As I stepped into Comic Con India in Bangalore in 2023, the vibrant energy of anime culture hit me like a tidal wave. Everywhere I looked, there were nods to the Japanese animation phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions in India. The air was buzzing with excitement as attendees flocked to various booths, eager to participate in competitions and games offering anime-themed prizes.
Walking through the aisles, I was dazzled by the treasure trove of manga and anime-themed figurines on display. Characters from iconic series like "Dragon Ball," "Jujutsu Kaisen," "Naruto," "One Piece," and "My Hero Academia" filled the stalls, their intricate designs drawing in collectors and fans alike. I even witnessed someone triumphantly walking away with over INR 30,000 worth of anime figurines, their beaming smile a testament to the event's appeal.
The cosplay scene was equally impressive, with a sea of attendees dressed as their favorite characters. While some embraced creative interpretations of video game or movie/TV show characters, the majority donned elaborate costumes of beloved anime icons. The craftsmanship and dedication on display were nothing short of awe-inspiring, each cosplayer adding to the vibrant tapestry of the convention.
As I soaked in the sights and sounds, it became clear that anime has firmly established itself in India, growing into a cultural force that shows no signs of waning. But beyond the fandom and celebration, there is another dimension to this phenomenon: the burgeoning business opportunities.
Entrepreneurs have started capitalizing on this anime boom, creating a variety of revenue streams. Many who have grown up loving shows like Pokemon and Naruto have turned their love for anime into careers.
India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in anime-related job opportunities, fueled by the growing accessibility of anime through OTT platforms, a rising appreciation for Japanese culture, and an enthusiastic fan base eager to embrace this vibrant art form. This cultural tidal wave is not only fueling dreams but also redefining career paths for young professionals and business owners nationwide.
Anime Jobs in India Salary Insights Across Experience Levels
From Hobby to Profession: The Rise of Cosplaying in India
Cosplaying, the art of dressing up as characters from anime, manga, video games and other media, has seen a remarkable rise in recent years, evolving from a niche hobby into a mainstream cultural phenomenon in India. This transformation can be attributed to the growing popularity of anime and manga, which has fueled fans' passion to embody their favorite characters. What began as small gatherings of enthusiasts has blossomed into grand conventions and events that attract thousands of attendees.
One of the key drivers of this cosplaying boom is the increasing number of anime conventions and events held across the country. These conventions, such as Comic Con India, AnimeCon, and smaller regional events, provide a platform for cosplayers to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication.
We talked to Rothin Shaw, a full-time human resources manager and a part-time cosplayer who participates in cosplay events and anime conventions in the country. He was officially partnered with Lenovo when the tech brand launched its Legion lineup of products in India. Shaw shared some insights on how he got started with cosplaying and what he thinks about the rise of anime culture in India.
Shaw started cosplaying soon after he completed his post-graduation in 2012, inspired by his love for anime, manga, and video games. After attending conventions and seeing other cosplayers showcase their talents, he was motivated to pursue cosplaying more seriously. He eventually snagged an offer from Lenovo as part of a brand promotion deal. He also attended multiple Comic Con events as a participant over the years and his love for cosplaying and anime remains unwavering despite his corporate responsibilities as a human resources manager.
He feels that anime culture has grown tremendously in India over the past few years. There’s a thriving community of fans who appreciate the art and stories of anime. This has opened up numerous opportunities for cosplayers like me, including paid gigs, sponsorships, and even roles in promotional events. The support from fans and the community has been incredible. He said, “I believe cosplaying in India is just getting started. With more anime conventions and events being organized every year, the industry is bound to grow. I also see a rise in the quality and creativity of cosplays, as more people get involved and bring their unique ideas to life. The future is bright for cosplayers here.”
When asked about how viable cosplaying is as a profession, he revealed that “your success as a cosplayer heavily depends on your social media following and talent. Brands are willing to pay over INR 50,000 for a single show.” He claimed that if you have a sizable social media following of around 10,000 followers, you can expect brands to offer INR 5,000 or more per endorsement depending on the product and brand and the number goes up the bigger your audience is.
The Indian Express reported last year that successful cosplayers can get paid around INR 100,000 for a single show. There is also a growing number of costume designers who are cashing in on the cosplay craze. Shaw revealed that not all cosplayers create their own costumes and they rely on freelance contractors who work on costumes and accessories for cosplayers. He said that a single costume can cost anything between INR 10,000 and INR 30,000 depending on the details. If there are gadgets and special props involved, the costumes can cost exponentially more. There are makeup artists like Purple Paw who specifically cater cosplayers
Brands outside the world of gaming are also cashing in on the cosplay craze with Amazon’s Prime Video recently hiring a large group of cosplayers to promote the latest season of the hit TV show ‘The Boys’. Riot Games brought in YouTuber Ankit “V3nom” Panth and cosplayer Sameer Bundela to cosplay at the launch event of Harbor, an Indian character in Riot’s popular multiplayer game ‘Valorant’.
Crafting Dreams: The Art of Anime Model Sculptors and Artists
Another fascinating job emerging from the anime boom is anime model sculpting. Artists and craftsmen create detailed figures of beloved anime characters, which are highly sought after by collectors and fans. This craft requires immense skill and an eye for detail, transforming simple materials into stunning replicas.
Anime figures and collectibles are available everywhere these days from social media platforms to standalone websites. Take Jazyl Homavazir for example, he is an award-winning animator and anime artist who launched India’s first web manga Beast Legion on his website after creating artwork from popular anime like Dragon Ball, Naruto and One Piece. He won a Comic-Con Award for Best Webcomic Series and a Delhi CD Award for an experimental short film.
Many such success stories have popped up around India. We talked to graphics designer Ashley Survarna from Maharashtra, who quit his job to become a freelance graphic designer two years ago. He told us that his affinity for painting and illustration ultimately led him to pursue a career in graphic design. While he mostly works with gouache and acrylic media, he has noticed an increased demand for work from anime fans.
He said, “There is a growing popularity for anime in art circles. Earlier it was restricted to Dragonball and Naruto characters, but now I see a whole slew of art emerging from both mainstream and non-mainstream shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Fullmetal Alchemist. As a longtime fan of the anime genre, I’m just glad that being able to draw and paint anime characters or use certain anime-based references in my artworks quickly finds an audience who understands and appreciates it. I often get requests for commissioned artwork based on popular anime.
He thinks that the best part about the anime boom in this country is how deeply it has penetrated into local entertainment channels. Today, when a major anime movie releases, he can enjoy it at a nearby cinema hall, surrounded by a surprisingly large number of fans. He added, “It’s not exactly rare for me to see young men and women wearing Naruto or Jujutsu Kaisen t-shirts in a mall or a college campus. Anime culture is slated to get even more popular in the next decade.”
He revealed that artists who work on commissions can make anything between INR 25,000 to INR 100,000 a month if they have an active flow of clients. He revealed that “artists who are active on platforms like Fiverr and have an international clientele are earning over $2,000 a month working from India. Most clients who want anime artwork are typically anime fans who want artwork for personal use or gifting.”
Suvarna charges INR 2,500 to 5,000 for each commission depending on the effort needed with a 48-hour turnaround time and he claims that his peers charge around the same. After browsing through hundreds of listings by Indian artists on Fiverr, we found that the average price of a digital piece of anime art costs anything between INR 1,500 and INR 8,000 depending on the project with the average hovering close to the INR 2,000 mark with 2-3 day turnaround time.
Manga Sellers are also cashing in on the popularity of anime in India. The popularity of anime has naturally led to a rise in demand for manga, comics and graphic novels that often inspire anime series. Manga sellers and artists are finding new audiences eager for their work. Local bookstores and online platforms have seen a surge in manga sales, creating a lucrative market for both sellers and creators. It is difficult to gauge what the manga market in India looks like due to how common unofficial reprints are in the country.
According to Grand View Research, the official manga market in India is projected to grow by 20% from 2024 to 2030, while estimating the global market size to be $13.7 Billion in 2023. This surge is fueled by a rising interest in Japanese culture, driven by the proliferation of anime music and the availability of various anime titles on multiple OTT platforms in India. The numbers are similar to those of other countries in the Asia-Pacific based on the report, which means that India’s manga craze is just as high as other countries in the region.
The report states that in 2023, the Asia Pacific region dominated the manga market, holding the largest revenue share at 86.0%. The robust growth of the manga industry in Japan, popular among both domestic and international consumers, has significantly contributed to the regional market's expansion.
Anime's Influence on Local Entertainment Channels
Voice acting is another profession experiencing a renaissance thanks to anime. The unique demands of anime characters, with their expressive and often exaggerated emotions, require talented voice actors who can bring these characters to life. In India, a growing number of voice actors are finding work dubbing anime into local languages, making these shows more accessible to a broader audience.
International anime streaming platform Crunchyroll has brought its library of content to India with over 80 anime receiving dubs in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Airtel DTH’s Anime Booth service is also offering regional dubs of popular. The anime streaming wars in India have led to a rise in demand for voice actors for regional dubs. Voice actors like Prasad Barve (Pokemon’s Ash Ketchum), Simaran Kaur (Doraemon’s Nobita), and Akanksha Sharma (Shinchan) helped bring some of the most popular anime characters of all time to life and helped create the anime culture we see booming today. Voiceover artists get an average salary of INR 2,50,000 per year as a fresher and it jumps to over INR 8,00,000 per year when professionals gain two to three years of experience.
INR 1500 Art vs INR 8000 Art
The rise of anime culture in India is not just a passing trend; it is creating a significant impact on various job sectors. From cosplayers and model sculptors to graphic designers and voice actors, anime is opening up new and exciting career paths. As anime continues to capture the hearts of millions, its influence will undoubtedly grow, bringing with it even more opportunities for creativity and innovation. For many, what started as a passion is now a viable profession, proving that the world of anime is as dynamic and colorful as the characters it portrays.
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