Careers in Computer Animation

Schools have developed animation courses in early 1980s. Through the years, the demands in the field of computer graphics have grown fast. Skills in computer animation are important requirements to achieve a good paying job. Animation courses have focused on specific roles associated in a certain production, but they have common themes and this is the key towards getting a career in computer animation. These themes include character animation, sound, drawing, 2D and 3D animation, studio practice, film theory and production process.

The schools should maintain the high-tech hardware and software. Once you have finished your animation course, you have the chance to work on the prestigious studios around the world. These studios include DreamWorks, ESC Entertainment, Framestore CFC, Mill and Aardman Animations, and The Moving Picture Company.

Animation companies hire creative people who have extreme abilities in drawing. Such skills may be acquired through schooling. You will need to enroll in an animation course in order to gain skills in computer graphics. If you really want to be a great animator, certain discipline should be considered in computer animation. It is important to enroll in any course because you really are interested in it and not being manipulated by others. You will not learn the principles of animation if you were just forced by others to study it.

Courses in animation are also available through the net. If you don't have the time to go to college everyday because of your hectic schedule, online computer animation school is perfect for you. Online computer animation schools offer variety of related courses in animation. Areas of study include computer graphics, cell animation, 3D modeling, 3D set construction, multimedia, Interactive animation and more. You may choose among these for the specialization that you would like to concentrate on. Numerous online schools may give you proper training to help you achieve your dream of becoming a great animator. The best part about online schools is that you may study right at the comfort of your home.

Different approaches are being taught to students who prefer to enroll the course in a prestigious animation school. The school provides high tech tools and latest learning in computer animation. You will be able to widely apply and practice your skills in large and complete laboratory. Computer animation courses include all that you need in the field to get ahead. You may study programs in software, hardware and technologies in creating realistic animation. Learn to develop your skills in creating backgrounds and lighting effects and story lines, textures and characters. Layering techniques, visual effects and articulation of characters is being taught in animation training. After acquiring enough knowledge in animation course, start setting your work plan. You should enhance your skills in computer animation if you want to excel in the field, and now is the time to prove others and to yourself that you will be a great animator.

Careers in Computer Animation

Computer Animation in Post Production

One of the most sought after jobs in the market today is computer animation. The technology of computer animation is getting simpler and simpler day by day; simultaneously, the opportunities for people aspiring to become computer animators have increased tremendously.

The Technique

Traditionally, animation always used to be done in the manual way. The most popularly adopted method was to create a series of cartoon frames, which were then combined into a film. Another method was by using physical models, which were placed in a certain place and the image was captured; the model was then moved and the next image captured; and the process used to continue.

But, the conventional way has been replaced by computer animation. Computer animation, which is a part of computer graphics, is the technique of creating moving images with the use of computers. It is created by means of 3D or 2D computer graphics. Computer graphics is also referred to as 'Computer-Generated Imagery'. An image is shown on the computer screen, which creates an illusion of movement and this is replaced by a new image, which is slightly different from the previous image. Sophisticated computer animation involves moving the camera or the objects in a more refined way, wherein, the law of physics is used for achieving this.

The Software

Computer animation can be created with the help of a computer and animation software. Cinema 4D, Amorphium, Poser, and Ray Dream Studio are some examples of animation software. Many software options are available and prices vary according to the sophistication of the programs.

Computer animators are creative artists who use high-tech tools for achieving their creative perfection, but the ultimate reason for their achievement is their creative vision.

Forms of Animation

There are different types of animation available:

o Scripting Systems was the earliest system used for motion control, where the computer animator writes a script in animation language. One of such scripting languages is Actor Script Animation Language.

o Procedural Animation (which defines the movement over time), uses the law of physics for generating a movement. For example, consider a motion, which is the result of another action, as in the case of a ball, which if thrown towards an object, hits that particular object and causes it to move in the desired direction.

o Representational Animation is a technique, wherein an object changes its shape during animation. This is sub-divided into three categories - articulated object animation, soft object animation, and morphing.

o Stochastic Animation, which controls a groups of objects like fireworks and waterfalls.

o Behavioral Animation, where a group of objects behaves according to a set pattern as indicated by the animator.

Computer generated animation is used in various diverse fields such as films, television, videos, advertising, gaming, website designing and in a host of other situations. Due to its wide range of application, computer animation has seen a spurt in growth in the last few years.

Audiences all over the world, especially young audiences, are captivated by the extreme graphics and sound effects, which have been introduced in television programs, movies as well as in commercials. Use of multimedia makes the presentation even more attractive and effective.

Computer Animation in Post Production

Soar High With Computer Animation Careers

Have you ever wondered how the characters in the films Shrek, Finding Nemo or The Incredibles were made? The characters in these films are all products of computer animation. Animation companies hire creative people with a broad knowledge and experience in drawing. This is the reason why animators should have the passion for animation, as well as talent in drawing. During the earlier years in the movie making business, cartoon series episode are done manually or drawn using the artists bare hands. But as technology advances, the tricks of the trade have been developed, which is why the animated films being shown today become more of a visual delight.

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer graphics are being used in computer animation. In two-dimensional or 2D animation, separate transparent layers and drawings without skeleton are used. In three-dimensional or 3D animation, the virtual skeleton is manipulated with figures. Just like the U.S., Japan is a highly developed country which has great fascination for animation. They used unique formats in traditional and robot animation, taking pride in products like Voltes V and Gundam. If you want to partake in the success of the computer animation industry, then you need to think about concentrating on computer animation careers where there are a lot of options to choose from.

Today, computers are used to give life to animation. It helps animators perform their tasks easier. If you have enough knowledge in kinematics as well as an extraordinary talent in drawing, then you are the right person for animation. But if you are interested in the same field but you are not blessed with real talent, do not lose hope. There are schools that offer courses in various creative arts and help people with their computer animation careers. You will learn about the fundamentals of artistic designing, coloring, drawing, graphic designs, video designs, cartooning and other essentials of animations.

Computer animation careers are illustrious because most companies producing animated films need creative animators. The beauty of an animated movie lies on the creativity of the animator. Animated movies will look realistic depending on the knowledge and creativity of the animator. If you would like to work as an animator, you are required to acquire a degree in animation. You may find several schools offering courses that teach technical skills and include actual practice. There are also online computer animation schools that offer short courses in the same field.

However, do not expect to become a great animator in just one day. You need a lot of practice and patience to attain the skills needed in animation. In a few years, with your time, patience and effort, you will surely gain the appropriate skills needed to become a successful animator. Animation companies prefer to employ animators with exceptional talent. Also, having a good reference in school is an advantage for future employment. After gaining enough skills and experience, you are now ready to sink your teeth in the amazing world of computer animation with computer animation careers.

Soar High With Computer Animation Careers

Animation Career Paths – The Storyboard Artist

The storyboard is the visual shot-by-shot translation of a script and is the basis for the entire production process that follows, including design, background and layout, animation, and postproduction. Despite changing technology, storyboards are still mostly drawn by hand.

Storyboards represent the finished product long before great time and expense goes into a project. The storyboard artist, working in the style of the porudction, maintains storytelling continuity, breaks down the script into scenes or shots, establishes the size relationships between characters and props, and indicates the acting by hitting strong poses on each story point. In addition, the storyboard artist is often the first to rough out new background locations, characters, and props. A storyboard artist balances strong drawing skills with a good knowledge of anatomy, acting, directing, staging, and the ability to think creatively and quickly. With such commanding skills, story-board artists often develop into animation directors.

Veteran storyboard artist and co-creator of Frederator/Nickelodeon’s Call Me Bessie!, Diane Kredensor, describes the daily duties of a storyboard artist, “First, you go through the script and thumbnail out your shots. Then you pitch your thumbnails to the storyboard supervisor or animation director for notes and changes. From there, you flesh it out, adding the acting, into a full rough storyboard. Some productions already have the voices recorded and the board artist will board to track. Otherwise, you create (draw) the acting and the voice actor match your board. Once your rough board is approved by the director, you make it pretty, putting everything on model, and then you’re done.

What kind of training and skills does a storyboard artist need to develop to start out and to keep advancing in her career? According to Diane Kredensor, you want to be a good draftsman, able to draw the human figure in a variety of poses. “ Other skills should include strong storytelling, cinematography, staging and composition. Storyboards should clearly communicate ideas to the entire production team, so strong communication skills are an important asset”.

All the experts agree that the most intensive learning takes place on the job. The more experience you have out there working with other people’s good boards, the better your own boards become.

Animation Career Paths – The Storyboard Artist

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.

7 Future Preditions of 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.

The Implications of 3D Computer Animation

Animation Career Paths – The Character Animator

Character animators work in 2D or 3D or in dimensions yet to be discovered, bringing life to talking rabbits, dancing hippos, anthropomorphic cars, near-sighted fish, and more dysfunctional families than you can shake a stick at. The principles of animation, including stretch and squash, weight, anticipation and overlapping action, were fully developed (largely at the Walt Disney studio) by 1942. Since then, character animators have applied these principles to projects with an infinite amount of stylistic variation, from full animation to low budget for the Web or TV. The character animator is a journeyman, accumulating experience and expertise over the courses of a career and a lifetime.

What kind of training and skills does a character animator need to start out and alos to keep advancing in their career? Feature animator Travis Blaise (Brother Bear), advises starting with the grass roots. “Try to attend a school that teaches the fundamentals (figure drawing, painting, sculpting, art history) along with traditional animation.” TV animator and director Jim Petropolis adds, “If you learn nothing else, learn how to draw a proper human figure”.

It is also important to understand storytelling, continuity, and acting. It’s less important to research technical “how-to-animate” books and more beneficial to find books on your favorite artists or illustrators. It is better to develop your own voice and its easy to get stuck animating the way everyone else does.

What Are The Daily Duties Of A Character Animator?

TV animator Justin Simonich answers: “ As an animator you’re responsible for any scene given to you by the director, animating any characters assigned to you, and handing it by the deadline. The deadline is paramount; you have to work in a quick, yet deliberate manner.

The daily duties of a character animator often go beyond their job descriptions. Jim Petropolis feels that once you’re in a loop, expect to wear many hats simultaneously. “Over time you’ll probably be asked to do something different than what you might have hitherto been accustomed to.

Character animators, whether they work in 2D or 3D, need to keep up with technology to stay employable. To stay current with technology, read articles about new software and try them out. If you see a cool look or effect on TV, try to imitate it with Flash and After Effects. It helps you build an arsenal of styles and looks.

Animation Career Paths – The Character Animator