AC Balaji is the HOD – Animation at Manipal Institute of Communication, MAHE – Manipal. With 22 years of experience in Animation Design, Development & Education, his work focuses on 3D Lighting, Look Development and Surface Shading. His area of interest is on Graphics & Animation, UX/UI, Interface & Motion Design. His research area is of Character Design, Branding, Merchandising, Licensing and Television Cartoon Shows. He has authored Course books for 3DVisual Designing and Animation for COL – CommonWealth of Learning- Canada. He was honoured with Golden Pixels Excellence Award 2020, by the Academic Council of MCE Society's P.A.Inamdar Foundations. Honouring creative talents and recognizing outstanding contribution to Indian AVGC Industry in the area of Education.

Manipal Institute of Communication

Tell us about your journey in the education sector?

“I feel elated to play a pivotal role in education sector”

My father being my first teacher, has influenced me as my role model to achieve great heights. He presents ideas easily conceptualized by the clients; simplifies complex strategies through illustrations & examples; and puts information into situations so that its relevance is understood effortlessly. He has influenced my teaching approach and helped me broaden my horizons.

My current role as the Head of Department – Animation helps me influence the “Pedagogy” of the Animation Program not only in our Institute but also across the nation. I play an active role in developing a new course for Animation Design for various Universities. I present workshops, seminars, webinars, and educate young students and artists to learn about the latest trends in the industry. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? 

“Adaptability is the key”

A quote that my father always mentioned, “Listen to your elder’s advice, not because they are always right, but they have more experiences of being wrong.” I firmly believe “What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” I try to learn from every source around me. 

I would define my leadership style as a hybrid model, which has helped me evolve in every phase of my professional career. I value time, quality work culture, and experience. I share my calendar with people/students connected. I'm always mindful of the task in hand; focus on the progress of my team and students.

The education system in India is structured very differently. What are your thoughts on the same?

“The difference is in the learning methodologies and finding opportunities in the creative field”

Our Primary and Secondary education system is very different from that of foreign countries. It is suitable for students who aspire to become engineers and doctors and not for anyone in creative areas because we have almost no practical learning. Most of the subjects are theory-based. Students in Western countries seek admission to the creative programs with a portfolio. In contrast, in India, we complete all the studies not relevant to the core program or area of interest. Finally, we seek admission in the creative programs by self-taught or joining coaching classes to develop the portfolio.

Therefore, to counter the situation, we have designed animation as a comprehensive training Programme. The components of traditional skills, digital applications, Hands-on Workshop Learning (HOWL), Holistic Personality Enhancement (HOPE), and support skills run on harmonized learning paths leading to a ‘Parallel Track Advancement.’

The critical but diverse learning seamlessly mesh together, going way beyond stereotypical structures of animation training. In the last fourteen years, the Institute has become a preferred centre for learning for the students. We have placed students in top animation companies in India and are credited with more than 60 Hollywood titles. Having partnered with Autodesk as “Authorized Training Centre” & “Authorized Certification Centre” helps the students gain internationally recognized certificates, ensuring that they are trained on the latest updated technology from Autodesk.

How does your curriculum ensure the best practice of industry?

“Developing and delivering a quality curriculum is essential”

Developing a quality course curriculum is crucial. I’m always sensible about its Industry Relevance. I prudently take suggestions from industry veterans about the growth, development, and future requirements. With all these inputs, I break the whole program into paced courses and sessions/units that could be delivered to students and take constant feedback from the students as well.

Also, we emphasize on different curricular activities. We have an art club called “Chitra Mane” – which helps our students who want to learn art and hold similar interests.

Also we have an activity in the name of “Artifex Fest” – it’s Celebration of Animation, Visual Effects, and Gaming & Comics through Workshops & Activities, and collaboration with Industry Professionals.

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What are your roles and responsibilities towards the institute and students?

“There are many disciplines that I look after to ensure a smooth functioning”

I’m responsible for overall quality control & standard processes for academic delivery. Also, I ensure to maintain student discipline as well as the overall permanence of the college. I have to cater to the requirements of the students and help them achieve their goals by finding them the right placement and internship opportunities. Under a broader category, I am in charge of conducting effective performance reviews, coaching & mentoring opportunities and assisting College Workshops & Promotional Activities. 

Another hindrance is the language barrier; wherein students show improvement day by day as english is not their first language. They get better by understanding drawing; painting & technology that helps them become independent thinkers. Consciously pulling examples from the contextual of the students; making it simpler to understand what I usually do. Finally, the goal is to teach them that there is more than one way to do anything. Constant motivation & reviewing their artworks helps the students to progress in the course and build an Industry Preferred Portfolio.

Tell us about the evolution in the field of animation since the time you joined?

“Technology has evolved and resulted in bringing new perspectives for learning”

My career was initiated in the mid 90's. I had opportunities to learn only from books. These books were not available in local shops, so I needed to import them from Canada. With no YouTube, creative communities and forums, it was a challenge but a great learning. 

There were no institutes or universities to train students on animation. I could hardly find people to discuss my interest. Furthermore, getting the software and the recommended hardware were the biggest challenges. The applications were largely for Industry consumption than entertainment. 

However, the technology has evolved and situations are completely different. Everything is available at the learner’s desk. Software and Hardware have completely revolutionized the traditional setups. Students have become more of a specialist and a clear definition of opportunities and well organized work culture is in front of them.

What are the opportunities & challenges in the field of animation?

“The opportunities and challenges are decided by the mindset of the students”

The opportunities are immense now. There is no sector that does not have a touch of computers and services in graphic & animation. Almost every sector needs service from animation as a larger gamut. Be it education, defense, product designing, architecture/ space design, or any other prominent sector

Like every sector, there are challenges in the animation industry too. First and foremost challenge is the limited knowledge about the work culture. Not being flexible to adapt to the creative environment; not open for feedback and criticism are other prominent challenges. Also, there is a lack of dedication and not meeting the timeline; not open for learning and upgrading the skills. 

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What do you see as your institute’s greatest strengths?

“We have created benchmarks since the time of our inception”

Our institute has visibly contributed to the burgeoning media industry by providing it with trained, industry-savvy professionals for over two decades now.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education is one of the private institutions of India which has been awarded the 'Institute of Eminence' status by the HRD Ministry, Government of India. And Manipal Institute of Communication is Ranked as 1st amongst the top media schools in India – The Outlook-ICARE Professional College Rankings 2020 - “India's Best Professional Colleges”

Pursuing graduate, post-graduate, or doctoral degree at Manipal Institute of Communication implies that students will be studying a professional course from one of India’s top 10 journalism, media, and communication colleges. A strong curriculum, expert professors, and contemporary infrastructure are the bedrock of this institution. Furthermore, students will enjoy the following benefits:

  • International collaborations and student-exchange partnership several global universities
  • Community Radio station, Sound studio, TV studio, Editing Lab
  • Hands-on training & live projects, Campus newspaper
  • Interdisciplinary research
  • National and international internships & Placement opportunities

What plans are you currently designing for Manipal Institute of Communication?

“We are coming up with different courses to help our students grow and prosper”

We have recently introduced BVoc.-Vocational Degree programs in Graphic and Digital Media apart from the regular courses. Also, we are currently working on introducing degree programs in Experience Design, UI & UX. It will help our students to learn, grow, and prosper.