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Home > Animation Programs > 3D Animation
3D Animation
By Sarah ChristensenSarah.Christensen@theanimationschooldirectory.com
An education in 3d animation could offer you a world of opportunity and job security as the two main industries, which use 3d animation, are both expanding according to the Bureau of Labor1. As well as film & video, and software, 3d animation is increasingly being incorporated into other technologies in a process called technology convergence.
What is 3d animation?
3d animation is a process where characters or objects are created as moving images. Rather than traditional flat or 2d characters, these 3d animation images give the impression of the viewer being able to move around them and observe from all angles, just like real life. 3d animation technology is relatively new and if done by hand would take many thousands of man hours to complete one short section of moving film. The employment of computers and software has simplified and accelerated this 3d animation process. The results of this method of production of 3d animation are an increase in the number of 3d animations and also the use of 3d animation technology in other industry sectors, where previously the cost of production was prohibitively expensive.What will I learn on a 3d animation program?
Your chosen 3d animation program course content depends largely on which 3d animation program you enroll on. Some can be quite general allowing you to 'cherry pick' the 3d animation courses of interest to you, other 3d animation programs are fairly rigidly structures and are intended to train you for a specific career or 3d animation role within industry. You may learn about character creation, storyboarding, special effects, image manipulation, image capture, modeling and various computer aided 3d animation design packages. Some 3d animation courses may cover different methods of capturing and recreating movement for 3d animation such as 'light suits'. (Suits worn by actors where the articulation of joints is pinpointed by a light. This if filmed from various different angles and used to replicate movement in a realistic way).What skills will I need for a 3d animation program?
You will need to have both creativity and attention to detail for a career in 3d animation. There are many talented individuals who are attracted by a 3d animation career, so you will need to be exceptional to stand out from the rest. That said, there are plenty of jobs within 3d animation requiring teamwork, as each person needs to contribute skills toward the final product. Clearly, you would benefit from having at least a passing familiarity with computers and 3d animation software, or graphics and CAD packages as a minimum before starting your 3d animation program.What sorts of careers need 3d animation training?
You could use your 3d animation training to find employment with computer gaming producers, film and video studios. Other opportunities for people with training in 3d animation include commercial production, entertainment, and even education. The military are usually quick to exploit the latest technology. You may find opportunities involved with virtual reality and 3d animation based simulators such as flight simulators or simulated combat training. Increasing computer power and subsequent decreasing cost is bringing 3d animation into the reach of other industry sectors. Industry sectors, which may use 3d animation, include interior design, architecture, medical training, and naval architecture. With the irresistible progress of technology convergence, which knows what other new applications of 3d animation will become popular in the near future.What sort of career path and salary can I expect with 3d animation training?
According to the Bureau of Labor 2, Median annual earnings of salaried multi-media artists and animators, including 3d animation professionals were $43,980 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,970 and $61,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,830, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,160. Median annual earnings were $58,840 in motion picture and video industries.About the Author
Sarah Christensen is a freelance writer and writes a regular design column amongst other activities. Sarah graduated from King's College, London University, (UK) with combined honors in Chemistry and Business Studies.- Bureau of Labor. Career Guide to Industries, Overview and Outlook June 29, 2004. http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/indchar.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Artists and Related Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm (visited December 21, 2004).
