3D animation is the result of placing and manipulating characters and objects in three-dimensional space and creating the illusion of movement. Objects are created from 3D models assimilated into a digital environment using 3D modeling tools. Another way is that real objects are scanned and transferred into a computer as the basis for animated 3D objects.
What 3D animators strive for is the most realistic movement of objects and characters. You can create a perfect cartoon character, but if his movements are unnatural, not smooth or as a robot, all the work will go to waste. That’s why animators spend a lot of time learning the basic principles of movement to make believable animation.
Did you notice how smooth and realistic each movement of the 3D characters in the video above is? Even though the action takes place in an animated world, it works according to the laws of real world physics (more or less).
Let’s move on to the practical part, and more specifically how 3D animations are created. Pre-production of 3D animation is somewhat similar to 2D animation. The process begins with scripting and storyboarding, followed by sketches of 3D characters, setting up the background and preparing for the animation process itself. The whole process of creating animation is complex and multidimensional, so we will give only the basic steps.
Modeling .
Before our picture with objects and characters begin to move, you need to create these very 3D objects. As we said, objects are created based on 3D computer models. A simple computer model is a 3D object from a grid consisting of vertices, lines and curves, which give the object its shape. For the computer, such models are complete geometric shapes. The object becomes a “living” after it impose textures and color.
But before the character begins to move, you need to create his controllable skeleton, such as in humans and animals. The process of creating a skeleton is called rigging. Once the skeleton is created, a 3D model (also called a skin) is attached to the skeleton to prepare the character for animation.
Staging and animation
When the 3D characters are ready, they are placed in their respective scenes and set in motion using 3D animation computer programs. In the video below you can see that the animation at the initial stage is not established – the movements and transitions are abrupt and unnatural.
The initial version of the animation looks like this because first the animators create the initial and final poses of any movement. These poses are called keyframes. Lighting, camerawork (choice of angle and depth of frame), effects and other details are added much later, when the final animation, which we see on the screens.
Rendering
The final step in creating animation is rendering. The process involves refining the animation and getting the image. This stage requires close attention to detail, it depends on it the final result.
This stage ends the main process of creating animation, which is followed by postproduction, when the animators add special effects, music, voice-over and sound effects and synchronize them with the entire animation.
Useful tips and tricks
Creating 3D-animation – no doubt a time-consuming process, but despite this, it can be greatly simplified. Of course, and the process of work will accelerate and its quality will improve over time, when you gain experience. But nevertheless, no one has ever stopped a tip, so let’s share our tips and tricks.
Technology moves forward.
Technology is progressing: new updates, new programs, and updated features come out all the time, and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. But if you are determined to stay on top of the trends in your field, you need to evolve with the technology.
Computer programs for creating 3D animation have become more advanced, and the right tools can help you save time to devote to other projects. We recommend choosing a 3D animation program that suits your skill level.
Observe objects in life
If you’re a 3D animator, you’ve probably noticed yourself that the more time passes, the more observant you become. After all, your ultimate goal is to make 3D characters and objects as realistic as possible. And the best way to imitate real life is to know how it works.
Observe and learn the laws by which everyday life operates. This does not mean, of course, that you have to delve into physics. Just do a little research to understand how gravity works, for example. A basic knowledge of gravity will help you give objects weight and make their movements more convincing.
The subtleties of human emotion.
If your animation involves interaction between characters, you’ll have to work hard to create animations of their facial expressions. Knowing how to draw complex emotions is the key to going from good animation to super animation.