3D Computer Animation: The Skills and Training You Need

3D animation and graphics make use of a 3 dimensional depiction of content that is in geometric form for the purpose of rendering images that are in two dimensional forms.  The use of 3D animation is becoming quite immense.   It's the cornerstone of many computer graphic applications, making 3D animation games and even cartoon films for the kids.

3D animation may also be used in corporate reports, advertising, prototyping, theoretical modeling, and in websites.  If you can imagine it, you can create and render it in a 3 dimensional world... with photo-realistic quality.  Consequently, because of this three dimensional and realistic nature, the byproducts make a stronger impact and a more clear and sound understanding of the subject matter for the viewer.

Similarity and differences between 3D animation and 2D animation

Although 3D animation software addresses an entire additional dimension as compared to 2D, the basic algorithm on which both 3D and 2D animation rely upon is the same.  This similarity is apparent in the wire frame format mainly.

The difference between the 2D and 3D animation is not as great as one might think.  They both use each other to get the desired effects.  For example, 2D animation uses 3D effects, like lighting, while the 3D animation uses rendering techniques that are used and taught in 2D programs.  Although there are differences, like a 3D animation is technically not a graphic until it is rendered in such a way that visually it attains the status of 3D.  Thus, in order to be trained in 3D animation, one needs to be skilled in 2D graphics as well.

3D Animation Training

Bringing characters to life is not as easy as it appears.  It needs a lot of practice and hard work. Although with a proper training in visual effects and an in-depth knowledge of 2D graphics and 3d animation, one can easily create, out of the world website, design products, make games that truly belong to the next generation and much more.

An aspiring 3D graphics artist with high goals may seek to develop a thorough and strong knowledge of graphics and the various graphics software standards that allow you to render a sketch into life.  Some of the packages that will improve your graphics skills in 3D animation are Flash, Macromedia, Bryce, Poser 4, and even Google Sketch Up, etc.

As time passes, new technologies and advancements will occur in both graphics hardware support for 3D animation and development, as well as 3D software which can take full advantage of the new hardware.  So, keep your eyes peeled for even faster, more accurate, easy-to-use 3D graphics animation software that will obsolete all that has come before.  This is inevitable.  We are advancing at a rapid pace and the 3D graphics world is right in the middle of it all.

Before you immerse yourself in such 3D animation packages, it’s always advisable to perfect your skill set in packages like Photoshop, that forms the basis of most any graphic activity.  Also, even though a new program may have the capability of say, Photoshop, still using a well-known standardized tool has it's advantages.  There is a time and place for stand-alone programs that do certain things very well.  Aftermarket support and plug-ins are also a big plus.

3D animation is taught in various schools and institutes focused in animation and communication design. Different institutes have different curriculum to offer students in order to train them into skilled animators. Usually, computer animation courses include 2D and 3D animation, digital arts, digital animation course, editing and visual effect course etc.

If you are really serious to become an animator, and you are interested in speeding up the process and learning how to more quickly produce animations that are stunning, complex, and deceptively easier than they appear, you might consider this new software called Illusion Mage.

The best part about 3D animation is that even professionals can spend a bit of time doing online courses in their chosen field and enrich their art skills further.  The ability to expertly animate will be in big demand for a long time to come.

Basic 3D Animation Knowledge

· Developing primary characters by using bouncing ball principle.
· Understanding the anatomy of the character and setting models with the help of knowledge in proportions.
· Color theory knowledge.
· Bone structure and skin textures.
· Color rendering.

The Intermediate 3D animation skills

· Modeling the character and understanding mesh tool.
· Shading skills
· Sketching and rigging skills.
· Software knowledge and making their use.

Advanced 3D animation training

· Conceptualizing an animation along with facial features and creating full fleshed characters.
· Making short animation movie.
· Shading, lighting and rendering using layers.
· Giving the final fluid effect.  Practically using all the packages together along with sketching to get perfection in 3D animation.

I highly suggest that you take a close look at Illusion Mage.  If you are serious about animation and being competitive, or seek to develop a career in 3D animation and 3D illustration you will get goose bumps when you see what this new tool can do.  Also, as of this writing they have some kind of promotional temporary pricing that makes it extremely affordable. It will be my next software purchase I can tell you that.  Go here to check it out.    http://vastdream.com/Illusion_Mage