The Growth of 3D Animation Software

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.

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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.

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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Careers in Computer Animation

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.

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Computer Animation in Post Production

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:

o 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.

o 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.

o 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.

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

o 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.

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Soar High With Computer Animation Careers

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.

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Animation Career Paths – The Storyboard Artist

The 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 post production. 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 production, 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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