How is a 3D Animation created?
Are you considering having a 3D animation made and wondering exactly what the process looks like?
In this article, we provide information on the various aspects involved in developing a 3D animation.
The five steps of 3D animation
A 3D animation is a graphic animation in which objects appear to move in a three-dimensional space. Whereas 2D animations use only an x-axis and a y-axis in the design process, 3D animations use a third axis: the z-axis. Therefore, 3D stands for 3-dimensional. This creates depth and perspective. 3D animations are made with modern computer programs, the process itself can be divided into five parts.
Phase1: 3D Modeling
The first stage is modeling. In this phase of the process, the various 3D objects are designed (for example, the product that will be shown and the environment in which it will be visualized).
Phase2: Illumination and placing textures
In the second phase, 3D objects and the 3D environment are illuminated, just as is done in photography and video. In addition, textures are placed on the 3D models and the environment to make them look as desired. Think wood, concrete, glass, plastic, water etc.
Phase3: 3D animation
In the third phase, the real process of animation takes place, the 3D objects are positioned and animated as well as a digital camera capturing the images.
Stage 4: Rendering the 3D animation
In the fourth stage, the rendering takes place: this is the generation (computation by heavy computers) of digital images, creating a 3D animation.
Stage5: Color correction and special effects
In the final stage, the rendered images are polished to look spiffy. This is done through color correction and special image effects.
Use case 3D animation for Thales SOTAS
This 3D animation visualizes the radar and communication system. This complicated technique is difficult to explain but with the help of a 3D animation the concrete advantages of this system are visible to the customer. The sound of the system is also visualized and careful attention has been paid to recognizability taking into account the smallest details.
Customer input
Your own input is of course very important during the development of a 3D animation. You know better than anyone else what exactly you want to achieve with the animation and perhaps you already know what 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, because every 3D animation has a concept phase in which all the information you have is converted into a distinctive concept. So you present your ideas to the team that will make the animation, in which we then come together (based on this information) to a clear concept and design. Then the team will come up with a storyboard of the 3D animation, on which you can give feedback. After this, the actual production process of the 3D animation begins.
Possibility to change
A great advantage of 3D animations is that this type of marketing tool has a high flexibility. In fact, animations lend themselves well to changes 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 changed. This means that you retain partial control over the design process (even if the actual animation is made by other people).
But even when the 3D animation is completely finished, there are still opportunities to make changes. This is because the 3D objects used in the animation can be saved and reused quite easily. This means that you can also make adjustments at a later time, for example if there is a new version of your product, or if you are still dissatisfied with some details in the movie. This high flexibility is an important advantage of the 3D animation.
Often, images of a 3D animation are rendered that are used for promotional purposes in brochures or on your website. Very convenient that this way you do not need photography to quickly and flexibly obtain high quality "photography" for your marketing activities.
The duration
Finally, it is of course also important to know the exact duration of developing a 3D animation. Because a 3D animation uses complex software, the process will generally take a little longer than other types of animation. This is because both the design, shaping and development of the animation take a little more time. The exact length of time depends on several factors, such as the length and complexity of the final animation. In general, you can assume that developing a 3D animation starts at about four weeks lead time. If you are in a hurry, you can always discuss whether the process can be shortened.