Subjects and Topics Covered

• Introduction to Visual Effects – Overview and history of VFX and introduction to various techniques used in production
  

• 3D Modelling and Texturing – 3D modeling tools and techniques for creating digital assets. Texturing to add surface details.
  

• Fundamentals of Computer Graphics – Basics of computer graphics including 2D and 3D systems, transformations and rendering techniques.
  

• Compositing – Techniques and principles of compositing, integration of live-action footages through layering.
  

• Animation – Principles of animation, timing and space. Methods for character animation, special effects animation and object animation.
  

• Lighting and Rendering – Knowing methods to achieve realistic illumination and lighting principles.
  

• Fundamentals of Art and Design – Basics of art and design, colour theory including perspectives.
  
• Storyboarding and Pre-visualization – Planning visuals, storyboarding techniques and mapping out scenes and sequences.

The best institute and course will help you gain hands-on experience and build an excellent portfolio. As a fresher or a newly graduated person, working on your portfolio is an important step. This helps you with reaching out to potential employers and getting you your dream job. Internships, project based studies and workshops help you with:

• Learning to work with a team
• Applying theories that you have studied in the duration of your course
• Knowing more from any mistakes you make and thereby correcting your techniques
• Practicing effective project management
• Working under the guidance of industry specialists and experts
• Getting a glimpse of what work would seem like beyond textbooks and theories

Conclusion

The current times and the time ahead for the industry of animation and VFX is indeed luminous. This creates space for aspiring animators and VFX enthusiasts to pursue their dream careers. With the sector of video and film production integrating newer techniques, technologies and methods, it transcends its way into looking out for more talented and skilled professionals. Leading institutes in Noida, Delhi NCR such as AAFT offer degree and diploma programs that help you master the craft of animation and VFX Course. You can read more about AAFT’s School of Animation.