How to Become an Animator After 12th

An Animator is a skilled visual storyteller who expresses ideas through motion graphics and visual effects in films, video games, TV and digital platforms. Using illustrations and software programs, animators create characters, storyboards, and plan animated narrative sequences. The role of Animator also includes supporting background design and production coordination.

Other than creating animations, animators work with directors, game designers, clients and other animators, improving their work based on feedback. They often research projects to ensure realism and accuracy of design. Meeting deadlines, developing timelines and enabling visual appeal are among the key roles of an animator.

Essential Skills Needed to Become an Animator

To excel in a fast-paced work environment, animators require the following skills. Let’s explore some of the major skills and core abilities essential to the field of animation.

• Technical Skills: An Animator career demands technical skills and proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD or CAD tools.

• Eye for Details: An Animator must possess an eye for detail to ensure that the designed animations are compelling with accurate movement, expression, and transition to effectively persuade and convey the storyline.

• Aesthetic Sense: As the profession of Animation is an aesthetic visual art form, animators must mindfully develop the storyboard, design characters, scenery and scenes to maintain visual harmony.

• Communication Skills: The role of Animator involves meeting with the clients, directors, team members, and producers for review and feedback. Strong communication skills are important to get effective feedback to enhance the work according to requirements.

Key Responsibilities of an Animator

If you are confused about how to become an animator after 12th, understanding their key responsibilities is the first step. Animators are involved in a variety of duties that combine creativity and technical expertise.

• Research: An Animator is required to research upcoming projects to design realistic designs or animations. He or she may refer to and explore other animation projects or surf through online platforms to get an idea.

• Developing Storyboard: An Animator is responsible for conceptualising ideas for characters, backgrounds, scenes and other elements of animation. He or she creates sketches for animations according to design briefs.

• Editing: The role of Animator involves editing animations and effects according to feedback from directors, other animators, game designers and other clients. This includes adjusting the timing and pacing of motion to match the audio.

• Coordination and Collaboration: A career as an Animator involves meeting and coordinating with clients, producers, game designers, directors and other staff to review deadlines and develop timelines. He or she collaborates with other creative professionals to finalise the project.

How to Become an Animator After 12th

Most high school students fascinated by Disney and Pixar often wonder how to become animator after 12th. You can pursue an undergraduate course in animation, visual effects, multimedia, or game design. After successful completion of the academic programme or professional Animator course, aspirants may opt for internships. An Animator internship increases your chances of getting hired for an entry-level full-time job.

Also Read: Career as Film and Video Designer

Animator Work Environment: What to Expect

An Animator usually works in an office setting, but Remote work and freelancing opportunities are also available in this field. Projects are often team-based, and each animator is assigned various tasks such as visual effects, character motion, background design, or special effects. Further, these parts are put together to create a cohesive animation.

Popular Job Opportunities for Animation Graduates

If you are exploring job opportunities for animation, it is important to know about the types of animation careers. Check some of the most demanding career options in the animation industry.

Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer is a professional responsible for creating visual concepts such as illustrations, logos, layouts and photos. He or she uses digital tools to shape the visual aspects of books, websites, magazines, product packaging, exhibitions and more.

Qualifications: BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media), DAM (Diploma in Animation and Multimedia)

Graphic Designer Salary: The salary of a Graphic Designer varies depending on the candidate’s skills, prior experience and employment setting. The average Graphic Designer salary in India is Rs 1.5 Lakh - 7.2 Lakhs per year.

(Source: Ambitionbox)

Game Designer

A Game Designer is responsible for creating concepts, structure and storytelling of video games. He or she stays involved in genre design, gameplay system, environment, story, characters, objectives and user experience of video games, combining creativity and programming. A Game Designer is the creative mind behind every Video Game.

Qualifications: B.Voc. in Multimedia, Diploma in Animation

Game Designer Salary: The average Game Designer salary in India is Rs 1.8 Lakh - 17 Lakhs per year.

(Source: Ambitionbox)

Also Read: Career as Video Game Designer

Multimedia Animator

A Multimedia Animator is a creative professional who utilises technology to create animations and visual effects for television, movies, video games and other forms of visual media. A Multimedia Animator focuses on character design, 3D modelling, or background animation.

Qualifications: B.Voc. in Multimedia, B.Des. in Animation

Multimedia Animator Salary: The salary of a Multimedia Animator varies depending on the candidate’s skills, experience and the organisation. The average Multimedia Animator salary is Rs. 55,000 - 60,000 per month.

(Source: Glassdoor)

Start Your Journey as an Animator After 12th

By now, you should have a clear idea of how to become animator after class 12th. Focus on acquiring skills in character design, storyboarding, scene creation, and illustration. While there are no mandatory education requirements to become an Animator, most of the aspirants pursue a degree or diploma in animation to add value.

An Animator career is one of the topmost sought-after job opportunities for animation. With the rising popularity of VFX, special effects for television, films, videos, and video games, job opportunities for animation are growing rapidly. It is a skill-based career, and gaining practical exposure through internships is essential to become an Animator after 12th.