Beginner’s Guide to Learn 3D Animation Step by Step
Were you so fascinated by the cartoons you watched as a child that you yourself want to create something like that? The animation industry is widening more than ever and lots of scope for a career in this industry is getting created. Animation is the technique by which still images are manipulated to create the illusion that they are in movement. Earlier traditional animation or 2D animation was used in the likes of highly popular cartoons as Tom and Jerry. With time and digital advancement, we have acquired the 3D or three-dimensional method of animation. Unlike in 2D, depth is added in 3D animation which generally produces more extensive and life-like results. Although we immensely enjoy 3D animated movies and characters yet not all of us are familiar with the technique in detail. This post describes the various stages involved in creating 3D animation. If you are interested in a course in 3D animation in Kolkata, then you should definitely read through this.
- Concept
The storyline or the plot of the narrative is referred to as concept. Before starting to hand-draw any of the characters or objects, it is crucial to finalise the story on which the animation is to be based. Unlike in live action filmmaking through the help of camera and lenses where changes to the story can be incorporated easily, in case of animation there is no such opportunity.
- Storyboarding
A storyboard is used to visualise the story once it has been finalized. The scenes are sketched out which portrays character action, shot selection, the sequence of action and cinematic direction. This process guides the production process as it acts as the foundational outline.
- 3D Modeling
The process of creation of objects and characters via mathematical representation is referred to as modeling.The primary production of common shapes such as triangles and rectangles are done using vertices which then forms a mesh. These are then mapped onto a 3D grid which would be turned into 3D creatures.
- Texturing
Once the three-dimensional objects and characters are created then comes the texturing which is the process of adding the outer layer finish to that object. For instance, if it is a human being then flesh and clothes will be added whereas if it is a house then paint and plaster would be added.
- Rigging and Skinning
Creating the muscular skeletal basis of a creature or object is referred to as rigging. Character rigs allow the bones, joints and movable portion of the body to move in a convincing manner. After this comes skinning which makes the joints appear as smooth. The function is akin to our skin which hides the bones and muscles underneath it.
- Animation
At this stage the characters are fully developed and we can now move or animate them through a series of movements or sequences.
- Rendering
The generating of 3D animation with the help of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Elements such as shading, texture mapping, shadows, reflection, translucency, depth of field, motion blur, are formulated into the sequence during this stage.
- Compositing and VFX
Composting refers to the combination of multiple render passes to obtain the final animation. Visual effects are added in order to enhance the imagery in the same way as composting.
- Music and Foley
All the required sounds and musical score is created in a sound studio. Foley is the production of sound effects required for this piece of animation.
- Editing
Even though the necessary corrections are made at the initial stage of story building yet if any edits are needed then it is done at this time.
- Final Outcome
When all the elements have been produced and are in place, the final rendering is done after which there is no turning back. After the final rendering has been completed, the animation is all ready to be viewed and enjoyed.
In Conclusion
The various steps involved in creating an animated video consists of deep technical knowledge. As visual media has become omnipresent, animation is now being used by TV channels as well as academia. Through the help of 3d animation, the content can be made engaging and interesting. If you want to get a first-hand experience of this whole process, consider enrolling in any of the numerous animation courses on offer. George Animatrix is the top animation institute in Kolkata offering a variety of job-oriented animation courses. If you want to launch a successful career in the animation industry, check out the website of George Animatrix for more information.