The Character Animator

 there Character animators add second or 3D or in dimensions nonetheless to be discovered, transfer life to talking rabbits, performing arts hippos, humanlike cars, near-sighted fish, and a lot of dysfunctional families than you'll be able to shake a stick at. The principles of animation, as well as stretch and squash, weight, anticipation and overlapping action, were absolutely developed (largely at the film producer studio) by 1942. Since then, character Associate in Nursingimators have applied these principles to comes with an infinite quantity of rhetorical variation, from full animation to low take into account the online or TV. The character animator could be a skilled worker, accumulating expertise and experience over the courses of a career and a time period.

What quite coaching and skills will a personality animator got to begin out and alos to stay advancing in their career? Feature animator Travis Blaise (Brother Bear), advises beginning with the grass roots. “Try to attend a college that teaches the basics (figure drawing, painting, sculpting, art history) in conjunction with ancient animation.” TV animator and director Jim Petropolis adds, “If you learn nothing else, learn the way to draw a correct human figure”.

It is additionally vital to grasp storytelling, continuity, and acting. It’s reduced to analysis technical “how-to-animate” books and a lot of helpful to seek out books on your favorite artists or illustrators. it's higher to develop your own voice and its simple to urge stuck invigorating the method everybody else will.

What area unit The Daily Duties Of a personality Animator?

TV Associate in Nursingimator Justin Simonich answers: “ As an animator you’re liable for any scene given to you by the director, invigorating any characters assigned  to you, and handing it by the point. The point is paramount; you have got to figure during a fast, nonetheless deliberate manner.

The daily duties of a personality animator usually transcend their job descriptions. Jim Petropolis feels that when you’re during a loop, expect to wear several hats at the same time. “Over time you’ll in all probability be asked to try to to one thing totally different than what you may have heretofore been aware of.

Character animators, whether or not they add second or 3D, got to continue with technology to remain employable. to remain current with technology, scan articles regarding new package and take a look at them out. If you see a cool look or impact on TV, attempt to imitate it with Flash and when Effects. It helps you build Associate in Nursing arsenal of designs and appears.

Read More

7 Future Preditions of Computer Animation

7 Future Preditions of Computer Animation

Computer animation is created by two or three dimensional graphics of computers. Two dimensional computer animation is used for quick rendering and for low bandwidth animation. In cartooning, the computer to be used and the film that is the image generated by the computer is considered. This is a concern especially when making a movie. To create movement in a model, the photo is placed in the screen monitor of the computer used and then changed by a slightly shifted image that looks the same as the previous one. This method is used in making motion pictures to project a movement that is an illusion of how it is with reality.

All computer animated objects uses different computer programs for the detailed representation of the characters in the film. A great challenge for animators is to make a realistic image of humans using computer animation. Today, movies that are computer animated are mostly animal or fantasy models and sometimes humans that are made to look like a cartoon. There are many attempts for movies that are computer generated to make human characters look real. This can be seen in movies like "The Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within". But because of the complexity to replicate the human body, motion, and biomechanics, it is still a big problem to simulate real humans.

It was planned to make a software program wherein the artist will create a sequence in a movie that shows a photo of a realistic human model, going through some believable movements. The clothes and the physical attributes of a real human like the hair are included in making the realistic human photo. It is also the animator's goal to put a complex yet natural-looking background, and, if possible, they aim to make realistic characters which blend together and make a realistic whole. Artists attempt to do this in such a way that the people watching will not think that a movie is generated by computers or made with the participation of the actors acting in front of the camera. This plan of simulating real human characters is definitely not going to happen in the near future. However, a concept like making realistic people can have a bearing in the film and computer animation industry for future developments.

Animators for computer games and television are doing animation using photorealistic design with a high detail. The quality of computer animation used in making movies would take many years to accomplish if you are using a personal computer alone. To make the photorealistic design possible, powerful and high quality computer work stations are used. The workstations that are used to make computer animations are specialized to render the images for a soft realistic output of the cartoon.

Read More

The Implications of 3D Computer Animation

The Implications of 3D Computer Animation

3D computer animation is making a big impact in the animation industry. Realism is the key for the rising demand of 3D animation. It is a challenging technology for prospective artists and for professional animators alike to develop new editions and versions of the existing 3D animation programs. The frames of the models and the shots are sometimes simple, but the motion or the movements of the characters is where the creativity and skills of the animator comes in.

In 3D computer animation, visual styling is one of the categories that need to be considered. It is not just how the objects being animated are going to look but it also focuses on how the images are going to be rendered, as well as the methods to be used for animation. It is about the complexity of the process. The production of the object must be capable being done within the limits of the work. Blending the motion of the characters is possible to achieve with the use of many new sources, provided that the movements of the cartoon is realistic. Planning and putting guidelines before the actual production of the picture must be done. Directing the movements of the character must be done by actual people who are experts in taking shots of any characters motion. Cinematography is also a vital element of animation since the animators have the power to control the position and the movement of the camera when doing a computer animated picture.

3d Computer Animation

In the actual story, the sequence of the drawn images and the applied lighting has a big impact. These aspects of the process are done during the planning stage and the formation of the three dimensional characters. Facial animation is now more prioritized than in the past when it comes to 3D computer animation. Even the slow blinking of the eyes and the movements of the eyeballs are now given detailed attention. Facial manipulation level and the methods on how it will be done will give each character a good effect and style.

If you are planning to enroll in animation schools and you are interested to become an animator, try to do some early work on 3D animation programs to practice your skills. Whichever field you are leaning to, and whatever direction you would like to go in the field of animation, it is still better to have an idea on how have the basic skills in 3D computer animation. 3D computer animation is considered one of the most popular types of animation today. It includes making films, video games, and animated characters. Entering an animation school is the best way to improve your potentials and to learn everything about three dimensional computer animations. It will surely help you in deciding what career in the field of animation to take.

Read More

12 Basic of Animation

The following 12 basic principles of animation were developed by the 'old men' of Walt Disney Studios, amongst them Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, during the 1930s. Of course they weren't old men at the time, but young men who were at the forefront of exciting discoveries that were contributing to the development of a new art form. These principles came as a result of reflection about their practice and through Disney's desire to devise a way of animating that seemed more 'real' in terms of how things moved, and how that movement might be used to express character and personality.

It needs to be said that many brilliant moments of animation have been created without reference to, or knowledge of, these principles. However they are appropriate for a particular style of cartoon animation and provide the means to discuss and critique the craft in a language that animators have come to understand - "you need to anticipate that action to give it more punch" - "why don't you put more follow through on the coat tail?"

The following has been paraphrased from the "Illusion Of Life" by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston (pp.47-69). For a more extensive explanation of these principles, refer to this seminal text.

1. SQUASH AND STRETCH

2. ANTICIPATION

3. STAGING

4. STRAIGHT AHEAD AND POSE TO POSE ANIMATION

5. FOLLOW THROUGH AND OVERLAPPING ACTION

6. SLOW-OUT AND SLOW-IN

7. ARCS

8. SECONDARY ACTION

9. TIMING

10. EXAGGERATION

11. SOLID DRAWING

12. APPEAL

Read More

How Became 3D Computer Animator

3D Computer Animation: The Skills and Training You Need

3d animation or graphics make use of a 3 dimensional depiction of content that is in geometric form for the reason of rendering images that are in two dimensional forms. The usage of 3d animation may be immense. It may be used in computer graphic applications, making 3d animation games and even cartoon films for the kids. 3d animation may also be used in corporate reports and in websites and consequently because of their three dimensional nature make a better impact and sound understanding.

Similarity and difference between 3d animation and 2d animation

Although there is an entire dimension addition in 3d animation when compared to 2d, yet the basic algorithm on which 3d animation rely upon is the same in both the case. This simailarity is apparent in the wire frame format mainly.

The difference between the 2d and 3d animation is not enough. They both use each other to get the desired effects. For example 2d animation uses 3d effects like lighting and at the same time, the 3d animation uses rendering techniques that are taught in 2d. although there are differences like a 3d animation is technically not a graphic till the time it is rendered in such a way that visually it attains the stature of 3d. Thus, in order to be trained in 3d animation, one needs to be skilled in 2d graphics as well.

3d animation training

Bringing characters to life is not as easy as it appears. It needs a lot of practice and hard work. Although with a proper training in visual effects and an in-depth knowledge of 2d graphics and 3d animation, one can easily create, out of the world website, design products, make games that truly belong to the next generation and much more.

The answer such high goals and aspirations is a thorough and strong knowledge of Graphics and the various packages that may help you to render a sketch into life. Some of the packages that may make you a skilled in 3d animation are flash, macromedia etc. But before you know such 3d animation packages, it’s always advised to have an idea and perfection in packages like Photoshop that forms the basis of any graphic activity.

The 3d animation is taught in various schools and institutes focused in animation and communication design. Different institutes have different curriculum to offer its students in order to train them into skilled animators. Usually, computer animation courses include 2d and 3d animation, digital arts, digital animation course, editing and visual effect course etc.

The best part about 3d animation is that even professionals can excel the art by doing some online courses in the same field that enriches their art further and make them further skilled and expertise animators.

The Basic 3d animation knowledge

·Developing primary characters by using bouncing ball principle.
·Understanding the anatomy of the character and setting models with the help of knowledge in proportions.
·Colour theory knowledge.
·Bone structure and skin textures.
·Colour rendering.

The Intermediate 3d animation skills
·Modeling the character and understanding mesh tool.
·Shading skills
·Sketching and rigging skills.
·Software knowledge and making their use.

Advanced 3d animation training
·Conceptualizing an animation along with facial features and creating full fleshed characters.
·Making short animation movie.
·Shading, lighting and rendering using layers.
·Giving the final fluid effect. Practically using all the packages together along with sketching to get the perfection in 3d animation.

Read More

Animation throughout the ages

History is rich with descriptions of attempts to imitate life by mechanical means in the form of hydraulic, pneumatic, or clockwork operated biological automata. Automata (or automatons - a machine which is relatively self-operating and capable of performing multiple complex movements on its own without the need for human control) had its greatest period of development following the rise of mechanicism with the revival of Greek culture during the Renaissance. There were, for example, isolated descriptions of talking heads claimed to have been constructed by Albertus Magnus, Roger Bacon, Gerbert, and Robert Grosseteste. Perhaps of greater significance was the mechanical lion of da Vinci and the two automata created by Johannes Muller, called Regiomontanus (1436-1476). One of these was the fabled eagle which was claimed to have escorted the Emperor Maximilian to the city gates of Nuremberg.

The first android, a completely mechanical figure which simulated a living human or animal, operating with apparently responsive action, is believed to have been constructed by Hans Bullmann of Nuremberg (?-1535). Bullmann reportedly produced a number of extremely ingenious figures of men and women that moved and played musical instruments.

These early automata were mechanical devices that seemed to demonstrate lifelike behaviour. They took advantage not only of gears, but also of gravity, hydraulics, pulleys and sunlight - the effect could be dazzling, as with the extraordinary clock of Berne created in 1530. This massive timepiece hourly disgorged a dazzling pageantry of automata figures.
One of the most famous waterworks of the seventeenth century was that constructed at the chateau at Heilbrunn in about 1646. It featured various animated hydromechanical devices. A mechanical theatre was installed here in 1725 by Lorenz Rosenegge, a craftsman of Nuremberg. It featured 256 figures, 119 of which were animated by means of a single water turbine. A horizontal axis operating a series of cams regulated the movements of the figures by means of copper wires. The wheelwork consists of wooden wheels with iron teeth and pinions. A powerful hydraulic organ provides background music and covers the noise of the mechanism.

Just as the waterworks and grottoes of the Renaissance gardens were tangible revivals of the hydraulic and pneumatic devices of the ancient Greek culture, some of the same influence filtered into the field of clockmaking. The first conversion from the hydraulic and pneumatic to the purely mechanical automata, occurred in Europe with the advent of the clockmaker who made public and astronomical clocks with moving figurines.

It was a short step to a combination of the pinned cylinder and the spring-driven clockwork to provide the sound of living things and of musical instruments in automata. This combination made possible a great variety of developments in the late seventeenth and during the eighteenth centuries. The most notable of these were the androids constructed in the mid-eighteenth century by Jacques Vaucanson (1709-1782), who brought the production of automata to its highest point of development. Vaucanson is unquestionably the most import inventor in the history of automata, as well as one of the most important figures in the history of machine technology. Although he was responsible for pioneering in the development of machine tools and later inspired the work of Sir Henry Maudslay and others, it was, ironically enough, his automata -- which occupied the briefest interlude in his life -- which brought him permanent fame and fortune.

Born in 1709 in Grenoble, France, Vaucanson exhibited great mechanical ability at a very early age. After having attended the oratory college at Juilly he studied with the Jesuits at Grenoble, and in 1725 joined the order of Minims of Lyon. During his training period, however, Vaucanson indulged his mechanical interests by creating automatically flying angels. This impelled the provincial of the order to destroy his makeshift workshop, and Vaucanson used the incident as an excuse to to be relieved of his clerical vows.

Vaucanson moved to Paris and, in direct contrast with his recent religious life, gave himself up to a life of debauchery while he undertook the studies of mechanics, music, and anatomy. He developed an interest in the study of medicine and attempted to construct a "moving anatomy" which reproduced the principal organic functions. Debts, illness, and eventually boredom caused him to abandon the project. He went on to the construct his famous androids, which made him wealthy and famous throughout Europe.

In 1735 Vaucanson began to formulate plans for the construction of the first android, which was to be a life-sized figure of a musician, dressed in a rustic fashion and playing eleven melodies on its flute, moving the levers realistically by its fingers and blowing into the instrument with its mouth. In October 1737 the automaton was completed and exhibited first at the fair of Saint-Germain and later at Longueville. All Paris flocked to see the mechanical masterpiece with the human spirit; the press was extremely favorable, and Vaucanson was launched upon his career.

Vaucanson's third and most famous automaton was "an artificial duck of gilt brass which drinks, eats, flounders in water, digests and excretes like a live duck" (see figure top right). It was Vaucanson's intention to create in this duck the "moving anatomy" that he had visualized once before. Accordingly, the figure of the duck was produced full size of gilt brass in a simplified form, the body pierced with openings to permit the public to observe the process of digestion. The complexity of this duck was enormous - there were over four hundred moving pieces in a single wing.

Just as spring-wound clockwork made possible mechanical music for automata, it also made possible the reproduction of the sound of words by mechanical means. In the seventeenth century Kircher had affirmed that it was possible to produce a head which moved the eyes, lips, and tongue, and, by means of the sounds which it emitted, appeared to be alive. A similar project was attempted in 1705 by Valentin Merbitz, rector of the Kreuzschule of Dresden, who devoted five years to it. The next major advance in this field was made in about 1770 by Friedrich von Knauss of Vienna, who constructed four speaking heads. That his project was not completely successful is attested to by the fact that in 1779 the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg used the production of a successful speaking head as the theme for a contest for mechanicians and organ manufacturers, specifying that the machine be capable of speaking the five vowels. - The Turing Test of its day for clocksmiths and mechanical engineers?

The most spectacular of all automata that have survived until the present day are The Writer, The Artist, and The Musician produced by Pierre Jacquet-Droz (1771-1790) and his son Henry-Louis (1753-1791) of Geneva. Father and son combined all the technical developments known in their time in an effort to produce a machine that faithfully imitated a human being, and their efforts were as successful as any have ever been. The Writer, a life-size and lifelike figure of a boy seated as a desk, is capable of writing any message of up to 40 letters in length (above right).
"On mechanical slavery, on the slavery of the machine, the future of the world depends" - Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism, 1895.

Boilerplate Man and Steam Man - Amazing Robots of the Victorian Era - fact or fiction? You decide: http://www.bigredhair.com/robots/index.html

With a public fascination for the newly discovered force of electricity, fictional writing suggested that pieces of dead flesh sewn together could be 'animated' into life just as severed frog legs could be kicked into a reflex action by a crude battery in a science laboratory demonstration.

Having discarded the earlier technologies of hydraulics, pneumatics, clockwork, which where thought to hold the key, man continues his quest to create life through robotics and electronics, and with more abstract notions of life using computers to create artificial life (AI), autonomous systems, Celluar Automata and nanotechnology. Man now plays directly with the building blocks of life itself via genetic engineering

Read More

What is Root of Animation Word?

A horse painted on the walls of Lascaux caves, northern slopes of the Pyrenees , South central France

A horse painted on the walls of Lascaux caves, northern slopes of the Pyrenees , South central France

The word 'animation' is derived from anima, the Latin word for soul or spirit. The verb 'to animate' literally means 'to give life to'.

From his earliest artworks, hunting scenes sketched in ochre on a cave wall, to highly refined Greek sculptures, mankind has always attempted to imbue his art with expressions of life by depicting his subjects as if caught in a frozen moment in time suggestive of broader preceding and following actions.

Egotistical man placed himself at the centre of the universe. He has always believed in the possibility of creating life - of playing god. Man has used his technology as an agent to help realise this desire in order to become ruler of all nature.

Read More

Animation is..?

The amplification of an idea through simplification and abstraction; a sight gag timed to perfection; a visual poem; a moving painting; extraordinary sublime moments in the orchestration of moving image and sound; throw-away sick slapstick humour designed for the moment; stories that remain with you forever; time-based imagery that can be fantastically surreal because of its unique process of realisation; a journey through the human body and other datascapes; the invisible made visible; informative dynamic graphics that monitor critical processes; an animated neon sign. At its best, animation is an exquisite character performance synthesised at the end of a pencil, or increasingly through the sweep and click of a computer mouse, that would otherwise win an award for best acting.

Little else compares with the thrill of breathing life into characters that might never have existed but for your imagination, or to move a large audience of strangers to laugh out loud at their antics, or to keep a person interactively engaged with them and the worlds you have invented, for hours on end.Almost anything can be brought to life and be imbued with personality, twigs, clay, drawings, objects, computer meshes, and, of course, anything becomes possible in the world of animation. It can entertain, explain and fascinate. In all its wondrous forms from the traditional 'bonk 'em on the head' cartoon styles, to TV commercials, sophisticated narrative works and simulations, to experimental, digitally composited, special effects driven and art films, animation is a powerful vehicle for ideas.

Read More

What is Animation?

Animation precedes the invention of photography and the cine camera by several decades. It is an art form in which a world of dynamic image and sound may be synthesised completely out of nothing but a thought (see Peter Greenaway quote, right).

Animation is 100% artifice, and as such, the synthesis of movement through the sequential use of small fragments of time, which gives rise to this wondrous illusion, is open to manipulation in extraordinary ways. 

Animation is the most nimble of mediums. It has survived the mechanical 'persistence of vision' toys popular in the 19th century; found expression as an art form in cinema; it was the means by which to experiment with time-based art and cinematic forms to present new visual vocabularies; it was brilliantly positioned to pioneer the use of computers to create moving images from numbers; it has demystified complex processes; visualised scientific phenomena and provided simulation models to help us understand the world; it has become an essential ingredient in multimedia content; it is imbedded in the control interface display of multi-million dollar jet fighter planes, it is integral to the computer games industry; it increasingly underpins all special effects in motion picture production; and it has provided content in an ideal form to distribute across a bandwidth poor networked environment. 

Animation is an art form which can come from anywhere and which can go to anywhere - from a large production team working in a highly specialised studio or a lone individual working out of a bedroom, to an Imax Cinema screen several metres wide or a mobile phone screen a few centimetres across. 

Read More