Do you want a quick lesson to master your 3D technique? Are
you an aspiring 3D artist who has hopes to work for a 3D animation design
company? If the answer to this question is a yes, you have come to the right
place.
Here you will find tips to improve your 3D skills. When it
is your time, you will get the designation of an expert 3D animator who has
mastered their craft. If you are ready, let’s begin by sharing the first tip:
1. Invest in the Right
Resources
What inspired you to become a 3D animator? Perhaps, you
caught the 3D animation bug from cartoon movies like the Bug’s Life or Toy Story.
Perhaps, the latest installments of superhero movies such as Thor or Avengers
led you to your new career path. Whatever told you that this is what you need
to become, put it aside, as that will not help you.
What you need to is invest in the right sources, which will
help make your dream come true. You need to buy books such as The Animator’s Survival Kit and The Illusion of Life. Even though these
books teach you about 2D animation, the same principles and methods will apply
to 3D animation. You can apply the techniques using Maya. This way, you will
get the hang of the software that most 3D graphic design companies use.
2. Learn the Basics
Do not attempt complex 3D animation the first time you sit
down to create something, as you will fail. This is not to demoralize you in
anyway, but it’s true, as it will frustrate you. Before you start creating master level
objects, learn the basic first such as bouncing the ball. You can find many
tutorials on how to do that online.
Once the ball is bouncing across your screen, add a wall to
the mix. Next, give the ball some personality such as hitting the wall and
stopping on its way back. Lastly, add a tail to the ball or stretch it. With each animation you successfully complete,
your skill level will increase. You can keep challenging yourself to attempt
harder animations.
3. Look for Inspiration
Okay, we told you to put your inspiration aside for the
moment, but we didn’t mean permanently. When you are feeling down on your luck,
watching the movies that inspired you to become a 3D animator can motivate you
to keep trying and not give up, until you achieve your dream.
4. Master Your Body Mechanics
Once you have mastered the basics, you have to master the
body mechanics. Body mechanics is giving human qualities to an inanimate
object. Look around you to observe how people talk, shake hands, hug, run, and
more. Start learning the walk cycle first, try making the character walk and,
come to a stop, and make the character lean.
If you know any 3D animators working for 3D design companies, ask
for advice and show them your work to get feedback.
