by Jasque Brisk
Art has continually had a distinct role in human lives, and with time passing, this human self-expression has found new ways of showing itself. As quick progression in new technology has changed our lives as a whole, it has also had its impact on art. This form of art has made a transformation, by the virtue of computer technology, to something even more spectacular: Computer 3D animation.
An application of Digital 3d graphics, 3D Animation is the art of creating moving images with a three dimensional photo realism on a 2 dimensional screen. 3 Dimensional Animation holds its distinction from 2D animation due to its depiction of stunningly realistic animated pictures. Digital 3d graphics animation is used in motion pictures, special effects, computer games, simulations, architecture, models and in any other way it can be used to illustrate a message or an idea.
Three Dimensional Computer Animation consists of an elaborate process of 3D modeling, texturing, animating and rendering. 3 Dimensional Modeling is the construction and wire-framing of any item or environment in its 3D representation through special software. Texturing gives a realistic shape to the 3D models, which makes it possible for the audience to relate to an object or a person, or even a location in a 3D Animation. It is much like painting on a sculpture and gives the model its finished look.
The central principles of animation making the creation of the illusion of motion possible generally remain the same in one form or another as in traditional animation. They have been transformed into Key-framing and Motion Capture techniques, which are digitalized, efficient and thoroughly automated animation techniques. Key-framing involves setting up two frames or key positions representing a unit of animation. The illusion of the movement is created by the computer by automatically filling the gaps in between the frames.
The fundamental idea behind the Motion Capture method is to portray the emotions, expressions and movements of a 3 Dimensional animated character as realistically as possible by recording of movements of real actors and models, and translating them into a digital 3d model. 3 Dimensional Animation uses a much faster frame rate than the 2d animation, which are about 25 frames per second, in order to sustain the realism of movement and to create a dramatic impression.
Computer Animation is an exciting and challenging career. Before you begin some significant professional work, it is always helpful to study in quality institutes that offer animation courses. You should focus on schools like Vancouver Institute of Media Arts and Vancouver Film School, to really have a substantial foundation to your career. However, attending small courses will do you no good as this way you will only learn to work with different software, which is not enough to become a good 3 Dimensional Animator.
To transcend as a 3D computer animator, if you are capable of original and creative work. You should be mastering essential design programs like Photoshop and Flash. You should have a good understanding of Three Dimensional Modeling and should be able to master the function of Avars, or Animation Variables,, the fundamental structures that make up life-like 3d models in an animation.
You must master the basics of composition and must have a deep knowledge and understanding of how colors work. You will be constantly playing with them for the rest of your lives. You must have a good sense of light and shade, which actually sum up the basics of all visual artists. Apart from the technical knowledge, it is your sense of film-making and story-telling which will help create an outstanding animation.
But what if you are not a professional animator? That still does not stop you from benefiting from it. A number of 3D Animation programs exist to help you out. Motion Builder, SideFX Houdini, Lightwave, Softimage XSI and Cinema 4D are very good but complex software, and top choices of professional animators. Although some of them are accommodating to novices, you could find yourself more at ease with simpler software like RealSoft 3D, Art of Illusion and Effect 3D. You should research carefully before purchasing one of them, as you would want all the features and tools you need from a single package as per your requirements.
If you prefer to use 3D animation as the content of your web page, you could settle for software with simple features and an easy and accessible user interface. 3D Animations have become an effective communication tool of our age and can be a potential source of traffic enhancement for web designers as computer software have brought this possibility into their access. This technology allows you to explore new horizons on whatever front it can be utilized. It is up to you to make the most of it.