home › Installation and configuration › 3d animation what. Animation in 3D graphics. Creating animation for dynamic simulations

3d animation what. Animation in 3D graphics. Creating animation for dynamic simulations

3D graphics and animation are essential components of modern visuals. Whatever the project is - virtual reality or presentation, informational video or game, infographics or architectural visualization, it will definitely contain computer graphics and, almost certainly, animation. In fact, 3D graphics and animation are the basis of today's multimedia space. Without knowing how to make graphics and animation, it makes no sense to take on the creation of interactive solutions or mobile applications, not to mention commercials and films - nothing good (and in any case beautiful and effective) will come of it.

Cost of computer graphics

It is worth noting that computer graphics can be very different. Hollywood blockbusters often consist of almost nothing but 3D graphics and visual effects; they are made by hundreds and even thousands of specialists, calculated on render farms occupying buildings, and all this costs tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. At the same time, for a high-quality presentation, a good motion design costing less than a million rubles may be quite enough. It all depends on the tasks. In any case, computer graphics should help achieve the main goal of the work - be it a full-length film or an educational video, and not be used in a project simply because it is fashionable.

Importance of technical aspects

High-quality computer graphics is not only about excellent creativity, beautiful pictures and realistic animation. There are also a lot of technical nuances that are invisible to the viewer, on which, for example, the speed of rendering video episodes on the render farm depends. That is, on the screen the result will look the same, but the production of an episode can easily take, for example, not two days, but ten, which is often critical. The internal technical aspects of 3D graphics play an even greater role in interactive solutions when using realtime renders (the same game engines). With incorrectly created models or animations, the mathematical calculation of scenes (rendering) begins to take too long, and the frame refresh rate becomes too low. The viewer perceives this as a twitching of the image, which is extremely unpleasant to look at.

3D graphics and animation in virtual reality

Computer graphics and animation are especially important in virtual reality projects. Here, simply by definition, you can’t do without them. Moreover, when using VR glasses, not only the realism of the user’s perception of the virtual world, but also the viewer’s very well-being depends on the level of quality of 3D graphics. The fact is that if the frame rate on the glasses displays virtual reality less than 90 frames per second, then when the head moves, dissonance arises between visual and sensory perception (the body moves, but the image does not) and the user gets motion sick. Therefore, in this case, the creation of high-quality computer graphics and animation plays a fundamental role.

Designers and specialists computer graphics United 3D Labs will be glad to invite you to our demo room, show you the developed projects and discuss your tasks.

Creating 3D models is a long and painstaking work that can last for days and requires extraordinary perseverance from a person. And creating 3D animation takes even more effort and time. However, many users want to master programs for creating 3D animation. Some people are interested in this as a hobby, while others see it as an excellent source of income. However, only a few master this art - and not only because of its complexity. Most programs are expensive and are not worth buying for people who do not do this professionally.

Using 3D animation

3D animation is used in almost all areas of our lives, including in marketing:

Increasingly, brands are choosing 3D animation to create colorful advertising videos - it does not limit the imagination of artists and allows them to realize any ideas;
for quick coordination of banner and sign layout sizes outdoor advertising 3D graphics are also used;
not a single screensaver for a TV show, news or video is complete without 3D graphics;

owners of restaurants and shops not only order 3D videos, but prefer to turn to 3D modelers for visualization of the future establishment;
manufacturing companies use 3D to better promote their products (in catalogs, presentations);
designers and architects They constantly use 3D graphics to visualize their projects - people perceive images close to photographs much easier than complex drawings.

3D animation videos have many advantages over regular videos. For example, with their help you can create a whole new world populated by impressive characters. In details O Read our article about the benefits of 3D animation.

Simple programs for creating 3D animation

Simple programs offer users sets of ready-made elements(libraries). You can edit the model a little and get your own unique object. These programs are most often used for interior visualization and other concepts. With their help it is quite easy to create animation, although they do not give as much scope for creativity. Such programs allow even beginners to quickly join the world of 3D animation.

DAZ Studio

This program is very convenient for animation, because this is practically its only function - in DAZ Studio there are no tools for self-modeling. Users are offered ready-made characters that can be modified and placed on the stage. The Genesis package provides a set of convenient tools for detailed modification appearance human model.

The program is distributed free of charge, but has many paid additional objects (cars, accessories, animals): from $1 to $73.

iClone

Unlike many 3D animation software, iClone allows you to immediately see the result of your work(what you see is what you get). Instant rendering speeds up your work significantly. Often used to create small 3D video games. It has high functionality for facial and skeletal animation of people and animals, lighting adjustments, camera movement and character customization.

Blender

Allows you to create full-fledged 3D games thanks to a set of tools for modeling particles (water, fire, smoke), hair and body movement. The program provides a variety of preinstalled movement patterns- the user does not have to register himself simple animation character's gait. It has a large library from which users can download natural objects (trees, terrain, clouds) and various textures. The advantage of the program is the built-in ability to edit videos.

Aurora 3D Animation Maker

Simple and useful program to create 3D text animation. With its help you can make a beautiful three-dimensional logo, three-dimensional text, and allows you to create an imitation of smoke. Because of its simplicity, the program is often used to create presentations and screensavers for YouTube channels.

Professional programs for creating 3D animation

There are also more complex professional programs to create 3D animation. They contain a small set of simple shapes and a huge selection of tools for modifying them. With their help, modelers create complex objects(houses, cars, people, natural objects) and add animation to them. This is how new worlds are created for cartoons, video games, commercials, concepts, presentations, etc. Such programs require a lot of time to master, and the cost can exceed several thousand dollars. In addition, a powerful Hardware in order to run such a program.

Autodesk Maya

The most common program for creating 3D animation. With its help, such animated characters as Davy Jones, Hulk and Gollum were created; visual effects for The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings; cartoon "Masha and the Bear".

Autodesk offers several purchase options for Maya. For example, a 1-year subscription including technical assistance will cost $1,785, and a 3-year subscription will cost $5,355. The program has a “flexible” code and after purchase, large studios have the ability to transform it to suit your needs.

Autodesk 3Ds Max

Unlike Maya, 3ds Max provides more tools for artists, but it can also be used to create animation. Has great utility Particle Systems, which allows you to simulate fire, smoke, rain, etc. Hair&Fur allows you to create realistic hair, fur, grass, etc. 3ds Max was used to create the films “X-Men”, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “Jurassic Park”.

The program is distributed at the same price as Maya.

LightWave 3D

A complete 3D graphics editor that Most often used in the film industry. Supports advanced frame, inversion and bone animation systems. Also has a utility for working with particles - Hyper Voxels, A Surface editor is a convenient tool for setting material properties. You can connect various modules to the program, expanding its functionality. In this way, more specialized support can be obtained.

If we compare 3D with other areas of graphics and design, then not only creative people, but also avid techies will find a place here, I would even say that creative people will have to face a technical approach - if we compare Photoshop, for example, with Maya, then that’s all is the same as taking a couple of pencils and a nib versus the assortment of an entire artist supply store. When you have to study a large amount of materials, you don’t want to waste time and from the very beginning you should choose the best program for creating 3D models and 3D animation.

I used to work in 2D and when I first opened a 3D package I was surprised by 5 menu options with a huge list of different tools, commands for modeling and animation. In Illustrator or Photoshop, one row of menus and then a small part from its list were enough for the main work.

You will be lucky if you immediately sit down with the 3D package that you will use further in your profession; relearning will be long and painful. First of all, you should choose a specialization and a suitable program for it. You should pay attention to well-known and more commonly used products, this will make it easier to find lessons to study, plugins, scripts and, most importantly, work.

The best programs for 3D modeling and animation.

There are a number of programs that successfully perform most of the everyday 3D work tasks; moreover, their functionality already includes specific tools, for example, Sculpting, 3D painting (3DPaint) And visual effects (VFX). In the article these are the first 3 programs for 3D modeling. I’ll talk about more specialized programs at the end.

I'm an animator who likes to model sometimes, so I use Cinema4D, Autodesk Maya and Zbrush.

3Ds Max is the very first 3D modeling and animation package that I saw in my life. I was about 9 years old when I watched my father study with teapots, spheres and cubes. Then it seemed to me inconvenient to use orthogonal cameras when there is one, perspective one.

This program is chosen by modellers, interior designers and those associated with industry and architecture. On this moment the most common 3D modeling package of all. Many new versions of plugins and render engines are released for it earlier than for other programs.

The main advantage of modeling is the presence of modifiers, thanks to which you can layer changes to the geometry and in the future remove, change or reduce the strength of the effect of the modifier you need on the object. Frees you from the problem of overwriting history and the inability to roll back changes.

Afterwards, I switched to it as my main program for 3D modeling and animation, especially since Extension 2 added animation tools for motion design (the beauty of C4D).

It has a node structure (what does it look like?) and allows you to connect things that are not connected in the ordinary world with each other, for example, by changing the color of the sphere you can change the speed of rotation of the cube around it. This flexibility of relationships opens up a lot of options for the use of creative imagination. Maya is used by major animation studios to create games, cartoons and movies.

Often new 3D technologies are written first for Maya and only then adapted for other packages, so they work in Maya the way the developer intended. It slows down less heavy scenes, and is great for both modeling and animation, it also has VFX tools, but most importantly, “T-shirt” is a leader in character animation, which is actually why I switched to it.

I started mastering 3D modeling and animation with this program. It captivates with its simple and user-friendly interface; many say that it is easier to learn. It is used primarily by motion designers and animators who make commercial videos. It is cheaper than its analogues and is developing quite actively, catching up with the gap in functionality from dinosaurs of the 3D industry – and . The main beauty of Mograph effectors, which allow you to animate a large number of objects simultaneously with just a couple of mouse movements, is great for creating unusual visual effects. It also has several built-in render engines that cope well with the main tasks of users of this program.

Patrimony VFX. If you want to create atmospheric phenomena, destruction of objects, tornadoes, storms, flames, smoke and other parametric effects, then this is the place for you. Basically, the work process will be tied to programming and working with a tree of nodes. Modeling is also possible here, but it is not as convenient and pleasant as in other packages, so it is better to keep another program in combination.

– this is the maximum of creativity – best program for high-poly 3D modeling or sculpting. The work process is structured in such a way that in front of you there is an imaginary piece of clay from which you sculpt the object you need.

Here you can also model equipment (Hard-surface), but I, like many others, prefer to use for these purposes Maya or Max. In you will be able to create fantastic creatures, animals, people with maximum detail down to the pores on the skin. It has a unique interface that is very different from anything else on the 3D market, but you will get used to it over time.

To work, you will need to buy a graphics tablet; the precision of a mouse is not enough. The most interesting thing is that in order to sculpt well you don’t have to be able to draw well. ZBrush includes ways to make initial modeling easier, similar to actual sculpting. You can use a frame, set the initial volume, bend, cut, mold various parts. It is an essential part of the quality character modeling process.

Be prepared for a lot of information and constant improvement of your skills, in 3D often the same things can be done in different ways and the correct one is the one that solves the problem the fastest.

What we have?

So if you want model buildings, equipment, parts, create Interior Design, then start your journey with .

If you Worried about the price and difficulty of learning 3D, and in the future you want to be a motion designer and create advertising videos, then it will suit you Cinema 4D.

If you don't be afraid of long learning curves and want in the future engage in 3D character animation, animation for games and films, while having all the opportunities for full 3D modeling put .

For those who want to go to deep specialization in 3D VFX (visual effects), customizing every day destruction or the whirlwinds of a tornado blowing away a house, create parametric materials

The first thing I would like to start with is to explain what animation is in three-dimensional graphics and what is its main difference from classical (two-dimensional) animation. Animation in three-dimensional computer graphics is the process of changing the properties (parameters) of a three-dimensional object over time. In classical animation, the animator has to draw every frame of his creation in order to make the object “come to life” on the screen.

Image source www.angryanimator.com

In 3D animation, we need to set the so-called key frames, and the program will calculate (interpolate) all other animation frames itself. In fact, the animation process is not as simple as it may mistakenly seem. Perhaps it is for this reason that the profession of an animator in the field of 3D computer graphics is one of the highest paid professions in the industry, and there are not so many real professionals.

What is animation used for in 3D graphics? There are several areas that cannot do without 3D animation. This:

Animation of object transformations (movement, rotation, scaling);
Camera animation;
Animation of technical processes;
Dynamic deformations of objects;
Character animation;
Dynamic simulations (fluids, tissues, particles).

In each of the above areas there are different ways creating (receiving) three-dimensional animation. We can boil them down to the following:

Keyframe animation;
Animation along a trajectory;
Creating animation for dynamic simulations;
Animation obtained using motion capture.

So, let's lift the veil of secrecy a little on each method of creating animation.

Keyframe Animation

Creating animation in 3D graphics packages using key frames can be represented as follows:

At the right moment in time, for example in the 1st frame of the animation, you set the properties of your object (size, position, rotation angles) and set this frame as the key one. The program records all information about the properties of the object in this frame.
Next, you select another frame of your animation, for example the 10th, and again set new properties of your object in it. Afterwards, make this frame the key frame again.
Now the program itself will calculate how the object should behave when transitioning from the 1st animation frame to the 10th. This process is called animation interpolation.

Image source http://brendanbody.blogspot.com/2008/12/walk-cycle.html

This animation method is ideal for: object transformation animation, camera animation, technical process animation, and even character animation. The animated film Rango, produced by Industrial Light & Magic, is a great example of perfect character animation created using the keyframe method.

Path animation

Animation along a trajectory requires, in addition to the object that will be animated, to specify its trajectory (path of movement). Path animation is often ideal for animation of moving technical objects, camera animation and animation of technical processes.

Image source http://tanawadeethep.tumblr.com

Once you have selected the object that you would like to make move along a path, you need to assign it a path to animate (path). The 3D object is then transferred to and associated with the path line. The program itself will create two key frames for you, one of which will store the position of the object at the beginning of the path, and the second the position of the object at the end of the path. The program interpolates the remaining frames for you. As a result, your object will begin to move along the specified path when the animation plays.

Creating animation for dynamic simulations

This method of creating animation is associated more with the profession of a dynamics specialist than with the profession of an animator. Animation here is a way to save the result of a dynamic simulation. The scary phrase “dynamic simulation” means the process of calculating the behavior of an object in a physically real environment. For example, we all know that if a glass goblet falls on the floor, it will most likely break into many pieces. This is familiar to us and we all understand it. But the three-dimensional environment does not know which object should have certain properties. In order for each object to behave as it does in our world, dynamic simulations are used. Such simulations are performed by 3D graphics packages and, after the simulation is completed, they create animation keys that store information about the behavior of each piece of our broken glass. Dynamic simulations are very often used to calculate the behavior of liquids, tissues, hard and soft objects. Thanks to dynamic simulations and the animations created after them, we can enjoy watching apocalyptic blockbusters in cinemas.

Motion captured animation

Motion capture is a fairly new method of producing animation, but it is quickly gaining popularity due to the realistic animation it allows to obtain. What is the essence of this method of producing 3D computer animation? As a rule, to obtain animation using this method, you need a specially equipped studio with equipment for motion capture, an actor from whom the animation will be captured, and special software. The motion capture system works as follows:

The actor is wearing special sensors;
The actor performs the necessary animation movements;
Cameras around the actor record the movement of sensors;
Specialized software, analyzing the movements of the sensors, creates a skeleton with exactly the same animation as that of a real actor and saves the result in the form of key frames;
The resulting animation can now be used in 3D graphics packages.

This technology is expensive, but allows you to get very realistic animation. It is mainly used for character animation.

Image source http://lukemccann.wordpress.com/motion-capture

Vivid examples of animation obtained using motion capture are such film projects as: “The Polar Express”, “Avatar”, “The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn”.

This concludes our overview of animation in 3D computer graphics.

Tell us about your project:

Think twice before contacting us. If you want to work with us, then be prepared for our independent opinion, high budgets and demanding approach to work.

Ever since cavemen learned to make cave paintings, humanity has been improving methods of visually displaying the surrounding reality. At different periods of history, artists were equipped with new paints and tools for painting, sculptors mastered various materials and techniques, and the theater amazed with the realistic scenery.

With the advent of computers, many new ways of constructing images have emerged. Of course, technology has significantly expanded the previously available capabilities, including in the field of creating pictures with a motion effect:

To “stir up” a static image, a program for creating animation must be installed on your computer, about its selection and we'll talk in this article.

A little about animation

In order for an image to be animated, the following conditions must be met:

A few pictures. It is impossible to achieve the effect of movement with just one image. Animation is a change of frames, and these frames must be different from each other;
Similar pictures. If you successively change a cat for a dog, an elephant and a giraffe, you will get something indigestible. Images must have common elements to make a good animation;
Frame change rate. If the picture changes once a second, then no movement effect will be achieved. In order to get the desired result, it is necessary to change frames more than 16 times per second.

To achieve the desired result, there are various programs for 2D animation, as well as for working with 3D images. Let's start by considering the 3D format.

3D animation software

Let's look at some popular programs for creating 3D animation.

3D Studio Max. This program is popular among those for whom creating animation is not their main activity. Also great for modeling 3D objects in computer games:

There are a huge number of constantly updated plugins and rendering capabilities, but not everyone can afford everything (legally) due to financial reasons.

Realsoft 3D. A distinctive feature of this 3D animation program is highest quality Images:

This feature is actively used by the creators of commercials and music videos. Another nice feature is that it is cross-platform.

Maya. A program for creating high-quality 3D animation, which is widely used in film production:

Poser 4. This system most suitable for modeling human behavior, therefore it is used both in the development of computer games and in the creation of cartoons:

Programs for Flash animation

To be placed on website pages, animated images must have little weight (otherwise the resource loading speed will be dismal). Flash technology allows you to “spice up” boring pictures on the World Wide Web.

Today, the absolute leader in this area is Adobe, offering a wide range of opportunities for developers:

However, not everyone can afford such a program for flash animation, not to mention the necessary plugins ( in total the entire package will cost more than $1000). Therefore, we will consider options with cheaper components.

SWiSHpowerFX. This system greatly simplifies the creation of animated text. The main advantages are ease of use by users and speed of image creation;
Swiff Chart. Program for creating diagrams. The user only needs to enter the data and select the chart type, and the system will do the rest.

Animation of photos

Let's look at some software solutions, which will help you turn a static photo into an animated image.

Adobe Photoshop. The king of image editing, which provides the widest range of possibilities:

Adding various animated effects will help make any photo truly come to life.

FotoMorph. A program whose action is based on morphing technology ( transition from one image to another):

PhotoSHOW PRO. An analogue of Photoshop, which is certainly inferior to its eminent competitor in everything, including price, and for some this is already a powerful argument not in favor of the product from Adobe:

Popular in the category: