Difference Between Animation and VFX

Confused about what Animation or VFX is? This industry is in high demand. Read this article to understand the difference between both, along with the best courses to learn them.

Animation Vs VFX: Key Differences

VFX and Animation are tools used in the cinematic and mass communication industry. High creativity is required to master these skills. Before learning these skills, understand their functions, skills required, education qualifications and more. In this article, you get to know the difference between VFX and Animation, the eligibility criteria, institutions offering the course, and jobs.

Individuals with highly creative minds can try their career in these fields. However, before learning about both, let us understand the differences between them. To help you, this article provides the list of the best VFX and animation courses available in India.

Understanding Animation and VFX

Animation and VFX are now important parts of the filmmaking process. These fields contribute to the creation of the visual content. Understand in detail about these two fields below-

Animation

Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion. It is done by manipulating the still images or objects. See the image provided below to understand-

Example of Animation: Batman

Also Read:

Visual Effects or VFX

Visual Effects is a technique used in cinematography. It helps to add images and objects to film scenes. These scenes cannot be captured through camera. Once the VFX elements are created, VFX artists integrate them with the live footage.

See the example from the famous Indian movie "Bahubali"-

VFX Example from Bahubali

Differences Between Animation and VFX

We can compare VFX and animation based on the creation process and the tools used-

Creation Process

In the animation process, animators create complete scenes. They draw the characters frame by frame. Then the designing part is done. On the other hand, VFX enhances the work of animators by adding special effects. The artists use the scenes created by animators and add elements such as wind or fire. This makes the creation process more realistic.

Tools Used

For creating animation, tools like Adobe Animate and Maya are used. There are many high-quality software which allow animators to design and animate characters from the scratch.

Skills Required

Animators need to master the production process. They use the software and understand colour theory. On the other hand, VFX artists work with already created animation. They need to be efficient in using software and techniques such as match-moving techniques, motion capture technology, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and special effects.

Also Read: 

• 2D Animation Vs 3D Animation: Which is Easier?
• BSc Animation and Multimedia
• Top 10 Government Animation Colleges in India

Eligibility Criteria for Animation and VFX Courses

If you have read this far, you must be considering learning animation, VFX, or both. You can review the eligibility criteria for admission to animation and VFX courses below:

Undergraduate Courses

To apply for a BSc, BA, or BFA course in animation and VFX, you can choose from the following two methods:

1. Merit-Based Admission

• In this process, candidates should have completed their Class 10+2 in any stream from a recognized central or state board.
• Candidates will be selected based on their marks in the qualifying exam. The marks decide your chance of admission to the course you applied for.
• The minimum qualifying marks to apply for the course will be between 45% and 55%, depending on the college you apply to.

2. Entrance Exams

Many top animation and VFX institutes accept scores from the following entrance exams for admission to undergraduate animation and VFX courses:

• NID Entrance Exam 
• JMI Entrance Exam
• UCEED
• CUCET
• SHIATS
• CUET

Also Read: 

• Top Animation Colleges in India 2024
• Differences between Graphics and Animation
• VFX Courses After Class 12

Postgraduate Course

For admission to animation and VFX postgraduate courses, the two methods are merit-based admission and entrance exams.

1. Merit-Based Admission

To be admitted to an MA or MSc in animation and VFX, you need a bachelor's degree in animation, VFX, or a related field.

The minimum qualifying marks in the final graduation exam for postgraduate animation and VFX courses will be between 50% and 60%.

2. Entrance Exams

The entrance exams conducted for postgraduate animation and VFX courses include:

• NID Entrance Exam 
• CEED
• JMI Entrance Exam
• Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Entrance Exam
• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) Entrance Exam

Diploma and Certificate Courses

There are no specific eligibility requirements for admission to diploma or certificate courses in animation and VFX. Anyone can apply for these courses. However, Some institutions have a minimum age limit of 14-15 years.

Also Read: 

• Types of Animation Courses
• Animation Syllabus
• Animation Career
• Animation courses admission process

Top Institutes for Animation and VFX in India

The top institutes for learning animation and VFX according to the Shiksha ratings and students' reviews are listed below: 

Note: The aforementioned institutes are among the best for animation and VFX courses. However, not all of them necessarily offer integrated animation and VFX courses; they may offer animation and VFX courses separately.

Top Animation and VFX Courses

Considering the Shiksha ratings for the quality of education, experience of faculty, college infrastructure, course fee (low to high) and placement scope,and students' reviews, we have prepared a list of the best animation and VFX courses in India. Refer to the list provided below: 

Also Read: 

• BSc in Animation and VFX: Courses, Fee, Eligibility, Career Options
• Difference Between Mass Communication and Animation
• 5 Best Countries to Study Animation