What is 3D animation
?
3D (3-Dimensional) animation is the art of creating moving 3D images using computers.
It is also referred to as CGI (computer generated imagery), especially when
used in films. Computer animation has grown in popularity largely because of
the entertainment industry. Blockbuster movies such as Toy Story, Jurassic Park,
Lord of the Rings, Finding Nemo, Spiderman and many others have made 3D animation
very popular. If you see the top
10 list of box office hit movies, you will notice that they all use 3D animation
extensively. (courtesy:imdb.com)
3D animation usage in the video game industry has now even surpassed the movie
industry due to the popularity of consoles such as Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo.
What is the process of creating 3D animation?
Computer animation is created with a computer and animation software such as
3DS Max and Maya. The process involved creating 3D models, adding materials
& textures, background images, lights, cameras and key framing objects for
animation and finally rendering the animation into a movie file or a sequence
of still images. The final animations (movie files) can be transferred from
the computer to other mediums such as film, video tape, Beta, CD's, DVD's and
can also be published on the internet or still images can be printed.
What are the uses and different applications
of 3D animation?
3D animation is used virtually in every industry
today. Besides the entertainment industry 3D animation is also widely used in
architecture, corporate, medical and legal fields for visualization purposes.
In general the applications can be categorized in the following sectors:
ENTERTAINMENT
DESIGN
& VISUALIZATION
CORPORATE
Movies
Manufacturing
Graphics
Television
Architecture
Presentations
Games
Medicine
Web-sites
What is the future growth potential with
3D Animation?
One open challenge in computer animation is a
photo realistic animation of humans. Currently, most computer-animated movies
show animal characters (Finding Nemo), fantasy characters (Shrek, Monsters Inc.),
or cartoon-like humans (The Incredibles). The movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits
Within is often cited as the first computer-generated movie to attempt to show
realistic-looking humans. Other areas that show a great potential of growth
include virtual and interactive environments, 3D Displays, and Virtual Reality
simulations. The biggest frontier for the growth of 3D animation is expected
to finally be the internet
What is the animation work environment like?
3D animation is a creative, high-tech profession.
The work environment is usually casual and flexible to best accommodate the
preferences of individual designers. Animation studios usually take excellent
care of their creative talent.
As an animator you have the flexibility of either working
on a full-time basis or on a freelance/per-project basis. Many animators prefer
to freelance and select the projects they like and work with several companies
concurrently. Some animators prefer to work from a home-based studio, creating
a web site to promote their work and sending their completed files to clients
via the internet.
How
much do animators earn?
Animator salaries vary according to industry
demand and area of specialization. In general freelance animators with about
2-3 years of professional work experience earn $ 500-750 per day.
“The average salary for a principal animator is around $175,000 a year
in 2005. That’s 22 percent higher than 2004 – making 3D animation
one of the most rapidly growing wage-paying jobs in the country” - San
Francisco Business Times (2006)
What are the other benefits with 3D animation?
The benefits of choosing 3D animation as a career
or profession are numerous. To begin with you are working in a highly creative
environment using cutting edge software and hardware technologies. Depending
on which industry you are working in such as movies, televisions etc. in general
animators are treated very well, especially if you are good at your work. Benefits
offered by some companies include buffet meals, gym memberships, extended paid
vacations, free massages on certain days etc. Also you can work from anywhere,
even while on vacation as long as you have a powerful laptop, software and high
speed internet access. For those interested in the movie industry, or video
gaming seeing your name on the credits can be a big payoff. Also once with professional
work experience you can easily start your business with very minimal investment,
and undertake projects through the web from any part of the world.
IS 3D ANIMATION RIGHT FOR ME?
This is perhaps one of the topmost questions
for beginners, because 3D animation is often mistaken for cartoon animation
such as Tom & Jerry or IMax movies where you see 3D with glasses. 3D Training.com
offers three ways for those that are unsure if 3D Animation is right for them
to try out the software (download our complimentary starter pack), attend a
one-hour complimentary demo class or sign up for our two hour Intro Class where
you will have a chance to learn and work with the 3D software hands on during
an actual live class. For more details or to schedule yourself for one of the
classes mentioned, please fill out our inquiry form.
Do I need computer programmer skills?
No. 3D animation programs are user-friendly applications
that resemble design programs like Flash or Photoshop but are much more complex.
The applications use the familiar mouse/windows/icons interface-just click and
create.
Do I need to be an artist to be a good 3D animator?
It depends on which specific area of animation
you want to focus on. In some areas of specialization prior artistic skills
are very important, and in others they are not. The 3D animation software is
so advanced today that it also provides you with tools and libraries of 3D models,
textures, and animation files and with experience you can create stunning scenes
and images. We have people from all walks of life taking our courses, from architects
to programmers, doctors and even engineers who either want to use 3D in their
existing profession or change their career.
Do I need a high-tech computer to get started?
No. Just a few years back, highend computers
capable of handling massive amounts of 3D data would cost a tens and thousands
of dollars. But now the computers are getting more powerful and price of computers
have dropped dramatically. Today you may even be able to start learning 3D animation
with the computer you have at home with maybe a fwe added memory and video card
upgrades. For exact specifications on the hardware and software necessary, refer
to the how to get started page.
How long will it take me to start earning
with 3D animation?
Since you get hired not based on your degree
or diploma but on your demo reel (portfolio) you can get started in this field
within a few months instead of years like other professions and increase your
income by gathering more and more work experience.
Which of 3DTraining.com programs is right
for me?
3D Training's most popular course, the 12-Week
3D Project Based Course, enables our
animation students to jump on a fast-track to a successful career in 3D animation
requires those registering to have previous experience using 3DS Max or Maya.
In order to attend this program you would need to submit 3 still rendered images
of your most current work done in 3DS Max or Maya. Since not everyone has this
experience we offer beginners or the hobbyist a 4 Week 3D
Foundation Workshop which provides students with the fundamental core animation
skills necessary to effectively participate in the 3D Project Based Program.
During this 4 Week program you will learn how to model, texture, use lights
and cameras to create an architectural walk-through project. This class is for
those that have little or no experience with any 3D Software.
You can fill out our inquiry
form to get more detailed information on the courses here at 3DTraining.com
including course pricing and start dates or schedule yourself for our complimentary
one-hour online demo class to see how our
courses are conducted. We will also provide you with a FREE
starter pack which includes demo versions of the 2 most popular programs
used today in the industry, 3DS Max and Maya, as well as a tutorial to get you
started in creating your first 3D animation project.
