Beginner’s Guide To 3D Animation
Beginner's Guide To 3D Animation This is a continuation from the previous blog on Bouncing Ball Animation with Maya : 4 Factors to Create Good Animation. In beginner's guide to 3d animation, I'll explain from how to setup your computer with recommendations and brief introduction to using 3d software. Before we start learning animation, we have some technical aspect to cover. 1. Operationg System (O/S) Mac operating system (O/S) is generally more stable and processes much faster in graphics compared to Windows O/S. If you are using Windows O/S, just note that the Command Key is mapped as Control Key in Windows. 2. Maya Software Maya Software is available in educational license at Autodesk Educational Institution website. If you are a student, they allow you to download an educational copy free for 3 years. All you need to do is register with them. Register for free and select the latest Maya software to install. If you are not a student, you might want to borrow your friend’s copy to try it out before you purchase it. Maya is available for both Mac and Windows O/S. 3. Bouncing Ball Rig This is the maya file that we will use for the bouncing ball tutorial. I’ve created this rig for your convenience and feel free to download it for your own use. 4. Mouse Selection I have to recommend buying a 3 button mouse with scrolling middle mouse button. 3D softwares needs 3 buttons for navigation so investing in a good mouse will gives you a piece of mind when animating. I’m currently using a wireless USB mouse by Logitech (Model M185) which I bought...
4 Factors to Create Realistic Animation
4 factors to create realistic animation There are many methods that will make your audience goes 'WOW!' when they see your animation. Making an object moves is an animation, but making an object comes alive is the toughest challenge and it can be very rewarding and satisfying. Here are 4 factors to create realistic animation, references, target, knowledge and pipeline. In this article, I'll use bouncing ball as an example. 1. We need to find references Art is subjective and we must find some references that will provide us a benchmark on a good looking animation. In this tutorial, we need to create a bouncing ball, so all we have to do is to go Youtube and type in the words ‘bouncing ball’ and we will many real life sample video references to compare with. 2. We need to set a target We need to know how we want our animation to look like even before we create it. This applies to all animation created in the industry. Big or small companies still practice creating storyboards and animatics to define their targeted animation outcome. In this tutorial, our target is to create a bouncing ball similar to a real basketball bouncing. 3. We need 2 good knowledge In animation context, we need to know principal of animation and software’s operation skill to achieve our target. This 2 knowledge are the critical factors to creating a good animation and they both need to work hand in hand. Principal of animation makes an animation realistic and believable because of the way human’s eyes perceive movement. Software skills are considered...
Reference Image 3D Modeling (Maya)
Reference image 3d modeling technique is to help modelers speed up their modeling process by 'drawing' over their reference images or designs accurately. With just 5 to 10 minutes to insert a reference image before starting to model a 3D object, you speeds up your production by 5 times or more! 3D modeling using reference is important and critical to achieve good 3D geometry. However it is tedious and inefficient to model by comparing between the monitor screen and your printed design. Even if you have a huge monitor, it is still not easy to space out your monitor space just to view your reference image. By modeling your object with reference image behind, you can literally “trace out” your 3D object according to your reference image or design blueprint. Your model will be more accurate to the design (be it yours or client) and you take less time to model an object correct proportion compare to modeling by eyeballing. Here are the 4 simple steps to reference image modeling: Prepare your images with photoshop Displaying your reference image, with correct scale and proportion. Locking your reference image Start your model! Click here to watch my 3D animation and 3D modelling video tutorials. Learn how to use reference image modeling from this video tutorial I've created using 3d software, Maya 2013. *Note: This technique is not limited to Maya, all other 3d software are able to do reference image modeling too. Step 1: Prepare your reference images Find the reference image you wish to model. It can be any image or design you have created or downloaded from the...Useful Resources
About Nash Lin
Nash is a self taught animator, a fanatic gamer and a digital media coach. He has created many types of 2D and 3D animation. You will get to learn effective animation skills and tips with Nash. Continue reading...
