There’s no denying that the animation and visual effects (VFX) industries are rapidly expanding. This is due to an increased demand in film, television, video games, advertising, and VR (Virtual Reality). Making it the perfect time to study this field!
What is Animation?
Animation is the process of creating the illusion of movement by displaying a series of static images or frames in rapid succession. There are different types of animation, such as 2D, 3D, and stop motion. Animation is used to create characters, objects, and environments which don’t exist in real life, and is mainly used in films, cartoons, and video games.
The animation process involves storyboarding, designing characters and backgrounds, creating keyframes, and then in-betweening to create smooth motion. Some famous examples include The Lion King (1994) and Toy Story (1995).
What is VFX?
VFX refers to the process of creating or manipulating imagery which cannot be captured during live-action shooting; it integrates real footage with digital or practical effects. Types of VFX include compositing, CGI, matte painting, and motion capture.
VFX is used to enhance or create environments, creatures, objects, and effects which cannot be achieved through practical effects or on-set filming. It is widely used in action, fantasy, sci-fi films, and TV series. The process involves shooting live-action footage, planning effects, using software to create or manipulate imagery, and compositing these elements into the final shot. An example of this can be seen in the battle scene in Avengers: End Game (2019).
What are the differences between Animation and VFX?
Animation and VFX are two distinct, yet often related, fields in the world of media production, particularly in film, television, and video games.
Animation focuses on creating movement from scratch, often starting with nothing more than drawings or models. Whereas VFX focuses on enhancing/altering live-action footage, often blending real and digital elements.
Moreover, animation can exist entirely independently of live-action footage, while VFX is almost always integrated with live-action footage. Animators mostly use software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, and Maya, whereas VFX artists use tools like After Effects, Nuke, and Houdini.
Both animation and VFX deal with the creation of visual content, but animation focuses on creating the illusion of movement from scratch, whereas VFX is all about enhancing/altering real footage to create scenes which would be impossible to film in real life.
Q&A
Ever wondered what it would be like to study animation and visual effects? We asked current ACC Birmingham student, Zanko, to tell us a bit about his experience on this course.
Hey Zanko, please can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I study Level 3 VFX at ACC Birmingham. My main interests are video editing, design and fashion. I am intrigued by the creativity which we see in everyday life but may not notice.
What inspired you to study VFX at ACC and do you have any current inspirations?
I chose to study VFX because I’ve always been interested in ways to manipulate video and I wanted to expand my knowledge on this subject. We see video/visual effects all the time in our everyday lives, in the music industry, motion graphics etc. I’ve always paid close attention to the details which craft these videos. I enjoy developing my technical knowledge and skills and also learning about the pipeline of production and where I’d like to be involved in it.
How do you find studying at ACC Birmingham?
I find studying at ACC really beneficial;I’m able to add my own creative flair to coursework, and accepting of everyone and I also appreciate my teachers, as they really give time to you as an individual and ensure you’re doing your best.
Can you tell us what you enjoy doing outside of college which benefits this course / your career?
Outside of college I occasionally freelance. I enjoy putting promotional videos together for music and other types of media. I like to focus on vintage styles, mixing the old with the new i.e vintage effects like VHS.
What do you see yourself doing after you finish studying at ACC?
After studying at ACC, I would like to go to the University of Arts London.
In your opinion, what does success in this industry look like?
Success in this industry is having a defined niche which people deliberately reach out to you for. It’s important to be flexible, but to also focus on one particular area, so your portfolio can be tailored.
Is there any advice you would give to future students who are considering taking this course?
Future students should familiarise themselves with softwares used in the industry, such as ‘Blender’ and ‘After Effects’. It’s important to consider what areas of VFX interest you the most, because VFX covers a lot of areas in the media industry. It’s important to understand what you see yourself building a career with.
At ACC, we provide industry-standard software and techniques, in bespoke, curated spaces, so that students can develop their skills while preparing for a career in the industry.
If you’ve got a passion for all things animation and visual effects, and want to turn that passion into a career, read more about our VFX course!
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