Animation industry and career resources

Animation Tools and Software for Digital Artists

In animation’s early days, artists used pencil, paint, and paper. Today, the growing use of digital tools opens up new and exciting opportunities for artists.

Digital artists seeking to enter the global animation industry, valued at $264 billion as of 2019, have many career options. Creative disciplines in the field include film, virtual reality, animated character design, game design, and education.

An animator sits at a desk in front of a laptop using a stylus to draw

Digital artists can also work in many types of animation, including 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop motion. This guide explores the top animation tools and software, discusses animation history and its impact on society, and introduces the steps to becoming an animator.

Below are a few examples of resources for digital artists seeking more information about the animation industry and careers.

Animation industry and career resources:

  • AnimationThis interdisciplinary, international, peer-reviewed journal focuses on scholarly animation research.
  • Animation World NetworkThis resource brings together information about the animation field, covering areas such as film distribution, commercial studio activities, licensing, and animation technologies.
  • Animation Magazine. With an online and print version, this resource discusses technology, business, art, and other topics of interest to individuals in the animation industry.
  • S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individuals looking for comprehensive insights about the responsibilities, salaries, and job outlook for animators can turn to this trusted resource.
  • Houston Chronicle. This resource provides animation career information, such as duties and education requirements.
  • VaultThis resource offers insights about animation careers, including details about what an animation career looks like.

Top 21 Animation Tools

Animation is the process of transforming still images into moving images. When still images are displayed rapidly on media, such as film or video, they create the illusion of motion.

Animators are digital artists with competencies that include conceptual design, drawing, creative development, and curiosity. They also use animation tools and software. The following list offers a glimpse of the tools animators use:

  1. Maya (Autodesk)This commercial software provides digital artists with a comprehensive platform and an extensive feature set, including modeling, simulation, and rendering, to create 3D computer animations.
  2. 3ds Max (Autodesk)This commercial animation software tool allows digital artists to produce 3D animations, including developing models and rendering them into 2D or 3D images.
  3. After Effects (Adobe)Digital artists can use this commercial tool to add visual effects and motion graphics elements to film, TV, video, online content, presentations, and more.
  4. Animate (Adobe)Users can create animations across multiple media, from cartoons and banner ads to interactive content for games, TV shows, academic content, and infographics.
  5. Blender (The Blender Foundation)This free open source 3D graphics creation suite offers a comprehensive feature set to create animations, digital art, visual effects, 2D and 3D models, and more.
  6. Cartoon Animator 4 (Reallusion)Digital artists across TV, film, web, and game development using this versatile animation tool can create 2D animation with 3D motion.
  7. Character Animator (Adobe)Digital artists can use their own movements and expressions to create animated characters in real time.
  8. Dragonframe (DZED Systems)The advanced image capture interface of this tool is popular among digital artists in the movie industry for stop motion animation, motion design, and visual effects.
  9. FlipBook (DigiCel)Whether drawing with a stylus and tablet or using pen and paper, this animation software offers digital artists intuitive tools to create 2D animations.
  10. Moho Pro 13 (Smith Micro)Formerly known as Anime Studio, this vector-based 2D animation software gives digital artists various tools to create animations and cartoons, including 2D and 3D characters.
  11. Moovly (Moovly)The novice and expert can use this cloud-based software to create animated videos and videos with animated graphics for various applications, including marketing and training.
  12. OpenToonz (Digital Video SpA)This software tool allows digital artists to create 2D animations. As open source software, it’s free to use, anyone can modify its source code, and it’s frequently updated.
  13. Pencil2DFor digital designers interested in using traditional drawing techniques, this open source software allows users to create 2D cartoons using both bitmap and vector graphics.
  14. PhotoMirage (Corel). Corel, the developer of the world’s first full-featured graphics suite, continues to build innovative tools. For example, PhotoMirage is an animation tool that enables users to combine still images with motion graphics.
  15. PiskelThis free online editor allows digital artists to create animations reminiscent of the pixel art in video games created in the 1980s.
  16. Powtoon (Powtoon).This cloud-based animation software for digital artists and amateurs alike in business, education, and other sectors allows users to create animated explainer videos, demos, and presentations.
  17. Spine (Esoteric Software). For digital artists interested in gaming, this software offers users the tools to create 2D animation for games, as well as 3D effects.
  18. Stop Motion Studio (Cateater)This software provides an intuitive interface. Its features include frame-by-frame editing to allow digital artists of all ages to create stop motion movies using a desktop or phone app.
  19. Synfig StudioOpen source software such as Synfig Studio provides users with a host of features to create 2D vector-based animations, and it’s free to use.
  20. Harmony 20 (Toon Boom)This popular 2D software tool includes end-to-end features to enable digital artists to create animations, from conception to final production.
  21. TVPaint Animation (TVPaint Development). For animators who may want to draw on paper, this 2D software, based on bitmap technology, allows artists to create animations using traditional and digital methods.

Popular Animated Movies

Modern animation plays a key role in entertainment, especially in the cinema. What makes great animation? It’s in the eye of the beholder; everyone has different opinions on a favorite animated film. However, as with any great film, an animated movie achieves a balance and harmony. It combines artistry, colors, content, movement, timing, music, and more to transport viewers into the film and its emotions.

Here’s a list of recent popular animated movies that advanced the development of modern animation technologies and creative processes.

  • Toy Story.The story about a boy’s favorite doll (cowboy) that feels threatened by a new spaceman toy in this 1994 animated film has become a franchise. What makes this animation stand out is that it was the first full-length computer-animated feature film created by Pixar Animation Studios, which pioneered the use of computer-generated images (CGI) in film. There are four “Toy Story” movies.
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas.Confusion stirs in this 1993 animated film as a ghoulish king tries to bring Christmas to his home: Halloween Town. This film offers an example of stop motion animation, in which every frame was staged and every shot was storyboarded. The film took three years to produce and, at its peak, had up to 17 animators to put it together.
  • Spirited Away.In this 2001 animated film, a 10-year-old girl who recently moved to the suburbs finds herself in a world where gods, spirits, and witches are in control. This film was created in the anime style, known for the vibrant colors and dramatic facial expressions typical in Japanese-style animation. Anime is a type of niche animation typically created for adult audiences. “Spirited Away” broke away from that tradition, as it was written for children. Its impact opened doors for current popular anime TV cartoon series in the United States, such as Dragon Ball Z.”
  • The Lego Movie.The beloved plastic construction toys come to life in this 2014 animated film in which a Lego construction worker fulfills his calling to stop an evil villain. Lego toys had been a favorite of children for many years, but the brand’s popularity had been in decline. This movie offers an example of how marketers can use animation to reignite a brand’s popularity.
  • The Lion King.The future king of the jungle becomes the target of his father’s rival, who also happens to be his uncle. He ultimately grows up and finds his proper place in the world. While previous Disney films were largely based on existing stories, “The Lion King” was the company’s first animated feature to be an original story. Another distinction of this animated feature is that its story has successfully crossed over to another medium: musical theater. It’s the third-longest running Broadway show in history.

FAQ

Students are constantly curious and search for creative opportunities in the entertainment industry, not only to make their lives easier but also quench their never ending thirst for Creative art. So lets get started with the top frequently asked questions of 2022 -2023.
Do animators get paid well?

The average salary for an animator in the United States is $76,853. Animator salaries typically range between $52,000 and $112,000 a year. The average hourly rate for animators is $36.95 per hour. Location, education, and experience impacts how much an animator can expect to make.

What is the difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality?

Both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality add the ability to change our perception of looking
at the world. Virtual reality is a complete immersion experience where users are completely
transported into real world and imaginary environments. Augmented Reality on the other hand,adds digital elements to the current reality by using a smartphone camera.

How much can I earn in Animator?

The average animator salary in India is ₹ 375,000 per year or ₹ 150 per hour. Entry-level positions start at ₹ 300,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to ₹ 1,040,000 per year.

Is animation a good career?

A single animation film requires as many as 500 animators, which means huge employment opportunities. Animation is one of the concrete, lucrative and demanding career options which serves both entertainment and education (e-learning) industries alike.

What is the salary of 3D animator in India?

3D Animator salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.1 Lakhs to ₹ 7.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 4.0 Lakhs.

How much a VFX artist earn in India?

VFX Artist salary in India ranges between ₹ 4 Lakhs to ₹ 6.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 4 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 497 latest salaries received from VFX Artists.

What is the salary of 2D animator in India?

2D Animator salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.0 Lakhs to ₹ 6.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.0 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 819 latest salaries received from 2D Animators.

Is animator a permanent job?

You may be considering pursuing a career in animation, but you find yourself asking, “Is being an animator a stable career?” The short answer to this question is yes!

Which is best VFX or animation?

VFX creators do not have to learn 2D and 3D animation. Both these skills are different and one can respectively apply for separate courses. Animators need to use equipment and computer software to create animated creations. Whereas, VFX artists are recommended to use chroma keying software techniques

Who is No 1 VFX artist in India?

Prime Focus Ltd. Prime Focus Ltd is a leading VFX company based in India that has been providing high-quality visual effects for films, television shows, and other forms of media for over two decades.

Can you do animation on an iPhone?

How can i learn game design?

You can fill in the enquiry form and attend a free career counselling that we arrange for you. Our career counsellor will guide you about game design course curriculum and enrolment process at MAAC.

What is the eligibility criteria to join International Program in visual arts & design course?

The eligibility criteria to join International Program in Visual Arts and Design course at MAAC is class 12th pass

What is the qualification required to become a professional game designer?

Pursuing a certificate course in game design is one of the basic qualifications required to become a professional game designer. Join Program in Game Design & Integration at MAAC to make a career in gaming.


Will i get intership opportunity during the course?

You will get to attend workshops and seminars during the course. After the course, you will be
assisted by MAAC’s placement cell to connect with recruiters and appear for job interviews.

What are the best 3D Animation courses for beginners?

There are several 3D Animation courses available for beginners. You can join any 3D Animation course at MAAC after completing class 12. Visit Our MAAC  Velachery Centre for a free career counselling on the best 3D Animation courses for beginners.

What are the steps to create an animation?

Numerous steps are involved in creating animation. Concept, story boarding, texturing, rigging, and lighting are some of the major steps involved in creating animation.

How long does it take to make 3D Animation?

Numerous steps are involved in creating animation. Concept, story boarding, texturing, rigging, and lighting are some of the major steps involved in creating animation.

Can I join animation courses at MAAC after completing class 10?

No, the minimum eligibility criteria to join animation courses at MAAC Velachery is class 12th pass.

Are there any short term animation courses at MAAC?

Yes, MAAC offers a short term animation course that covers topics like animation foundation, character animation, basic performance animation, and advanced performance animation. The short term animation course can be completed within 8 months.


What is the fees for International Program in visual arts & design course?

Course fee at MAAC varies depending on course type and course duration. To know the exact International Program in Visual Arts and Design course fee at MAAC, contact your nearest MAAC centre.


Will i get a certificate after completing my course?

Yes. You will get a certificate after successfully completing your course from MAAC Velachery.


What are the game design jobs available in the Market?

Different gaming job profiles available after doing a gaming course are Game Tester, 3D Asset Artist, and 3D Game Designer, to name a few.


What is the duration of game design course?

Duration of any course at MAAC varies upon course type. To know the exact duration of game design course at MAAC, enquire at your nearest Centre.


What are the gaming software taught in MAAC?

e taught in MAAC?
Some of the major gaming software that students of MAAC get to learn are Unity 3D and UNREAL ENGINE.


How can i become a game design artist after class 12th?

MAAC offers game design courses to those who have completed class 12th. If you have completed class 12th and have a passion for gaming, you can join MAAC and make a career as a game design artist after class 12th.

What are the steps to create an animation?

Numerous steps are involved in creating animation. Concept, story boarding, texturing, rigging, and lighting are some of the major steps involved in creating animation.

Can i pay MAAC course fees in installment?

You can visit your MAAC Velachery to enquire about available fee payment options and
installment facilities. MAAC offers easy payments/flexi payment facilities.


What is the duration of Augmented and Virtual Reality courses?

There are two courses offered under Augmented and Virtual Reality program at MAAC, i.e.,
ADIDG and PID. Duration of ADIDG program is 576 hours and duration of PID program is
288 hours.

Will MAAC provide me with placement after completing AR and VR courses?

MAAC has a dedicated placement cell that assist students that provides training in latest
skills and career development training and prepare students to appear for job interviews.


Where will i get the best Augmented Reality traning in Chennai?

There are institutes in and around Chennai that offers Augmented Reality training. MAAC Velachery is the best institutes offering augmented and virtual reality courses in Chennai.

Portfolio

How to develop your portfolio?

This article is aimed towards beginners but existing professionals can find these tips useful too.

Show reel has been a topic of discussion for a long time. People struggle to put their work together for that presentation, which will help them to get an interview call. I look at an interview process as the result of Preparation, Compilation and Presentation.

Preparation

When it comes to preparation, the prospective employee must be thoroughly prepared. Pitching in studios with a common show reel is not a good idea; the showreel must be studio specific;. A few things that you should find out about a studio before compiling your Final works:

  • What is their portfolio?
  • What they are looking for?
  • How do they expect to see the work (which format)?
  • If possible, a reference in the studio.

Most of this information is already available on a studio’s website.

Compilation

Compilation is all about the selection. What to display and what not to display!. A good research about a studio’s past and present works would give you a fair idea about creating your showreel. No substandard work must be added. In case you are doubtful about any such work then try to improve it or else remove it.

Presentation

This part of the process is all about presenting what you have, right from the CD covers to the content inside. The layout, color scheme and the music in the reel must complement each other.

All the three parts of the process are equally important and none should be ignored.

Guidelines for further approach.

Cover Letter:

  • It is always good to add a short and precise covering letter.
  • Always mention the department you are applying for, ensuring that your reel is assessed by the right person.
  • If you were referred by someone, definitely mention it.
  • Include a few references.
  • There is a great quote: “When your work speaks for itself, there’s no need to interrupt”. Do not over-write. It sets high expectations and makes the interviewer more critical in his judgment.
  • Check your spelling, grammar, punctuation and typos. Mistakes in your writing will suggest that you don’t revise.

Resume:

  • Avoid irrelevant experience; it just lengthens the CV.
  • Mention hobbies related to the nature of your work. It adds to the interest level. For example, animators involved in acting would be highly appreciated.
  • If looking forward to a head position do mention it in your CV but do not over-state.

Demo Reel:

  • A website is a quick and acceptable way of showcasing your work to your prospective employer these days. Most companies clearly mention how they want the show reels to reach them on their website.
  • Many portfolios are accessible on web these days. Watch as many as possible. Study them (layouts, presentation style, music and visuals in sync, speed of the reel etc) and come up with your own style of presentation.
  • Put your best works first. Due to the volume of reels received for review, if the first few seconds of a reel are not interesting then the rest is examined in fast-forward mode and examiners might miss your best piece.
  • Don’t repeat any work. It gives the feeling that you do not have sufficient work to display.
  • Keep it short! Three minutes is the general target length.
  • Have simple and short introductions. Get to the main part of your reel as soon as possible.
  • DO NOT PUT OTHER PEOPLE’S WORK ON YOUR REEL! If at all there is some reference data, give credit to the creator of the work. This adds value and authenticity to your approach.
  • Don’t send inappropriate work. A studio that works on realistic art works might not show much interest in stylized works.
  • Label your CD/DVD clearly. Put your contact information on the body of the CD/DVD. This makes it easier to locate CD/DVDs in case they separate from the resumes.Drawing and sketches could help to showcase your traditional skills. But only the best must be included or else it will backfire.
  • Animators should have acting in their animation movie clips. Try to animate emotions. Present different styles (classical, semi-realistic, stop motion or realistic) in order to show your command over the skill. There are various animation film making courses available in Indiato enhance your animation skills. You can definitely go for these courses if you want to make your career in animation film making.
  • Don’t mention the abilities that you don’t want to be discussing.
  • Unreleased work should be on the reel by consent of the employer. The same should be conveyed to the interviewer to avoid mishandling.
  • Choose your background music wisely. Music and visuals should be in sync.
  • Include some personal work on your reel. It helps to understand what you can do on your own as well as what you can do as part of a team or when being directed.

Interview:

  • Research about the company before appearing for the interview. Most likely you will be asked why you want to join the organization. Your answer must be as natural as possible, as further questions would depend on it. Be true of what you say and try to add value to the answer.
  • Be on time. Remember, first impression is the lasting impression.
  • Dress appropriately. It is ok to be better dressed then the interviewer; he is already in job and you are looking for one.
  • Try to reflect a positive attitude and share all your positive qualities complimented with examples. If you want to mention that you are a great Team Player, then do support it with instances.
  • Keep extra copies of your resume. Your previous resume or reel might not be handy with the interviewer.
  • Never speak negative about any colleague or employer; it’s a negative approach. If at all you happen to mention something, put it in a subtle manner.

Follow up:

Keep in mind that it often takes a while before a demo reels gets reviewed. If you haven’t heard anything for 2 weeks or so, it is okay to call and make sure your submission was received. But don’t be a pest. After an interview, it is always a good idea to send a (genuine) follow up letter thanking your prospective employer for taking the time to meet you. But do not contact the company repeatedly. If you don’t get hired and you really want to work at a particular company, resubmit your materials in 6 months or so. Studio’s needs and criteria change all the time. Your skills/style might not have been appropriate for last year’s project, but they might be right for the new one.

Pro gamer

become a professional gamer and make a career in the gaming industry

Making a career as a professional gamer is now possible! For those of you who are passionate about playing video games, here’s your chance to turn your passion into a profession. Even though shaping your career as a professional game designer or developer can turn out to be difficult at times, hard work, dedication, choosing the right course, and learning the right skills can make the path smooth for you. Here is our list of 7 tips to prepare yourself as a successful gaming professional and make a career in the gaming industry.

1. Understand the requirements of the industry: As a prerequisite, you should always understand the needs and requirements to get into the gaming industry. The gaming industry is vast and it has specific requirements that are catered by a specific set of professionals. The industry can require animators, game developers, mobile game designers, and, character artists, to name a few. So, understand the requirements, choose a course accordingly, specialize in a field that you are interested in, and gather the right skillsets.

2. Work as a trainee or freelancer in a game studio: One of the best ways to shape your career as a professional gamer is to work as a trainee or freelancer in a game studio. This will introduce you to the daily life of a professional gamer or game designer at a game design studio. Even before landing a permanent job in the gaming industry, you will learn all about game development, mobile game designing, creating a gaming environment, and character building. All these experiences earned during your training or freelancing will give a boost to your portfolio.

3. Practice as much as you can: Practice makes a man perfect! You may be passionate about playing video games, but to turn your passion into a profession, you have to practice playing different games, research on various game strategies and test the strategies in dummy gaming environments. Also, keep a watch on what other gamers and streamers do and look for updated guidelines and tutorials online.

4. Choose the right course in gaming: Different gaming courses specialises in different aspects of the genre. While some courses focus solely on mobile game design and development, some focus on product application and AR game creation. So, choose a course that fits your area of interest so that in future you get to shape your career smoothly as a game designer or developer.

5. Practice working on gaming software: Every course in gaming provides hands-on training in industry-oriented gaming software. However, working on software only during class hours may not make you confident or a pro in software usage. Install the software on your personal computers or laptops and practice developing games using that software at home. The more you try your hands on this software, the more efficient you will become in building games.

6. Buy relevant gaming gear: While you join a course in gaming, you need to invest in good gaming gear to study and practice at home or after class hours. Good gaming gear helps you to excel in this field. Some of the must-haves are a gaming PC or laptop, gaming mouse, headset, mechanical keyboard, and LED monitor.

7. Join a community of gamers: Just pursuing a course in gaming may not be sufficient in today’s competitive world. Join a gaming community where you can network with professional gamers, exchange ideas, learn, hone your skills, and spend quality time during your journey towards becoming a professional gamer.

Many vocational training institutes these days are offering career-oriented courses in gaming. Joining a gaming course and getting certified by a reputed institute, will open up various career opportunities in the gaming industry.

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Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is a powerful game engine that allows developers to create 3D games. It has a lot of features, such as a vast array of graphical tools that allow you to create realistic 3D scenes, as well as a scripting system that allows you to create custom game mechanics. This makes Unreal Engine a very versatile tool for game developers.

One of the main advantages of using Unreal Engine is that it is relatively easy to learn. This means that even novice developers can create high-quality 3D games using the engine. Additionally, Unreal Engine 5.1 is powerful enough to allow you to create games that are extremely detailed and realistic.

Unreal Engine 5.1 delivers new features for filmmaking, broadcast, animation, and live events
From virtual production with in-camera VFX to animated projects and high-octane live broadcasts and events, Unreal Engine offers a more extensive, robust, and accessible toolset for media and entertainment pipelines.
 
Free Control Rig and Mannequin asset packs now available for real-time animators
Available now on the Unreal Engine Marketplace, our new Control Rig Samples and Mannequins asset packs can be downloaded for free. If you don’t have any prior experience with real-time animation, this is a perfect place to begin a lifelong journey.
 
Explore the Old West with these free Unreal Engine assets
Journey back to the Wild West and learn how to use Unreal Engine while you’re at it. We’re giving away seven free 3D asset packs with close to 400 meshes in them, together with a beginner-based tutorial with some ideas of how to use them. Check it out! 
 
Unreal Engine powers over a dozen PlayStation®VR2 launch games
Unreal Engine-powered PlayStation®VR2 launch titles include Horizon Call of the MountainThe Dark Pictures: Switchback VRSaints & Sinners,Retribution, and more.

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