3 Dimensional computer animation is probably the most prevalent form of animation seen in media today. As its popularity has sky rocketed 3D has forever changed the look of TV, movies, video games the internet and other forms of entertainment.The ability to create convincing 3D animation was once limited to a high powered, expensive workstations, but with computer techno logy on the move- always improving and always becoming more accessible – the cost of 3D software and the platforms to run it on has dropped dramatically.

While higher end systems remained the ones that are used to make the most professional – looking imagery, it is now possible to create quality animation on a home computer. If you have no experience in 3D animation, it is helpful to think of it as a digital hybrid of classic animation techniques and live action film. All of the basic principles of animation still apply, and the best 3D animators have usually started as cel or stop – motion animators. Traditional animators knowledge of movement, wait & expression of characters allows their work to be far superior to the over used “flying logos” and travelling -camera moves so typical of poor 3D animation. A working knowledge of film production is also a key to in creating high quality 3D work. Just as a live action director sets up cameras, positions actors and lights scenes, so too must a 3D animator. Because the computer aids in the process, a common myth is that 3D animation is easier, faster and even better than other forms of animation. While the machine does, infact, draw every frame of the animation, the entire process is complex and takes some getting used to. As with any form of animation 3D requires liberal amounts of patience and diligence but with the home computer and software costing less than 500$ , you can create amazing imagery that realistically duplicates our own world or explores new visions limited only by the imagination.

3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living). A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations. The process of creating 3D computer graphics can be sequentially divided into three basic phases: 3D modeling which describes the process of forming the shape of an object, layout and animation which describes the motion and placement of objects within a scene, and 3D rendering which produces an image of an object.

Computer animation is essentially a digital successor to the art of stop motion animation of 3D models and frame-by-frame animation of 2D illustrations. For 3D animations, objects (models) are built on the computer monitor (modeled) and 3D figures are rigged with a virtual skeleton. For 2D figure animations, separate objects (illustrations) and separate transparent layers are used, with or without a virtual skeleton. Then the limbs, eyes, mouth, clothes, etc. of the figure are moved by the animator on key frames. The differences in appearance between key frames are automatically calculated by the computer in a process known as tweening or morphing. Finally, the animation is rendered.

For 3D animations, all frames must be rendered after modeling is complete. For 2D vector animations, the rendering process is the key frame illustration process, while tweened frames are rendered as needed. For pre-recorded presentations, the rendered frames are transferred to a different format or medium such as film or digital video. The frames may also be rendered in real time as they are presented to the end-user audience. Low bandwidth animations transmitted via the internet (e.g. 2D Flash, X3D) often use software on the end-users computer to render in real time as an alternative to streaming or pre-loaded high bandwidth animations.

Over the ages there has always been a confrontation between two ideologies: art for art’s sake and art for human upliftment. 3D animation is also an art form predominant in this information age marked by numerous inventions. Technological advancement is a major catalyst for the ideology of art for upliftment. 3D animation is the perfect amalgamation of both.

3D animation encapsulates the essence of art its dynamic and ever evolving nature makes it a potent combination of paintings, drawing and sculptures. This form of art challenges the creative and the intellectual streak in the artist. The artist now does not only use the traditional means but also has to show technological intelligence.

This study involves an intricate software understanding and computer animation. The form of art is so immaculate that one needs to draw, paint and model the design within the realm of 3D animation. Lighting, cinematography, colour scheme, textures, sound synchronisation, shading, contrasts and animation are some of the other requirements to be a professional 3D animator. 3D animation has transcended the boundaries of entertainment and has been incorporated into the realm of education, industries and corporate organisations.

The first step to be a 3D animator is that aspirants need to understand to make an animation on needs to literally sculpt a model with the technological strokes and bring the inanimate matter to life. Taking or withdrawing elements from the model one has to judge the creative work from different vantage points. 3D animation usually starts with 2D photographs which presents the model from different angels.

To create a sequence of animations one has to create a detailed view of the model in the format of sketches, scripts and transitions. Tools play a major role in this creative process but it does not abrogate creativity from the work of art, for a 3D animation aspirant, determination is the only tool and nothing even technological requirement of any sort can take away quality from the creation.

The process of acquiring 3D animation techniques is the creation of a backdrop, the set designing, the character modelling, the animation, cameras, recording, music compositions and special effects. The module in the study of the 3D animation includes 3D modelling, 3D prototypes, Character animation, Special effects, architectural improvisations and engineering technicalities. 3D Animation also requires workflow, timelines, research, detailing and structuring.

This creative field demands its aspirants to be immaculate in the tricks of animation which include JPEG, GIF, TIFF, TGA and PNG file format. Holistically, 3D animation requires the creator to have an aesthetic taste from the placement of the model. 3D animation brings to life all static images and is the foundation of the brand image of an institution lest one looses the public interest. 3D animation if excessive can be tedious for the viewer and professional 3D animators need to understand and define the viewer’s line of equilibrium. 3D animation has the agency to simplify the most complex concepts, ideas and visualisations which would require creative and technological genius.

The Implications of 3D Computer Animation
3D computer animation is making a big impact in the animation industry. Realism is the key for the rising demand of 3D animation. It is a challenging technology for prospective artists and for professional animators alike to develop new editions and versions of the existing 3D animation programs. The frames of the models and the shots are sometimes simple, but the motion or the movements of the characters is where the creativity and skills of the animator comes in.
In 3D computer animation, visual styling is one of the categories that need to be considered. It is not just how the objects being animated are going to look but it also focuses on how the images are going to be rendered, as well as the methods to be used for animation. It is about the complexity of the process. The production of the object must be capable being done within the limits of the work. Blending the motion of the characters is possible to achieve with the use of many new sources, provided that the movements of the cartoon is realistic. Planning and putting guidelines before the actual production of the picture must be done. Directing the movements of the character must be done by actual people who are experts in taking shots of any characters motion. Cinematography is also a vital element of animation since the animators have the power to control the position and the movement of the camera when doing a computer animated picture.
3d Computer Animation
In the actual story, the sequence of the drawn images and the applied lighting has a big impact. These aspects of the process are done during the planning stage and the formation of the three dimensional characters. Facial animation is now more prioritized than in the past when it comes to 3D computer animation. Even the slow blinking of the eyes and the movements of the eyeballs are now given detailed attention. Facial manipulation level and the methods on how it will be done will give each character a good effect and style.
If you are planning to enroll in animation schools and you are interested to become an animator, try to do some early work on 3D animation programs to practice your skills. Whichever field you are leaning to, and whatever direction you would like to go in the field of animation, it is still better to have an idea on how have the basic skills in 3D computer animation. 3D computer animation is considered one of the most popular types of animation today. It includes making films, video games, and animated characters. Entering an animation school is the best way to improve your potentials and to learn everything about three dimensional computer animations. It will surely help you in deciding what career in the field of animation to take.

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Computer Animation in Post Production

One of the most sought after jobs in the market today is computer animation. The technology of computer animation is getting simpler and simpler day by day; simultaneously, the opportunities for people aspiring to become computer animators have increased tremendously.

The Technique

Traditionally, animation always used to be done in the manual way. The most popularly adopted method was to create a series of cartoon frames, which were then combined into a film. Another method was by using physical models, which were placed in a certain place and the image was captured; the model was then moved and the next image captured; and the process used to continue.

But, the conventional way has been replaced by computer animation. Computer animation, which is a part of computer graphics, is the technique of creating moving images with the use of computers. It is created by means of 3D or 2D computer graphics. Computer graphics is also referred to as ‘Computer-Generated Imagery’. An image is shown on the computer screen, which creates an illusion of movement and this is replaced by a new image, which is slightly different from the previous image. Sophisticated computer animation involves moving the camera or the objects in a more refined way, wherein, the law of physics is used for achieving this.

The Software

Computer animation can be created with the help of a computer and animation software. Cinema 4D, Amorphium, Poser, and Ray Dream Studio are some examples of animation software. Many software options are available and prices vary according to the sophistication of the programs.

Computer animators are creative artists who use high-tech tools for achieving their creative perfection, but the ultimate reason for their achievement is their creative vision.

Forms of Animation

There are different types of animation available:
Scripting Systems was the earliest system used for motion control, where the computer animator writes a script in animation language. One of such scripting languages is ActorScript Animation Language.

Procedural Animation (which defines the movement over time), uses the law of physics for generating a movement. For example, consider a motion, which is the result of another action, as in the case of a ball, which if thrown towards an object, hits that particular object and causes it to move in the desired direction.

Representational Animation is a technique, wherein an object changes its shape during animation. This is sub-divided into three categories – articulated object animation, soft object animation, and morphing.

Stochastic Animation, which controls a groups of objects like fireworks and waterfalls.

Behavioral Animation, where a group of objects behaves according to a set pattern as indicated by the animator.

Computer generated animation is used in various diverse fields such as films, television, videos, advertising, gaming, website designing and in a host of other situations. Due to its wide range of application, computer animation has seen a spurt in growth in the last few years.

Audiences all over the world, especially young audiences, are captivated by the extreme graphics and sound effects, which have been introduced in television programs, movies as well as in commercials. Use of multimedia makes the presentation even more attractive and effective.

Though Anime has been a household name around the world, most of people don’t know what it really come from. The Anime word comes from animation, as abbreviated in Japanese. The English dictionary explains it as a style introduced in Japan. Though, Anime as a whole represents every kind of animation. Therefore, Japanese Anime is used to distinguish it with the animation in the rest of the world. Until recently, anime was called “Manga” in Western and European countries. But in Japan, Manga is referred to comics only!

Anime is generally inspired from novels, manga and local customs and traditions. Anime can be telecasted on TV and is also distributed and published through other media types like video, internet and DVD. Anime earlier also referred to exclusively Japanese animation but is now no longer considered so.

Anime is viewed and loved by children to adults to women. It shows various stories and characters based on themes in science, fiction, sports, romance and horror, which are most created stuff and is far off reality. But there are a few animes which depict a bit of realism like suffering, emotions and death, which raises the value of the content but makes it unfit for children to watch.

Anime is getting popular both in terms of audience and range. The craze for Pokemon among children is more than just the series. They want to have the video games, collectables, DVDs, t shirts and costumes of their favorite character from the show. Another trend that has been experienced is watching Anime movies originally made in Japanese after dubbing them in English.

These days, as watching it on CDs and DVDs has gained momentum, most of them include subtitles and dubbed tracks already. Because of growing acceptance and charm for these animations, many colleges, clubs, libraries and high school have started keeping collections of animes in their databases. Fans and appreciation for animes are flooding in everyday.

The Walt Disney’s “Spirited Away”, a Japanese movie, which even grossed more than “Titanic” in Japan revolutionized the animation industry in Western World. Hayao Miyazaki, the much known name in Anime, directed the movie and was praised by fans all around the world for laying stress to every minute detail in the film. The Fox TV network and Walt Disney, the two major Anime Programs and movies distributors in the West registered over billion revenue in the industry. Some years before, there were not many anime TV shows and series, but now, almost every kid is aware of the Japanese animation cartoons and movies and the count is increasing with every minute.

Bandai Entertainment, A Japanese anime Toy Company, claimed to have produced 75 anime shows and movies in the preceding year in United States, which explains the rise in demand of animes.

Nowadays, animes are growing fast in DVD sector too. Anime movies have the advantage of low cost production as all they need is a pen a paper and a computer to work on. Internet is also responsible for bringing anime to the place it is today!