Inside The Basics Of 3D Animation Software

Being very right-brained in the way I see a lot of things, I threw around the idea of scraping any posts addressing 3D Animation Software. I had thought it of more benefit to simply dive into the intricacies of modeling or fundamentals of animation but it struck me, hey, fresh blood is always dying to be drowned with more information when they start learning something new, why should 3D Animation be any different?! As for you other guys, stick it out because although it may not seem the case, finding out a little more about what makes these dream machines operate will only widen your scope in the field of 3D Animation. And that’s a good thing!

Frankly, 3D Animation Software is an application that computes the geometric value of data as it exists in a 3D Environment. The information is altered through a process of functions and computations, until it is finally ready for rendering. The rendered 2D images are then prepared for use in still or animations. Let me explain further.

When 3D Animation stormed onto the scene, it stood as a blend of different mediums and methods that were used in animation before. It was the computers’ reply to stop motion animation and did away with the exasperating (yes, I once did stop motion animation too) prospect of animating at veryslow speed. 3D Animation employed the capabilities of vector graphics in the way assets were drawn in the 3D Animation Software’s viewport. Also, raster graphics were used to convert the data into 2D images.

Then, of course, it was simply a matter of changing the 3D rendered images in a compositing program for animations, or 2D editing software if it was for a still.

Now, I know I may have come on strong with all of this but if you look at it it from the view that no matter what 3D Animation Software you choose to use, you are always simply dealing with data at the end of the day, perspective is possible (and this is where the know-it-all-geek in all of us rears its pimply head). Remember, although we may look at a 3D model in an animation software’s viewport, it is just a vector graphic representation of the stored data. At the end of the day, the same 3D model isn’t technically considered a graphic until it is rendered. It’s still just data!

Another thing to note is that the way in which 3D Animation packages get data is not restricted to manual entry by a 3D Animator. Motion Capture data is one method. Another is 3D Scanning via a 3D Scan capable camera. Also, with improvements in textile software programs, you are now able to export your models into applications which can produce 3D prints. Out with clay, I hear you say?

Well, no matter what, being aware of what the engine looks like under the hood of any 3D Animation Software will only help you in realizing its capabilities and limitations. Luckily as technology continues to develop, we will surely see less limitations and more capabilities created with the application of 3D Animation Software.

Now, as this was an overview to how 3D Animation Software processes data into the final project, later posts will address the fields of modeling, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering. If you’re still with me after reading this post, then hang around for more info on the Basics of 3D Animation!

-Morph

About the Author

Morph's blog is for beginner 3D Animation Enthusiasts who want to know more about the art form and the industry.

He offers a unique perspective after working in both China and New Zealand, both industries extremely different yet adding to the value he can offer in advice and aid for any 3D Animation beginners.