Animation: 2D, 3D or both

Since I'm working on learning animation, I go looking for good information on techniques, styles, and effects from time to time.  There is so much good work to see, especially on YouTube.  One thing I learned yesterday is to do the animated parts in 2D and the background in 3D.  Good to know.

Here Jazza of Draw with Jazza shows how he develops a character.

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This delightful 3D animation, A Fox Tale, reminds me of Samurai Jack.

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Below is a trailer for the CGI 2D/3D animation titled Colombiana; it's by Planet Jump Productions and published on YouTube by The CG Bros.  You may recall the movie Colombiana was a 2011 French-American action film co-written and produced by Luc Besson and directed by Olivier Megaton.

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This last sample--Telescope--is a film with CGI elements.  It's included because it is arresting and just plain beautiful.

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-- Marge

Getting started with 3D modelling: O.K. which way is up?

First of all, why get started in 3D modelling?  Answer: because you can create a lot of cool things with it: 

• 3D games
• Avatars for virtual worlds
• Animated 3D avatars
• Models of real-world objects
• Digital artwork that changes with perspective

For reference take a look at this Wikipedia article on 3D modelling.

One way to find out if you're interested in pursuing the sometimes arduous task of working with a 3D application is to give it a try.  The folks at DAZ3D are offering free versions of some of their software:

• Bryce 7 for 3D landscapes
• DAZ Studio 4 for "professional 3D graphics creation" including custom figures (human and non-human) and animating the figures
• Hexagon 2.5 for creating 3D objects (that can be used in other application) 

Hexagon is the easiest to use and most versatile for creating objects for export to other programs.  For example, you can create an object in Hexagon and send it to DAZ Studio.  You can also export an object as a Second Life sculptie.
Here's a quick look at the Hexagon interface courtesy of CGDreams at YouTube:

CG Dreams' work is so professional (and I love the English accent too).  If you're interested in seeing more about Hexagon and 3D modelling CG Dreams has its own tutorial channel.

There's a lot available about 3D modelling on YouTube -- give it a look.

That's it 'til Monday.  Have a good weekend.

--Marge