How Do I Get Started in Computer Animation?

We've all seen the way computer animation has become such as big part of the Movie and television industry in recent years. And it isn't just in conventional animation, either. Even producers of movies and television programs that are otherwise live action often use computer (or CGI) animation to create characters and scenes that they could never afford to build or simply couldn't build at any cost. If you would like to learn how to do computer animation yourself, either for personal use or to become a part of the industry, this article will show you how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Join some of the many Animation and 3D sites on the web, such as RDNA and Renderosity. These sites have helpful free tutorials as well as user forums where you can get answers to any questions you may have on the topic.

2. Download and install Daz Studio (which is freeware). Use it to become familiar with the basics of posing a figure, adding props, assembling and lighting a scene, as well as rendering and saving animation files.

3. Download and install Google Sketchup (which is freeware). Sketchup is a basic 3D modeling program. Use it to begin to learn the rudiments of 3D modeling and the tools used.

4. Download and install UVmapper (the freeware version). Uvmapper is used to create the UV maps used on 3D models to apply colors and textures correctly. Use it to practice creating UV maps, which is one of the more difficult jobs in 3D modeling.

5. Choose and purchase a higher-level 3D program that can perform all of the functions of the three freeware programs you have, as well as many more. There are many to choose from, such as Carrara, Modo or Cinema4d. All 3D programs have features in common and perform many of the same functions. Now that you understand the basics, you are ready to move to one of these more professional programs.

Resources

• SketchUp
• RDNA
• Renderosity
• Daz Studio
• UVMapper