How To Land A Job As An Animator

In a typical animation career you wear many hats. You may have a specific expertise, but chances are that just as often, you’ll juggle many skills and titles from job to job. Animation artists find most of their work via word of mouth. No offense to agents, reps, and recruiters, but to succeed in finding work in the business of animation is to develop and maintain relationships. We are, as Barbra Srteisand sang it, “people who need people.”

The Simple Truth:

The key to finding work in 3d animation is to accept that this is a people-driven industry. People who know people who recommend people who hire people. Those who take a negative view of the importance of relationships to the job hunt boil it down to, “its all based on who you know”. This makes “who you know” sound like some random act of luck. In reality, you are responsible for “who you know”, for the relationships you create and sustain. Relationships require energy and effort.

The business of animation in North America is small enough that even within a few short years, you could know someone connected to every studio on the continent. We’re all six degrees from our animation Kevin Bacons. Simple enough, right? But these truths are not self-evident and if they are, we certainly don’t behave all the time as if we hold this to be true. This simple truth will show up over and over again in this book.

While there’s no guaranteed way to find work in the animation industry, there are a lot of things we can do to create the best possible odds for success. Happily, finding work in the animation industry is something that gets easier over time, as you expand your network of contacts and your reputation open doors for you.

Sustaining Relationships Can Lead To Work:

In the animation industry, sometimes, the most effective job-hunting happens in the most indirect way. Often, even when we make a good connection at a studio, the timing is not right for an immediate job. So, what can we do to “hang around” until something opens up without risking a restraining order? My favourite solution si to stay in touch with people via the ocassional email.

Recently, I was in a producer’s office when he received an email from a mutual friend of ours. “I guess he’s out of work again,” said the producer. I asked how he knew that without reading the e-mail. The producer replied, “This guy only e-mails me when he needs work.”

People are not keeping in touch with their contacts enough while they are working. We need to nurture our contacts. Periodically send out updates to your contacts. Let them know where you’re working and why it’s a great experience. Either way, your contacts will be tickled that you thought of them. Over the years, I have received a few job offers as a result of mailing out some congratulatory message. While I wouldn’t say sending out email messages and updates should be anyone’s main focus for job-hunting, they are a part of what builds up a career over time. Read More...

How to design your own 3D Animation easily

Designing an own 3D Animation is good to develop personal skills. Now these days people are very much interested to develop their own skills on 3D Animation designing. Now We will see how to design a 3D Animation for personal interest.

Easy 3D Objects is intended for creation of 3D animations and illustrations. Areas where you can apply Easy 3D Objects: -making 3D GIF- animations for the Web; -making 3D banners; -making 3D illustrations; -presentation materials; --development of creative imagination. ... Program features: -adds to 3D scene the following types of objects: dummy cube, sprite, plane, disk, cube, frustum, sphere, cone, cylinder, annulus, torus, arrow line, space text, mirror; -edits parameters of objects; -rotates and moves objects and groups of objects; -fills objects by color or texture from BMP, JPEG.

SWiSHmax has everything you need to create stunning fully interactive Flash animations. You can create shapes, text, buttons, sprites, and motion paths. You can also include more than 230 ready-to-use animated effects including explode, vortex, 3D spin, and wave. ... You can preview your animation inside SWiSHmax without launching a browser or external player, and live editing lets you make changes while the animation is playing. ... You can create your own effects or make an interactive movie by adding actions to objects.

SWiSHmax has everything you need to create stunning fully interactive Flash animations. You can create shapes, text, buttons, sprites, and motion paths. You can also include more than 230 ready-to-use animated effects including explode, vortex, 3D spin, and wave. ... You can preview your animation inside SWiSHmax without launching a browser or external player, and live editing lets you make changes while the animation is playing. ... You can create your own effects or make an interactive movie by adding actions to objects.

Feature wise, Realsoft 3D is a full featured modelling, rendering, animation and simulation package. It introduces global illumination, multi-wavelength ray-traycing for accurate spectral caustics and other optical effects, sub-surface scattering for realistic human skin shading. ... On the animation front a full range of tools - from easy keyframing to event driven nonlinear animation- is supported. ... Realsoft 3D is a complete solution for high end 3D-production at an unprecedented price. ... Don´t rush to the plugin shop every time you need to create something new - get Realsoft 3D.

Effect3D is a powerful editing tool that lets you create professional looking 3D objects, add animation, and use a wide range of 3D effects. Effect3D's Power Wizard does the work for you, so whether you're a novice or a Webmaster you'll be producing stunning artwork in minutes. ... Effect3D can also create dynamic 3D models by RTS animation so models can move back-and-forth, float, or rotate. ... Over 500 models are cleverly categorized for easy browsing and with over 70 behavioral Bio-Morph animation's to choose from; Effect3D gives you the freedom to create uncompromising images limited

3D GIF Designer produces animated high-quality 3D pictures, titles, banner ads and buttons for your Web page or for a presentation. You can create animations from your own pictures (JPG, GIF, BMP, AVI) and easily add 3D text and shapes. The sprites technology enables to control over ... For quickly getting started, design your own animation from over 30 professional templates (banners, buttons, logos), and then save as animated GIF or AVI movies, or as set of JPEG or BMP files. ... In addition, 3D GIF Designer allows you to animate sprites with several effects such as Swing, Rotate.

Stereogram Explorer is user-friendly design software for creating high-quality hidden 3D graphics, also known as Single Image Random Dot Stereograms (SIRDS) or Single Image Stereograms (SIS) known from the "Magic Eye" series. Stereogram Explorer uses advanced algorithms and can render... Main features: User-friendly interface Random dot stereograms (SIRDS) Pattern or textured stereograms (SIS) Support for many file types including GIFs, JPEGs, PICTs, and BMPs Import 3DS (3D Studio) models Export depthmaps from 3D scene Autocalculated depth coeficient for loaded 3D models .

Pro Motion is a bitmap editor and animation package, ideal for creating pixel precise animations, images or icons used in games or Flash applications especially for handheld systems like mobile phones,gameboy,PDA,Pocket PC and similar. It has a huge number of functions ranging from simple... copied to all equal tiles within the image) - tons of tools including color cycling, onion skinning, masking, symmetry paint, magic wand, tile painting for "infinite" textures-bitmaps and "standard" functions like line, curve, box, circle, fill (pattern, gradients) - lots of helpful animation. Read More...

The Growth in Computer 3D Animation Software

If you are interested in computer graphics or animation, then you are in luck. There have been some amazing advances in that field, and as a result there are some great computer animation software programs available. Whether you are interested in creating cartoon animations for business or if you want to create animations for personal use, this is a great time to get started.

Animation has come a long way from Walt Disney's Steamboat Willie cartoon animations in the 1920's. Just take a look at films, such as Toy Story and Jurassic Park; even television shows like Babylon 5, where classic animation has jumped to new animations at warp speed by using one major tool - the computer.

The computer can speed up both the creative process of animating characters as well as the time it takes to get a film or TV show to the screen. Even Julie Andrews came out with the quote "Movie animation has come a long way since we frolicked with cartoon penguins, sheep and carousel ponies in Mary Poppins" when she was doing voice work on Shrek 2.

A computer is just a tool, so without a skilled artist at the drawing board or moving the mouse, nothing can be created. And, artists need proven solutions and programs that they can depend on in order to produce the wonderful images they do.

Computer animation software helps teach the skills needed to be a successful animator. Computer animation has been called a healthy marriage between art and science. That seems to say it all.

One of the largest and fastest growing areas within the computer graphics and animation field is in the area of computer games. Computer animation programs and software are constantly being improved to keep up with the animations and graphics that are becoming more complex, even as the technology in the hardware simplifies.

Also, since computers have become almost as common as blackboards, crayons and pencils in classrooms, including preschools and kindergartens, various creators of software applications have designed numerous programs for young children. They can learn to create animations, as well as several other skills specifically designed for their level. Many of the features of educational computer programs, such as interactivity, are completely in-line with educational principals, which is a huge advantage for everyone.

If you have children, then you may be interested in learning about computer animation programs that are available for them. Through fun games, animated tutorials and even vocabulary sections, children learn the essential computer skills they will need when using other computer animation software, even on the preschool level. Check out several programs, as some even have bonus items, such as a My First Software mouse pad and extra books. Read More...

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. Read More...

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. Read More...

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. Read More...

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. Read More...