An animation is an art form in which objects are created through a sequence of drawings, pictures, or motion pictures to tell a story. These images of animation are usually animated by hand-drawn or computer-generated images. The term animation does not only refer to the finished product but also to the process employed for creating the image. Animation can be traced back as early as 6,000 years ago with the cave paintings at Lascaux and Altamira in Spain and France, respectively. It is considered one of the most widespread art forms in human history with contemporary representations found in television commercials, feature films, and video games.

Although the term animation originated in the production of moving images and objects, it has come to be used as a generic term for all types of moving images, and some animators have preferred to describe themselves as "animators" rather than "animation artists." The use of both terms is sometimes confusing, even to those within the industry who are aware of the distinction. In most other countries outside Europe and America, both general terms are used interchangeably.

What is Animation?

An animation is a form of visual storytelling in which groups of images, or frames, are displayed fast to create the illusion of movement. Animation comes in a wide variety of forms and aesthetics, including hand-drawn, computer-generated, and stop-motion. They have worked in a range of media, including movies and television shows. Also learn about the reasons why students are opting animation as a career option.

A Brief History of Animation

An animation is a type of art in which several sketches or images are displayed quickly one after the other. The many methods and drawing styles used by animators to create visuals are referred to as "animation styles." Each style has a distinctive effect and can be used on a variety of visual media, including cartoons, games, TV shows, commercials, and movies.

Since the 17th century, animation has been used to explore motion. William George Horner made the first known attempt to assemble several drawings into a moving image in 1877.

Eadweard Muybridge utilized stop-motion photography in 1878 to study how people and animals move. The "Persistence of Vision" projection system, created in 1887 by Émile Reynaud, was quite similar to current animation in that it used the persistence of vision principle to show a succession of drawings or photographs on a screen.

Characters like Felix in 1898 were brought to life by the end of the 19th century thanks to the advent of point of view, which produced a sense of depth, new display technology, and the use of drawn images that could be quickly modified.

The short films "view from the window" (1902) and "life of an American fireman" (1903) by Edwin S. Porter employed crude animation effects.

Oswald Rabbit, Walt Disney's first animated character, helped establish the "Laugh-O-Gram" style of animation in 1926. Paul Terry created "Gertie," one of his earliest animated films, in 1927.

Industry Outlook of Animation in India

In India animation is escalating at a rate of 10% per annum, growing at an impressive rate. Animation is a thriving industry in India. There is a huge demand for skilled animators in an evolving market. Animation becomes an outsourced service wherein animators work for big companies and on international films, working in all the 3D formats, 2D and 3D. This requires the ability to create concepts, character design, storyboard, layout, create dialogues, and shoot action scenes. Hence, reputed institutes are also offering animation courses in Kolkata. That is a great aid for those who are aspiring to be an animator.

Animation is the oldest art form in India. There are more than 2000 years old cave paintings in India that show the use of animation. The cave paintings of Ajanta, in Maharashtra, and Bagh, in Madhya Pradesh, are good examples of the use of animation in art.

Future of the animation industry in India

India's animation sector is expanding toward its highest level of production. The field of animation is continually developing. The Indian animation market has been expanding quickly and is anticipated to do so even more in the years to come. By 2023, it would have made India one of the sector's most competitive nations globally by providing employment opportunities for talented animators.

In India, the market for animated entertainment is expanding. 10% of the global market is accounted for by the Indian animation industry. The demand for 2D and 3D animators who can produce high-quality animations with natural movement and expression has surged as a result of the rising popularity of animated films. Aspiring animators now have a fantastic opportunity to work for reputable companies as animators.

This broadens the potential for this industry to expand, particularly given the widespread interest it has received. A major Indian animation studio's animated feature film is anticipated to gross more than Rs 100 crore at the global box office on the first weekend, which is a very positive development for the country's animation industry.

How to get into the industry as a professional?

As we have already noted above, there is a greater need for skilled animators due to the increase in demand for animators. The number of graduates from programs linked to animation has increased, which is good news for the Indian animation sector. As a result, these people do possess the information necessary to produce visually appealing animations. However, lots of aspirants are enrolling in animation institutes to acquire the skills that might help them become successful professionals in their sector because there are numerous chances available in this industry. And as a result, animation institutes in Kolkata are also offering courses in animation that will prepare you for entry into the field.