1 – What is computer animation?

For several years animation has been exclusively within the realm of the entertainment industry. It used to be a process that demanded lots of time, people and equipment. Nevertheless, thanks to the ubiquity of computers, the animation process has turned much simpler. In the past, tens of animators with celluloid, paint and pencils were needed to carry through what today a single person is able to accomplish with just a computer and a piece of software.

Computer animation can be basically divided into two categories: 2D and 3D animation. 2D is the abbreviation of “two-dimensional” and as its name implies it is rendered in a two-dimensional space. Its most popular expressions can be found on television in the form of classical cartoons, or while you are surfing the web in the form of online ads or e-cards, to name but a few. 2D animation is also called “vector animation” and it is generally produced with software like Adobe Flash, among many others.

2 – What is the difference between computer animation and traditional animation?

Basically there are three main differences between computer animation and traditional animation: The tools used to create each type of animation, the effort and cost of each animation process, and the quality of the final result.

Although both 2D and 3D animation can be produced by mathematical interpolation between key frames or by frame-by-frame animation, they are totally different processes that require different steps and types of software.

Traditional 2D animation involves: hand-drawing several individual frames, transferring them to clear plastic celluloid, hand-paint them, and finally filming them in sequence over a painted background image. This process obviously involves a great deal of cleanup artists, painters, directors, background artists, camera crews, storyboard artists, script writers, labor, equipment, money, and of course, time.

Traditional 3D animation used to involve still-lifes of claymations filmed with stop-motion techniques, but the widespread use of computers has turned it into a more seamless process.

3 – Why there’s such an abundance of computer animation programs?

For the untrained eye it may look as if there are lots of computer animation software that basically do the same thing. But this is not correct. Computer animation can be broken down into two categories: 2D animation and 3D animation. There is software specifically created with 2D animation in mind, and the same holds true for 3D animation. In turn, within animation subcategories, each piece of software can be classified by purpose and functionality. Furthermore, computer animation is applied in a wide array of fields and that is why it is commonplace for computer animation professionals to develop their own software in order to cater to their specific needs.

4 – What is the right computer animation software for me?

This, of course, depends on what you would like to use the software for. In order to reduce the choices, first of all you should decide if you will work on 2D animation or on 3D animation. Then it’s just a matter of knowing what your computer is able to run. Finally decide how much you can or are willing to spend in software.

Many of these schools offer different levels of education depending on the type of animation or graphics you are interested in studying. The choices are almost limitless and new programs are coming up constantly that require research and development or even both if you want to pursue that particular field.

Most of the typical, programs for it offer a lot of hands-on, practical experience with animation software and hardware. In addition to the traditional drawing techniques, some offer digital design methods that allow you to create realistic animations and animations backgrounds through rendering and lighting.

Building a solid repertoire in drawing, graphic art, and web design assures that your services will be in demand. Keep in mind that any additional program for it that you study will prepare you for the next step in your career. Some of the additional courses may include three-dimensional model building, video editing and audio animation production, which will provide an in-depth understanding of animation concepts.

If you are interested in learning about the many different types of animation and how to create them, then you may want to consider attending one of the many computer animation schools. Most teach things such as how to develop unique characters and storylines. They also show you how to write scripts and layer sound into the animations you create.

Advanced training in computer animations can take you to a whole different realm of graphic design, with instruction on interactive media design, video production and full length cartoon animations, as well as 2D and 3D animations. Many of these schools require students to produce a complete animation project as part of their computer animation program and this is a great way for you to get some hands-on training as well.

The computer industry has always been a great career choice, as technology is constantly evolving and improving. You may think that the choices for employment are limited; however, with technology also improving graphics, etc. this is a good time to check out some computer animation schools and see the different types of programs that are available in this industry.