How to pursue cartooning as a career option in India
Cartoons are loved by one and all irrespective of age. In fact, all our favourite cartoon characters, be it Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry or our indigenous Chhota Bheem, are innovative and appealing creations of cartoonists. A cartoonist not only decides the faces of his characters, but also endows them with life-like personas. So, it’s no wonder that cartooning has emerged as a popular career option among youngsters.
Those who are enthusiastic about sketching and have a mind full of creative ideas, can take up cartooning as a career option. Here’s everything else an aspiring cartoonist needs to know.
Courses available
There are several undergraduate degree courses and diploma courses available in India for aspiring cartoonists. In these courses, students learn the basics of cartooning, animation, sketching, painting, illustration, conceptualization, storytelling, anatomy, computer graphics, visual arts, fine arts and sequential arts. Undergraduate degree courses (3 years) include: B.Sc. in Animation, B.Sc. in Visual Communication, Bachelor’s in Cartoon & Comic Arts, Bachelor’s in Illustration & Graphic design, Bachelor’s in Digital Painting and Expanded Animation, B.A. in Digital Animation and B. Des. in Computer Animation and VFX.
The diploma courses (6 months to 1 year) include: Diploma in 3D Animation, Diploma of Screen & Media Animation, Diploma in Animation (2D & Stop Motion), Diploma in 3D Modelling and Animation, Diploma in Character Animation and Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects.
Eligibility criteria for becoming a cartoonist
After completing their class 12 board exams with compulsory Fine Arts as part of their 10+2 curriculum and 50 per cent or above, students can apply for any of the above-mentioned courses available in India. Science and Commerce students with fine drawing skills may also eligible to apply.
Aspiring cartoonists also need to sit for the entrance exams held by relevant institutes to get admission into these courses. These tests assess their cartooning skills and general aptitude followed by an interview and portfolio presentation. Most institutes prefer candidates who are sixteen years and above.
Popular universities in India to pursue cartooning
Some of the most sought-after and premium institutes for studying cartooning in India are: Indian Institute of Cartoonists, Bengaluru, Centre for Creative Arts & Design, Bengaluru, Kerala Cartoon Academy, Kochi, Antoon’s School of Animation, New Delhi, Toonza Animation Academy, Trivandrum, Picasso Animation College, Bengaluru and many more.
Career prospects of cartoonists in India
There is a wide range of career opportunities for cartoonists in India. Publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, television and film industries are some of the places where cartoonists are frequently hired. A cartoonist often acts as an illustrator or graphic artist or comic strip creator.