Looking for 3D Animation you really need to read this Blog......!!!

 

What is 3D animation?

3D animation is the art of using motion to bring characters, vehicles, props, and more to life within TV shows, films, and games.

3D Artists are often involved in several early steps of the VFX pipeline in order to ensure they deliver an animation-ready model. For example, in order to give a character the right personality traits and movements, the Animator needs to make sure that whoever is rigging the model does it with those things in mind. During the rigging process, the character is given bones, skin weights, and constraints that allow it to move in specific ways. If this is not done with the Animator’s needs in mind, the model will be sent back.

Animators are responsible for giving objects weight and timing that result in the object feeling like it truly exists in the world we see it in. A great example of this would be baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2. Though this movie takes place in a fantasy world, Groot’s body movements and facial expressions are so fluid and realistic, they cause viewers to laugh and feel sentimental. He truly fits seamlessly into the world around him. Animation is a huge part of bringing characters to this point.

• Deciding Between 3D and 2D Animation

Visual preferences of an individual always play an important role in helping the individual decide between 3D and 2D Animation. However, there are even some other factors like timeline, target audience and budget which also influence an individual’s choice of animation. It is necessary to have a very clear idea of the ultimate video that you are looking forward to create, the objectives that you want to achieve and the audience that you are looking to reach with your video. These will actually have a major influence on your decision of creating 2D or 3D Animations.

• What Is 3D Animation Used For?
  

Although a lot of the history of animation is most apparent to the general public in how it has been used in the entertainment industry, the truth is that 3D animation is used across a wide variety of industries, now more than ever before.

In the beginning as much as 3D animation was developed for the arts, it was also being used for research and science. But today it doesn’t stop there. Let’s take a look at just a few of the many ways in which 3D animation is used.

• Television and Movies: Both for special effects in live action movies and television shows or to create entirely animated programs, 3D animation is everywhere in television and movies in the 21st century.
• Gaming: 3D animation is central to this booming industry.
• Education: Studies have shown that people can remember videos better than other forms of media, especially as it often captures attention better. It’s a great way to demonstrate concepts, especially as distance learning increases.
• Commercials and Other Advertising: It’s amazing how much a 3D animation can bring to advertisements, not just commercials, but also online and in expanded platforms, such as on social media and in-app advertisements.
• Marketing: 3D animation can punch up any marketing campaign a lot, and help to reach more people.
• Medicine: Within the medical field, 3D animation is used for a wide variety of tasks, and has been employed since the earliest days of computer graphics. Some of its uses include simulations of dissections and surgeries, providing patient education and helping with pharmacological and medical device marketing.
• Architecture and Design: 3D animation provides advantages to all involved in a building project. 3D animation provides the experience of being able to walk through a space that is only envisioned, and does not yet exist. This is perfect for an architect or engineer to spot any flaws. It creates a simpler map for the construction firm and it offers the customer a way to understand the project, even allowing them to experience different times of day in a building that doesn’t yet exist.
• Retail: As online shopping has exploded, more and more retailers have found 3D animation invaluable in propping up product descriptions, truly allowing their company to stand apart and presenting the product to the consumer in a way they can more easily understand.
• Simulations: In situations where practicing in real life circumstances leads to too much risk then simulations can be a powerful tool. Examples of this include military drills and medical procedures. This can also be used to assess possible outcomes and risks in a potential situation.
• Prototyping: Important especially to the manufacturing industry, prototyping allows an object to be virtually created, tested and explored prior to manufacturing. This can also be used to create machinery. 3D animation allows for a much higher rate of technological progress at lower overhead costs.

The best 3D modelling software in 2021 :-

01. Maya

Industrial-strength 3D modelling software, with a price to match.

Ask any 3D artist to name the best 3D modelling software, and most will
choose Autodesk Maya. Largely seen as the industry standard for CG, Autodesk Maya boasts an unrivalled range of tools and features. This hugely extensible app isn't for the faint-hearted: its toolset is hugely complex and takes time to learn.
However, if you’re aiming to get a job in the animation or VFX industries, you’d be wise to use the same software that the likes of ILM, Pixar, DNEG and Framestore use. 

Maya is great at modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering – its vast feature set includes particles, hair, solid body physics, cloth, fluid simulations and character animation. There’s a chance you may never touch some of its functionality, so you need to decide if it’s actually overkill for your specific needs.

This level of power also comes at a price – a subscription to Maya doesn't come cheap. But for those who have the time, skill and patience to master it, Maya has some of the best 3D tools around and is a sound investment. 

Want to get started with Maya? Our selection of mighty Maya tutorials will help you take a step in the right direction. 

02. Houdini

3D modelling software used in today’s movie and TV VFX.

Coming in second place in our guide to the best 3D modelling software is Houdini by SideFX. Widely used in the VFX industry for creating a range of 3D imagery, Houdini's node-based procedural approach provides digital artists with an unprecedented level of power, flexibility and control. This nodal workflow isn’t to everyone’s liking, but Houdini also has more traditional tools for directly interacting with polygons on screen.

Like Maya, this level of power and non-standard workflow can be tricky to get to grips with. Fortunately, SideFX offers Houdini Apprentice, a free version of Houdini FX, which can be used by students, artists and hobbyists for personal non-commercial projects. The free version gives you access to virtually all of the features of the award-winning Houdini FX to develop your skills and for working on personal projects. The full-featured Houdini Indie also provides an affordable commercial option for small studios. 

03. Cinema 4D

Brilliant 3D modelling software for beginners and pros alike.

Maxon’s Cinema 4D has been around for many years and is highly regarded in the worlds of motion graphics, visualisation and illustration. It’s a professional, complex piece of software, known for its overall stability and for being the 3D modelling software with the easiest learning curve.

Cinema 4D enjoys a thriving community with a huge online library of tutorials and how-tos – not to mention training site Cineversity, to which you get free membership when you buy the app or pay for the annual Maxon service agreement (MSA). C4D’s parametric modelling toolset is generally very good, and you can add even more functionality with a range of inexpensive plugins. It also boasts volumetric modelling, which is perfect if you don't have the time or skillset to create smooth solid forms.

Perpetual licenses don’t come cheap, but you can always start with Prime and upgrade over time. Check out the trial version, which gives you 14 days to experiment for free, and the free education version for students and teachers.  

04. Autodesk 3ds Max

The best 3D modelling software for Windows users.

3ds Max is Autodesk’s PC-only 3D computer graphics program, used for TV and feature film production and for architectural and product visualisation. Like its sister software Maya, 3ds Max boasts a very robust toolset for 3D modelling, not to mention fluid simulations, hair and fur, plus character rigging and animation.

It uses both direct manipulation and procedural modelling techniques, and a huge library of different modifiers makes the modelling process easier for new or intermediate 3D artists. 3ds Max offers a professional toolset and, unsurprisingly, comes with a professional price tag. However, students can get the software for free and a trial version is also available for 30 days.

05. Modo

3D modelling, texturing and rendering software.

Borne out of the development team behind LightWave 3D, Modo has grown from a basic subdivision surface modeller to the fully-featured digital content creation app we know today. Its tools have been well thought through and implemented, making it very user-friendly, and when you throw in a really solid rendering system, it’s easy to see why Modo has grown in popularity.

With modelling at its core, Modo is one of the best apps out there for the creation of polygonal forms, using both direct tools and procedural techniques. The addition of the best-in-breed MeshFusion Boolean system simply extends its modelling repertoire. Modo might lack the high-end dynamics and simulation tools you might find in a program like Maya, but it holds its own when it comes to creating stunning artwork, producing as good a 3D render as any other package currently available. 

06. Lightwave 3D

Fully-featured, production-proven 3D modelling software.

LightWave was once the go-to app for TV sci-fi shows, but after a failed attempt to produce a modernised version, NewTek’s app lay fallow for several years. However it’s recently enjoyed something of a renaissance, and an updated version was introduced at the start of 2020.

Lightwave operates as two apps, Modeler – for building assets – and Layout for texturing, lighting, animation and rendering. A lot of the underlying toolset is quite old (although it’s had a lot of new features added in the last few years) but that doesn’t stop it from being a solid digital content creation suite, with lots of features and a fast interactive PBR renderer.

So ignore LightWave’s reputation: it’s a great 3D modelling app for learning the basics. You can try it for yourself with the 30-day free trial, while students can pick up a copy for just $195.

07. ZBrush

Market-leading sculpting software that’s ideal for 3D printing.

ZBrush is a standalone sculpting and modelling app that is best suited to the creation of organic forms – although recent updates have gradually improved its hard-surface abilities. It works in a non-standard fashion, with a workflow and user interface that’s initially very hard to learn, so you really need to use it every day to become proficient.

However, ZBrush isn’t only for sculpting and modelling: it can also be used to create UV maps and paint textures, enabling seasoned artists to craft entire figures, with clothing and props, ready for rendering. ZBrush is a popular choice among artists wanting to 3D print toys and action figures, too, with tools specifically aimed at 3D printing.