3D Computer Animation – don’t forget the basics

With the number of software programs available for 3D computer animation, it could be easy to get carried away. But the best animators remember and use the basic principles to get the most out of their animation.

To be successful in 3D computer animation, you have to be a little more than just competent with a mouse. You should have drawing and storyboard talent, be able to use movement and colour to their best advantage and relate aspects of everyday life to your 3D computer animation.

Experts say that, whilst 3D computer animation is inherently different to 2D animation, the principles are the same. This is because the actions you use to animate your characters have an effect on the environment around them, and this needs to be taken into consideration, or your animation will look false.

For example, think about what happens when you move your character. Study how people or animals move in real life before you translate it into your animation. The beauty of 3D computer animation is that it can reflect reality, so make sure that the movements start and end in the right place. It’s particularly important if you are contracting or stretching an image, that you remember to keep its overall volume the same – if you squash a ball, its shape changes, but its volume remains the same – this will help to maintain the reality of your animation.

Also consider the issue of timing. Moving a character or part of a character too quickly or too slowly will send the wrong message to the audience. Think about the different speeds that you can move your arm, for example, and what that might convey to the viewer. Experiment with different speeds until you produce the effect you’re looking for. Make sure that you think about the preparation for each action. If something’s about to appear from off-screen, then think about showing your character looking at it first, to attract the audience’s attention to the right part of the screen. In the end, your animation is for an audience and it should tell a story, so make the story flow in the same way a non-animation film maker would. Your 3D computer animation software will have all the functions to allow you to make your character do exactly what you want it to.

3D computer animation can be a slow process, but if you take time and care over it, you will end up with an animation that looks right and feels right. There’s lots of help out there, but there’s no substitute for practice, so get observing and get animating! To learn more about the latest technology see Decoded Solutions.