3D animation is the use of computer graphics to create a three-dimensional (3D) animated visual effect. This can be performed in various ways, most commonly CGI, but also with cutout animation or stop motion. 3D animation software is used in many fields, including filmmaking, television production and video game development.
What Is 3D Animation and Its Types?
3D animation is a type of computer-generated imagery (CGI) that uses 3D models and 3D computer graphics software to create animated images. It can be used for visual effects in film, television and video games.
3D animation is created with a variety of specialized techniques, such as character rigging, cloth simulation, rigid body dynamics and particle systems. These are often used alongside traditional 2D hand-drawn or digital animation techniques, including limited frame rates to create the illusion of movement in an otherwise still image or scene.
The majority of mainstream commercial animation works are created using traditional 2D hand-drawn animation now, but they still use 2D & 3D CGI elements to enhance the storytelling that could not be done by hand drawing alone, e.g., explosions on screen etc.
Adobe 3D AR professionals say, “Animation allows you to generate thousands of variations of your materials and assets with too less work.”
Traditional animation
A traditional animation is a form of animation that uses frame-by-frame animation to create a series of images called frames. Traditional animation relies on the artist’s ability to draw each frame by hand, one at a time. This kind of art is also known as cel or hand-drawn animation.
Motion Graphics
Motion graphics is the process of creating 2D or 3D graphics and animation. Motion graphics are used in many different ways. It can be used to create logos, titles, and other elements. Motion graphics can also be used to create video games by having an animated character move around on a screen.
Stop Motion Animation
Stop-motion animation is a technique of making a physically manipulated object appear to move on its own. The objects are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played back as a continuous sequence.
Stop-motion animation was used frequently in feature films during the 1910s and 1920s. In this period, when sound-on-film was not yet commercially available, it was the only way to record dialogue and musical scores for these short films.
Visual Effects (VFX)
Visual effects (VFX) is a form of animation that creates an illusion of movement by using computer graphics. It is a broad term that can include many different types of animation, such as:
- Motion Graphics – A combination of 2D and 3D elements that move independently.
- Stop-Motion Animation – Creates the illusion of motion by physically moving and photographing puppets or models frame by frame.
- Traditional Animation – A hand-drawn series of images on cells that are transferred to film, creating an animated sequence.
By now, you have a basic understanding of what 3D animation is and how it works. If you are interested in learning more about this field or becoming an animator, check out some of these resources.
