What is Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics?
Multimedia refers to the use of a combination of various types of artistic and communicative media such as drawings, video, audio, text, and animations through computer-assisted technologies for the dissemination of information artistically and interactively.
Animation is the art of drawing or capturing a sequence of still images, which are then digitally or manually manipulated to generate the illusion of motion.
Graphics are computer-generated visual images and designs, and VFX or ‘visual effects’ refers to special effects added to films or videos through computer-controlled manipulation of graphics and images.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
Undergraduate degrees offered in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics include the following-
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)- 3 years
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)- 3 years
- Bachelor of Design (B Des)- 3-4 years
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)- 3-4 years
- Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA)- 4 years
- Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)- 3 years
- Undergraduate Diploma
- Certificate Courses
Specialisations in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
Specialisations offered in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics include the following-
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- Animation and Filmmaking
- Animation and Graphics
- Animation and Multimedia
- Animation and VFX
- Animation Film Design
- Animation, VFX and Gaming
- Computer Animation
- Digital Filmmaking and VFX
- Gaming Animation
- Gaming and Mobile Application Development
- Graphics and Gaming
- Graphic Design
- Graphics and Digital Media
- Medical Animation and Audio-Visual Creation
- Multimedia Science, Augmented and Virtual Reality
- Multimedia, Animation and Graphics/Graphic Design
- Multimedia, Animation, VFX & Graphics
- VFX
- VFX and Graphics
- VFX Filmmaking
- Visual Arts (Animation Filmmaking)
Eligibility and Requirements for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
Students can enrol in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics colleges and courses after appearing for entrance exams across the country. The eligibility criteria are as follows-
- Candidates enrolling on Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics programmes and entrances must have passed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examinations from a recognised Indian board with a minimum aggregate of 50-55% marks.
- Candidates from any stream (Science/Commerce/Humanities) can apply for Multimedia, Animation, and VFX courses.
- Certain courses require candidates to have compulsory subjects such as Computer Science and Mathematics in their 10+2.
Admission Procedure for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
The admission procedure for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics colleges and courses in India is as follows-
- Candidates applying for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics courses must qualify for the minimum eligibility to appear for the respective entrance exams. Candidates can apply for the entrance examinations by registering in the online portal and submitting the required documents.
- After appearing for the entrance exams, candidates will be shortlisted based on scores, ranks, and merit lists in the counselling session for the respective colleges/entrances. Some colleges may also conduct group discussions and private interviews (GD/PI) rounds for further screening of candidates.
- In the case of merit-based admissions, candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of their 10+2 examination scores.
- Shortlisted candidates may finalise their admission at the concerned college by paying the fees and submitting the required documents for verification.
Entrance Tests for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics Courses
Some of the important entrance tests offering admission into undergraduate Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics design courses include the following-
- The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED)- conducted by the Indian Insitute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B)
- National Institute of Design-Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)- conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID).
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam- conducted by NIFT
- The All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) -conducted by the ARCH Academy of Design
- The Indian Insitute of Art and Design- Design Aptitude Test (IIAD-DAT)- conducted by IIAD
- Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)- conducted by the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)
- Unitedworld Institute of Design- Design Aptitude Test (UID-DAT)- conducted by UID
- Chandigarh University Entrance Exam- conducted by Chandigarh University
- WLCI Aptitude Test- conducted by WLCI
- Manipal Entrance Test (MET)- conducted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Aptitude for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
Creatively inclined students with technological prowess may find Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics a suitable career. Students may ascertain whether to make this their study goal by meeting the following criteria:
- Creative outlook
- Visual imagination
- Technical Acumen
- Communication Skills
- Visual effects
- Knowledge of current trends and styles
- Attention to detail
- Computer literacy
- Knowledge of animation software systems
- Aesthetic visualisation
- Time management skills
Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics Subjects
Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics courses comprise subjects and topics such as-
- Introduction to design
- Visual literacy
- Design methodology and process
- Graphic design
- Animation production process
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- Fundamentals of digital film making
- Advertising and branding design
- Visual narratives and sequential structure
- Web technology and interactivity
- Animation fundamentals and the science of motion
- Storytelling and representing animatics
- Portfolio creation and presentation
- Introduction to VFX
- Fundamentals of visual effects
- Special effects technology
Top Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics Specialisations for the Future
The most popular and lucrative specialisations in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics include the following-
- 3D Modelling Effects and Animation
- Interactive Design and Animation
- Medical Animation
- Mathematical Modelling
- Character Animation
- Science Visualisation
- UI/UX Design and Animation
- Virtual Production
- Educational Graphics
Post-graduate Study/Research Opportunities in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
After completing their undergraduate animation courses like B Des/BSc/BFA/BVA/BA/BCA, students may opt for higher education with Master's/PhD degrees. Here are a few postgraduate study and research opportunities in India:
- Master of Design (MDes) -2 years
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)- 2 years
- Master of Science (MSc)- 2 years
- Master of Arts (MA)- 2 years
- Master of Vocation (M Voc)- 2 years
- Post-graduate Diploma- 9 months to 2 years
- Master of Philosophy (M Phil)- 2 years
- Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD.)
Important entrance exams for admission into postgraduate Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics programmes include-
- Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)- conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B)
- National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)
- National Insitute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam (NIFT EE)
- All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)
- Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)
Career Prospects/Placements in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
After completing their Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics programmes degrees, students may choose from various career prospects depending on their specialisations. Some of the popular and lucrative career prospects in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics include:
- 3D Modeller
- 2D Animator
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Multimedia Designer
- Social Media Executive
- Animation Graphic Artist
- Video Game Animator
- VFX Animator
- Motion Designer (UI/UX)
- Character Animator
- Cartoonist
- Storyboard Artist
- Animation Software Developer
- Background Painter
- Art Director
- Medical/Forensic Animator
- Scientific Visualisation Animator
- Motion Graphics Designer
Starting Salaries in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
The average starting salaries for Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics graduates range between 1.5 to 3 lakhs per annum and can go as high as 12 LPA for senior designers.
Subjects Similar to Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics
Students interested in Multimedia, Animation, VFX and Graphics programmes might be interested in similar subjects like-
- Interior Design
- Product Design
- Communication Design
- Exhibition Design
- Filmmaking
- Fine Arts
- Computer Science
- Film Editing and Directing
- Videography
- Photography
- Liberal Arts