What is 3D Animation: Complete Guide 2024

By Tata Rossi 11 days ago, Inspiration

3D animation definition is moving three-dimensional images created digitally. To develop such assets, you will need to master 3D animation software. This allows the design of computerized objects, giving them a three-dimensional appearance, even though they are on a two-dimensional surface.

Having mastered the visual effects and precise timing, everything becomes available to the specialist from creating a character in a computer game to developing a brand new car driving in a 3D world.

Common Ways to Use 3D Animation

Having dealt with what is 3D animation, you need to understand where it is required. It was first used in video games, television, and film production. However, over time, the scope has expanded to advertising production, architectural modeling, and even medical research, continuing to become useful in a wider range of industries.

Television and Movies

what is 3d animation television

Animated characters embedded in various types of video clips are realistic, thereby achieving an emotional connection for the viewer. A 3D character on your screen is something like a doll or a toy, it captivates and grabs the attention.

If this is fascinating even for adults, what can we say about children delighted with moving, singing, and dancing characters or animals? That is why almost all cartoon making software comes with a 3D animation function.

Gaming

what is 3d animation gaming

3D animation has also found its place in video games, making the process of passing the game even more realistic and exciting. Now, fighting in the game with opponents or overcoming obstacles, you become even closer to your character, and the game process becomes even more thrilling.

To learn how to create these visuals, you’ll need video game animation software, which these days can be combined with special virtual reality and augmented reality effects to achieve even more realistic effects and give the player the feeling of being right in the game.

Architectural Design

what is 3d animation architectural

Creating their realistic visualizations of real estate, modern architects also turn to the 3D animation process. This helps architectural rendering companies develop an accurate and detailed plan before launching construction to restoration.

In the modern world, it has become possible to combine such projects with virtual and augmented reality tools to view such projects both inside and out as if live. In this way, architects can notice and correct some errors or simply evaluate their work. Interior designers also enjoy this benefit, getting more specificity and visibility when furnishing spaces.

Prototyping

what is 3d animation prototyping

Product prototyping is another area of application for 3D animation, where advanced tools such as 3D printers and others are used. Saving on raw materials and labor costs, companies ranging from medical to engineering are visualizing their prototypes to a high standard.

Enterprises in every sector first develop their prototypes, then improve and refine them so that the finished product is of excellent quality without defects. It has become a particularly valuable contribution to industries such as technology and mechanical engineering, which actively use 3D tools in prototyping.

Medicine

what is 3d animation medicine

Digital 3D animation has become an invaluable contribution to the medical industry, greatly simplifying student learning. Now they can view detailed human body images and learn the latest medical techniques digitally. This was a big breakthrough for areas such as surgery, where practice and experiment cause obvious difficulties.

These days, you can benefit from 3D medical animation services, which makes it easier for the doctor and patient to communicate, as they can visually discuss the progress of a particular procedure. Combining 3D animation with virtual reality tools can reduce anxiety during complex medical procedures.

Simulations

what is 3d animation simulations

Manufacturing enterprises usually spend huge sums and a long time on practical training of their employees, however, 3D animating processes are a great solution for them, which will simplify the task and save money. By designing the appropriate 3D space, companies can train staff in a realistic environment.

Armed with virtual reality apps for iPhone and computers, you can add movement to objects and characters of your 3D models, making learning even more realistic and immersing students in the environment to the maximum.

Marketing

what is 3d animation marketing

3D animation has become a real boon for marketing, opening up new opportunities for demonstrating a product, its appearance, and all functions, giving consumers a better understanding of the product. Leading branding agencies have adopted this method by demonstrating their innovations through tutorials or demos.

Referring to 3D animation, you can take the quality of your content to the next level. The world is progressing, and the attention of the audience is becoming increasingly difficult to win. That is why marketers are increasingly turning to these innovations, luring potential buyers with a lively picture and maintaining their interest.

Main Stages of 3D Animation Process

With the help of 3D technologies, developers can turn two-dimensional figures into three-dimensional ones and add various movements to them in 3D space.

1. Modeling

what is 3d animation modeling

The first stage of the 3D animation process is the development of primitives, in other words, three-dimensional objects or characters. Then you need to scan real objects into a PC or turn to 3D modeling software.

Pro tip:

Rendering models with Autodesk Maya and Cinema 4D gives the user more independence while you can spend less time if you decide to scan real objects on a PC.

When the creation of the primitives is complete, the developers move on to creating a 3D mesh that makes reshaping possible. Next, they move on to the stage of giving the figures color and texture. Later, you can proceed to rigging – the process of setting up a skeleton for an animated character to allow him to move.

2. Layout and Animation

what is 3d animation layout

Once all the above steps are completed, you can proceed to 3D animation directly. You can use several available methods to make your object move – use keyframes, move the object frame by frame, or use motion capture data.

3. Rendering

what is 3d animation rendering

After completing all the necessary settings, including angles and lighting, the rendering stage begins. At this stage, rendering software is involved, which creates and exports graphic images that you have developed in the previous stages.

Pro tips:

The final look of your animation may differ slightly from your design, as the rendering takes into account all the nuances of lighting, reflections, transparency, etc. Try Cycles or Blender – special software that helps animators to achieve more accurate results.

F.A.Q.

  • • How is 3D animation different from CGI?

CGI is the creation of the illusion of movement using 3D objects, while 3D animation develops 3D models frame by frame. They are different technologies with their own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to be guided by your goals when choosing one of the two technologies.

If your goal is to end up with quality static images, then take a closer look at advanced CGI animation software. To create the illusion of movement, you should focus on finding 3D animation tools.

  • • Do I need to know how to code and draw to create 3D animations?

No, you don’t need too much special knowledge to create animations. Use motion illusion software to develop 3D models of objects and characters and manipulate them to create the required scene.

Pro tip:

Check out Udemy or Domestica courses that can teach you how to create 3D animation online.

  • • What knowledge base is needed to start creating 3D animations?

In addition to being familiar with animation software, you also need to know the principles of motion.

You should study how people and animals move, what facial expressions are associated with what emotions, how the weight of an object and physical principles affect its movement, and also have an understanding of mechanical design and operation.

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