Why I chose to work in the Animation industry and teach it too?

In 2002, when I was 21 years old; I came to Hyderabad for my MFA Interview. While I was waiting for my entrance test results, I wanted to explore a field related to technology. I wanted to utilise my drawing and painting skills which I was very proud of, as I had won a gold medal for those subjects during my BFA program. That’s when, I decided to explore the field of Animation and I applied for jobs to all the top companies in Hyderabad. 

I got selected by all the five animation companies where I sent in my resume and at the same time I even got selected for my MFA program as well. But, I decided to take up a job rather than continuing my studies due to family responsibilities. 

My 19 years of work experience in the field beginning with DQ and also my teaching experience has taught me to approach the subject in a certain way and I try to imbibe the same in my students. 

First and foremost, I strongly believe that students who aspire to get into the industry must understand that Animation is for kids but it’s not a kid’s job. The industry is cool for those who are passionate about it and it’s a misperception that the Animation industry is a glamorous field. Hardwork definitely pays off but one needs to be patient and focussed for a long time to taste success.  

I strongly believe that for any student to be successful in the field of Animation, they must understand multiple aspects related to the craft. Having a good understanding about the product, target audience, style variations, client imagination, technical requirements, ease to use different softwares with their limitations and possibilities, importance of visual communication are of top priority. 

I approach teaching Animation in the following way: 

  1. I first understand the storytelling interests of the students and then motivate them in the direction of their choice. 
  2. I emphasize the importance of Film analysis which is very important for students to learn as analyzing the work done in world cinema from a conceptual and technical standpoint is always essential to help them grow as an animator. It’s important to understand the cultural nuances, different POV’s, presentation styles etc. to be good at animation.
  3. I then impart the knowledge of drawing techniques, color theories and design principles as these are the keys to replicate their imagination on physical or virtual surfaces which they will ultimately communicate with the world. 
  4. Every animator must have a reasonable understanding of acting and voice modulation as it enhances the quality of animation.
  5. Understanding the ‘Grammar of storytelling’ can help students to develop their own unique way of storytelling. I emphasize on this a lot.
  6. The students must then understand the basic animation principles as they will have the freedom to experiment and come up with more interesting aspects of the topic.
  7. I always encourage my students to play with new technologies and keep themselves updated to have an edge over the others in the industry with their storytelling techniques.
  8. Along with talent it’s professionalism that counts a lot in the industry. It’s very important to understand the industry work culture, the timelines and deadlines which one has to adhere to; for maintaining professional relationships with clients. So, I engage all my students in my client projects
  9. Effective teamwork always gives great results. So, understanding the entire pipeline and then knowing their own roles and acting accordingly is very much required. I try to emphasize the same to my students when they are working on assignments or projects with their classmates.
  10. Last but not the least, I encourage all my students to plan on paper thoroughly during the pre-production stage to reduce the chance of errors in the production stage. 

Above all, to succeed in the Animation industry apart from being passionate, talented and hardworking; two most important qualities that one needs to develop are patience and persistence because any creative product of the highest quality requires them.

At the end, it’s our credits that appear in the titles on the silver screen that makes us feel on ‘top of the world’ for bringing characters to life. So, if you have the zeal as well as the perseverance to aim high and achieve it in the Animation industry then begin now.

VIVEK PANDEY

Vivek Pandey

Vivek is a passionate and a dynamic multidisciplinary artist with 19 years of hands-on experience as an animator, quality controller, layout artist, posing artist, character designer, concept artist and storyboard artist at DQ Entertainment Ltd, where he delivered 40+ animated TV series (national & international) totaling around 450+ episodes of entertainment to the world.

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