Faculty of the Month – Amit Majumdar

Faculty of the Month – Amit Majumdar

Sir please tells us about your background?
Well, in the year 2002, I had completed my graduation in science. After that I joined an institute called E-tech as a faculty where I learned some graphic packages like Photoshop, Flash, Dream-weaver, and 3ds Max with the help of books and help files. Then I joined a publishing company in the year 2005 as a graphic designer. During that time, I developed an interest in 3d animation so I joined MAAC in 2006 as a student and after that in 2007 I joined MAAC, Andheri as an instructor.

Where did you complete your animation course from?
I completed my animation course from MAAC, Kolkata.

How did you generate an interest towards animation?
From the beginning I longed to do work that was of my choice, where I could do everything freely and passionately. I didn’t want a routine type of job. I wanted to work in an industry where I could create something that I wished, where every day comes with new challenges. So I decided that the animation industry would be somewhere where I could fulfill these ambitions.

Tell us something about your specialization and work experience?
Well, I am a generalist. I like character modeling, texturing and lighting.

What would you suggest to students to learn more and to gain more from their professors?
Well, it’s a very good question. Students should choose their favorite subject and motivate themselves with lots of practice. After creation, get in touch with their respective faculties for feedback. Taking feedback on their work is very important. It will help a student to progress faster. A student can reach up to the mark if he/she dedicates himself/herself completely to a particular goal in his/her life.

Do animation houses in your opinion prefer specialists or generalists today?
Obviously specialized people get more recruitment but in the current scenario if anyone can work on at least two to three specializations, they stand a better chance for getting a better opportunity.

What inspired you to teach?
When I see my student creating some amazing stuff, it inspires me to teach them more, to guide them further. When a student is dedicated I always try to motivate them.

Who has been your influence as an artist?
Well there has not been a particular artist, but good artworks always influence me.

What Indian work has impressed you?
I guess, work done by Prana studios in Tinkerbell. Nice try we can say in ‘Roadside Romeo’. Also recently I had seen the VFX work done in ‘Aladin’, it was really amazing.

What do you think is the potential of the Indian animation and VFX industry?
As far as animation is concerned lots of studios are doing international quality work, but one thing needs to be implemented that we should work on our own contents rather than working on outsourcing projects and for VFX industry, I can say quality is not yet up to the mark but I believe down the line it will improve.

What message do you have for MAAC student council and every young student that aspires to get into the industry, what important things does one need to remember apart from the software that he/she learns?
MSC is doing good job. You guys are rocking keep going. And for the young aspirants, I can say if you want to be an artist you have to take care about certain things, like dedication level must be 100%, motivate yourself as much as possible and you should have a goal in life to achieve, consistency is another important thing.
To become an artist they should learn everything from the root. I mean to say if you want to be modeler he/she has to understand the basic anatomy. Do not be an operator, try to be an artist, if any student has 50% aesthetic, 50% technical it would be perfect balance. Don’t learn software, but use the software to express your art. Learn the technical part but present it aesthetically. One more thing I can say is that if you are good at your work then your work will be appreciated, it will speak for itself. And it will then stand to be a motivation for others to do better!

Caricature Design: Venus D’mello
Interviewer: Pritam Danve
Edited by: Shaheen Guard