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About
About
Animation is a dynamic and creative area that involves creating moving images by displaying a sequence of still pictures in rapid succession. It brings characters, objects, and scenes to life through the illusion of motion. Animation can be found in various forms, including cartoons, movies, video games, advertisements, and interactive media.
Here are some key aspects of animation (Click to view)
Here are some key aspects of animation (Click to view)
Frame-by-Frame Animation: This traditional animation technique involves creating individual frames, each slightly different from the previous one, to create the illusion of movement when played in sequence. This method requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Computer Animation: With advancements in technology, computer-generated imagery (CGI) has become a dominant force in animation. Software tools like 3D modeling and animation software allow artists to create digital characters and environments, making the animation process more efficient and versatile.
Stop Motion Animation: This technique involves capturing a series of still frames of physical objects or puppets, with slight changes between each frame. When played in sequence, it gives the appearance of movement. Popular examples include claymation and puppet animation.
2D Animation: This style involves creating characters and scenes in two dimensions. Traditional hand-drawn animation falls into this category, as well as digital 2D animation using software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony.
3D Animation: Three-dimensional animation involves creating characters and environments in a virtual three-dimensional space. This form is widely used in movies, video games, and simulations. It requires skills in 3D modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering.
Motion Graphics: This type of animation focuses on creating visually appealing graphics and designs that move. It is often used in title sequences, advertisements, and informational videos.
Character Animation: Bringing characters to life is a significant aspect of animation. Animators focus on creating realistic movements, expressions, and personalities for characters, making them relatable to the audience.
Storyboarding: Before the animation process begins, artists create storyboards to plan and visualize the sequence of events, camera angles, and overall flow of the animation.
Sound Design: Sound is a crucial element in animation. It includes voiceovers, music, and sound effects, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Animation is a versatile medium used for entertainment, education, storytelling, and conveying information in a captivating and engaging manner. It requires a combination of artistic skills, creativity, and technical proficiency to bring imaginative worlds and characters to life.
Choose your type?
Choose your type?
Despite being a free tool, Blender is considered industry standard and rivals the power and features of it's infinately more expensive commercial competitiors like Maya and 3DSMax.
It's an all in one package that allows users to model, texture, rig, animate, sculpt, light and render. As a result, it's hard to learn but worth the effort!
You'll have to learn to walk before you can run. Take it slow and stick to the learning. Before youknow it, you'll be an expert, able to make any idea into a 3d masterpiece.
Important Software Notes!
Important Software Notes!
Blender is evolving and is currently on version 3.6. Most tutorials above version 2.8+ look the same and should function the same but be aware that there has been significant changes and sometimes you'll need to look around to find a solution to your problems.
LETS GETTING LEARNING!
LETS GETTING LEARNING!
“Being a student is easy. Learning requires actual work.”
—William Crawford
We have heaps of time to learn skills and to be fair, if you want to make things easier later on you need to put the time in to learn the software inside and out. Even if you have used the software before there is always more you can learn.
It takes 30+ hours to get comfortable in any software so keep challenging yourself to make more models and try new tools and techniques.
Task #1: Learn the Software
Task #1: Learn the Software
It is super important you take the time to actually learn the ins and outs of the software. Whilst the tutorials below are long they are well worth working through so you know how to use the software before we get into creating your own cool models.
Sadly, Blender is NOT simple. It's unlike any tool you've probably seen before and you'll quickly get frustrated if you try to get started without any expert advice. Trust me, you're going to want to learn from an expert, at least at the beginning.
Choose ONE of the following tutorials.
2D Animation in Blender
3D Animation in Blender
2D Animation in Adobe Animate (paid)
Task #2: Get Inspiration
Task #2: Get Inspiration
Don't have any ideas yet? Check out the below places to find some inspiration.
Task #3: Practice Makes Perfect!
Task #3: Practice Makes Perfect!
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" Oscar Wilde
To help get some practice, you're task is to copy someone elses low-poly model(s)! This will involve 3 steps over several lessons-
1. Get Inspiration. Find a static low-poly model to copy from the places listed in task 2.
2. Copy - Make your own version of the model.
3. Repeat - If you have time, repeat.
Task #4: Complete another tutorial
Task #4: Complete another tutorial
Depending on how your feeling you might repeat task 2 & 3, but you could try and customise to make it your own.
Task #5: Still got time
Task #5: Still got time
If you are smashing through the tutorials and have still got time before you need to put together your showcase then either try another tutorial on this page or go and find another on Youtube. Good channels to check out are Blender Guru, CG Geek
SHOWCASE & LEARNING REFLECTION
SHOWCASE & LEARNING REFLECTION
Here our some of last years to inspire you.....
Next: Design
Next: Design
Now it's time to move on to Design!
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