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.
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.
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.
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.
"The more you learn, the more you earn."
— Warren Buffett
We have some time to build on the skills you've already learnt a Level 1. 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.
*** If you are new to Animation then head over to the L1 Animation skills page and work through the beginner tutorials. It is really important that you learn the basics first. ***
2D Animation in Blender
3D Animation in Blender
2D Animation in Adobe Animate (paid)
Look into some of the specifics in more depth
If you have time, do more.......
Now it's time to work out what sort of project you might undertake and what it entails