Importance of pursuing a career in animation
Becoming an animator isn't just about sketching adorable, vibrant characters that jump off the screen (though there's plenty of that, too!). It's about taking your wildest ideas and breathing life into them—whether you're crafting magical worlds or using talking animals to deliver powerful social commentary. Why settle for a regular 9-5 when you could be behind the scenes, shaping the next animated blockbuster?
Who knows? One day, you could be standing on stage with an Oscar in hand for Best Animated Feature. But first, let's master the keyframe animation technique and make those dreams come true!
What is animation?
Animation is like creating magic with images—turning still pictures into a movement to tell powerful stories. The next time a cartoon character zips across the screen, or a Pixar movie has you tearing up, remember: there's so much more behind it than just pretty pictures. At its best, the animation is pure cinematic magic!
You can read more about the History of Animation and the Evolution of Animation Types in this blog.
Types of animation
Animation has come of age since its discovery and has thrilled billions of people around the world. From comic fiction to intellectual stories, animated videos are an excellent medium of storytelling. Let us look at some everyday types of animation:
2D Animation
3D Animation
Whiteboard Animation
Kinetic Typography
Stop Motion Animation
Claymation
Why choose a career in animation?
Why pursue a career in animation? Simple: if you're quick with a pencil, full of stories, and passionate about bringing magic to life through moving images, then animation is your perfect fit. It's challenging, rewarding, and downright cool!
Demand from various industries, like filming, television, gaming, advertisement, that need animators
From jaw-dropping visual effects in Hollywood blockbusters to building epic worlds for this season's hottest video games, animators are the unsung superheroes of the creative world. Whether it's crafting animated series for streaming platforms or designing immersive virtual reality experiences, the possibilities for an animator—or a Panda—are endless!
Give way to high-earning and growing career potential
High salaries are as sky-high as the dragons you'll bring to life on screen! With technology pushing the limits and the growing demand for animated content across all platforms, the animation industry is growing faster than a monster truck crushing mediocrity. Jump on the wild ride of an animation career where your passion fuels your paycheck!
Steps to an Animation Career
Here are some proven steps to follow for making a career in animation:
Education and training requirements (degree programs, online courses, workshops)
An education is your gateway to success in the competitive animation world. Whether through top art schools like CalArts and SCAD or online courses on Coursera and Skillshare, there are plenty of options. But remember: Perfection takes practice. Be ready to put in the hours and stay ahead of the curve!
A Solid Portfolio
Make your portfolio stand out from the crowd. After all, it’s about bringing things to life! Showing a variety of different projects will help to show off the depth of your skills and also show your creativity and passion for the craft.
Industry Networking
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, attending industry events, joining online communities, and connecting with successful animators can spark new ideas and boost your career. You might just find that perfect opportunity to let your talent shine in this competitive yet rewarding field.
Potential job opportunities in animation
The animation industry has a wide range of jobs and demand is continuously increasing. One can choose from various roles as given below:
Animator:
With creativity sparkling in your eyes, a world of opportunities awaits. Companies are always on the lookout for fresh talent to bring their projects to life. Who knows? One day, you could be the one walking up to accept an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature or seeing your name in the credits of the next big hit. The sky's the limit when you're an animator!
Storyboard artist:
The demand for storyboard artists is through the roof, much like the number of donuts at a cop convention! Thanks to the explosion of streaming services and online content platforms, there’s never been a better time to dive into this in-demand role.
Character designer:
With streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ booming, the demand for creative projects has skyrocketed, giving talented individuals the perfect opportunity to design unforgettable characters that audiences can't help but love. If you're passionate about storytelling and bringing unique characters to life through a blend of artistry and creativity, a career as a character designer might be your perfect fit.
Read Also: What is Character Design in Animation? by CharacterBazaar
Background artist:
As a background artist, you’ll create stunning settings that bring animated scenes to life. Whether it’s a lush forest or a bustling city street, your job is to design immersive, visually captivating environments that enhance the storytelling and mood of the project. Your art becomes the stage for the animation magic to unfold!
VFX artist:
Fast technologies squarely place skilled VFX artists at the forefront of demand. Whether special effects tinkerer, cooker of mind-bending visuals, or seamless CGI animator, opportunities are as boundless as your imagination.
