Beyond Two Dimensions: A Guide to 3D Modeling in Animation
- Dezpad Designs
- Dec 13, 2023
- 3 min read
A 3D model is a three-dimensional representation of objects, animals, machines, and humans used in animation production. It is the first step in creating animation, as characters and settings must be completed before they can be rigged and animated. Additionally, settings must be placed in their proper locations to specify the final layout and composition of shots.
Table Of Content
What Are the Types of 3D Modelling?
Modelling of Hard Surfaces
Hard surface modelling involves creating man-made objects like buildings, vehicles, and manufactured items. It overlaps with organic modelling, as hard surface modellers create environments surrounded by natural elements like rocks and plants. This process is also applied to modelling specific parts of a character's clothing.
Modelling Organically
Natural objects in the environment, as well as characters, animals, and plants, are examples of organic models.
How is 3D modeling used?
3D modelling services are used in a variety of fields, including engineering, gaming, film and animation, business advertising, architecture, and special effects. The film industry and animation are two well-known applications of 3D modelling. In the popular television series Game of Thrones, 3D modelling is used to visualise things and concepts that are impossible to grasp through life-like effects. just like the dragon.
Where do you begin with 3D modelling?
3D modelling is a process that involves creating a virtual three-dimensional model using computer software and tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, and 3D Max. These tools are used in various industries like animation, game art design, television, motion pictures, and medical imaging. Concept art and model sheets are typically provided to accelerate the modelling process.
To ensure accurate modelling, it is crucial to understand the director's and concept artists' intentions and use photo references for clarification. Some directors may have a library of photo references to demonstrate their true desires. To achieve the best results, start with large-scale shapes and forms and work on smaller details like silhouetting, proportions, contours, major shapes, and character forms.
What exactly is the 3D modelling procedure?
3D modelling is the process of creating mesh objects in 3D software, based on previous designs or real-world observations, to create elements of a 3D environment. The process begins with the material prepared in the animation pipeline's design component, which depicts the shape of each object in detail. A modelling artist recreates the geometry of these objects in 3D modelling software.
What is the workflow for 3D modelling?
Each 3D modelling company or 3D artist has their own 3D modelling workflow. Different approaches may be required for different objects in a single project. However, regardless of technique or style, there is a common step-by-step path to achieving a final 3D model:
References: Every 3D modelling process begins with a reference, which can be anything from pre-production concept art to real-world images or even objects.
Planning: Here, you must devise a strategy for creating your model. Each model could be broken down into simple primitives.
Execution: The goal is to create a primitive shape of the 3D model based on the plan and check the proportions.
Refinement: After you've created the primitive model, you'll want to add more details to your 3D model to make it look better.
Retopology: After the 3D model is finished, you need to convert the high-poly model into a low-poly model using retopology tools.
In the end
3D models must be visually appealing, functional, and fit into the pipeline, making their creation feasible with available resources. Animation is about motion, and depicting these motions requires deformities in the objects. In 3D product modelling services, this can be challenging, as models must be optimised for a wide range of deformities caused by movement to avoid appearing strange.
Dezpad Designs, a prominent Malaysian 3D modelling agency specialising in 2D/3D design and animation video, is a leading animation studio known for its expertise in 3D drawing, modelling, 2D and 3D animation videos, and motion graphics.
Suggested Read: Engage and Convert: How 2D Animation Benefits Businesses
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