Posts Tagged ‘3d Models’
3D Animation 101 – What Does it Take to Become an Animator
If you have been developing an interest in animation you may be asking yourself the question as what would it take to become one. First before researching the answer to that question, you would be wise to gain some knowledge as to what animation is all about.
In simple terms, 3D is computer-generated imagery. Most of the 3D computer work is done with different types of animation software. It can range from being basic to extremely complex. In fact, some large production houses have had their own software programs specifically designed for their individual needs.
It must also be realized that the finished product of a 3D movie for example is not just the matter of drawing the character. There are many facets involved. For example, there are the 3D models to be compiled, the materials and textures that add to the realism of it, and of course, all of the background images as well.
Another thing you must bare in mind is that 3D animation is not just restricted to cartoons. It is used in many industries and more are surfacing everyday. It is used for entertainment, as you are familiar with but also in designing as in architecture. Then in medicine, it can be used as a teaching aid. Corporations are using it for presentations and even web sites.
If you are looking at becoming an animator as a career then you will be happy to know it is a very viable market. Entertainment for example has been around forever it seems and shows no signs of going away. It may slow down when the economy is weak but it always weathers the economic storms. You are going to find that there are many options and opportunities awaiting you once you are ready to enter into the job market but before you get to that point you must considering being yourself educated and experienced to do the job.
You are going to need some basic skills. To begin with, you have to be inclined towards artistic skills that you can perfect. You need to know the fundamentals and how to apply them. Then you will need to be adept with a computer and be comfortable working with software. You do not need programming skills because you are not writing the software you are using it. Most of them are user friendly. Companies that have their own version and will provide proper training to employees.
What you will need to research and find is an excellent training program. Do your best to find one that is established and reputable? Training in this field is certainly not cheap, but the rewards you reap from successful employment will be well worth the time and money. That of course is if you have answered, the question ,is becoming an animator for you?
In addition to everything else we have talked about you must never ceasing practicing and perfecting your skills. The industry is forever changing and you must stay in tune with those changes so you are not left behind in the technology.
What is 3D Animation?
Do not be fooled by the seemingly simplicity of this question.
I was actually quite tempted not to write this article because it’s such a difficult topic to write on. It can be answered as complicated as you want it to be or as short as you desire. The thing is, I need to let clients know how complicated the process is, but not to let them walk away confused. Saying that, I will try my best to answer this question in the most concise but uncomplicated way possible.
In a nutshell, computer 3D animation refers to the work of creating moving pictures in a digital environment that is three-dimensional. Through the careful manipulation of objects (3D models) within the 3D software, we can then export picture sequences which will give the illusion of movement (animation) based on how we manipulate the objects.
What happens in animation is that motion is simulated in a way that the eyes tend to believe that actual motion has taken place while the fact is the perceived sense of motion is only because of the consecutive images that are passed through very fast.
This theory is inherent be it for 3D, 2D or stop motion animation.
In traditional 2D animation, pictures are hand-drawn and every one showing subtle changes from the previous. When played back sequentially, it creates the illusion of motion. In stop motion animation, real life models are moved slightly and filmed. Again, the pictures will create the illusion of motion when played back. In 3D animation, everything is done within the computer and exported from the computer.
The process of creating 3D animation can be sequentially divided into three phases: modeling – which describes the process of creating the 3D objects within a scene, layout and animation – which describes how objects are positioned and animated within a scene, and rendering – which describes the final output of the completed computer graphics. Through the combination of the above phases and a few other sub-phases, this completes the process of a 3D animation production.
There are many software in the market for creating 3D animation, ranging from the cheaper lower-end ones to the professional high-end versions. If you are curious to see how a 3D software works, you can download a free one called Blender. Just Google it and you will be able to find its official website.
3D Animation – An Introduction
3D animation is the latest branch of computer animation. Basically, 3D animation is used to create moving images and other animated effects. Now days, 3D animation is widely used in the computer field (Games, software, etc.) and media industry like films referred as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging).
Working Mechanism
The creation of 3D animations consists of three stages:
1. Modeling
2. Layout and animation
3. Rendering
Modeling
Modeling is the phase, in which 3D mesh, model or shape of the object is created. As described above, computer is used widely for this cause. There are many working methods and tools for modeling. Each technique and methods have different aspects and used according to need.
Layout and animation
3D objects are dispatched for movements in this stage. There are various types of techniques, used in the process of animation like inverse kinematics, keyframing, and motion capture. All these techniques are used simultaneously or according to the situation.
Rendering
3D object is converted in an image in this stage. It is the most vital stage of the whole process. Use of light and camera, is significant in this process. Shadow, mood, reflection, waves and special effects are created by the help of various 3D software.
Basic Principle
The main working principle is based upon the creation of illusion of moving images and synchronization of moving images with television and motion pictures.3D animation is derived from stop motion animation of the 3D models and 2D illustrations frame by frame. 3D animation involves the creation of images and models on the computer monitor. Figures are assembled on the virtual skeleton. On the other hand, the other hand, 2D animation depends on physical and separate objects (illustrations) transparent layers. The animator produces the movements of figure like mouth, clothes, eyes, etc. on the key frame. Frame (a complete image) rate is a really important thing for 3d graphics.12. Frames per second (fps) is the minimum rate of frames used for any film. Usually, 24 fps are used widely to make movies and other cartoons.
Future and Interesting Facts
3D animation has changed the course of media industry. New cartoons like Incredible, Ice Age, Shrek and many more animated cartoon films are clear results of this innovative technology. ReBoot was the first computer generated TV show. Toy Story 1(1994) was the first film. This film broke all records of box office and set many new records. Toy Story 2(1995) and Toy Story 3(2010) showed the magic of 3D animation. Bill Nighy became Davy Jones in Pirates of Caribbean because of this 3D animation. Though, he wasn’t in the movie. Avatar, blockbuster of 2009, was the miracle of 3D animation.
3D animation has become essential part of video games. In the present era, no architect can make his plan without this innovative technology. 3D animation is widely used in the medical field, especially the cosmetic surgery.
The creation of human images is still a problem. According to technologists, this problem will be solved in future. CGI films have successfully shown the different animal characters in the films. In simple words, 3D technology will be the future of graphic industry and computer animation.