How To Land A Job As An Animator

In a typical animation career you wear many hats. You may have a specific expertise, but chances are that just as often, you’ll juggle many skills and titles from job to job. Animation artists find most of their work via word of mouth. No offense to agents, reps, and recruiters, but to succeed in finding work in the business of animation is to develop and maintain relationships. We are, as Barbra Srteisand sang it, “people who need people.”

The Simple Truth:

The key to finding work in animation is to accept that this is a people-driven industry. People who know people who recommend people who hire people. Those who take a negative view of the importance of relationships to the job hunt boil it down to, “its all based on who you know”. This makes “who you know” sound like some random act of luck. In reality, you are responsible for “who you know”, for the relationships you create and sustain. Relationships require energy and effort.

The business of animation in North America is small enough that even within a few short years, you could know someone connected to every studio on the continent. We’re all six degrees from our animation Kevin Bacons. Simple enough, right? But these truths are not self-evident and if they are, we certainly don’t behave all the time as if we hold this to be true. This simple truth will show up over and over again in this book.

While there’s no guaranteed way to find work in the animation industry, there are a lot of things we can do to create the best possible odds for success. Happily, finding work in the animation industry is something that gets easier over time, as you expand your network of contacts and your reputation open doors for you.

Sustaining Relationships Can Lead To Work:

In the animation industry, sometimes, the most effective job-hunting happens in the most indirect way. Often, even when we make a good connection at a studio, the timing is not right for an immediate job. So, what can we do to “hang around” until something opens up without risking a restraining order? My favourite solution si to stay in touch with people via the ocassional email.

Recently, I was in a producer’s office when he received n email from a mutual friend of ours. “I guess he’s out of work again,” said the producer.  I asked how he knew that without reading the e-mail. The producer replied, “This guy only e-mails me when he needs work.”

People are not keeping in touch with their contacts enough while they are working. We need to nurture our contacts. Periodically send out updates to your contacts. Let them know where you’re working and why it’s a great experience. Either way, your contacts will be tickled that you thought of them. Over the years, I have received a few job offers as a result of mailing out some congratulatory message. While I wouldn’t say sending out email messages and updates should be anyone’s main focus for job-hunting, they are a part of what builds up a career over time.

How To Land A Job As An Animator

Starting Your Own Animation Studios – The 3 Camps

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There seems to be three major camps of animation artists. One camp’s long-term goal is to create, sell and produce their own television series or feature film. Another camp’s long-term goal is to create their own studio business. The third camp consists of people who are happy simply excelling as workers for hire.

No matter what camp you fit into, most animation artists that have worked as off-site freelancers get a a taste of freedom that is similar to what it must feel like to be your own boss. You get to setup with your workday your own way. You can take a double lunch or catch a movie in the middle of the day and have the option to resume work again at night.

Animation artists, by the nature of our careers, sometimes work alone for hours or days at a time to complete a job. It’s not surprising that many of us dream of opening our own studio where we could live and work in the ultimate example of independence.

Paul Fierlinger sums up the allure of owning your own studios: “ I don’t have to spend any time working with people I don’t like; the commute to work is easy; it’s easy to work anywhere from an hour to sixteen hours a day; the pay is anything buy regular; industry news and trends pass me by and I live in fear of where the next job is coming from instead of having to live in fear or when I’ll get sacked.”

Some create their own studio business more our of necessity than from passion. Large studios tend to hire a lot of artists fresh out of school. They seek out this inexperienced youthful labor because they can pay less and expect more time and loyalty in return. Some companies believe that it’s easier to train young workers who are free of the bad habits that years of experience can sometimes bring.

Older workers will likely have family commitments, which pull them away from working late nights or taking on extra work for the weekend. Those who are forty years old and older either gravitate toward studio supervisor jobs or risk competing against an ever-growing crop of recent graduates for some of the same jobs.

To stay competitive, the older people in the workforce must often lower their hourly rates, despite the wealth of experience they inherently bring to each project. It’s easy to see why some older animation artists feel that going into business for themselves would be the best way to continue a career in the industry

How to design your own 3D Animation easily

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Designing an own 3D Animation is good to develop personal skills. Now these days people are very much interested to develop their own skills on 3D Animation designing. Now We will see how to design a 3D Animation for personal interest.

Easy 3D Objects is intended for creation of 3D animations and illustrations. Areas where you can apply Easy 3D Objects: -making 3D GIF- animations for the Web; -making 3D banners; -making 3D illustrations; -presentation materials; --development of creative imagination. ... Program features: -adds to 3D scene the following types of objects: dummy cube, sprite, plane, disk, cube, frustum, sphere, cone, cylinder, annulus, torus, arrow line, space text, mirror; -edits parameters of objects; -rotates and moves objects and groups of objects; -fills objects by color or texture from BMP, JPEG.

SWiSHmax has everything you need to create stunning fully interactive Flash animations. You can create shapes, text, buttons, sprites, and motion paths. You can also include more than 230 ready-to-use animated effects including explode, vortex, 3D spin, and wave. ... You can preview your animation inside SWiSHmax without launching a browser or external player, and live editing lets you make changes while the animation is playing. ... You can create your own effects or make an interactive movie by adding actions to objects.

SWiSHmax has everything you need to create stunning fully interactive Flash animations. You can create shapes, text, buttons, sprites, and motion paths. You can also include more than 230 ready-to-use animated effects including explode, vortex, 3D spin, and wave. ... You can preview your animation inside SWiSHmax without launching a browser or external player, and live editing lets you make changes while the animation is playing. ... You can create your own effects or make an interactive movie by adding actions to objects.

Feature wise, Realsoft 3D is a full featured modelling, rendering, animation and simulation package. It introduces global illumination, multi-wavelength ray-traycing for accurate spectral caustics and other optical effects, sub-surface scattering for realistic human skin shading. ... On the animation front a full range of tools - from easy keyframing to event driven nonlinear animation- is supported. ... Realsoft 3D is a complete solution for high end 3D-production at an unprecedented price. ... Don´t rush to the plugin shop every time you need to create something new - get Realsoft 3D.

Effect3D is a powerful editing tool that lets you create professional looking 3D objects, add animation, and use a wide range of 3D effects. Effect3D's Power Wizard does the work for you, so whether you're a novice or a Webmaster you'll be producing stunning artwork in minutes. ... Effect3D can also create dynamic 3D models by RTS animation so models can move back-and-forth, float, or rotate. ... Over 500 models are cleverly categorized for easy browsing and with over 70 behavioral Bio-Morph animation's to choose from; Effect3D gives you the freedom to create uncompromising images limited

3D GIF Designer produces animated high-quality 3D pictures, titles, banner ads and buttons for your Web page or for a presentation. You can create animations from your own pictures (JPG, GIF, BMP, AVI) and easily add 3D text and shapes. The sprites technology enables to control over ... For quickly getting started, design your own animation from over 30 professional templates (banners, buttons, logos), and then save as animated GIF or AVI movies, or as set of JPEG or BMP files. ... In addition, 3D GIF Designer allows you to animate sprites with several effects such as Swing, Rotate.

Stereogram Explorer is user-friendly design software for creating high-quality hidden 3D graphics, also known as Single Image Random Dot Stereograms (SIRDS) or Single Image Stereograms (SIS) known from the "Magic Eye" series. Stereogram Explorer uses advanced algorithms and can render... Main features: User-friendly interface Random dot stereograms (SIRDS) Pattern or textured stereograms (SIS) Support for many file types including GIFs, JPEGs, PICTs, and BMPs Import 3DS (3D Studio) models Export depthmaps from 3D scene Autocalculated depth coeficient for loaded 3D models .

Pro Motion is a bitmap editor and animation package, ideal for creating pixel precise animations, images or icons used in games or Flash applications especially for handheld systems like mobile phones,gameboy,PDA,Pocket PC and similar. It has a huge number of functions ranging from simple... copied to all equal tiles within the image) - tons of tools including color cycling, onion skinning, masking, symmetry paint, magic wand, tile painting for "infinite" textures-bitmaps and "standard" functions like line, curve, box, circle, fill (pattern, gradients) - lots of helpful animation.

Careers in Computer Animation

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Schools have developed animation courses in early 1980s. Through the years, the demands in the field of computer graphics have grown fast. Skills in computer animation are important requirements to achieve a good paying job. Animation courses have focused on specific roles associated in a certain production, but they have common themes and this is the key towards getting a career in computer animation. These themes include character animation, sound, drawing, 2D and 3D animation, studio practice, film theory and production process.

The schools should maintain the high-tech hardware and software. Once you have finished your animation course, you have the chance to work on the prestigious studios around the world. These studios include DreamWorks, ESC Entertainment, Framestore CFC, Mill and Aardman Animations, and The Moving Picture Company.

Animation companies hire creative people who have extreme abilities in drawing. Such skills may be acquired through schooling. You will need to enroll in an animation course in order to gain skills in computer graphics. If you really want to be a great animator, certain discipline should be considered in computer animation. It is important to enroll in any course because you really are interested in it and not being manipulated by others. You will not learn the principles of animation if you were just forced by others to study it.

Courses in animation are also available through the net. If you don't have the time to go to college everyday because of your hectic schedule, online computer animation school is perfect for you. Online computer animation schools offer variety of related courses in animation. Areas of study include computer graphics, cell animation, 3D modeling, 3D set construction, multimedia, Interactive animation and more. You may choose among these for the specialization that you would like to concentrate on. Numerous online schools may give you proper training to help you achieve your dream of becoming a great animator. The best part about online schools is that you may study right at the comfort of your home.

Different approaches are being taught to students who prefer to enroll the course in a prestigious animation school. The school provides high tech tools and latest learning in computer animation. You will be able to widely apply and practice your skills in large and complete laboratory. Computer animation courses include all that you need in the field to get ahead. You may study programs in software, hardware and technologies in creating realistic animation. Learn to develop your skills in creating backgrounds and lighting effects and story lines, textures and characters. Layering techniques, visual effects and articulation of characters is being taught in animation training. After acquiring enough knowledge in animation course, start setting your work plan. You should enhance your skills in computer animation if you want to excel in the field, and now is the time to prove others and to yourself that you will be a great animator.

Computer Animation in Post Production

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One of the most sought after jobs in the market today is computer animation. The technology of computer animation is getting simpler and simpler day by day; simultaneously, the opportunities for people aspiring to become computer animators have increased tremendously.

The Technique

Traditionally, animation always used to be done in the manual way. The most popularly adopted method was to create a series of cartoon frames, which were then combined into a film. Another method was by using physical models, which were placed in a certain place and the image was captured; the model was then moved and the next image captured; and the process used to continue.

But, the conventional way has been replaced by computer animation. Computer animation, which is a part of computer graphics, is the technique of creating moving images with the use of computers. It is created by means of 3D or 2D computer graphics. Computer graphics is also referred to as 'Computer-Generated Imagery'. An image is shown on the computer screen, which creates an illusion of movement and this is replaced by a new image, which is slightly different from the previous image. Sophisticated computer animation involves moving the camera or the objects in a more refined way, wherein, the law of physics is used for achieving this.

The Software

Computer animation can be created with the help of a computer and animation software. Cinema 4D, Amorphium, Poser, and Ray Dream Studio are some examples of animation software. Many software options are available and prices vary according to the sophistication of the programs.

Computer animators are creative artists who use high-tech tools for achieving their creative perfection, but the ultimate reason for their achievement is their creative vision.

Forms of Animation

There are different types of animation available:

- Scripting Systems was the earliest system used for motion control, where the computer animator writes a script in animation language. One of such scripting languages is Actor Script Animation Language.

- Procedural Animation (which defines the movement over time), uses the law of physics for generating a movement. For example, consider a motion, which is the result of another action, as in the case of a ball, which if thrown towards an object, hits that particular object and causes it to move in the desired direction.

-Representational Animation is a technique, wherein an object changes its shape during animation. This is sub-divided into three categories - articulated object animation, soft object animation, and morphing.

-Stochastic Animation, which controls a groups of objects like fireworks and waterfalls.

- Behavioral Animation, where a group of objects behaves according to a set pattern as indicated by the animator.

Computer generated animation is used in various diverse fields such as films, television, videos, advertising, gaming, website designing and in a host of other situations. Due to its wide range of application, computer animation has seen a spurt in growth in the last few years.

Audiences all over the world, especially young audiences, are captivated by the extreme graphics and sound effects, which have been introduced in television programs, movies as well as in commercials. Use of multimedia makes the presentation even more attractive and effective.

Soar High With Computer Animation Careers

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Have you ever wondered how the characters in the films Shrek, Finding Nemo or The Incredibles were made? The characters in these films are all products of computer animation. Animation companies hire creative people with a broad knowledge and experience in drawing. This is the reason why animators should have the passion for animation, as well as talent in drawing. During the earlier years in the movie making business, cartoon series episode are done manually or drawn using the artists bare hands. But as technology advances, the tricks of the trade have been developed, which is why the animated films being shown today become more of a visual delight.

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer graphics are being used in computer animation. In two-dimensional or 2D animation, separate transparent layers and drawings without skeleton are used. In three-dimensional or 3D animation, the virtual skeleton is manipulated with figures. Just like the U.S., Japan is a highly developed country which has great fascination for animation. They used unique formats in traditional and robot animation, taking pride in products like Voltes V and Gundam. If you want to partake in the success of the computer animation industry, then you need to think about concentrating on computer animation careers where there are a lot of options to choose from.

Today, computers are used to give life to animation. It helps animators perform their tasks easier. If you have enough knowledge in kinematics as well as an extraordinary talent in drawing, then you are the right person for animation. But if you are interested in the same field but you are not blessed with real talent, do not lose hope. There are schools that offer courses in various creative arts and help people with their computer animation careers. You will learn about the fundamentals of artistic designing, coloring, drawing, graphic designs, video designs, cartooning and other essentials of animations.

Computer animation careers are illustrious because most companies producing animated films need creative animators. The beauty of an animated movie lies on the creativity of the animator. Animated movies will look realistic depending on the knowledge and creativity of the animator. If you would like to work as an animator, you are required to acquire a degree in animation. You may find several schools offering courses that teach technical skills and include actual practice. There are also online computer animation schools that offer short courses in the same field.

However, do not expect to become a great animator in just one day. You need a lot of practice and patience to attain the skills needed in animation. In a few years, with your time, patience and effort, you will surely gain the appropriate skills needed to become a successful animator. Animation companies prefer to employ animators with exceptional talent. Also, having a good reference in school is an advantage for future employment. After gaining enough skills and experience, you are now ready to sink your teeth in the amazing world of computer animation with computer animation careers.

Animation Career Paths – The Storyboard Artist

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Image via WikipediaThe storyboard is the visual shot-by-shot translation of a script and is the basis for the entire production process that follows, including design, background and layout, animation, and postproduction. Despite changing technology, storyboards are still mostly drawn by hand.

Storyboards represent the finished product long before great time and expense goes into a project. The storyboard artist, working in the style of the porudction, maintains storytelling continuity, breaks down the script into scenes or shots, establishes the size relationships between characters and props, and indicates the acting by hitting strong poses on each story point. In addition, the storyboard artist is often the first to rough out new background locations, characters, and props. A storyboard artist balances strong drawing skills with a good knowledge of anatomy, acting, directing, staging, and the ability to think creatively and quickly. With such commanding skills, story-board artists often develop into animation directors.

Veteran storyboard artist and co-creator of Frederator/Nickelodeon’s Call Me Bessie!, Diane Kredensor, describes the daily duties of a storyboard artist, “First, you go through the script and thumbnail out your shots. Then you pitch your thumbnails to the storyboard supervisor or animation director for notes and changes. From there, you flesh it out, adding the acting, into a full rough storyboard. Some productions already have the voices recorded and the board artist will board to track. Otherwise, you create (draw) the acting and the voice actor match your board. Once your rough board is approved by the director, you make it pretty, putting everything on model, and then you’re done.

What kind of training and skills does a storyboard artist need to develop to start out and to keep advancing in her career? According to Diane Kredensor, you want to be a good draftsman, able to draw the human figure in a variety of poses. “ Other skills should include strong storytelling, cinematography, staging and composition. Storyboards should clearly communicate ideas to the entire production team, so strong communication skills are an important asset”.

All the experts agree that the most intensive learning takes place on the job. The more experience you have out there working with other people’s good boards, the better your own boards become.

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Animation Career Paths – The Character Animator

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Character animators work in 2D or 3D or in dimensions yet to be discovered, bringing life to talking rabbits, dancing hippos, anthropomorphic cars, near-sighted fish, and more dysfunctional families than you can shake a stick at. The principles of animation, including stretch and squash, weight, anticipation and overlapping action, were fully developed (largely at the Walt Disney studio) by 1942. Since then, character animators have applied these principles to projects with an infinite amount of stylistic variation, from full animation to low budget for the Web or TV. The character animator is a journeyman, accumulating experience and expertise over the courses of a career and a lifetime.

What kind of training and skills does a character animator need to start out and alos to keep advancing in their career? Feature animator Travis Blaise (Brother Bear), advises starting with the grass roots. “Try to attend a school that teaches the fundamentals (figure drawing, painting, sculpting, art history) along with traditional animation.” TV animator and director Jim Petropolis adds, “If you learn nothing else, learn how to draw a proper human figure”.

It is also important to understand storytelling, continuity, and acting. It’s less important to research technical “how-to-animate” books and more beneficial to find books on your favorite artists or illustrators. It is better to develop your own voice and its easy to get stuck animating the way everyone else does.

What
 Are The Daily Duties Of A Character Animator?

TV animator Justin Simonich answers: “ As an animator you’re responsible for any scene given to you by the director, animating any characters assigned to you, and handing it by the deadline. The deadline is paramount; you have to work in a quick, yet deliberate manner.

The daily duties of a character animator often go beyond their job descriptions. Jim Petropolis feels that once you’re in a loop, expect to wear many hats simultaneously. “Over time you’ll probably be asked to do something different than what you might have hitherto been accustomed to.

Character animators, whether they work in 2D or 3D, need to keep up with technology to stay employable. To stay current with technology, read articles about new software and try them out. If you see a cool look or effect on TV, try to imitate it with Flash and After Effects. It helps you build an arsenal of styles and looks.

Top 5 3D Animated Films And Characters Of All Time

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The magical spells that animated cartoon characters cast, are eternal and never cease to leave the audience spellbound. From tiny tots to their beloved grandparents, none can deny that these animated cartoons have those splendid, special secrets about them that make them leave an everlasting impression on the minds of the spectators.

So what is it about them that are so stunning? Is it the magnificence of the technology combined with art that astonishes the audience? Or is it their ability to transform us into an entirely different world that captivates the minds of million? Whatever be it, the few hours of immense cheerfulness that they bring into our lives is unmatched and leaves us only asking for more.

The world has watched the performances of plenty such fun filled movies yet there are a select few which have become legends in the world of animated pictures. So what are the top 5 all time favorite animated cartoons? And what makes them more special than the others?

1) The Lion King:

The life of Simba is beautifully portrayed in the movie starting from its childhood and the years that followed leading to a mature king who efficiently saves the land of pride from wrong hands and rules over it successfully. The assortments of emotions displayed by the Lion and all the other characters are enthralling!!!



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2)  Finding Nemo

No body needs to be reminded of this movie which was the only one to top the Lion King at the box office. The adventurous pursuit of Marlin in finding Nemo in conjunction with Dory is considered one of the most enjoyable escapades ever in the history of animated cartoons.

3) Ratatouille


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An impossible dream of a rat aspiring to become a chef was an entirely novel concept that was greeted well by the audience. Remy’s role as a secret chef in a French restaurant is an excellent recipe for laughter. The culinary world of Paris becoming topsy-turvy because of a rat race is perfectly depicted in the film.



4) Shrek



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An attempt to regain his swamp from a King, leads the green ogre, Shrek in a path of love that he has never tread before. The movie takes us into a fun filled journey, led by Shrek his pal donkey and his new found love Princess Fiona. The tag line that quotes ‘The greatest fairy tale never told’ is just a fitting description to the movie.


5 Ice Age:
When the whole animal kingdom was frightened by the upcoming Ice Age, four animals Sid (sloth), Diego (tiger) Scrat (Squirrel) and Manny (mammoth) are united in a mission of returning a human infant to his father. The obstacles faced by this unusual group of heroes simply during their mission left the audience simply astound.

Though each and every animated cartoon is unique in its own way, they are all united by one universal theme of love. They convey to us the message that life in any form deserves respect.

7 Future Preditions of Computer Animation

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Computer animation is created by two or three dimensional graphics of computers. Two dimensional computer animation is used for quick rendering and for low bandwidth animation. In cartooning, the computer to be used and the film that is the image generated by the computer is considered. This is a concern especially when making a movie. To create movement in a model, the photo is placed in the screen monitor of the computer used and then changed by a slightly shifted image that looks the same as the previous one. This method is used in making motion pictures to project a movement that is an illusion of how it is with reality.

All computer animated objects uses different computer programs for the detailed representation of the characters in the film. A great challenge for animators is to make a realistic image of humans using computer animation. Today, movies that are computer animated are mostly animal or fantasy models and sometimes humans that are made to look like a cartoon. There are many attempts for movies that are computer generated to make human characters look real. This can be seen in movies like "The Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within". But because of the complexity to replicate the human body, motion, and biomechanics, it is still a big problem to simulate real humans.

It was planned to make a software program wherein the artist will create a sequence in a movie that shows a photo of a realistic human model, going through some believable movements. The clothes and the physical attributes of a real human like the hair are included in making the realistic human photo. It is also the animator's goal to put a complex yet natural-looking background, and, if possible, they aim to make realistic characters which blend together and make a realistic whole. Artists attempt to do this in such a way that the people watching will not think that a movie is generated by computers or made with the participation of the actors acting in front of the camera. This plan of simulating real human characters is definitely not going to happen in the near future. However, a concept like making realistic people can have a bearing in the film and computer animation industry for future developments.

Animators for computer games and television are doing animation using photorealistic design with a high detail. The quality of computer animation used in making movies would take many years to accomplish if you are using a personal computer alone. To make the photorealistic design possible, powerful and high quality computer work stations are used. The workstations that are used to make computer animations are specialized to render the images for a soft realistic output of the cartoon.

The Growth in Computer 3D Animation Software

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If you are interested in computer graphics or animation, then you are in luck. There have been some amazing advances in that field, and as a result there are some great computer animation software programs available. Whether you are interested in creating cartoon animations for business or if you want to create animations for personal use, this is a great time to get started.

Animation has come a long way from Walt Disney's Steamboat Willie cartoon animations in the 1920's. Just take a look at films, such as Toy Story and Jurassic Park; even television shows like Babylon 5, where classic animation has jumped to new animations at warp speed by using one major tool - the computer.

The computer can speed up both the creative process of animating characters as well as the time it takes to get a film or TV show to the screen. Even Julie Andrews came out with the quote "Movie animation has come a long way since we frolicked with cartoon penguins, sheep and carousel ponies in Mary Poppins" when she was doing voice work on Shrek 2.

A computer is just a tool, so without a skilled artist at the drawing board or moving the mouse, nothing can be created. And, artists need proven solutions and programs that they can depend on in order to produce the wonderful images they do.

Computer animation software helps teach the skills needed to be a successful animator. Computer animation has been called a healthy marriage between art and science. That seems to say it all.

One of the largest and fastest growing areas within the computer graphics and animation field is in the area of computer games. Computer animation programs and software are constantly being improved to keep up with the animations and graphics that are becoming more complex, even as the technology in the hardware simplifies.

Also, since computers have become almost as common as blackboards, crayons and pencils in classrooms, including preschools and kindergartens, various creators of software applications have designed numerous programs for young children. They can learn to create animations, as well as several other skills specifically designed for their level. Many of the features of educational computer programs, such as interactivity, are completely in-line with educational principals, which is a huge advantage for everyone.




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If you have children, then you may be interested in learning about computer animation programs that are available for them. Through fun games, animated tutorials and even vocabulary sections, children learn the essential computer skills they will need when using other computer animation software, even on the preschool level. Check out several programs, as some even have bonus items, such as a My First Software mouse pad and extra books.

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The Implications of 3D Computer Animation

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3D computer animation is making a big impact in the animation industry. Realism is the key for the rising demand of 3D animation. It is a challenging technology for prospective artists and for professional animators alike to develop new editions and versions of the existing 3D animation programs. The frames of the models and the shots are sometimes simple, but the motion or the movements of the characters is where the creativity and skills of the animator comes in.

In 3D computer animation, visual styling is one of the categories that need to be considered. It is not just how the objects being animated are going to look but it also focuses on how the images are going to be rendered, as well as the methods to be used for animation. It is about the complexity of the process. The production of the object must be capable being done within the limits of the work. Blending the motion of the characters is possible to achieve with the use of many new sources, provided that the movements of the cartoon is realistic. Planning and putting guidelines before the actual production of the picture must be done. Directing the movements of the character must be done by actual people who are experts in taking shots of any characters motion. Cinematography is also a vital element of animation since the animators have the power to control the position and the movement of the camera when doing a computer animated picture.



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3d Computer Animation

In the actual story, the sequence of the drawn images and the applied lighting has a big impact. These aspects of the process are done during the planning stage and the formation of the three dimensional characters. Facial animation is now more prioritized than in the past when it comes to 3D computer animation. Even the slow blinking of the eyes and the movements of the eyeballs are now given detailed attention. Facial manipulation level and the methods on how it will be done will give each character a good effect and style.

If you are planning to enroll in animation schools and you are interested to become an animator, try to do some early work on 3D animation programs to practice your skills. Whichever field you are leaning to, and whatever direction you would like to go in the field of animation, it is still better to have an idea on how have the basic skills in 3D computer animation. 3D computer animation is considered one of the most popular types of animation today. It includes making films, video games, and animated characters. Entering an animation school is the best way to improve your potentials and to learn everything about three dimensional computer animations. It will surely help you in deciding what career in the field of animation to take.

3D Computer Animation: The Skills and Training You Need

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3d animation or graphics make use of a 3 dimensional depiction of content that is in geometric form for the reason of rendering images that are in two dimensional forms. The usage of 3d animation may be immense. It may be used in computer graphic applications, making 3d animation games and even cartoon films for the kids. 3d animation may also be used in corporate reports and in websites and consequently because of their three dimensional nature make a better impact and sound understanding.



Similarity and difference between 3d animation and 2d animation

Although there is an entire dimension addition in 3d animation when compared to 2d, yet the basic algorithm on which 3d animation rely upon is the same in both the case. This simailarity is apparent in the wire frame format mainly.

The difference between the 2d and 3d animation is not enough. They both use each other to get the desired effects. For example 2d animation uses 3d effects like lighting and at the same time, the 3d animation uses rendering techniques that are taught in 2d. although there are differences like a 3d animation is technically not a graphic till the time it is rendered in such a way that visually it attains the stature of 3d. Thus, in order to be trained in 3d animation, one needs to be skilled in 2d graphics as well.

3d animation training

Bringing characters to life is not as easy as it appears. It needs a lot of practice and hard work. Although with a proper training in visual effects and an in-depth knowledge of 2d graphics and 3d animation, one can easily create, out of the world website, design products, make games that truly belong to the next generation and much more.

The answer such high goals and aspirations is a thorough and strong knowledge of Graphics and the various packages that may help you to render a sketch into life. Some of the packages that may make you a skilled in 3d animation are flash, macromedia etc. But before you know such 3d animation packages, it’s always advised to have an idea and perfection in packages like Photoshop that forms the basis of any graphic activity.

The 3d animation is taught in various schools and institutes focused in animation and communication design. Different institutes have different curriculum to offer its students in order to train them into skilled animators. Usually, computer animation courses include 2d and 3d animation, digital arts, digital animation course, editing and visual effect course etc.

The best part about 3d animation is that even professionals can excel the art by doing some online courses in the same field that enriches their art further and make them further skilled and expertise animators.

The Basic 3d animation knowledge

·Developing primary characters by using bouncing ball principle.
·Understanding the anatomy of the character and setting models with the help of knowledge in proportions.
·Colour theory knowledge.
·Bone structure and skin textures.
·Colour rendering.

The Intermediate 3d animation skills
·Modeling the character and understanding mesh tool.
·Shading skills
·Sketching and rigging skills.
·Software knowledge and making their use.

Advanced 3d animation training
·Conceptualizing an animation along with facial features and creating full fleshed characters.
·Making short animation movie.
·Shading, lighting and rendering using layers.
·Giving the final fluid effect. Practically using all the packages together along with sketching to get the perfection in 3d animation.

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The Art of 3D Animation - Are You Up To It?

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Image via WikipediaOver the ages there has always been a confrontation between two ideologies: art for art’s sake and art for human upliftment. 3D animation is also an art form predominant in this information age marked by numerous inventions. Technological advancement is a major catalyst for the ideology of art for upliftment. 3D animation is the perfect amalgamation of both.

3D animation encapsulates the essence of art its dynamic and ever evolving nature makes it a potent combination of paintings, drawing and sculptures. This form of art challenges the creative and the intellectual streak in the artist. The artist now does not only use the traditional means but also has to show technological intelligence.

This study involves an intricate software understanding and computer animation. The form of art is so immaculate that one needs to draw, paint and model the design within the realm of 3D animation. Lighting, cinematography, colour scheme, textures, sound synchronisation, shading, contrasts and animation are some of the other requirements to be a professional 3D animator. 3D animation has transcended the boundaries of entertainment and has been incorporated into the realm of education, industries and corporate organisations.

The first step to be a 3D animator is that aspirants need to understand to make an animation on needs to literally sculpt a model with the technological strokes and bring the inanimate matter to life. Taking or withdrawing elements from the model one has to judge the creative work from different vantage points. 3D animation usually starts with 2D photographs which presents the model from different angels.

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To create a sequence of animations one has to create a detailed view of the model in the format of sketches, scripts and transitions. Tools play a major role in this creative process but it does not abrogate creativity from the work of art, for a 3D animation aspirant, determination is the only tool and nothing even technological requirement of any sort can take away quality from the creation.

The process of acquiring 3D animation techniques is the creation of a backdrop, the set designing, the character modelling, the animation, cameras, recording, music compositions and special effects. The module in the study of the 3D animation includes 3D modelling, 3D prototypes, Character animation, Special effects, architectural improvisations and engineering technicalities. 3D Animation also requires workflow, timelines, research, detailing and structuring.

This creative field demands its aspirants to be immaculate in the tricks of animation which include JPEG, GIF, TIFF, TGA and PNG file format. Holistically, 3D animation requires the creator to have an aesthetic taste from the placement of the model. 3D animation brings to life all static images and is the foundation of the brand image of an institution lest one looses the public interest. 3D animation if excessive can be tedious for the viewer and professional 3D animators need to understand and define the viewer’s line of equilibrium. 3D animation has the agency to simplify the most complex concepts, ideas and visualisations which would require creative and technological genius.

So You Want To Be An Animation Artist?

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Today, it is possible for animation artists to pickup the skills of their trade without going to a special school to study animation. There’re numerous great books that teach animation techniques such as Richard William’s The Animator’s Survival Kit. By following the instructions in these books, you can conceivably teach yourself the nuts and bolts of animated filmmaking. Taking the home instruction idea even one step further, some books are now equipped with CDs and DVDs.

The best talents in animation know that there is always more to learn. In a gealthy career, we don’t reach a point when we throw our books or our tools away. We need them too much. Our journeys are over when we stop, not when we think we’ve learned all there is to know.

So, if books play such an important part in our learning and development, why the need to enroll in an animation school? Why should one put in the time and expense required to get a degree in animation from one of the fine schools? It would be hard to imagine a filed where a college degree means less than it does in the animation industry. When it comes to finding a job, talent, enthusiasm and relationshop all take precedence over where you got your degree.

Why Go To School?

Yet, before all the school recruiters faint in shock, I’d like to make the case for going to school. While it’s true that there are many great books teaching the art of animation, a book cannot crtitque your work. It is the trained eye that can help advance your skill by leaps and bounds. With the structure provided by teachers, assignments and grades, the availability of equipment, and the inspiration supplied by peers, one has the best shot at learning the animation arts.

Learning the animation arts is a discipline. It’s not always fun. In school (or on the job), we’re not always drawing what we’re comfortable drawing. We are pushed to go beyond what we could or would be doing if left to our own devices.

Perhaps, most importantly, animation schools employ teachers that are working in their field. While this does not automatically make them great teachers, it does help students have the opportunity to make those first vital connections they’ll need if they’re to break into the industry.

3D Animation; What Does It Take To Become An Animator

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There is a high demand for creative 3D animators. They are needed in the video industry, advertisement, gaming and even website industries. With 3D animation, the animator uses traditional and new animation methods to produce real life computer generated animated imagery to visually interpret and convey information or messages.

The 3D animator has to keep up to date with constantly emerging new techniques, tools, software, methodology, production techniques and a lot more. Many people with interest in the field would wonder want it takes to be a 3D animator. 3D animation comprises of various aspects so the demand and requirement might be a bit varied.
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While a lot of the skills of a 3D animator are learned it is important that the animator already has some qualities. The needed characteristics include being creative both artistically and technically. What this requires is more than an understanding and mastery of the technical aspects of computer animation and illustration but also a high ability to be creative artistically. It is also important to be innovative and intelligent. A good animator would be one who not only loves new technologies but learns to use them well and effectively.

Apart from the personal qualities also referred to as soft skills, as they can not be measured, one may also need some form of formal education to become a 3D animator able to command a decent income. Some institutions offer relative short courses on 3D animation. It would be helpful to have a bachelor’s degree in any art related discipline especially if it has some courses on art history, English, social science, natural science, studio art with some emphasis on animation.

Next it is important to train and practice a lot. Your choice of education must involve a lot of studio work where you can train and practice. You should take the time to learn how to use latest technology that keeps updating almost everyday. Some programs that are necessary to master include Flash, Adobe Photoshop, 3D Studio Max, Adobe Illustrator, CAD, Adobe After Effects, Light wave, Rhino, Swish and many more. Ability to use these programs increases your value and proficiency.

As you begin on the road to becoming a creative and talented 3D animator it is also advised to build a portfolio of your work. The portfolio would serve as a credible evidence of your abilities and skills as a 3D animator in your chosen industry. A lot of the programs being used make 3D animation a lot easier and productive. You would however still need to put in a fair amount of hard word and dedication to become a proficient 3D animator.

What Is 3D Computer Animation

Image via WikipediaComputer 3D animation refers to the work of creating moving pictures in a digital environment that is three-dimensional due to careful sequencing of consecutive images, that are technically referred to also as "frames" so as to ensure that it is possible to simulate motion. This simulation of motion is done when each image continues in a very gradual manner to show the next image, step by step.

What happens in animation is that motion is simulated in a way that the eyes tend to believe that actual motion has taken place while the fact is the perceived sense of motion is only because of the consecutive images that are passed through very fast.

You already may know that computer animation comprises 2D animation and computer 3d animation.

The traditional aspect of computer animation as an art form is well established in the application of 2D animation or two-dimensional animation is the more traditional face of the art form. In 2D animation, whatever drawings are done or created on paper are utilized and so are celluloid transparencies. In this form, it is also termed as cell animation and hand-drawn animation.

Let's get back to our main area of interest namely 3D animation which emerged as a new kind of art form that depends more on computers to bring forth characters or objects using a construct environment that is three dimensional in nature. So instead of any kind of hand drawings, the characters are all created within the computer not anywherelse because the character is subject to further modifications or manipulations in the online environment using highly advanced computer tools.

So if your ambition is to create your own remarkably unique 3D characters and animations, you should then procure a very good quality 3D animation software and we assume that you already have a good computer. Be aware of the fact that most studios currently make use of proprietary computer 3d animation software but for a beginner like yourself, you can check out a whole variety of software options in computer 3d animation.

Keep in mind that a lot of these off-the-shelf computer animation packages are helpful but they differ in the levels of complexity and features that come along with them. So it would be advisable to learn computer 3d animation as well as the basic principles of 2D before you actually go out and get yourself any package.

Animation packages are plenty but some brands like Maya remain immortal because of its high-end 3D computer graphics as well as its highly powerful 3D modeling software package. This is so popular with the film as well as the entertainment industry so it's a good choice. Take note that Maya has two versions, namely Maya Complete as well as Maya Unlimited. The former is less powerful and the latter is considered highly powerful and expensive. So it would be best to choose only according to your requirements as an animator.