A Career in Animation
Multimedia refers to the presentation of information by combining text, graphics, images, audio, video and animations by using computers, mobiles, tablets and other audio-visual devices and equipment. It also includes interactive elements such as voice command, mouse manipulation, text entry, touch screen, video capture, or live participation of the user. Some of the sectors where multimedia is used extensively are education, training, reference materials, business presentations, advertising and entertainment. One of the advantages of multimedia is that it can be made interactive.
but today, most animated movies are made with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Animation which is one of the important constituents of multimedia nowadays, refers to the illusion of movement created by showing a series of still pictures in rapid succession. In traditional animation, pictures are drawn or painted on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed. Early cartoons are examples of this, but today, most animated movies are made with computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Animation is more pervasive than many people think. The clarity of animation makes it a powerful tool for instruction, while its flexibility also allows exaggeration that can be employed to convey strong emotions and to play around with reality. It has therefore been widely used for other purposes than mere entertainment. So, apart from short films, feature films, television series, animated GIFs, and other media dedicated to the display of moving images, animation is also prevalent in video games, motion graphics, user interfaces, and visual effects in education, training & business development.
There are 5 different types of animation. These are:
Traditional Animation: This is one of the oldest forms of animation. In traditional animation, objects are drawn on celluloid transparent paper. In order to create the animated sequence, the animator must draw every frame. In the earlier years, the animator would draw on a table that had a light inside of it, so the creator could see his or her previous animation. Traditional is most often 2D animation.
2D vector-based animation: With Vector-based animation, the motion can be controlled by vectors rather than pixels. Images with familiar formats like JPG, GIF, BMP, are pixel images. These images cannot be enlarged or shrunk without affecting image quality. Vector graphics don’t need to worry about resolution and allow the animators to resize images easily, so motion is smooth.
3D Animation: This form of animation only became possible with innovations in computer graphics in the 1990s, and has become massively popular since then. The computer graphics allow the animator to create photo realistic images that earlier animation methods can’t. Also, powerful animation software allows for inbetweens, lighting, building crowds, environments and more. Because of this, it has become the most common form of animation used in the film industry today.
Motion Graphics: Motion Graphics are digital graphics that create the illusion of motion usually for ads, title sequences in films, but ultimately exist to communicate something to the viewer. They’re often combined with sound for multimedia projects. They’re a type of animation used mostly in business, usually with text as a main player.
Stop Motion: This form of animation involves taking individual photographs of physical models, objects, puppets or people as they are moved around, one frame at a time. It’s the most uncommon because of it being laborious and time consuming when it comes to creating the objects and sets, and taking individual pictures for every frame.
A 2D Animator creates movement in a two-dimensional space for film, TV, websites, video games and advertisements using either traditional cell methods or computer software. A 3D animator is a professional in computer graphics who creates three-dimensional animations for film, video games, websites, television and other media. They create characters, backgrounds and objects from concept art and use computer software to transform concept art into motion graphics. They also adjust color, lighting and textures to create realistic animation composites.
Motion Graphics: Motion Graphics are digital graphics that create the illusion of motion usually for ads, title sequences in films, but ultimately exist to communicate something to the viewer. They’re often combined with sound for multimedia projects. They’re a type of animation used mostly in business, usually with text as a main player. Special effects animators are art and design specialists who create motions and images using concept art. They create effects in films such as supernatural creatures or elements, natural disasters and characteristic enhancements. A special effects animator collaborates with technical directors and artists to create the desired look for their animations.
Animators have two main career options to choose from, depending on work style and level of experience. They might opt for a stable, salaried position, or enjoy more autonomy as an independent contractor. The typical career path is as follows
- Animator
- Storyboard Artist
- Key Animator
- Lead Key Animator
- Animation Supervisor
- Animation Director
In either case they are responsible for
- Liaising with clients and understanding their concepts for development of animations.
- Conceptualizing ideas for characters, scenes, backgrounds and other animation elements.
- Creating character sketches for new animations based on design briefs.
- Creating storyboards that depict the script and narrative.
- Designing models, backgrounds, sets, characters, and other elements of the animated environment.
- Developing timing and pacing of motion, based on audio requirements.
- Building up accurate, detailed, frame-by-frame visuals.
- Working with the story editors to merge the various layers of animation.
- Recording dialogue for the animation, where necessary.
- Collaborating with other creatives including designers, photographers and other animators to finalize projects.
| Education Pathway | ||
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Post-Graduate | Some Colleges |
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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media) Bachelors of Design in Animation Bachelor of Arts in 2D and 3D Animation Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation and Motion Capture) B.V.A Animation & Multimedia Design Bachelor of Interactive Media focus on 2D Animation (Standard) BSc Multimedia & Animation BA Animation (Hons) BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects BSc Animation & Visual Graphics BA Multimedia & Gaming B.Voc.(Animation & Graphic Design) B.Voc. (Digital Media & Animation) B.Voc. (Multimedia) Bachelors of Visual Arts |
Master of Arts in
Animation MSc Animation and VFX MA in Illustration and Animation MA 3D Computer Animation MSc Digital Visual Effect |
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