So, you’re done with your 10th-grade exams? Wow, that’s awesome! Now, a big question must be popping up in your mind – “What next?” Science, Commerce, Arts… these are all well-known options. But have you ever thought that your creativity, your imagination, could lead you to a super cool career? Yes, I’m talking about Animation!

You might be thinking, “Animation? Isn’t that just cartoons?” Oh no, my friend, animation is so much more than that! It’s a whole world where you can bring your stories, your characters, and your ideas to life on screen. And the best part? You can start thinking about stepping into this exciting field right after your 10th grade. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the amazing career options in animation after 10th. All in simple, easy language, just like I’m explaining it to you over a friendly chat. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why Animation? Why Is It Such a Great Option After 10th?

You may ask yourself, with all these options, why choose animation, particularly after 10th? Well, let me tell you some cool reasons:

Early Start, Bigger Advantage:

If you have an interest in drawing, storytelling, or computers, joining animation after 10th can be a good idea. You’ll be learning early on, and when your friends are still deliberating college courses, you may be working on your first animation piece! An early head start can actually benefit you in the long term.

Unleash Your Imagination to the Fullest:

Animation is a career where your imagination has no bounds. You can design alien worlds, give voice to animals, or make superheroes soar – anything you can think of, you can bring to life on screen! If there’s a budding artist or writer within you, this is the greatest opportunity to let it shine through.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! (Really, Surge Industry):

Movies, television series, video games, advertisements, educational movies: Animation is required everywhere. Animation in India, as well as outside in the international markets, is booming. What implication does that hold? The projected animation career jobs after the 10th class are unfolding for the talented animators.

Fun Work:

Imagine your job making Tom & Jerry doing their silly circuits, or letting us see Chhota Bheem execute his missions, or actually creating an entirely new world in a game! It far outweighs doing any dull 9-to-5! It is fun and very stimulating work.

A Chance to Always Learn Something New:

Animation technology never remains still. New software is introduced, new methods are discovered. So, you will always learn something new. And if you love learning, this career will never be able to make you feel bored.

So, if all this interests you, then animation might be your career!

The Different Faces of Animation: Let’s Understand Them!

Animation is not one thing but multiple things. Let us learn some basic types with simple examples:

1. 2D Animation (Two-Dimensional)

What is it?

This is the classic animation you’ve been watching since you were a kid. It’s just like when you draw characters in a flipbook, and when you change the pages very fast, they appear to be moving – that’s the basic idea! It’s also called “flat” animation because it doesn’t have depth.

Examples: Your favorite Tom & Jerry, Doraemon, Shinchan, Mickey Mouse (the old ones), and lots of classic Disney cartoons.

How is it produced?

Artists once drew each frame manually. Nowadays, computer programs such as Adobe Animate (previously Flash) and Toon Boom Harmony are utilized. But the aesthetic remains old-school.

Who is it for?

If you like drawing, designing characters, and telling simple, emotional stories, then 2D animation is great for you. It’s still used extensively for TV shows, commercials, and educational videos.

2. 3D. Animation (Three-Dimensional)

What is it?

This is the animation that is almost real! In this, objects and characters have width, height, and length, as they do in real life. You can turn them around and view them from any angle.

Examples: Frozen, Toy Story, Minions, How to Train Your Dragon, special effects in films like Baahubali and RRR also feature 3D characters, and most video games nowadays.

How is it created?

This is all computer-done. There are specialized computer software programs such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Cinema 4D that are employed to build computer models of characters and objects. After that, they are “rigged” (as in, like adding bones to them) so that they can move.

Which career is it suited for? If you enjoy computers, technology, problem-solving, and wish to design realistic or highly detailed characters/worlds, then you’ll adore 3D animation. It’s high in demand for films, games, and premium commercials. 3D is an enormous part of the career prospects in animation after 10th.

3. Stop Motion Animation

What is it?

This is a highly unusual and fascinating method of creating animation. Here, actual objects (such as clay figures, puppets, or LEGO pieces) are displaced by a fraction of an inch, and a picture is taken. Next, they’re displaced a little more, and another picture is taken. If all these pictures are played back fast in succession, it appears that the objects are moving independently!

Examples: Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, Corpse Bride, Kubo and the Two Strings. A few commercials and short films in India also employ this technique.

How is it created?

It takes lots of patience! You need to position the object for each slight movement and click a picture.

Who is it for?

If you enjoy creating things by hand (crafting), are a lot patient, and desire a one-of-a-kind, handmade appearance for your animation, then stop motion is great.

4. Motion Graphics

What is it?

This style of animation is slightly different. It’s less about characters, but more about creatively animating text, shapes, logos, and other graphics. Consider the graphics that precede TV news, or the promotional video of an app, or moving text in YouTube clips.

Examples: Title sequences for news channels, opening sequences for movies, explanatory videos (where complicated concepts are described using straightforward graphics), app/web promotional videos.

How is it made?

Software like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D (for 3D motion graphics) are used.

Who is it good for?

If you like graphic design, enjoy presenting information in a visually attractive way, and have a good grasp of design principles, then motion graphics is a perfect fit for you. It’s in high demand in advertising, marketing, and online content.

5. VFX (Visual Effects)

What is it?

VFX means Visual Effects. This is the magic that makes impossible things look possible in movies! Like a superhero flying, buildings collapsing, a dinosaur roaming in the city, or those grand waterfalls and battle scenes in Baahubali. VFX combines live-action footage (real shooting) with computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Examples: Marvel movies (Avengers, Spider-Man), Avatar, Jurassic Park, Interstellar, and in India, Baahubali, RRR, KGF.

How is it made?

It involves many complex software (like Nuke, Houdini, Maya) and techniques. It’s closely related to 3D animation, but its focus is on integration with the real world.

Who is it good for?

If you go “wow” watching special effects in movies, love technical challenges, and have good problem-solving skills, then VFX can be a very exciting career for you. You can find many focused career options in animation after 10th here too, with the right training.

See? Animation is so diverse! You can choose any type based on your interests and skills.

What Can You Become? Career Options in Animation After 10th

Now for the most important question – what kind of jobs can you do after learning animation? Let’s look at some popular career options in animation after 10th in detail. We’ll understand what each role involves and why it’s cool:

1. Animator (The One Who Makes Things Move!)

Who are they?

An animator is the magician who gives movement to characters, objects, or text. They bring them to life! Whether it’s Tom chasing Jerry, Elsa building her ice palace, or a logo dancing on the screen – it’s all the animator’s magic.

Types of Animators:

Character Animator: They make characters act – walk, run, talk, and show expressions (happiness, anger, sadness). They need to understand the character’s personality to give them movement. Just like an actor performs on stage, a character animator makes characters perform on a digital stage.

• 2D Animator: Animates 2D characters and scenes.
• 3D Animator: Animates 3D models using software.

Why is it cool?

You bring lifeless drawings or models to life! You can make people laugh, cry, or get excited with your work. It feels like being a director!

How to become one?

Strong drawing skills (for 2D), good observation skills (how people walk, behave), and an understanding of animation principles are very important. You’ll need to learn software like Maya, Blender, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate.

2. Storyboard Artist (The One Who Tells Stories in Pictures)

Who are they?

Before a film is made, or an animation project begins, the story is drawn out in a sequence of small pictures. It looks like a comic book. Each drawing shows a shot or a scene – where the character will be, what the camera angle will be, what action will happen. The storyboard artist does this job.

Why is it cool?

You get to visualize the entire film/episode with the director. Your work becomes the blueprint for the whole project. If your drawing and storytelling skills are good, this role is very creative.

How to become one?

You need drawing skills, an understanding of film language (camera angles, shots), and the ability to translate a story visually.

3. 3D Modeler (The Digital Sculptor)

Who are they?

The characters, props (like swords, cars), and environments (houses, jungles, cities) you see in 3D animation and games are digitally “sculpted” or “built” on a computer by a 3D Modeler. Just like a sculptor creates a statue from clay, a 3D modeler creates 3D models from digital clay (software).

Why is it cool?

You can create entirely new characters and worlds, or make real things so detailed that they look real. The things you create become an important part of a movie or game.

How to become one?

You need a strong visual sense, attention to detail, and mastery of 3D modeling software (like Maya, Blender, ZBrush). A bit of understanding of anatomy (body structure) also helps in character modeling.

4. Texturing Artist (The Digital Painter)

Who are they?

Once a 3D model is created (which is usually gray), the Texturing Artist adds color, patterns, and material details to it. For example, what will the character’s clothes look like (cotton, silk?), what will their skin be like (smooth, rough?), what kind of paint will be on the wall (new, old?) – the texturing artist decides all this. They “paint” the model.

Why is it cool?

You make a plain model come alive and look believable. Your work adds realism and personality to the model. It’s like digital painting, but on 3D objects.

How to become one?

You need a good understanding of colors, materials, light, and digital painting skills. Software like Substance Painter, Mari, and Photoshop are used.

5. Lighting Artist (The Magician of Digital Light)

Who are they?

Just like lights are set up on a movie set to create a mood, the Lighting Artist sets up digital lights in a 3D scene. Where will the light come from, how bright will it be, how will shadows form – the lighting artist decides all this. The right lighting can make a scene look dramatic, happy, or scary.

Why is it cool?

You can change the entire mood and feel of a scene with your work! You guide the audience on where to look. It’s a very technical and artistic role.

How to become one?

A good understanding of light and shadow, and an interest in photography or cinematography is helpful. Lighting tools in software like Maya and Blender are used, and knowledge of rendering engines (like Arnold, V-Ray) is needed.

6. Rigger (The Digital Puppet Master)

Who are they?

Before a 3D character model can be animated, a digital skeleton and controls need to be added to it, so the animator can move it easily. The Rigger does this job. Think of it like a puppet master putting strings on a puppet to control it; a rigger puts digital “strings” (controls) on a 3D model.

Why is it cool?

You make the character “animation-ready” for the animator. If the rigging isn’t good, the character won’t move properly. It’s a very technical role that requires problem-solving skills.

How to become one?

A good understanding of anatomy (how humans and animals move), technical aptitude, and basic knowledge of scripting (like Python) are very helpful. Software like Maya has rigging tools.

7. Compositing Artist (The One Who Puts All the Pieces Together)

Who are they?

An animation shot can have many different elements – like character animation, background, special effects (smoke, fire), lighting passes. The Compositing Artist seamlessly combines all these different layers to create the final image. They also check if the colors are correct and everything looks good together.

Why is it cool?

You shape the final picture! You get many “ingredients,” and you mix them to create a “delicious dish” (the final shot). Your work is what the audience sees on screen.

How to become one?

You need a keen eye for detail, an understanding of color theory, and proficiency in software like Nuke or After Effects.

8. VFX Artist (The King of Special Effects)

Who are they?

These are the people who create amazing visual effects in movies and games – like blasts, magic spells, water simulations, fire, smoke, destruction, etc. They combine physics and art to create believable effects.

Why is it cool?

You create things on screen that are impossible or very dangerous to do in real life! You give the audience a chance to say “wow.”

How to become one?

You need strong technical skills, a basic understanding of physics, problem-solving ability, and expertise in software like Houdini, Maya (for effects), and Nuke (for compositing). Continuous learning is very important in this field. Many focused career options in animation after 10th also lead towards VFX.

9. Game Designer / Developer (The Game Maker)

Who are they?

If you’re interested in animation as well as video games, you can become a game designer or developer. A Game Designer designs the game’s rules, story, levels, and gameplay. A Game Developer (which includes animators) turns that design into an actual game using code and art. Animators create characters, environments, and special effects for games.

Why is it cool?

You create interactive entertainment for people! You can build your own worlds and rules where people can get lost for hours.

How to become one?

You need knowledge of game design principles, storytelling, animation skills (if you want to be a game animator), and game engines (like Unity, Unreal Engine). Basic understanding of programming is also helpful.

10. Cartoonist / Illustrator (The Storyteller Through Drawings)

Who are they?

If you love traditional drawing and storytelling, you can become a cartoonist (for comics, political cartoons) or an illustrator (creating pictures for books, magazines, websites). A basic understanding of animation can be helpful here too, especially in character design and expression.

Why is it cool?

You see the world in your unique style and express it. Even a single drawing of yours can say a lot.

How to become one?

Excellent drawing skills, your unique style, and the ability to communicate a story or message visually are needed.

These are just some of the main roles. Besides these, there are many other specialized career options in animation after 10th, like Pre-production artist, Post-production artist, Motion capture artist, etc. As you move forward in the field, you’ll discover even more paths.

How to Step into the World of Animation? (Your Journey After 10th)

So now you know what animation is and what you can do in it. But the question is, how do you start, especially after 10th? Don’t worry, I’ll tell you step-by-step:

Step 1: Ask Yourself – Is This Really for You?

First, take some time to think:

• Do you really enjoy drawing, imagining new things, or doing creative work on a computer?
• Can you focus on one thing for hours? Animation requires a lot of patience.
• Do you pay attention to details? Even a small expression or movement matters a lot.
• Are you ready to learn new software and techniques?
• Do you like listening to and telling stories?

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, then you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Start Learning – Where and How?

After 10th, you have a few ways to learn animation:

1. Formal Education (Learning from an Institute):

This is the most common and structured way. You can do diploma or certificate courses in animation after 10th.

Diploma Courses in Animation After 10th:

These are usually 1 to 3 years long. They teach you the fundamentals of animation, different types of animation (2D, 3D), software training, and portfolio development. Many institutes also offer specializations for various career options in animation after 10th.

Certificate Courses:

These are shorter (a few months to 1 year). They might focus on a specific skill or software, like only 3D modeling or only VFX.

How to Choose a Good Animation Institute?

This is a very important decision. When selecting an institute, definitely look at these things:

• Faculty (Teachers): Are the teachers experienced industry professionals? Look at their work.
• Curriculum (Syllabus): Is the syllabus updated and relevant to industry needs? Do they focus on practical training?
• Infrastructure (Facilities): Do they have good computers, the latest software, drawing labs, and other necessary facilities?
• Student Work & Alumni: Look at the work of current and past students. Where are they working?
• Placement Assistance: Does the institute help with job placements? What is their placement record? (But don’t just depend on placements; your skills and portfolio are most important).
• Reviews & Reputation: Read online reviews about the institute, and if possible, talk to students studying there.

1. Self-Learning (Learning on Your Own):

If you are very disciplined and motivated, you can also learn animation on your own. Nowadays, there are many resources available on the internet:

Online Tutorials: There are countless YouTube channels that teach animation software and techniques for free (like Blender Guru, Alan Becker Tutorials, etc.). Additionally, websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer paid courses.

Free Software: You don’t need to buy expensive software to start. Blender is a very powerful, professional-grade 3D animation software that is absolutely FREE! Krita (for drawing and 2D animation) is also free.

Books & Blogs: There are many good books and blogs on animation principles and techniques.

Practice, Practice, Practice: The most important thing in self-learning is regular practice. Try to create something, however small, every day.

Which Path is Better?

Both have their advantages. An institute gives you a structured environment, guidance, and support from peers. Self-learning allows you to learn at your own pace and can be cost-effective. Many people use a combination of both – they join an institute and also learn from online resources. If you are seriously exploring career options in animation after 10th, doing a good foundation course from a reputed institute can be beneficial.

Step 3: Build Your Portfolio (Your Work Album)

What is a portfolio?

It’s a collection of your best animation work. When you apply for a job or internship, companies look at your portfolio more than your degree. Your portfolio shows what you can do.

How to Start?

While you’re learning, keep making small projects. A bouncing ball, a simple character walk cycle, a small 3D model – anything.

Quality Over Quantity:

In the beginning, focus on quality, not quantity. Even if you have only 2-3 good pieces, they should showcase your skills.

Show Variety (If Possible):

If you’ve done different kinds of work (like character animation, modeling, etc.), include it in your portfolio.

Online Portfolio: Keep your portfolio on a website (like ArtStation, Behance) or Google Drive so you can easily share it.

Keep Updating:

As you get better, keep adding new and improved work to your portfolio.

Remember, your portfolio is your biggest asset in the animation industry!

Not Just Drawing, These Skills Are Also Important!

To do well in animation, just drawing or software skills are not enough. Some other “soft skills” are also very important:

Observation Skills (Look at the World Carefully):

Animators need to observe the world around them very closely. How people walk, how they talk, how their expressions change, how light falls on objects – observing all this helps you make your animation more realistic and believable.

Patience (Good Things Come to Those Who Wait):

Animation takes time. Even a short shot can take hours or days of work. So, patience is very important. Don’t get frustrated and give up.

Teamwork (Working Together):

Big animation movies or games are made by entire teams. Animators, modelers, riggers, lighters – everyone has to work together. So, you need to get used to working in a team.

Communication Skills (Expressing and Understanding):

You’ll need to explain your ideas to your director or team leader, and understand their feedback. Good communication makes work run smoothly.

Problem-Solving Skills (A Solution for Every Problem):

Technical problems pop up in animation all the time. Software might crash, a character might move weirdly. You need to know how to solve those problems.

Storytelling Skills (The Art of Telling a Story):

Animation isn’t just moving pictures; it’s a way to tell stories. Whether you’re a character animator or a lighting artist, you need to know how your work is supporting the story.

Time Management (Using Time Wisely):

Projects have deadlines. You need to complete your work on time.

Creativity & Imagination (New Thinking):

This is the heart of animation! Always think of new ideas, try to do something different.

Adaptability & Learning Agility (Change with the Changes):

Technology is changing very fast. New software, new techniques keep coming. You have to be ready to always learn new things.

You can develop these skills gradually. Just make a conscious effort.

What’s the Future of Animation? (What’s the Scope Like?)

The future of animation is very bright, both in India and globally.

Entertainment Industry is Booming:

Movies (Hollywood, Bollywood, regional), TV shows (kids’ channels, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime), web series – the demand for animation and VFX is increasing everywhere.

The Gaming Industry’s Magic:

Mobile games, PC games, console games – gaming has become a huge industry, and there’s a big need for skilled animators and game artists.

Animation in Advertising:

Animation is being used a lot to make ads interesting and engaging (explainer videos, product demos, animated commercials).

Education & E-Learning:

The use of animation in educational videos and e-learning modules is increasing to make complex topics easier. Imagine how interesting science concepts or history stories can become with animation!

Medical, Architecture, Engineering:

Animators are also needed in these fields for 3D visualization and simulation.

India as an Animation Hub:

Due to talent and cost-effectiveness, a lot of international animation work is outsourced to India. Besides this, India’s own domestic animation industry is also growing rapidly. Original Indian content (like Chhota Bheem, Motu Patlu) is very popular.

Global Opportunities:

If your skills are good, you can also get opportunities to work in international studios, or you can freelance and work for clients around the world.

So, don’t worry about the animation scope after 10th. If you’re passionate and hardworking, there will be no shortage of opportunities.

How Much Money Will You Make? (A Salary Estimate)

This is a common question. Salary in the animation field depends on a few things:

• How strong your skills and portfolio are.
• How much experience you have.
• Which company and city you’re working in.
• What your role is (e.g., a 3D animator’s salary might be higher than a junior 2D animator’s).

Fresher (At the Start): A fresher animator (after a diploma or degree) in India can expect approximately ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per month. This will depend on the company and your skills. It might be a bit less in smaller cities and a bit more in bigger cities (like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune).

With Experience: As your experience (2-5 years) and skills grow, your salary will also increase. Experienced animators can earn ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per month or even more. At a senior level (like Animation Director, VFX Supervisor), salaries are even better.

Freelancing: If you work freelance, you can charge per project. Income is variable here, but with good work and contacts, you can earn very well.

Important Note: In the beginning, don’t focus too much on salary. Focus on learning good work, gaining experience, and building a strong portfolio. When your skills are valuable in the industry, the money will follow.

Some Challenges Too (And How to Deal With Them)

Like any field, animation also has some challenges:

• Competition: It’s a popular field, so there will be competition. Don’t be scared by this. If your skills are good and you work hard, you will definitely stand out.
• Long Working Hours: Sometimes you might have to work long hours to meet deadlines, especially around project delivery time. You need to be mentally prepared for this.
• Continuous Learning: Technology and trends keep changing. You’ll have to keep learning new things. Think of this as an opportunity, not a challenge.
• Handling Criticism: You’ll get feedback and criticism on your work. Don’t take it personally. Use it to improve your work.
• Creative Blocks: Sometimes ideas stop flowing, or motivation dips. At such times, take a break, watch something inspiring, or talk to other artists.

How to Deal With Them?

• Keep improving your skills.
• Build a network (connect with people in the industry).
• Take care of your health (physically and mentally).
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Love your work!

Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

A Friend’s Advice (Some Extra Tips)

Okay, now for some extra tips that will come in handy:

Watch Lots of Animation (And Analyze It):

Watch not just for entertainment, but to learn. Observe how characters move, what the lighting is like, how the story progresses.

Join Online Communities:

Behance, ArtStation, Facebook groups, Discord servers – here you can connect with other artists, see their work, get feedback, and learn new things.

Attend Workshops And Webinars:

If possible, attend workshops and webinars by industry professionals. You’ll learn a lot of new things from them.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:

Keep trying new styles, new techniques. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; we learn from mistakes.

Start With Small Projects: Don’t try to take on big and complex projects at the beginning. Set small, achievable goals and complete them. This will boost your confidence.

Find Your “Voice”: What’s your unique style? What kind of stories do you want to tell? Gradually, you’ll find your creative voice.

Be Patient: It takes time to develop skills. No one becomes an expert overnight. Keep making consistent efforts.

So, What Have You Decided? (Conclusion)

Wow! We’ve talked about so many things regarding career options in animation after 10th. I hope you now have a much clearer idea about animation.

Remember, animation can be a very rewarding and exciting career path if you have creativity, passion, and the spirit to work hard. Choosing this direction after 10th can give you an early start. You have many career options in animation after 10th – from 2D to 3D, VFX to gaming.

Don’t be nervous at all. If you feel this field is calling you, do your research, find out about good institutes, and if possible, talk to an experienced animator.

Your future is in your hands. If you can dream it, you can bring it to life on screen! All the best, friend! I’m sure whatever you do, you’ll do great! 😊