Choose a college that offers admission based on your portfolio, not on your money.
Charuvi Agarwal – Animator and Filmmaker
Charuvi Agarwal, a renowned filmmaker in the animation industry and founder of CDLTV, has been making her mark on the art scene since childhood. In the sixth grade, she represented India on a major stage in Russia in the fields of Kathak and painting. She then created a clay sculpture series that earned her a Limca Book of Records nomination. Today, “The Legend of Hanuman,” which has garnered worldwide acclaim, is also a beautiful showcase of Charuvi’s art.
Today, through an interview with Charuvi, Grihashobha brings some advice for animation and art students to help them build a bright future for themselves:
Would you like to share some pictures from your childhood?
My father was in civil aviation, so he was frequently transferred, which led to us living in many cities and learning about their culture. Despite their meager salaries, my parents gave me a lot of exposure. My family was full of art and culture. From childhood, I was exposed to an environment filled with Kathak, singing, and painting, which laid the foundation of an artist within me. I remember having a canvas in my house where my father would paint one day, then my mother the next. This continued daily, and both would complete the painting in a unique way.
There are so many options in animation, so how does a student choose the right program for him?
First, follow your gut. Today, the animation industry offers many options, such as sketching, motion graphics, game design, pre-production, etc., so ask yourself what you enjoy most and what you’re good at. Explore the entire animation pipeline, understand it, and then make a decision. I remember there weren’t as many options in my time. When I wanted to enroll in a graduate school, it was a bit difficult. But I chose painting and spent all four years of my graduation, earning a gold medal. I also had to go to Sheridan for my master’s, so I was short on money. At that time, I took a year off and focused on painting. My painting sold out in an art gallery in Delhi, and 50% of my Sheridan fees were covered, half of which was paid by my father. So, I would say, believe in yourself and keep trying.
Second, practice critical thinking. Take your work to others and seek their feedback. Look at your mistakes and make improvements. Find out which specialization you excel in. Today, we receive portfolios from many students who seem to have chosen the wrong specialization.
Also, when a student When applying to an animation arts college, the most important aspect of a student’s portfolio is art. A student should have a strong sense of art within them.
How can students choose a good college?
First, students should choose colleges that offer admission based on their portfolios, not big-name colleges that charge large donations. When admissions are based solely on money, even those without any talent or skill will be admitted. Colleges are where students learn by observing and being together. So, if classmates lack any talent, how will you learn from each other? Furthermore, you should adopt traditional portfolios.
Second, meet college graduates. See and learn about their college journeys, experiences, and careers.
Third, look at the faculty there. See what kind of teachers and experts they are.
What challenges might art students face in college?
I remember when I was in college, we students were given outdoor live painting projects. First, you had to paint live in the college park or garden, in all weather conditions, whether it was sunny or rainy. Then, you were sent to a public place where you had to paint amidst people. Whether people were commenting on you, staring at you, making noise, bumping into you, or standing nearby, you had to remain focused and simply complete your work. This challenge is crucial for a student because it helps an artist overcome the hesitation and shyness of painting in public.
I would also advise that a student shouldn’t become too attached to their work. Artists and filmmakers can become so attached to their work that they can’t take any criticism. So learn to embrace criticism so you can continue to improve.
Does a college near the media hub proves good for student’s career?
While being near a media hub has its advantages, I’ve seen many colleges that, despite being close to the industry, lack performance. Therefore, if a college is in a remote location but has strong performance, good industry connections, and industry experts come to teach and observe your work, then that college is a good one. For example, I studied at Sheridan, which was located in a remote location far from the city, but industry experts regularly visited, providing students with good exposure.
Is AI a threat to the career of animation students?
Don’t view AI as a threat, but as a tool. Many animation studios are working on it today. AI has become a part of the industry, so learn to use it instead of fearing it will take away your career. Work with it, but don’t depend on it, because it’s a tool, and tools change over time.
What will be the scope of animation in the Indian market?
India used to be an outsourced market for animation. We used to hire all the work from outside. The brains for that work resided abroad, and the secondary bodies came to us. But now, India has changed significantly. We are building our own industry. Animation is spreading within the country. Today, animation is seen everywhere – in the government sector, films, OTT platforms, and social platforms. All this content is being created here.
– Rajni Prasad