Can I Study Both VFX and Animation Simultaneously?

What is VFX?

Visual Effects or VFX is also referred to as Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). As the term suggests, it involves using a variety of digital tools to create, replace, or enhance visual content. Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max, Mocha, Nuke, Silhouette, and Adobe After Effects are some of the most potent VFX tools used in the industry today.

There is a wide variety of things that can be achieved using VFX, including:

• Environment creation
• Removal of elements
• Manipulation of live video footage
• Integration of live-action footage and computer graphics

VFX is widely popular because it allows filmmakers to create visuals that are either difficult or impossible to shoot in the real world. Endgame, Interstellar, Baahubali, Game of Thrones – there is literally no feature film or series today that does not leverage the power of visual effects to produce outstanding visuals. If you’ve wondered how Khaleesi’s fearsome dragons were created, well, the credit goes to the VFX artists. Or if you were curious about the epic scene from The Matrix where Keanu Reeves dodges those trace-leaving bullets, here’s a video that demonstrates how it was originally shot using green screens and what the end result was:

What is Animation?

Animation refers to simulating or creating the illusion of movement by sequentially placing multiple images in quick succession. 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop motion animation are some of the most popular types under this category. Animation is used across the board for projects like:

• Feature films
• Television and web shows
• Digital videos
• Advertisements / commercials

From Mickey Mouse and Tom and Jerry to Wall-E and Toy Story, animated films have won the hearts of audiences the world over. Blender, Cinema 4D, After Effects, Adobe Animate, Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max Design, and Adobe Animate are some examples of the high-end software that animators use for their projects. Here’s a fantastic video that takes you down the memory lane to track the evolution of animation – from hand-drawn animation to its computer-enabled ultramodern version:

So, Animation and VFX Are Two Entirely Different Worlds, Then?

Yes, there are several differences between animation and VFX, but they converge more often than you would imagine. For instance, take the Harry Potter series of films or even last year’s Detective Pikachu. You will notice that such films successfully managed to combine live-action footage (loaded with a whole lot of visual effects) and animation.

While the terms VFX and animation are used interchangeably by a vast majority of the audience, it is essential that you understand what makes them different from each other. As mentioned above, there are differences not only on a conceptual level but also in terms of creation and application.

Kick-start Your Career in VFX and Animation With This Handy Guide!

If you are pondering over what kind of career opportunities exist in either field, here are some of the most in-demand jobs in the industry.

VFX:

• Compositing artist
• Lighting artist
• Roto artist
• Matte painter
• Match mover
• Rendering artist
• Layout artist

Read about these roles in detail here.

Animation:

• 2D animator
• 3D animator
• 3D modeler
• Storyboarding artist
• Texturing artist
• Character animator

Can I Study Both VFX and Animation Together?

We have already established that the two realms go hand-in-hand more often than not. While most colleges offer degree or diploma (or even certificate) courses in either animation or visual effects, it is ideally recommended that you choose a program that offers a mix of both.

Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, for example, delivers an all-encompassing degree in visual effects and animation for film and TV at two campuses:

Pune – Bachelor of Arts (Visual Effects & Animation for Film & TV)

Bengaluru – Bachelor of Science (Visual Effects & Animation)

Designed to help you lay down a solid foundation for your career in the entertainment industry, Seamedu’s courses give equal weightage to both animation as well as VFX. Our programs have been curated by industry experts in a bid to offer creative youngsters with the right set of skills to become industry-ready by the end of the degree. Widely regarded as the premierfilm making, animation and visual effects institute in the country, Seamedu also has a stellar track record of placements.

Seamedu’s degree offerings under the VFX and Animation umbrella (with specialization options) could be your one-way ticket to a rewarding career in the media industry.