Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron pencil test by James Baxter (Dreamworks, 2002).

Animation is the process of creating motion and shape change illusion by means of the rapid display of a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other. The illusion—as in motion pictures in general—is thought to rely on the phi phenomenon. Animators are artists who specialize in the creation of animation.

Animations can be recorded on either analogue media, such as a flip book, motion picture film, video tape, or on digital media, including formats such as animated GIF, Flash animation or digital video. To display it, a digital camera, computer, or projector are used.

Animation creation methods include the traditional animation creation method and those involving stop motion animation of two and three-dimensional objects, such as paper cutouts, puppets and clay figures. Images are displayed in a rapid succession, usually 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second.

What is 2D Animation ?

It is the traditional animation method that has existed since the late 1800s. It is one drawing followed by another in a slightly different pose, followed by another in a slightly different pose, on and on for 24 frames a second.

What is 3D Animation ?

Sometimes referred to as 3D CGI, 3D animation is a type of animation that uses computer generated images to create animated scenes. Compared to 2D animation, or traditional animation, 3D has much more depth, and it looks much more realistic. An animated scene starts with one picture, which is referred to a frame.

What is Flipbook Animation?

A flip book or flick book is a book with a series of pictures/ images that vary gradually fromone page to the next, so that when the pages are turned rapidly, the images apear to animate / move by simulating motion or some other change. 

A flipbook animation is a simple mode of animation created by successively viewing images very quickly so that they seem to form a sequence. The most common method is by printing images on the pages of a book, which can then be flipped or thumbed through rapidly. A flipbook animation is also known as kineograph or thumb book. Flipbooks and similar devices were important in early precursors of film animation.

Is Animation a right career for me ?

If you have the will, then yes, this is the right career option for you. For being a good animator you need to possess a great deal of zeal and imagination. You must have aptitude in drawing and sketching OR you should be ready to work hard to learn it at AIACA. An understanding of human, bird and animal expressions and movement is very important part of animation as it will help you express the characters you create in the most appropriate way.

Furthermore, you should have good visualisation skills and flair for using colours. Patience, hard work and dedication towards your work are also a must for this job profile. Animation is a multitasking job so for that you need to work as a team, therefore, you need to have good communication skills. So if you have the above skills and a keen interest to explore this creative art, this is the career for you.

Why Animation ?

Animation is one of the fastest growing career options in our country these days. The want for more and more skilled animators has brought about a rise in job opportunities and ascended the demand for animation as a lucrative career option. The demand has exceeded the supply as the animation industry requires more than 30,000 professionals every year.

Animation is an integral part of entertainment and ITES (information technology enabled services) industries. Candidates completing 2d and 3d animation classes successfully are in for a vast opportunity to test their skills and knowledge. Entertainment industry in India comprising films and television are among the leading in the world and a testing zone for aspiring animators.

After completing animation classes, an animator could be absorbed in animation, advertising, web designing, video making, editing, games development, and even in film industry.