From your favourite Disney movies to your favourite video games, 3D animation is the present most things we watch and enjoy. With the advancement of technology, graphics are becoming livelier, cooler and sharper. The entertainment industry alone does not consume 3D animation. Animation found its place widely in education, medicine, architecture and advertising. Of the various animation styles, 3D is the most demanding, especially among younger generations.
It is easy to see why people love 3D animations: they are super exciting, engaging and a great communicator. Unsurprisingly, today, most businesses rely on 3D for brand storytelling, building a friendly image, and attracting more customers.
Understanding the Concept of 3D Animation
3D animation involves placing objects and characters in a 3D space and manipulating them to create the illusion of motion. A 3D animator creates objects based on 3D models assimilated in a digital environment with 3D modelling tools. However, you can scan real life objects into a computer and become blueprints for 3D animated objects.
The goal of 3D animators is to move the objects and characters in a scene as realistically as possible. With 3D animation, you can create perfect cartoon characters. However, if the movements are uneven, robotic or awkward, your entire hard work goes into the drain. Therefore, animators spend time reading the basic principles of motion to make their animations believable.
The Process of 3D Animation
Let us now explore how 3D animation works. The pre-production does not have much difference from that of 2D animation. It starts with developing a storyline, and a storyboard, sketching the 3D characters, setting the backgrounds and laying the foundation for the production process. Although the complete animation process is pretty complex and nuanced, it consists of three main phases:
Modelling
Before moving to the functioning screen with characters’ interactions, it is essential to build the 3D characters. Usually, the experts base these characters on 3D computer models. A basic 3D model consists of a mesh of points, lines and curves arranged in a specific way that maps out an object. A computer sees the models as pure geometric shapes, and after the addition of the colours and textures, the map starts resembling a real object.
Layout and animation
When the 3D characters are all set, it is time for character animation. It involves putting characters in their respective scenes and animating their movements with 3D animation software. The first stages of animation processes are rough with sharp and unnatural movements and transitions. Animators produce a rough draft by first creating the starting and ending poses, known as keyframes of any motion. The animator adds the lighting, camerawork, which involves choosing the angles and depth of a shot), effects, and other details much later to achieve the final and smooth animation that you see on your screens.
Rendering
Rendering involves the last part of the animation production process. It is when you need to finalize and export the animation. The step requires great attention to detail and ensures that the finals render the perfect polishing. The main production process ends with rendering, followed by a post-productive process. The late involves addition and synchronizing with special effects, music, sound effects and voice over with the animation.
The Future of 3D Animation
The future of 3D animation is clear and introduces new tricks, twists and turns in the entertainment industry in the new era. It is hard to imagine that 3D animation will become better than it is. However, the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) shows how much it is evolving.
As we can see in recent years, 3D animation will likely become more mainstream and used for business and everyday communication. Virtual reality is the ultimate test of 3D animation and has been in the wings for a long time. While virtual reality has been possible for a long time, it has limitations of technological delays, limited mobility, heavy equipment and other problems.
From where can I Learn 3D animation in Odisha?
Prism Media, the best animation institute in Odisha, offers courses to help the students learn industry standard 3D animation skills and achieve their dreams. It emerged as a leading centre for providing education and training in the best in class 3D animation, VFX, gaming and multimedia.
The faculty at Prism Media integrates knowledge, research industry experience and international exposure that offer comprehensive artist skills. The institute nurtures the students in developing excellent art while introducing them to live field projects and responsibilities.
Prism Media, Bhubaneswar, opens wide opportunities for the students wishing to acquire knowledge in 3D animation courses at affordable fees. Join Prism Media Bhubaneswar to become a professional 3D animator. Career opportunities and job placements after successful completion of the course.
