Ashok Patel is the Academic Head of the Zee Institute of Creative Art. He is an experienced 3D Generalist with more than 14+ years of experience in Animation and VFX. He is a Graduate and also an Advanced Diploma holder in 3D Animation and VFX, specializing in 3D Modeling, Digital Sculpting, Texturing, Lighting and Rendering. His other skills include Maya, ZBrush, Arnold, Photoshop, Animation and FX. He loves to learn new tools and techniques. He also has ample work experience with many clients as a Freelancer. Being the Academic Head at ZICA, he has trained thousands of students till date, each of one deservingly placed in topmost studios across the country. Students have made 10 plus short films under his guidance, which has received many awards and appreciations nationwide. He has also received multiple awards including Aesthetics Short Film Awards by ZEE Group, Annual Graphics and Animation Film Award, Delhi and 24FPS Animation Award for providing quality education in the field of Animation and VFX.

ZICA Indore

What keeps you connected with the education sector and how has your experience been so far with the institute?

"The satisfaction, happiness and opportunities to learn new things keep me associated with it"

I believe there is an exceptional value in teaching animation to youths and students. And being in the education sector, I have to continuously upgrade myself by analyzing my existing skills and current industry demands so that I can give my best to my students. Along with this, it also teaches me how to be consistent and disciplined while planning academic activities. These are the major factors that keep me connected with the education sector and I feel very happy when I see my students achieving new heights.

What are your roles and responsibilities?

"Establishing coordination between multiple teams and arranging best learning events for students"

As an Academic Head, the ambiance of my responsibilities is not limited to only a few activities, but it is very vast and dynamic. Managing technical teams and academics, training students about the latest technologies in filmmaking and animation, mentoring teams for VFX and 3D solutions and helping them to achieve national-level awards in renowned animation film festivals are some of my core responsibilities at ZICA. Apart from this, ensuring students' good performance in exams, supporting the business and marketing teams, providing continuous support and feedback to teachers and arranging events like seminars and workshops, working for the student's portfolio development and directing students for short film making are few other responsibilities I need to adhere to on a timely basis.

Which extracurricular activities are organized in college to enhance the skills of students?

"We conduct a lot of activities like professional visits, filmmaking competitions and indoor games"

Our college organizes lots of activities and competitions like industrial visits, cricket tournament – ZPL, picnics and trips, LAN gaming competitions, model-making competitions, short film-making competitions, face painting competitions, indoor games, stop motion film making and lastly clay modeling activities to make our students ready for this competitive and dynamic world.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the future preparedness of students?

"Syllabus for programs is prepared by industry experts, hence includes their expectations"

Every course which we provide in our institute is prepared by renowned industry experts and we regularly update the syllabus also as per latest industrial requirements.

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How do you bring in a practical and industry-oriented approach towards subjects?

"We have a very well-developed infrastructure to train students on the latest software and technologies"

We believe in a very simple approach to learning things by doing. And we have 5 classrooms and 3 computer labs, all of which are equipped with the latest technologies. We also train our students on how to operate and use various software. In addition to this, we have 4 classrooms equipped with drafting tables for Interior design training. Lastly, we have an on-campus studio for photography and VFX training.

Which approaches do you use apart from curriculum to teaching the students?

"We conduct a lot of experiments to strengthen students' theoretical knowledge"

We focus on imparting both practical as well as theoretical knowledge in our students.

What would you like people to know about your institute?

"We offer the best quality education and 100% placement assurance to students"

Our college has an average of 10+ faculty members and they all are highly qualified and extensively experienced. Also, our main aim is to place our students in reputed organizations. 

What do you see as the greatest strengths of your institute?

"Our faculties and students make us strong"

Our main pillars of strengths are our students and a dedicated team of faculty members. When our students get placed in reputed firms, this gives us a sense of satisfaction that yes we are going in the right direction and it also motivates us to bring the best opportunities for them.

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Any suggestions which you would like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

"Carefully invest your time, because once spent it will not come back"

I would like to advise my students that time is very precious, so invest your time very carefully in good things and in learning new skills for yourself.