| 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. |