12 Steps for Creating a 3D Animation Video

Creating a 3D Animation Video

The complete step by step guide on how to create a 3D animation video. We describe a quick breakdown of each step it takes to make a 3D animated video, in a way that’s easy for you to understand.

Below we will be discussing 12 steps for creating 3D Animation Video in detail.

12 Steps for Creating a 3D Animation Video

1. Concept and Storyboards

A 3D animation video production starts with the process of forming a concept and creation of storyboards that translate these ideas into visual form. Once the technical requirements have been set, the next step is to begin the storyboarding. Storyboards consist of a hand-drawn version of the video and give out as a blueprint for the action and dialogue.

Initially, a storyboard is a set of the picture which shows the story in two dimensions. The first dimension is a time where what happens first, then next and last is there. The second dimension is of communication, how the voiceover will communicate with the images, and how the visual transitions and effects help tie together the photos, how the voiceovers interact with the musical soundtrack.

2. Animatic

Animatic simplified mock-ups are created to get a perfect concept of the motion and timing of complex animation sequences and VFX-heavy views within the VFX studio. These help the animator in planning the flow and move forward with the integration of visual effects into the final shot.

3. 3D Modeling

After approval of storyboard. The next step starts modeling that is building the character, props and environment. Modeling is a process where the thing starts getting the shape and molded in to complete 3D mesh. Creating 3D objects means taking a simple object called as primitive and extend or grow it into a form that can be refined and detailed. It can be anything from a single point, a two-dimensional line, a curve, to three-dimensional objects.

In modeling phase, assets for the animation are modeled or drawn in two or three dimensions. On the bases of the resolution of the final image as well as how close the camera takes to a model in the final animation level of detail will be required for a given model are determined.

4. Texturing

Texturing is the art of fitting clothes to 3D models. During the 2D model creation, 2D images are overlaid on it to add colors, designs and textures. This is known as mapping, and often total model color comes from this. These are created using software programs like adobe after effect, adobe Photoshop etc., and even real photographs are used for the textures; they are merely captured and then altered to make seamless repeatable patterns. Specific properties like shininess, texture, clarity, transparency, reflectivity, and of course, color are added.

Texturing artists are responsible for writing panting and shades textures as per the scene requirements, whether they are creating from scratch or editing the existing image. The texture is painted according to the concept art, and design texture is created in the form of maps which are further assigned to the model.

5. Rigging

We need to put structure into the 3D character before moving to next step. This stage is called ‘skinning and rigging’ and is the original system that drives the movement of a character to bring it to reality. In rigging bones are added to character or movements are defined by the mechanical object, and it is central to the animation process. Depending upon the subject matter, every rig is different and so is the corresponding set of controls. Skinning is the process where the 3D model is attached to the rigged skeleton so that the controls of the rig can manipulate the 3D model.

6. Animation

The animation is the process of getting 3D object move. Here the animator manipulates the objects on a frame-by-frame basis. Other methods are used like placing objects on spines and setting them to track the path of the curve, or importing motion capture data and applying it to a character rig. Also, we can use 3D applications built-in physics engines, such as when your scene requires that objects fall.

Animation is the most crucial and time-consuming part of the production process. Crucially of animation depends on the type like for character animation, it is timing, the fluidity of motion, and expressiveness that are most crucial. For forensic or product animations, the goal is precision of motion or technical accuracy. By using animation software, they compose the movements and facial expressions in every scene. The motion in each scene is composed by defining poses or key frame. It is done using computer controls and the character’s Avars to set critical poses. The computer then creates the “in-between” frames, which the animator changes it as necessary.

7. Lighting

Lighting stage is important for creating realism and appealing to an image. Use of improperly light can wipe out the scene, can make object appearance different and destroy all the work. But skillfully applied lighting can make a scene convincing, or if realism is the aim, create, a view that is virtually indistinguishable from real life. Lighting allows us to control the appearance of highlights and shadows, and cameras can be added to capture a specific point of view. Visual effects can be added as required, including glow, fog, fire effects, and lens flares.

8. Camera Setting

In 3D Camera works as an amazing tool where there is no physical limitation as like in the real world. It can be used in creating impossible scenes. You don’t need to have a lens, film, aperture, focusing controls, etc. All these functions are controlled via software. In 3D you can use one or more cameras, position them exactly as desired in the 3D space and use settings to a depth of field, mimic focal length, etc.

Also, software cameras have no weight or size limitations. You can move a camera to any location. You can also animate cameras so that several operations take place at once. Once you create a camera in 3D, you can pick a sense and assign the view in that view to the camera, meaning that you will see the scene from the prospect of the camera.

9. Rendering

It is a process of translating all of the information in the files that make up the shot, into a single frame of film. It is one of the most and the final step in the 3D production pipeline. Rendering takes all of our work so far, and it calculates each pixel for every frame, based on models, materials, lighting, and effects. Different types of rendering algorithms can create different results, ranging from photorealistic results to even a cartoon-illustrated look. It is important to take care of all aspects to produce a final render of a scene, including attention to camera placement, reflections and transparency, lighting choices which may affect mood and shadows, and the handling of special effects, like glasses or fluids.

10. Compositing & Special VFX

The renders are brought into compositing programs to edit, touch-up and add special effects. In composting, it consists of everything from special effects to where things blow up, morphs, evaporates, etc. it also includes the creation of environment according to the requirement as, to green/blue screen replacement. Creating computer generated footage from the live footage is also considered as compositing.

11. Music & Foley

Music and Foley provide animation with extra depth and boost in audio entertainment. To set the mood in the animation music composer create music soundtracks and accompaniment music. A work of Foley artist is to create sound effects, using different kinds of props – car fenders, plates, chairs, glasses etc. Foley artist replaces original sound entirely or augments existing sounds to create a more productive track.

12. Editing and Final Output

This is the last and final stages where all the things are approved. Here the composited renders, music and Foley are compiled and edited to ensure that everything is in synchronization. Editor checks for the completion and addition of the musical score and the other sound effects. Special effects are recorded in the digital frame to film or a form appropriate for digital production.

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