BINUS International Office

Equipping Animation Students for Success in the Booming Global Animation Industry

Jakarta, 30 April— To support our students’ global readiness in a rapidly growing animation industry projected in 2024 by Yahoo Finance, its value to reach USD 895.71 billion by 2034, BINUS University invited Sean Cox, Senior Lecturer of 2D Animation from the University of Hertfordshire, one of the United Kingdom’s (UK) leading institutions in the field. 

With the UK employing over 16,000 animation professionals across 800+ studios, his visit helped students explore industry dynamics, understand international standards, and envision their role in the global creative economy.  

Photo Credit: Mufti Warits

“It’s a growing field, and I think the world needs more animators!” Sean expressed.  

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has shaped the animation industry’s transformation. AI is helping reduce production time and cost, enabling the creation of higher-quality outputs at scale.  

“Rather than viewing AI as a threat to animators, I’m optimistic about how it can be harnessed to enhance creativity and storytelling,” said Sean. 

Sean also added that the technology will not replace humans, as it lacks the perspective needed to create artwork that fits the context of the world.  

Photo Credit: Mufti Warits

When we asked about the future of the industry, animation is an interesting field to get into—especially for those who are thinking of making this a part of their career. Sean mentioned that it might take more than creativity since this is a competitive space; however, one can start to develop their unique selling point through their work. According to Nikkei Asia, Indonesia is one of the leading animation fields, having generated USD 5.99 billion in 2022, which fuels youth interest in pursuing careers in animation, such as animators, designers, background artists, riggers, and professionals in motion graphics, storyboarding, and character design. 

Lastly, thank you to the team at the University of Hertfordshire for bringing Sean Cox, a global expert in 2D animation, to engage our students, faculty, and staff in a discussion that reinforces our commitment to advancing our academic community’s competencies as future professionals in animation, meeting the needs of the global animation industry. 

(Words by Mita Adhisti/Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)