An animated approach to careers

With increasing demand for animators, many city students are taking the plunge into animation industry

Devanshi Joshi. Ahmedabad/DNA

Saturday, May 31, 2008
With changing times and prevalent cut-throat competition in the conventional career options, students are increasingly getting adventurous in their quest to find their niche. With their interest span getting wide, the options are getting wider. Though fields like management, engineering and medicine are still their favourite options, many students are rapidly shifting their attention towards the booming field of animation.Sahdev Dave, a Fine Arts student wants to pursue his career in animation. He feels that learning the subject could add value to his academic profile. "I have fine arts background, and I believe that the education in animation can help me in my career as it involves both technology and arts." There has been a rapid increase in demand for freelance animators, which is also encouraging youngsters to opt it as a career. Bhavesh Mehta, 23, is working as a freelance animator for Mumbai-based companies. "I learnt animation just out of curiosity. A couple of companies saw my work and now I am working as a freelance animator for different entertainment companies, earning handsome remunerations." Youngsters are also getting attracted towards entrepreneurship and are starting their ventures in animation. High growth in animation of outsourcing projects through online sites is also attracting the youngsters to make their career in animation. Shital Dave, 21, said, "I would be interested in pursuing career in animation as I've always been fascinated with the internet. Animation outsourcing has given me the opportunity to earn from home." In a seminar on career opportunities in animation, Shyam Ramanna, a digital animator and filmmaker, said, "Globally, animation is a billion dollar industry. It's a combination of art and technology, which is making students interested for a career in animation." "Globally the industry is going to reach $85 billion mark by 2009. Currently, it's a Rs500 crore industry in India, but it's expected to reach Rs4,000 crore within a year," adds Rajiv Dwivedi, an animator.