Graphic Design and Motion Graphics – Industry-aligned courses in AVGC sector

TCS iON and Toonz Media Group have collaborated to offer Graphic Design and Motion Graphics programs to meet the rising demand for skilled workforce.

These programs are designed to equip learners with industry-relevant skills necessary for a successful career in Media & Entertainment industry, including roles such as Graphic Designer, Animator, Video Editor and more.

To learn more about education and career opportunities in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics, skills required for various job roles and the programs offered by TCS iON and Toonz Media, we spoke with Ms. Jyoti Joshi, Lead – Pre-sales, TCS iON and Mr. Vinod A.S, VP – Academics & Training, Toonz Animation.

Q. Why is Animation, Visual effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector called the sunrise industry of India?

Ms. Jyoti Joshi – In recent times, the AVGC sector in India has experienced unprecedented growth rates, attracting many global players to avail of offshore services from Indian talent. Experts anticipate that within the Media and Entertainment industry, the AVGC sector could grow by 14-16% in the next decade, contributing to the overall industry’s 8.8% CAGR growth by 2026.

India is becoming a primary destination for high-end, skill-based activities in the AVGC sector. The Government of India has designated audio-visual services as one of the 12 Champion Service Sectors and announced essential policy measures to nurture sustained growth.

Today, India contributes about $2.5-3 billion out of the estimated $260-275 billion worldwide AVGC market. Creating the AVGC ecosystem within the country requires a workforce with specialized skills for various roles, such as Graphic designers, Motion Graphic Designers, Animators, Developers, Localization experts, etc.

However, the education system at schools, colleges, and universities in India currently needs a dedicated AVGC-focused curriculum. As a result, one of the critical recommendations from the Task Force report is to incorporate skill-based AVGC courses as part of general and vocational education.

Q. What are some reasons to consider a career in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics?

Mr. Vinod A.S: There are five reasons why one should consider exploring and building a career in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics:

High demand: Graphic Design and Motion Graphics are in high demand in today’s digital world. Companies and individuals need attractive and engaging visuals to communicate their messages effectively.
Versatile career options: There is a wide range of career options available in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics, including working as an in-house designer for a company, freelancing, or starting a design agency.
Flexibility: Many Graphic designers and Motion Graphics artists can work remotely, making it a great career option for those who value flexibility in their work.
Creative fulfilment: Graphic Design and Motion Graphics offer a great opportunity for creative expression. One can bring ideas to life through visual communication.
High compensation: Graphic designers and Motion Graphics artists with specialized skills or high-profile clients are usually well-compensated for their work.

Q. Can you explain the difference between Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Animation, and why each area is essential to the AVGC sector?

Ms. Jyoti Joshi: Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Animation are all distinct areas of Visual Communication that are essential to the AVGC sector. The difference between the three are:

Graphic Design: Graphic design visually communicates information, ideas, or messages to a specific audience. Graphic designers use typography, colour, images, and other elements to create designs for advertising, marketing, branding, and more. They create content for print and web, designing logos, packaging, posters, billboards, and other media.

Motion Graphics: Motion Graphics use digital animation to create visually compelling designs that tell a story or communicate information. They can include moving text, shapes, and other graphic elements to produce visually engaging and memorable effects. Motion graphics are frequently used in television commercials, film and video productions, digital advertisements, and e-learning courses.

Animation: Animation is the art of bringing static images to life by creating the illusion of motion and change. Animators use different techniques, such as hand-drawn Animation, Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), and stop-motion animation, to give life to characters, objects, and environments.

These three areas are crucial in the AVGC sector because they enable the creation of immersive and engaging visual content. Together, these areas of visual communication, enabling creators to produce compelling and visually captivating content that attracts audiences and drives engagement.

Q. What skills are needed for jobs in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics, and is creativity essential to enter this industry?

Mr. Vinod A.S: Graphic Design and Motion Graphics demand a combination of technical and artistic skills, making them highly creative fields. Some essential skills for these roles include:

Graphic Design

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite software like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
Understanding of typography, colour theory, and layout principles
Strong communication skills to collaborate with clients and team members
Knowledge of Ad design, user experience (UX) design, print design, packaging design etc.
Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously

Motion Graphics

Proficiency in Motion Graphics software such as Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Maya
Understanding of animation principles, such as timing, weight, and anticipation
Strong communication skills to collaborate with clients and team members
Knowledge of typography, colour theory, and layout design for Motion Graphics
Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously
Understanding of sound design and editing

While creativity is essential in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics, one does not necessarily need to be inherently creative to enter the industry. Thinking creatively and having a passion for design are vital to excelling in these fields. With practice and dedication, individuals can develop their creativity and technical skills to excel in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics.

Q. How do programs offered by TCS iON and Toonz Media prepare students for a career in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics?

Ms. Jyoti Joshi: The AVGC sector in India is experiencing exponential growth as it has become a leading destination for high-end, skill-based activities. This growth has resulted in an increasing demand for skilled workers. To meet this demand, industry leaders are responsible for providing job-oriented courses, presenting significant opportunities for the industry.

To realize the industry’s full potential and cater to its growing demand, TCS iON and Toonz Media Group have joined hands to offer two courses – Graphic Design Professional and Motion Graphics Professional Programs.

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Learners can take job-oriented courses to develop industry-relevant skills and become ready to work in the industry. These courses offer 50+ hours of extensive hands-on practice taught by industry experts and provide internship opportunities. Upon completion, learners receive a digital certificate at the end of the course.

Q. How do Graphic Design and Motion Graphics programs ensure practical hands-on learning and prepare students for various employment opportunities in the industry?

Mr. Vinod A.S: We have multiple approaches to ensure practical, hands-on learning in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics programs.

Project-based Learning: Assigning projects that require students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios can help them develop practical skills that are in high demand by employers. Project-based learning can encourage students to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills essential in many industries.
Internships: Providing opportunities for students to work in real-world environments can give them valuable experience and help them develop relevant skills. Internships and apprenticeships can be structured to ensure that students are given meaningful work to prepare them for employment opportunities.
Industry partnerships and guest lectures: Building partnerships with industry organizations can provide students with access to real-world expertise and resources. This can include guest lectures, mentorship programs, and collaborations on projects that align with industry needs.
Skill-based certifications: Providing students with the opportunity to earn skill-based certifications can help them demonstrate their competence to potential employers. These certifications can be acquired through coursework or practical assessments of their abilities.

By incorporating these approaches into our programs, Toonz Media prepares students for various employment opportunities, including full-time jobs, contract assignments, freelancing, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.