From the video game industry getting on top to the cartoons that remind you of your childhood, these are all the outcomes of astonishing 3D animations. Animating is nothing new to know about, but improvisations and modifications in the realm are ongoing, and adapting to them is the crucial role of animators.
Not just the entertainment industry, but the corporate world has also added animation to its growth plan. With this, the animation industry has also been advancing and extending around all corners because serving the large market is not easy, but leading at the front is the desire of all. Whether a startup making an effort to take baby steps on the road ahead or established studios expanding their reach, the day in the life of all the animators is almost similar.
But, what do these days look like? Let us take you on a journey of 3D Animation Video Production.
11 steps to achieving the desired result
Coming into life in the 1930s as clay animation, it began with creating clay models of objects and stop-motion film. However, the complete shift in technology and advancements have made the process much more complicated. But, let’s think about it step by step to reach the final outcome.
STEP 1: Concept
Whether you are creating 3D animations or explainer videos, the concept is the core of the storyline you want to create. Animators spend days crafting the ideas and concepts that they need to visualize. Making any changes to the steps ahead will disturb the budget and the entire timeline. So, be wise and creative in crafting concepts.
STEP 2: Storyboarding
You can’t simply create an animation without having an initial preview of it. The entire process of 3D Animation Video Production is incomplete without a storyboard. A storyboard is all about sketching all the scenes, actions, and characters that will be further finalized as the 3D animation. It is the guide for your entire process that you will be using for all the further steps.
STEP 3: 3D Modeling
The creation of the characters with a mathematical representation of the elements is known as modeling. All the shapes are created on the planes that are further mapped on a 3D grid. The entire process is about bringing life to the 3-dimensional objects and characters of the animation.
STEP 4: Texturing
The outer layer of the object is known as the texture. When the object is designed with 3D modeling, texturing becomes important. From the skin to the specific clothing of the characters, this step is all about giving your characters and objects a colorful and artistic life.
STEP 5: Rigging
3D animations are all about the exceptional movement of the characters, and that comes true through the rigging. It is the creation of the skeleton and the joints of the characters that make their movement believable for the viewers.
STEP 6: Animation
By completing the 3D characters for your animation, you are all set to create scenes and smooth transitions that will infuse all the frames and give the best animation possible. This is when your storyboard turns into an animation.
STEP 7: Rendering
The graphics processing unit is a critical component in the creation of 3D animation. The step revolves around rendering equations that turn out the output of your animation sequence. All the aspects of texturing and transitioning are crucial in this step.
STEP 8: Compositing
When all the renders are together, it unlocks the door of composition. It is all about making modifications to various elements, from hues to unlocked ones. It is all about making modifications to various elements, from hues to lighting, to give your animation a flawless look. Moreover, the step further increases the responsibility of adding visual effects as well.
STEP 9: Soundtrack
Your animations are incomplete and boring without sound effects and music. It is all about adding the sound or voiceover that complements the visuals and gives your animation its meaningful essence.
Step 10: Edits
There are always some things you might have overlooked in the hustle and bustle or your client would need some edits, so you can’t skip this stage. From identifying the loopholes to making all the adjustments, this step will take you closer to the final look.
Step 11: Final video
You are finally here with your finalized 3D animation video after all of your changes. From conception to texturing, rendering, and editing, the long-awaited results are now in your hands. As soon as production is complete and you hit the render button, taking a step back is not even an option.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Did it all sound like fun and excitement? It is only thrilling if you are sticking to your couch on weekends to enjoy your favorite video games and cartoons, but not for the one who actually puts effort into making all of it.
Thus, the day in the life of the animator is a long journey that they travel, taking each step each day to reach the destination.