What is 3D Animation?

3D animation is the process of placing objects and characters in a 3D space and manipulating them to create the illusion of motion. The objects are made based on 3D models assimilated in a digital environment with 3D modeling tools. Alternatively, real-life objects can be scanned into a computer or an animation tablet and become blueprints for 3D animated objects.

The goal of 3D animators is to move objects and characters in a given scene as realistically as possible. You can create the perfect cartoon character, but if its movements are uneven, robotic, or awkward, all your hard work will go down the drain. That’s why animators spend quite some time studying the basic principles of motion to make their animations believable.

Difference Between 3D and 2D Animation

We hear you; the names themselves give away the difference between 3D and 2D animation, but let us expand just a bit more on this subject to show the difference in the creation processes.

2D animation is flat as it’s based on a two-dimensional plane with x and y axes. Think of Pinocchio, the original Aladdin and The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Rick and Morty — we could go on forever. With the help of an additional axis, 3D adds a perception of depth to animations, making them more realistic.

2D animation achieves motion through the rapid succession of 2D scenes, each slightly different from the last. 3D animation is done by building 3D models and maneuvering them in a three-dimensional setting https://mercilessnature.com/. The addition of a third axis gives way more room to move and arrange objects in a scene, making character animation more flexible.

The Process of 3D Animation

Now, onto the more practical part — how does 3D animation work? The pre-production is not too far from that of 2D animation. It starts with developing a storyline and a storyboard, sketching the 3D characters, setting up the backgrounds, and laying the foundation for the production process.

The full animation process is pretty complex and nuanced, but here are the main phases of 3D animation.

 Modeling

Before we can have a functioning scene with character interactions, we first need to build our 3D characters. Characters are based on 3D computer models, and their creation is called 3D modeling. A basic 3D model is a mesh of points, lines, and curves arranged in a way to map out an object. A computer sees models as pure geometric shapes. It’s not until colors and textures are added that the map starts to resemble a real object.

Much like humans and animals, a character needs a controllable skeleton to be able to move. Rigging is the process of producing that skeleton. Once the skeleton is formed, the 3D model (also called skin) is attached to the rig to get the character ready to be moved around.

 Layout and Animation

When the 3D characters are all set, it’s time for character animation — i.e., putting characters in their respective scenes and animating their movements with 3D animation software. As you’ll see in the video below, the first stages of the animation process are quite rough; movements and transitions are sharp and unnatural.

Such a rough first draft is produced because animators first create only the starting and ending poses of any motion. These poses are known as keyframes. The lighting, camerawork (picking the angles and depth of a shot), effects, and other details are added much later to achieve the final, smooth animation that we see on our screens.

3D Animation Tips and Tricks

While it is true that 3D animation can be a laborious process, there are a bunch of tips and tricks to make the workflow a lot smoother. Of course, your work process will naturally become quicker and more productive the more experience you get, but here are some 3D animation tips to help you make the most of your efforts.

 Progress With Technology

Technology evolves; there are constant updates, new computer software, improved features, and it can be hard to keep up at times. But if you’re determined to stay up to speed with your field, you need to grow with technology.

3D animation software has advanced a lot, and the right tools can save you time to work on more projects. Be sure to pick 3D animation software that corresponds with your level of mastery. You never want to go for fancy, complex systems you won’t be able to use proficiently.

Once you pick your 3D animation software, you really need to make it yours. Familiarize yourself with the program, learn the shortcuts, tailor the tool to you, so it best supports your workflow.