What do they do?

From entertainment, education to simulators for military flight or combat training, animators work in a wide range of sectors. 3D animators give flat narrative storylines a realistic or fantastic turn by using specific software. They can join a company, freelance and become entrepreneurs.

Animators usually work normal office hours, although they may work additional hours to meet deadlines. Many animators work freelance, and part-time and temporary contracts are common. Animators usually work in well-lit offices or studios. Working on stop frame animation may involve standing for long periods under hot studio lights

Skills Needed

• Loads of imagination
• A good sense of colour, ­proportion and size
• Ability to work with others under extreme pressure 
• Strong interpersonal ­communication skills as one has to be in touch with ­programmers, illustrators, designers and ­storyboard artists, apart from the client

How do I get there?

No specific academic qualification needed. If you are good at sketching and have a passion for animation, you can enter the field after taking a degree or diploma in animation.

The minimum qualification required for these courses is Class 12 or equivalent. It helps if you have an arts background. However, at the Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, only graduates of architecture, technology and engineering, and fine arts can apply for the PG course.

Related Colleges:

Typical day in the life of a Animator

• 4.30am: Wake up 
• 6am: Reach office and get started
• 10am: Show first draft of the project, which can range from a sketch to a character animation, to the supervisor
• 11.30am: Take a meal break
• 1pm: Make changes to the project and hand it over to the supervisor
• 2 pm: Wrap up and leave for the day

Pros & Cons about this career