How is a 3D animation made?
Are you considering getting a 3D animation made and wondering what the process actually looks like?
In this article, we provide information about the various aspects involved in developing a 3D animation.
The five steps of 3D animation
A 3D animation is a graphical animation where objects appear to move in a three-dimensional space. While 2D animations only use an x-axis and a y-axis in the design process, 3D animations use a third axis: the z-axis. That's why 3D stands for three-dimensional. This creates depth and perspective. 3D animations are created with modern computer programs, and the process itself can be divided into five parts.
Phase 1: 3D modelling
First, modelling takes place. In this phase of the process, the various 3D objects are designed (for example, the product to be shown and the environment in which it will be visualized).
Phase 2: Lighting and applying textures
In the second phase, 3D objects and the 3D environment are lit, just as is done in photography and videography. Additionally, textures are applied to the 3D models and the environment, so they look as desired. Think of wood, concrete, glass, plastic, water, etc.
Phase 3: 3D animating
In the third phase, the actual animation process takes place, where the 3D objects are positioned and animated, just like a digital camera capturing the images.
Phase 4: Rendering the 3D animation
In the fourth phase, rendering takes place: this is the generation (calculation by powerful computers) of digital images, resulting in a 3D animation.
Phase 5: Colour correction and special effects
In the final phase, the rendered images are polished to look spectacular. This is done through colour correction and special visual effects.
Use case 3D animation for Thales SOTAS
This 3D animation visualizes the radar and communication system. This complex technology is difficult to explain, but with the help of a 3D animation, the concrete benefits of this system are visible to the customer. The sound of the system is also visualized, and great attention has been paid to recognizability, taking into account the smallest details.
The input from the customer
Your own input is, of course, very important during the development of a 3D animation. You know better than anyone what exactly you want to achieve with the animation and you may already know which style of 3D animation you want. Are you planning to have a 3D animation made?
The first step is to have a clear concept. We can help you with that, as every 3D animation has a concept phase in which all the information you have is transformed into a distinctive concept. You present your ideas to the team that will create the animation, where we then work together (based on this information) to come up with a clear concept and design. The team will then come up with a storyboard for the 3D animation, on which you can provide feedback. After this, the actual production process of the 3D animation begins.
Possibility to modify
A major advantage of 3D animations is that this type of marketing tool has a high degree of flexibility. Animations lend themselves well to modifications and adjustments (unlike video or photo). During the development process, there are generally multiple rounds of feedback in which you indicate whether you are satisfied or would prefer to see things differently. This means that you partly retain control over the design process (even though the actual animation is made by other people).
But even when the 3D animation is completely finished, there are still opportunities to make changes. The 3D objects used in the animation can easily be saved and reused. This means that you can also make adjustments later on, for example if there is a new version of your product, or if you are dissatisfied with certain details in the video. This high flexibility is an important advantage of 3D animation.
Often, images are rendered from a 3D animation that are used for promotional purposes in brochures or on your website. It is very handy that you do not need photography to quickly and flexibly obtain high-quality “photography” for your marketing activities in this way.
The duration
Finally, it is also important to know what the exact duration of developing a 3D animation is. Because a 3D animation uses complex software, the process generally takes somewhat longer than is the case with other types of animations. Both the design and the shaping and the development of the animation take a bit more time. The exact duration depends on various factors, such as the length and complexity of the final animation. Generally, you can expect that developing a 3D animation starts at about four weeks turnaround time. If you are in a hurry, you can always discuss whether this process can be shortened.