Acharya InstitutesWhat is Animation?
Animation is the process of forming an illusion of sequential movement through a series of images or frames. It includes combining numerous methods, such as drawing, modelling, or altering digital imagery, to bring static objects or characters to life. There are various types of animation techniques used in different formats created using different tools.
Traditional Animation: Traditional Animation was produced by photographing and projecting hand-drawn or painted pictures on celluloid sheets. Although it is occasionally still utilised, digital animation techniques have mostly taken the place of this traditional or cel animation approach.
Digital Animation: Digital Animation uses computer software and tools to produce and edit images and form animations. It includes a wide variety of techniques, such as stop-motion animation, computer-generated imagery (CGI), 2D animation, and 3D animation. Each method has its own special features and benefits.
2D Animation: The process of 2D animation involves generating movement in a two-dimensional environment. Both conventional hand-drawn techniques and digital tools can be used to create and alter characters and backgrounds.
3D Animation: On the other hand, 3D animation involves producing digital representations of three-dimensional settings and objects. It frequently involves utilising specialist software to model things, define their properties, and animate them. This method is frequently applied to visual effects, video games, and motion pictures.
CGI: The term “CGI” refers to Computer-Generated Imagery. It refers to the production of visual content, such as still photos and animations, using computer graphics and digital processes. Several industries, including video games, film, television, architecture, advertising, and product visualisation, heavily rely on computer-generated imagery or CGI animation.
Animation can be used for a variety of purposes, such as entertainment (movies, TV series, video games), education, advertising, instructional videos, and more. Creating characters and settings and using moving visuals to communicate emotions, tales, and ideas takes a combination of artistic talent, storytelling skills, and technical ability. An education in animation provides a solid foundation for those who want to pursue a career in Animation or as a VFX artist.
Subjects under the BVA/ B Design have the same foundational course topics with specialised training in digital animation. Students are trained in VFX, Photo Editing, Video Editing, and various animation software tools that are currently relevant like Adobe Flash, Blender, etc.
The animation course also entails a thorough understanding of design principles, drawing and rendering of still life, movements, etc, colour theories, finding the right texture, and character designing.
What are the Subjects in Animation?
The students of the Animation and Game Art programme learn basic animation principles, cell animation, digital animation, and visual effects. Students are also taught animation filmmaking both in traditional and digital formats. The coursework trains its students to produce Instructional Design outputs. Our BVA/ B. Design in Animation & Game Art degree programme imparts skills in Visual Effects that can be applied to live-action film production as well. The course provides knowledge of industry terminologies and theoretical concepts of producing animation. All these subjects are coupled with teaching the latest software and tools used in the industry for animation and related productions.
The B Design/BVA programme in animation is created to give students a thorough understanding of storytelling, animation, and design concepts. These are some of the subjects studied in the animation course:
Animation Foundation: Introduction to the building blocks of animation, including time, space, squash and stretch, and other concepts.
2D Animation: 2D animation is taught using both traditional hand-drawn animation methods and computer animation techniques and technologies.
3D Animation: Training in the basics of 3D modelling, rigging, and animating 3D objects using various software tools are part of the syllabus.
Drawing and Storyboarding: Development of foundational drawing skills and techniques for creating storyboards, which are essential for planning animated sequences.
Digital Animation Tools: Learning how to use industry-standard animation software and tools is part of the degree programme.
Character Design: Creating and developing characters with a focus on their visual appeal and functionality in animation.
Animation Production Stages: Understanding the various stages involved in animation production, from concept to final rendering.
Motion Graphics: Exploring animation for title sequences, advertisements, and other graphic design applications.
Visual Effects: Learning how to integrate computer-generated effects into live-action footage or animation.
Portfolio Development: The programme helps in building a professional animation or design portfolio showcasing the student’s best work.
Animation and Filmmaking: Combining animation with live-action filmmaking techniques.
Interactive Animation: Exploring animation for games, interactive media, or web-based applications.
Career Scope of Animation
Animation skills can be applied across various sectors and can provide lucrative creative careers. Some of the career paths or job sectors for animation students include:
Film and Television: Animation is frequently employed in the production of animated films, TV series, and commercials in the film and television industries. Several animation studios and digital agencies value animation skills.
Video Games: Character design, setting design, and narrative are all strongly reliant on animation in the gaming industry. Animators are employed by game studios to work on various game development projects.
Advertising and Marketing: To produce compelling and attention-grabbing material for goods and services, animation is regularly utilised in advertising campaigns.
Architecture: Animators assist with the creation of architectural demonstrations and visualisations that highlight building designs and urban planning activities. The virtual representation and animation help better visualise the project plans and provide a clearer blueprint.
Special Effects (VFX): In the field of special effects (VFX), animators play a crucial role in producing outstanding visual effects for motion pictures, television programs, and advertising.
Motion Graphics: Motion graphics animators produce animated elements for infographics, title sequences, and other visual media.
Medical and Scientific Sector: Animation is utilised in the medical industry to visualise difficult medical processes and scientific concepts, making them simpler to comprehend for both specialists and the general public.
Web & Social Media: As social media portals and web-based content gain popularity, there is an increasing need for animated GIFs, animated shorts, and interactive animations to generate and increase the visibility of certain brands or organisations.
Education: Animation is frequently used in the creation of instructional content, including interactive tutorials, educational videos, and e-learning modules. These videos are widely popular in the growing virtual learning industry. It also helps in teaching the concepts in a more comprehensive manner.
Acharya School of Design has one of the best animation courses in Bangalore in its B Design/ BVA Animation & Game Art programme. It provides industry exposure, practical skills, and hands-on training in concepts to open up lucrative careers in animation and related fields.
