INDUSTRY RELATED QUESTIONS

3D animation is the art of creating moving 3D images using computers. It is also referred to as CGI (computer generated imagery). Computer animation has grown in popularity largely because of the entertainment industry. Blockbuster movies such as Toy Story, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, Finding Nemo, Spiderman and many others have made 3D animation very popular.  

What is the process of creating 3D animation?

Computer animation is created with a computer and animation software such as 3DS Max and Maya. The process involved creating 3D models, adding materials & textures, background images, lights, cameras and key framing objects for animation and finally rendering the animation into a movie file or a sequence of still images. The final animations (movie files) can be transferred from the computer to other mediums such as film, video tape, Beta, CD's, DVD's and can also be published on the internet or still images can be printed.

What are the uses and different applications of 3D animation?

         Besides the entertainment industry 3D animation is also widely used in architecture, corporate, medical and legal fields for visualization purposes. In general the applications can be categorized in the following sectors:

        

What is the future growth potential with 3D Animation?

One open challenge in computer animation is a photo realistic animation of humans. Currently, most computer-animated movies show animal characters (Finding Nemo), fantasy characters (Shrek, Monsters Inc.), or cartoon-like humans (The Incredibles). The movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is often cited as the first computer-generated movie to attempt to show realistic-looking humans. Other areas that show a great potential of growth include virtual and interactive environments, 3D Displays, and Virtual Reality simulations. The biggest frontier for the growth of 3D animation is expected to finally be the internet

What is the animation work environment like?

3D animation is a creative, high-tech profession. The work environment is usually casual and flexible to best accommodate the preferences of individual designers. Animation studios usually take excellent care of their creative talent.

As an animator you have the flexibility of either working on a full-time basis or on a freelance/per-project basis. Many animators prefer to freelance and select the projects they like and work with several companies concurrently. Some animators prefer to work from a home-based studio, creating a web site to promote their work and sending their completed files to clients via the internet.

What are the other benefits with 3D animation?

The benefits of choosing 3D animation as a career or profession are numerous. To begin with you are working in a highly creative environment using cutting edge software and hardware technologies. Depending on which industry you are working in such as movies, televisions etc. in general animators are treated very well, especially if you are good at your work. Benefits offered by some companies include buffet meals, gym memberships, extended paid vacations, free massages on certain days etc. Also you can work from anywhere, even while on vacation as long as you have a powerful laptop, software and high speed internet access. For those interested in the movie industry, or video gaming seeing your name on the credits can be a big payoff. Also once with professional work experience you can easily start your business with very minimal investment, and undertake projects through the web from any part of the world.

IS 3D ANIMATION RIGHT FOR ME?

This is perhaps one of the topmost questions for beginners, because 3D animation is often mistaken for cartoon animation such as Tom & Jerry or IMax movies where you see 3D with glasses. 3D Training.com offers three ways for those that are unsure if 3D Animation is right for them to try out the software (download our complimentary starter pack), attend a one-hour complimentary demo class or sign up for our two hour Intro Class where you will have a chance to learn and work with the 3D software hands on during an actual live class. For more details or to schedule yourself for one of the classes mentioned, please fill out our inquiry form.

Do I need computer programmer skills?

No. 3D animation programs are user-friendly applications that resemble design programs like Flash or Photoshop but are much more complex. The applications use the familiar mouse/windows/icons interface-just click and create.

Do I need to be an artist to be a good 3D animator?

It depends on which specific area of animation you want to focus on. In some areas of specialization prior artistic skills are very important, and in others they are not. The 3D animation software is so advanced today that it also provides you with tools and libraries of 3D models, textures, and animation files and with experience you can create stunning scenes and images. We have people from all walks of life taking our courses, from architects to programmers, doctors and even engineers who either want to use 3D in their existing profession or change their career.

Do I need a high-tech computer to get started?

No. Just a few years back, highend computers capable of handling massive amounts of 3D data would cost a tens and thousands of dollars. But now the computers are getting more powerful and price of computers have dropped dramatically. Today you may even be able to start learning 3D animation with the computer you have at home with maybe a fwe added memory and video card upgrades. For exact specifications on the hardware and software necessary, refer to the how to get started page.

How long will it take me to start earning with 3D animation?

Since you get hired not based on your degree or diploma but on your demo reel (portfolio) you can get started in this field within a few months instead of years like other professions and increase your income by gathering more and more work experience.

Which of 3DTraining.com programs is right for me?

3D Training's most popular course, the 12-Week 3D Project Based Course, enables our animation students to jump on a fast-track to a successful career in 3D animation requires those registering to have previous experience using 3DS Max or Maya. In order to attend this program you would need to submit 3 still rendered images of your most current work done in 3DS Max or Maya. Since not everyone has this experience we offer beginners or the hobbyist a 4 Week 3D Foundation Workshop which provides students with the fundamental core animation skills necessary to effectively participate in the 3D Project Based Program. During this 4 Week program you will learn how to model, texture, use lights and cameras to create an architectural walk-through project. This class is for those that have little or no experience with any 3D Software.

You can fill out our inquiry form to get more detailed information on the courses here at 3DTraining.com including course pricing and start dates or schedule yourself for our complimentary one-hour online demo class to see how our courses are conducted. We will also provide you with a FREE starter pack which includes demo versions of the 2 most popular programs used today in the industry, 3DS Max and Maya, as well as a tutorial to get you started in creating your first 3D animation project.