Popular Art and Entertaintment

The art of 3D animation is a relatively new art medium compared to other forms of animation. Art dates back to the age of the caveman and for as long as man has roamed the Earth, there has always been the artist and the critic. For me animation dates back to sometime in the 1980′s when I used to watch Saturday morning cartoons and make flip books. However, 3D animation is an art form associated more with the information age and the growth of computer technology. Advances in technology have created what is now far more advanced than Saturday morning cartoons.

3D animation art challenges the intellectual artist. The artist now must be creative in how he or she uses traditional methods in conjunction with newer technology. To study this art form, the student must develop an understanding of all the elements needed to produce a computer animation. The animator must be able to take a concept from its infancy through maturation with the end result being a finished production displayed to an audience.

The 3D animation art student should be able to conceptualize taking an inanimate object and bringing it to life through character modeling. Once the object has been created or chosen, the animator needs to create a sequence of detailed views of the model in sketches on storyboards. Software suites can play a major role in this process providing tools that can create bring clarity to the storyline while providing time saving guidance during the planning stages.

The technique used in acquiring old school 3D animation involves is the creation of a set designing, the character (sometimes made of clay or other inanimate objects), a camera, and audio equipment. With today’s newer technology, creation of art of 3D animation involves 3D modeling and character animation which can be done entirely on a computer. No filming is required as the character and each movement can be created with software.

3D animators need to understand that the art of 3D animation can be excessive for the viewer if the professional cannot define the viewer’s line of equilibrium. To clarify this, think back to the last time you were just the right distance from a chain link fence. Did the fence appear toward and away from you when you looked at it long enough. The same sensation can occur if the viewer’s senses are overwhelmed. When it comes to 3D animation less really is sometimes more. The art of 3D animation has the capability to simplify the most complex ideas that would require creative genius.

This insight is but a tip of the iceberg! I know, I have buried my face in many a book or computer screen. There are literally millions of publications about art and animation. Far more titles than can be listed here. Don’t consider it a daunting task that sucks the fun out of animation. Knowledge is power and to be successful in any endeavor, you must have some background information.

The level of 3D computer animation technology available today has made it possible for artists to attain needed skills for the field of 3D computer animation prior to attending a specialized technical school or college. There are millions of publications that have relevant information for this field of study. Self-study and take home instruction are examples of popular learning methods that are designed to enhance the progression of the artists’ educational process.

Artists involved in 3D computer animation are aware that their learning process is ongoing. That can be said for every facet of life. However, once we get our feet wet and have our roots into a career where we begin to see success, we tend to get too comfortable and throw our books or our tools away thinking we know everything. When we think we’ve learned everything we need to know, our quest appears to be over. The quest is never over as there will always be advances in technology.

Learning 3D computer animation takes discipline. It may not always be fun. If you are in school or on the job, push yourself to learn more about what you are doing. Go beyond what you could or would be doing if left to your own devices. Do this even if this means animating things that you aren’t particularly interested in. Sometimes to become successful, you need to do things that you aren’t necessarily accustomed to nor interested in doing.

People with interest in animation wonder what it takes to be successful in this industry. While there are a lot of skills to be learned for this field of study, it is also important that the animator already possesses certain qualities. Characteristics that the 3D animator should possess include being creative, having a rudimentary understanding of technical aspects involved in computer animation and illustration, and the ability to be creative. It is also important to think outside the box. The artist should also to keep up to date with new techniques, tools, software, methodology, and production techniques.

In order to be an artist, it takes practice. You have to train like an athlete does for their respective sport. Your curriculum should involve a lot of hands on studio work where you can practice and hone your skills. Additionally, your curriculum should afford you plenty of theory studies as well as information on the latest technologies in the field. Software programs should be mastered to ensure success. Your ability to effectively use these programs will increase your value to prospective companies when you finish school and transition into the field.

Did you know that over 75% of people when asked about this field of study can only cite examples of 3D computer animation films, but really don’t have a clue what 3D computer animation really is? Can you afford not knowing? Information is very important for success and can put you on the career path to be an animator! Click here and find out how you can learn more about 3D Computer Animation.