| Creating characters is one of the most rewarding aspects of 3D animation.
Seeing a character that started out as a 2D concept drawing come to life
through animation is a real joy.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by animation. While
other kids wanted to be firemen or astronauts, my greatest dream was to
make animated movies. I was constantly getting in trouble for being late for
school because I was watching the morning cartoons and for drawing in my
schoolbooks. Years later when I first got the chance to play with 3D animation,
I was disappointed that the software wasn’t capable of doing everything I
imagined. I saw the potential was there, and although movies like Jurassic
Park and Toy Story were still a few years away, it was enough to make me
want to persevere. I’d been creating 2D animation for a while before that, but
I enjoyed the unique challenges involved with 3D animation and found that it
offered so many more possibilities.
Since then, consumer 3D software has evolved to become everything I
had wished for in those early days, and more. Over the last few years we’ve
reached a point where it’s possible to create convincing 3D characters with all
the nuances that were previously only possible in 2D animation. With recent
advancements in software and computer speed, it’s easier than ever to create
and animate 3D characters with the quality of performance that modern audiences
demand.
But even with all that potential, the computer is just a tool, a vehicle to
enable the expression of your creativity. It’s only with knowledge and talent
that great characters are born. I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge
and teaching people what I’ve learned, and this series gives you the knowledge
you need to unleash your talent and create world-class 3D characters. |
