“Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become.”, says Mufasa in The Lion King. Perhaps one of the greatest films of all time, and a childhood favorite of many. Suffice to say, VFX and animation in films have undeniably changed the way we consume entertainment today.
Are you a generation Z desiring a career that can engage and inspire you at the same time? Consider a career in animation and VFX, a field full of scope for expression, creativity, and individuality.
But first, let’s understand how animation differs from VFX.
Difference between Animation and VFX
If you have grown up watching Disney and Pixar movies, then you are familiar with the world of animation. It is an illustration process combined in motion to create motion graphics. Animators deal with sketches, paintings, and other forms of illustrations brought to life after being processed through animation software.
On the other hand, visual effects (VFX) comprise a process of converting real-life imagery with computer-generated elements (CG). Think Harry Potter and the Marvel movies! By combining manipulated imagery with real-life footage, VFX artists create magic on screen.
Here are some of the most promising career paths in the field of animation and VFX.
Illustrator
If you are skilled at still drawings and wish to express ideas through them, then a career as an illustrator could be perfect for you! An illustrator is essentially a visual storyteller who creates images using hand drawings and other techniques.
Some of the fields that require the services of illustrators are publishing, advertising, fashion, merchandising, editorial, etc. From books, magazines, advertisements, greeting cards, packaging, and newspapers, Illustrators are hired to create images in various mediums.
You can start by freelancing for different clients, editors, and authors to polish your skills and learn different styles of illustrations. Having a signature style of drawing could help you create your own brand someday.
VFX Artist
Films like Avatar, Interstellar, and Inception were visual masterpieces that transported the viewer from the movie theatre into the made-up world of the film. But how did they achieve this? Through visual effects!
It is the job of the VFX artist to integrate effects into live-action feature films and other mediums seamlessly. As a VFX artist, you will get the chance to use the latest technology and produce brilliant digitally-generated imagery. Be it a dragon, fairies, a rainstorm, aliens, or entire fake planets!
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create eye-catching visuals for various products, activities, publications, websites, exhibitions, corporate identity, and much more. To excel in graphic designing, you must have a creative flair and knowledge of the latest designing software.
As a graphic designer, you can choose to be self-employed or work in digital media companies, PR and marketing firms, publishing houses, and IT companies. You must be able to convey the brand message effectively and collaborate with other professionals. After gaining some experience, you can earn handsomely in the field.
Video Game Developer
Do you have a passion for gaming that you wish to convert into a lucrative career path? Then video game development might be your calling. From conceptualization to the finished product, it takes many steps to create a seamless gaming experience for video game players.
As a game developer, you will turn a designer’s ideas into an actual game that can be played for hours. You will create whole new worlds that can enable players to unleash their imagination!
Conclusion
In the past few years, graphics and animation courses have gained immense popularity as they provide you with the skills required to kick-start your career in the field. However, the most crucial requirement to excel in the field of VFX and animation is creative aptitude. Combine that with proper guidance and creative vision, and you can have the most gratifying career in this industry!
