Marketing With Computer Animation - 10 Quick Case Studies
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_Efford]Mike Efford
If 3D animation is new territory for your company, take a few minutes to scan these 10 brief marketing case studies. They validate the use of this medium through sheer variety. If a group of companies this diverse has had major success using computer animation to market their products, then your company can score with this medium too.
Case Study #1:
Alcatel, a multinational technology firm, won a massive $650 million dollar contract with the London Underground Subway Lines to re - signal their subway tracks. A series of 3D animations demonstrated how Alcatel's systems would operate, showing each piece of gear operating at the right moment in a well - coordinated sequence of action. Executives from the London Underground quickly understood the essence of the technology, and awarded them the contract.
Case Study #2:
3M demonstrated their new Aldara skin cream to thousands of physicians across North America, with a CD-ROM featuring several 3D animations. They showed how this compound actually empowered the bodys immune system to target and destroy skin cancer lesions. Doctors and patients who might be skeptical or fearful were reassured. Animation can literally be a life - saver.
Case Study #3:
Insta-Clean used 3D animation to zoom in to the micro - pore structure of a sponge made of a new, high tech material. Even photography through a microscope could not effectively demonstrate the significance of this structure, and why it was different from an ordinary sponge. Animation made it possible to show customers the key competitive strength of this deceptively simple - looking product.
Case Study #4:
MediFlow used 3D animation to reveal the features inside their innovative water - filled medical pillows and took the lead in North American sales in that product category. After two years the company was so successful they used their cash position to acquire a competitor. Once again, computer animation was able to help customers see exactly why a companys product was better.
Case Study #5:
Chalmers Truck Suspensions solved a difficult marketing problem with 3D animation, overcoming resistance to change in the conservative trucking industry. Their premier suspension system was innovative and unconventional. They produced a sales video with 3D animations that showed how all the moving parts of their system worked together, and became one of the most popular of all suspensions with truckers and fleets across North America.
Case Study #6:
Jaguar used animation to showcase the inner workings of their V-12 engine, in a prominent television ad. The chrome hood ornament morphed into a floating engine, with all its cogs, gears and moving parts. The "fantasy" appeal of the ad made it impossible to ignore. All the car companies use animation to tell their technology stories. Jaguar was just a little more stylish at it. Good recall generated from a concept that only computer animation could accomplish.
Case Study #7:
Pickering Nuclear Reactor, just outside Toronto, Canada used animation to take visitors on a tour of the plant, and to explain how nuclear reactors work. Showing a range of viewpoints, from 2000 feet above the entire complex, down to an extreme zoom into the subatomic level, the animation's camera moves were impossible with conventional real - world camera gear.
Case Study #8:
Ashton - Potter, a printing systems manufacturer and printer of premium quality stamps, currencies and security - protected documents used 3D animation to propose an innovative solution to the U.S. Postal Service's request for a proposal. It had developed an integrated system for printing, numbering, perforating, slitting and packaging, all in one continuous sequence, a new type of peel - off stamp. Animation demonstrated the whole sequence in a cohesive flow, actually "flying" through the entire press. It proved to be a crucial component in the boardroom presentation that landed them a 112 million dollar contract.
Case Study #9:
Sarafinchin Geo - Engineering used animation to help save a piece of the southern shore of Barbados! They presented, using computer animation sequences, a simulation of what would happen if the government of Barbados chose to ignore the dangerous erosion underneath scenic shoreline cliffs. Restaurants, hotels and tourist's lives were at risk. The companys animated presentation led to their expertly engineered solution being adopted by the government.
Case Study #10:
The H2O vacuum was successfully marketed in infomercials across North America using computer animation to demonstrate how dirt, hair and even airborne bacteria are filtered and neutralized by this innovative appliance. 3D animation can make even dirt appear fascinating!
That's the 10 - minute success tour. If these companies can succeed with this medium, you can too!
(c) Copyright - Mike Efford. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Mike Efford turns the magic of computer animation into marketing power for his clients. Since 1994 his 3D animation studio, Mike Efford Motion Design, has delivered high quality technical animation and motion graphics to clients across North America. He has worked with a long list of major corporations such as Royal Bank, General Motors, 3M, Thane Marketing, Cognos, Manulife Insurance, and over 50 innovative small businesses, broadcasters and design professionals.
Visit http://www.mike-efford-motion-design.com and discover how YOUR company can use this dynamic marketing medium to your strategic advantage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Efford http://EzineArticles.com/?Marketing-With-Computer-Animation---10-Quick-Case-Studies&id=788904
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Animation
Age of 3D Animation
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj]Deep Raj
The art of creating and moving images with the use of computer is generally termed as 3D Animation. The era of 3D animation can be dated back to the early nineties when the first 3D animation film "Toy Story" was created. With the passage of time there was tremendous transformation in 3D animation and many more movies were created. The power and effectiveness of 3D animation became apparent when "Jurassic Park" hit the cinema screen in 1993. It really was wonder created with the help of 3D Animation. The most powerful animal, "the dinosaur" was brought to life. The movie stands as testimony to the powers of 3D Animation.
The Age of 3D animation has certainly brought about a revolution. There is hardly any area where 3D Animation is not playing a pivotal role. The popularity of computer animation has skyrocketed in this age of 3D Animation. The superiority of 3D Animation has several reasons. A few important ones are spelled out in the para to a follow.
In the age of 3D Animation crystal clear images can be revealed in a very short period of time and the impact created is just unimaginable. It is true to say that concepts and ideas which are not easy to be expressed in words or even through illustrations can not only be created easily but also analyzed from different perspectives. The dimensional feature of 3D Animation is where its true power lies and its ability to portray movement is exceptional. A huge amount of scientific data of movements is combined and presented in a simplistic manner. An advantaged tagged to this attribute of 3D animation is that it creates a long lasting impact on the memory and the viewer tends to retain the image for a much longer time and that too with accuracy.
Age of 3D animation brings to light limitless possibilities. It is a fine communicating tool which offers more information at a faster rate, presents complex concepts in a simplified manner and also helps turn an idea or even a hint into reality. Recreation of any event, expensive or dangerous to reproduce, is possible in this age of 3D Animation. Fine examples of this would be an air crash, demolition of buildings and /or creation of colonies. In the age of 3D Animation photo-realistic effects are possible by using virtual light sources from different angles with a fine blend of reflection, transparency and shadowing. One big area where 3D Animation is brining about a huge and fast transformation is Architecture. The 3-dimensional models are more accurate and make it easier to see and study the possible relationship of the buildings with the environment.
In the age of 3D animation there is no limit in so far as the software packages are concerned. You can find several packages in the market but the main and only problem that there are far too many and there re endless companies who have created their own 3D animation packages on the pretext that the ones available don't suit their purpose. However, there are still a few standardized ones. The first and the most familiar one that comes to mind is 'Alias Maya'. It is a software which allows you to create models, texture and animate, tight them and lots more. Another package which stands a rival to 'Alias Maya' is '3DS max', it is a package with almost the same facilities that one would find in 'Alias Maya' its advantage is that it allows you to from 'Maya' to '3DS max' and vice-versa. A few other software packages are Cinema 4D, Bodyshop, Light ware 3D and many more.
The future of 3D Animation is far reaching there are going to be more and more, different areas where 3D Animation is going to bring about a radical change. However, one area of challenge for 3D Animation is a photorealistic animation of humans. As of now animal characters, fantasy characters, robots or cartoon like humans are shown but time is not far off when you will certainly see 3D Animation succeeded in this area. [http://www.icreonglobal.com]3D Animation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj http://EzineArticles.com/?Age-of-3D-Animation&id=796088
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj]Deep Raj
The art of creating and moving images with the use of computer is generally termed as 3D Animation. The era of 3D animation can be dated back to the early nineties when the first 3D animation film "Toy Story" was created. With the passage of time there was tremendous transformation in 3D animation and many more movies were created. The power and effectiveness of 3D animation became apparent when "Jurassic Park" hit the cinema screen in 1993. It really was wonder created with the help of 3D Animation. The most powerful animal, "the dinosaur" was brought to life. The movie stands as testimony to the powers of 3D Animation.
The Age of 3D animation has certainly brought about a revolution. There is hardly any area where 3D Animation is not playing a pivotal role. The popularity of computer animation has skyrocketed in this age of 3D Animation. The superiority of 3D Animation has several reasons. A few important ones are spelled out in the para to a follow.
In the age of 3D Animation crystal clear images can be revealed in a very short period of time and the impact created is just unimaginable. It is true to say that concepts and ideas which are not easy to be expressed in words or even through illustrations can not only be created easily but also analyzed from different perspectives. The dimensional feature of 3D Animation is where its true power lies and its ability to portray movement is exceptional. A huge amount of scientific data of movements is combined and presented in a simplistic manner. An advantaged tagged to this attribute of 3D animation is that it creates a long lasting impact on the memory and the viewer tends to retain the image for a much longer time and that too with accuracy.
Age of 3D animation brings to light limitless possibilities. It is a fine communicating tool which offers more information at a faster rate, presents complex concepts in a simplified manner and also helps turn an idea or even a hint into reality. Recreation of any event, expensive or dangerous to reproduce, is possible in this age of 3D Animation. Fine examples of this would be an air crash, demolition of buildings and /or creation of colonies. In the age of 3D Animation photo-realistic effects are possible by using virtual light sources from different angles with a fine blend of reflection, transparency and shadowing. One big area where 3D Animation is brining about a huge and fast transformation is Architecture. The 3-dimensional models are more accurate and make it easier to see and study the possible relationship of the buildings with the environment.
In the age of 3D animation there is no limit in so far as the software packages are concerned. You can find several packages in the market but the main and only problem that there are far too many and there re endless companies who have created their own 3D animation packages on the pretext that the ones available don't suit their purpose. However, there are still a few standardized ones. The first and the most familiar one that comes to mind is 'Alias Maya'. It is a software which allows you to create models, texture and animate, tight them and lots more. Another package which stands a rival to 'Alias Maya' is '3DS max', it is a package with almost the same facilities that one would find in 'Alias Maya' its advantage is that it allows you to from 'Maya' to '3DS max' and vice-versa. A few other software packages are Cinema 4D, Bodyshop, Light ware 3D and many more.
The future of 3D Animation is far reaching there are going to be more and more, different areas where 3D Animation is going to bring about a radical change. However, one area of challenge for 3D Animation is a photorealistic animation of humans. As of now animal characters, fantasy characters, robots or cartoon like humans are shown but time is not far off when you will certainly see 3D Animation succeeded in this area. [http://www.icreonglobal.com]3D Animation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj http://EzineArticles.com/?Age-of-3D-Animation&id=796088
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Animation
Considering a 3D Animation Career? Some Things You Should Know
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Serpico]Joseph Serpico
What skills do you need to be a 3D animator? First of all, you must be able to draw. Additionally, you should be familiar with the process of creating a storyline and know a little about acting. Added skills that would help greatly would be sculpting experience and a knowledge of anatomy. Even though animators use computers to create animations, the ability to draw is one skill they absolutely must have. Due to the number of employment applications received by the big Hollywood animation studios, If you aren't fantastic at drawing, you can forget about ever getting hired by one. So where do all the animators who can draw good but not great work? Well, making films is not the only job animators can get. They also work in industrial design, architecture, interior design, on the Internet, producing media such as CD-ROMs, creating computer games, and many other fields.
Additionally, an animator position is not the only job available in the animation field. Animators are supported by storyboard artists, graphic designers, layout artists, animator's assistants, background artists, in-betweeners, and many others.
Regardless of where you work, you're probably not going to start at the top rung of the ladder. Most people who aspire to eventually work as animators start their animation career as an in-betweener. This job can help you to learn the basics of professional animation and get paid for it. The in-betweener's job is to help the animator's assistants to fill in the movement between key drawings. These in-between drawings are called transition drawings.
On the other hand, people who are more interested in the technical aspects of animation might get their start as a storyboard artist's assistant. The storyboard is the outline of the film that the animators work from, and the storyboard artist creates it from the script. An assistant usually starts their career by doing clean up and revisions, with the aim to eventually prepare portions of the storyboard with instruction and assistance from the artist.
Most likely the biggest future advances in animation will occur in 3D animation, so if you want to be on the cutting edge, that's what you want to learn. New techniques are being developed all the time, while many old ones are continually being updated to keep pace with all the technological advancements that are occuring in the field. Nary a week passes without news of some improvement in either the hardware or software used for 3D animation. If you intend to work in the field, be prepared to continually re-educate yourself. The good news is that many employers will either provide the training or foot the bill.
If you want to read more about beginning a [http://www.animationschoolguide.com/3d-animation-career.html ]3D animation career, head on over to The Animation School Guide at http://www.animationschoolguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Serpico http://EzineArticles.com/?Considering-a-3D-Animation-Career?-Some-Things-You-Should-Know&id=781125
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Serpico]Joseph Serpico
What skills do you need to be a 3D animator? First of all, you must be able to draw. Additionally, you should be familiar with the process of creating a storyline and know a little about acting. Added skills that would help greatly would be sculpting experience and a knowledge of anatomy. Even though animators use computers to create animations, the ability to draw is one skill they absolutely must have. Due to the number of employment applications received by the big Hollywood animation studios, If you aren't fantastic at drawing, you can forget about ever getting hired by one. So where do all the animators who can draw good but not great work? Well, making films is not the only job animators can get. They also work in industrial design, architecture, interior design, on the Internet, producing media such as CD-ROMs, creating computer games, and many other fields.
Additionally, an animator position is not the only job available in the animation field. Animators are supported by storyboard artists, graphic designers, layout artists, animator's assistants, background artists, in-betweeners, and many others.
Regardless of where you work, you're probably not going to start at the top rung of the ladder. Most people who aspire to eventually work as animators start their animation career as an in-betweener. This job can help you to learn the basics of professional animation and get paid for it. The in-betweener's job is to help the animator's assistants to fill in the movement between key drawings. These in-between drawings are called transition drawings.
On the other hand, people who are more interested in the technical aspects of animation might get their start as a storyboard artist's assistant. The storyboard is the outline of the film that the animators work from, and the storyboard artist creates it from the script. An assistant usually starts their career by doing clean up and revisions, with the aim to eventually prepare portions of the storyboard with instruction and assistance from the artist.
Most likely the biggest future advances in animation will occur in 3D animation, so if you want to be on the cutting edge, that's what you want to learn. New techniques are being developed all the time, while many old ones are continually being updated to keep pace with all the technological advancements that are occuring in the field. Nary a week passes without news of some improvement in either the hardware or software used for 3D animation. If you intend to work in the field, be prepared to continually re-educate yourself. The good news is that many employers will either provide the training or foot the bill.
If you want to read more about beginning a [http://www.animationschoolguide.com/3d-animation-career.html ]3D animation career, head on over to The Animation School Guide at http://www.animationschoolguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Serpico http://EzineArticles.com/?Considering-a-3D-Animation-Career?-Some-Things-You-Should-Know&id=781125
Friday, November 2, 2007
Animation
Computer Animation - The Manufacturing World's Secret Marketing Weapon
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_Efford]Mike Efford
Computer animation is the secret weapon of a select group of smart manufacturers and engineering firms who use it to win major contracts for their companies against tough international competitors.
If your company is still relying on the same old conventional sales support materials to make sales presentations, ignoring the potential of technologies like computer animation, get on board or get left behind.
Industrial manufacturing in the western world is under siege for a variety of reasons, ranging from cheap labour to currency fluctuations to political interference. Therefore it is more important than ever to make full use of technologies like 3D computer animation to market products, designs, and systems. Any marketing strategy used to compete with Asia needs to build on natural advantages that North Americans possess. One of those advantages, overlooked by many industrial manufacturers, is the robust development of computer animation.
3D computer animation was pioneered here, and grew exponentially with huge demand for Hollywood special effects and video games. It acquired a high profile through those applications, which stimulated demand for more, and attracted development capital and talent. An upward spiral resulted, and drove the medium of computer animation to dizzying heights of accomplishment and prominence. And the outward spread of the medium's influence has expanded into the world of industrial manufacturing.
3D animation's CAD (Computer Aided Design) drafting roots make it a natural tool for an industrial company. Yet many companies, including those who actually use CAD software in - house, don't even scratch the surface of the medium's true marketing potential. That is unfortunate. Because while they are well aware of what 3D computer graphics can do for the technical development of a design, they ignore the previously mentioned animation expertise developed in Hollywood and video game applications to communicate a vision. And no other visual medium is quite like 3D animation.
There are many advantages to exploiting the capabilities of this medium that most industrial manufacturers are not aware of.
Just for a moment, think what it would mean for your companys bottom line if you had a powerful, easy - to - use computer animation to do the following for you at your next major sales presentation:
-- Justify a premium price for your product or engineered system
-- Demonstrate quickly and easily how a complex group of components works
-- Reveal your product's inner workings, and inner value
-- Enhance the perceived value of a deceptively simple - looking product
-- Show the importance of a small part in a large, complex system
-- Show a wide range of your company's products within an assembly
-- Demonstrate how liquid flows through a hydraulic system
-- Zoom into a microscopic detail of a component or product
-- Show each stage of a massive development project, in sequence
-- Show how a complex assembly of articulated mechanical parts operates
-- Show how an engineered structure will interface in an environmentally friendly way with the earth
-- Explain and dramatize almost any kind of data
-- Create a high - energy, "cutting - edge technology" impression
Those are just a minute fraction of what computer animation can accomplish in a marketing role. And the list merely describes what animation can do, not how it does it.
A big mistake industrial companies make is to regard 3D animation as just "entertainment", and not as a robust marketing medium, capable of demonstrating the benefits of their technologies to clients, and influencing buyers. But for industrial manufacturers who fully make use of all of its capabilities, 3D computer animation represents the best of both worlds. It is a marketing medium that accurately describes technical concepts with great precision, yet uses the visualization powers perfected in Hollywood to illustrate a technical vision with flair and imagination.
In a world as competitive as today's, it's good to know industrial manufacturers are in a great position to tap into a well developed North American strategic advantage: 3D computer animation.
(c) Copyright - Mike Efford. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Mike Efford turns the magic of computer animation into marketing power for his clients. Since 1994 his 3D animation studio, Mike Efford Motion Design, has delivered high quality technical animation and motion graphics to clients across North America. He has worked with a long list of major corporations such as Royal Bank, General Motors, 3M, Thane Marketing, Cognos, Manulife Insurance, and over 50 innovative small businesses, broadcasters and design professionals.
Visit http://www.mike-efford-motion-design.com and discover how YOUR company can use this dynamic marketing medium to your strategic advantage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Efford http://EzineArticles.com/?Computer-Animation---The-Manufacturing-Worlds-Secret-Marketing-Weapon&id=788854
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_Efford]Mike Efford
Computer animation is the secret weapon of a select group of smart manufacturers and engineering firms who use it to win major contracts for their companies against tough international competitors.
If your company is still relying on the same old conventional sales support materials to make sales presentations, ignoring the potential of technologies like computer animation, get on board or get left behind.
Industrial manufacturing in the western world is under siege for a variety of reasons, ranging from cheap labour to currency fluctuations to political interference. Therefore it is more important than ever to make full use of technologies like 3D computer animation to market products, designs, and systems. Any marketing strategy used to compete with Asia needs to build on natural advantages that North Americans possess. One of those advantages, overlooked by many industrial manufacturers, is the robust development of computer animation.
3D computer animation was pioneered here, and grew exponentially with huge demand for Hollywood special effects and video games. It acquired a high profile through those applications, which stimulated demand for more, and attracted development capital and talent. An upward spiral resulted, and drove the medium of computer animation to dizzying heights of accomplishment and prominence. And the outward spread of the medium's influence has expanded into the world of industrial manufacturing.
3D animation's CAD (Computer Aided Design) drafting roots make it a natural tool for an industrial company. Yet many companies, including those who actually use CAD software in - house, don't even scratch the surface of the medium's true marketing potential. That is unfortunate. Because while they are well aware of what 3D computer graphics can do for the technical development of a design, they ignore the previously mentioned animation expertise developed in Hollywood and video game applications to communicate a vision. And no other visual medium is quite like 3D animation.
There are many advantages to exploiting the capabilities of this medium that most industrial manufacturers are not aware of.
Just for a moment, think what it would mean for your companys bottom line if you had a powerful, easy - to - use computer animation to do the following for you at your next major sales presentation:
-- Justify a premium price for your product or engineered system
-- Demonstrate quickly and easily how a complex group of components works
-- Reveal your product's inner workings, and inner value
-- Enhance the perceived value of a deceptively simple - looking product
-- Show the importance of a small part in a large, complex system
-- Show a wide range of your company's products within an assembly
-- Demonstrate how liquid flows through a hydraulic system
-- Zoom into a microscopic detail of a component or product
-- Show each stage of a massive development project, in sequence
-- Show how a complex assembly of articulated mechanical parts operates
-- Show how an engineered structure will interface in an environmentally friendly way with the earth
-- Explain and dramatize almost any kind of data
-- Create a high - energy, "cutting - edge technology" impression
Those are just a minute fraction of what computer animation can accomplish in a marketing role. And the list merely describes what animation can do, not how it does it.
A big mistake industrial companies make is to regard 3D animation as just "entertainment", and not as a robust marketing medium, capable of demonstrating the benefits of their technologies to clients, and influencing buyers. But for industrial manufacturers who fully make use of all of its capabilities, 3D computer animation represents the best of both worlds. It is a marketing medium that accurately describes technical concepts with great precision, yet uses the visualization powers perfected in Hollywood to illustrate a technical vision with flair and imagination.
In a world as competitive as today's, it's good to know industrial manufacturers are in a great position to tap into a well developed North American strategic advantage: 3D computer animation.
(c) Copyright - Mike Efford. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Mike Efford turns the magic of computer animation into marketing power for his clients. Since 1994 his 3D animation studio, Mike Efford Motion Design, has delivered high quality technical animation and motion graphics to clients across North America. He has worked with a long list of major corporations such as Royal Bank, General Motors, 3M, Thane Marketing, Cognos, Manulife Insurance, and over 50 innovative small businesses, broadcasters and design professionals.
Visit http://www.mike-efford-motion-design.com and discover how YOUR company can use this dynamic marketing medium to your strategic advantage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Efford http://EzineArticles.com/?Computer-Animation---The-Manufacturing-Worlds-Secret-Marketing-Weapon&id=788854
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Animation
Age of 3D Animation
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj]Deep Raj
The art of creating and moving images with the use of computer is generally termed as 3D Animation. The era of 3D animation can be dated back to the early nineties when the first 3D animation film "Toy Story" was created. With the passage of time there was tremendous transformation in 3D animation and many more movies were created. The power and effectiveness of 3D animation became apparent when "Jurassic Park" hit the cinema screen in 1993. It really was wonder created with the help of 3D Animation. The most powerful animal, "the dinosaur" was brought to life. The movie stands as testimony to the powers of 3D Animation.
The Age of 3D animation has certainly brought about a revolution. There is hardly any area where 3D Animation is not playing a pivotal role. The popularity of computer animation has skyrocketed in this age of 3D Animation. The superiority of 3D Animation has several reasons. A few important ones are spelled out in the para to a follow.
In the age of 3D Animation crystal clear images can be revealed in a very short period of time and the impact created is just unimaginable. It is true to say that concepts and ideas which are not easy to be expressed in words or even through illustrations can not only be created easily but also analyzed from different perspectives. The dimensional feature of 3D Animation is where its true power lies and its ability to portray movement is exceptional. A huge amount of scientific data of movements is combined and presented in a simplistic manner. An advantaged tagged to this attribute of 3D animation is that it creates a long lasting impact on the memory and the viewer tends to retain the image for a much longer time and that too with accuracy.
Age of 3D animation brings to light limitless possibilities. It is a fine communicating tool which offers more information at a faster rate, presents complex concepts in a simplified manner and also helps turn an idea or even a hint into reality. Recreation of any event, expensive or dangerous to reproduce, is possible in this age of 3D Animation. Fine examples of this would be an air crash, demolition of buildings and /or creation of colonies. In the age of 3D Animation photo-realistic effects are possible by using virtual light sources from different angles with a fine blend of reflection, transparency and shadowing. One big area where 3D Animation is brining about a huge and fast transformation is Architecture. The 3-dimensional models are more accurate and make it easier to see and study the possible relationship of the buildings with the environment.
In the age of 3D animation there is no limit in so far as the software packages are concerned. You can find several packages in the market but the main and only problem that there are far too many and there re endless companies who have created their own 3D animation packages on the pretext that the ones available don't suit their purpose. However, there are still a few standardized ones. The first and the most familiar one that comes to mind is 'Alias Maya'. It is a software which allows you to create models, texture and animate, tight them and lots more. Another package which stands a rival to 'Alias Maya' is '3DS max', it is a package with almost the same facilities that one would find in 'Alias Maya' its advantage is that it allows you to from 'Maya' to '3DS max' and vice-versa. A few other software packages are Cinema 4D, Bodyshop, Light ware 3D and many more.
The future of 3D Animation is far reaching there are going to be more and more, different areas where 3D Animation is going to bring about a radical change. However, one area of challenge for 3D Animation is a photorealistic animation of humans. As of now animal characters, fantasy characters, robots or cartoon like humans are shown but time is not far off when you will certainly see 3D Animation succeeded in this area. [http://www.icreonglobal.com]3D Animation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj http://EzineArticles.com/?Age-of-3D-Animation&id=796088
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj]Deep Raj
The art of creating and moving images with the use of computer is generally termed as 3D Animation. The era of 3D animation can be dated back to the early nineties when the first 3D animation film "Toy Story" was created. With the passage of time there was tremendous transformation in 3D animation and many more movies were created. The power and effectiveness of 3D animation became apparent when "Jurassic Park" hit the cinema screen in 1993. It really was wonder created with the help of 3D Animation. The most powerful animal, "the dinosaur" was brought to life. The movie stands as testimony to the powers of 3D Animation.
The Age of 3D animation has certainly brought about a revolution. There is hardly any area where 3D Animation is not playing a pivotal role. The popularity of computer animation has skyrocketed in this age of 3D Animation. The superiority of 3D Animation has several reasons. A few important ones are spelled out in the para to a follow.
In the age of 3D Animation crystal clear images can be revealed in a very short period of time and the impact created is just unimaginable. It is true to say that concepts and ideas which are not easy to be expressed in words or even through illustrations can not only be created easily but also analyzed from different perspectives. The dimensional feature of 3D Animation is where its true power lies and its ability to portray movement is exceptional. A huge amount of scientific data of movements is combined and presented in a simplistic manner. An advantaged tagged to this attribute of 3D animation is that it creates a long lasting impact on the memory and the viewer tends to retain the image for a much longer time and that too with accuracy.
Age of 3D animation brings to light limitless possibilities. It is a fine communicating tool which offers more information at a faster rate, presents complex concepts in a simplified manner and also helps turn an idea or even a hint into reality. Recreation of any event, expensive or dangerous to reproduce, is possible in this age of 3D Animation. Fine examples of this would be an air crash, demolition of buildings and /or creation of colonies. In the age of 3D Animation photo-realistic effects are possible by using virtual light sources from different angles with a fine blend of reflection, transparency and shadowing. One big area where 3D Animation is brining about a huge and fast transformation is Architecture. The 3-dimensional models are more accurate and make it easier to see and study the possible relationship of the buildings with the environment.
In the age of 3D animation there is no limit in so far as the software packages are concerned. You can find several packages in the market but the main and only problem that there are far too many and there re endless companies who have created their own 3D animation packages on the pretext that the ones available don't suit their purpose. However, there are still a few standardized ones. The first and the most familiar one that comes to mind is 'Alias Maya'. It is a software which allows you to create models, texture and animate, tight them and lots more. Another package which stands a rival to 'Alias Maya' is '3DS max', it is a package with almost the same facilities that one would find in 'Alias Maya' its advantage is that it allows you to from 'Maya' to '3DS max' and vice-versa. A few other software packages are Cinema 4D, Bodyshop, Light ware 3D and many more.
The future of 3D Animation is far reaching there are going to be more and more, different areas where 3D Animation is going to bring about a radical change. However, one area of challenge for 3D Animation is a photorealistic animation of humans. As of now animal characters, fantasy characters, robots or cartoon like humans are shown but time is not far off when you will certainly see 3D Animation succeeded in this area. [http://www.icreonglobal.com]3D Animation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deep_Raj http://EzineArticles.com/?Age-of-3D-Animation&id=796088
Monday, October 29, 2007
Animation
Simply speaking, animation is the process of making films, movies, videos or computer games in which drawings or models of people and animals seem to move. The illusion, in fact, is created by the consecutive display of images of static elements. In the case of film and video production, it refers to techniques by which each frame of a film or a movie is produced individually. There are various methods of generating these frames. It can be done with the help of computers, by photographing a drawn or painted image, or by repeatedly making small changes to a model unit, and then photographing the result with a special animation camera. When the film is viewed after stringing the frames together, "persistence of vision" creates an illusion of continuous movement.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Animation
Branding, Concept, Communication and Focus Testing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rick_Vidallon]Rick Vidallon
I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad and the ugly of Web site design. And the more I analyze what’s on the Web, the sadder I get, because the Web has become open game for Web site designers with bad taste and no plan.
On the other hand, there are many talented Web designers to choose from. But talent will only take one so far.
A designer has to understand and master the essence of design: Design with purpose, Create with purpose, and Implement with purpose.
As with the world of print, TV, and radio, a designer must design with four specific goals in mind:
Branding
Good branding makes the cash register ring. Take Fox News as a case in point. Unlike CNN or MSNBC, Fox strives to be a bit more edgy and bold -- and they lead the pack. Their logo animation, bumper graphics, and over-the-shoulder graphics are bright primary colors. Even their music is a bit edgier with guitar riffs versus the subdued music tones of the other stations.
Concept
A great concept on a shoe-string budget will blow away a weak concept on a multi-million dollar budget any day. For example, how many truck or SUV commercials have you seen with guys careening through mud or snow-covered mountain passes as the words scream out “Chevy Tough” or “Ford, Built to Last.” I can’t believe executives at these car companies spend millions each year on poorly conceived advertising campaigns.
Now, see if you remember this one. A mother is about to drop her child off at school, and asks if he’d rather get dropped off at the curb instead of directly in-front of the school. The child says, “nah, that’s okay mom.” He steps down from the Hummer and strolls up to the school entrance while an older student, with his eyes glued to the Hummer, says “cool.” This is a “concept;” a very well executed concept. It strongly conveys an attitude. Even Hummer’s theme music has attitude. The branding and concept raises the Hummer’s image above the rest.
Your Web site or your client’s Web site should convey this type of branding and concept. Think outside the box. Look at other well executed designs for inspiration. Don’t look at the industry, look at the design. Just because you’re building a Web site for a golf course doesn’t mean you should only Google golf courses in your research. Look beyond. Here are some great Web site resources for creative inspiration. http://www.commarts.com
CA-
Communication Arts, the online counterpart of Communication Arts magazine. http://www.designinteract.com
Design Interact, The premier source of information and inspiration for the field of interactive media. http://www.coolhomepages.com
Cool Home Pages, Great resource for designer's block.
Communication
During my career in broadcast graphics we would churn out graphics for the evening news. Many of them were “over-the-shoulder” graphics which appeared behind the anchor as they delivered the story. The main philosophy
I constantly ingrained into my design team was:“If it doesn’t read – it doesn’t work.” In other words, if the volume of the TV is turned off, the viewer should know what the story is about without the presence of text or title.
Your Web site should project that same philosophy. Ask yourself, does it immediately communicate my message? In television your message is “one click” away from the next channel. On the World Wide Web, you’re one mouse click away from a potential customer moving on.
If you own an e-commerce site, do you expend Web real estate endlessly talking about yourself, or do you get right down to business by featuring your products?
If you own an industry or business site, do you have fancy animation with glitzy music, or does your site convey a serious professional business image?
Make sure your Web designer is communicating well with the public. Solid thinking translated into clear messages works every time.
Focus Test
Want good feedback? Want good direction? Try a grassroots focus test.
Late one evening after some finger breaking work on some all important Flash animation, the cleaning crew entered my office. I asked, “What do you guys think?” They replied, “What is it?”
I was taken back. Ouch!!! I had fallen into the old trap of not being able to see the forest for the trees. This is an all too common problem among creative types. Design work tends to be a labor of love, and you can get too close to your project without seeing the big picture.
Get feedback, it’s the breakfast of champions. Ask your team, neighbor, spouse, significant other -- ask anyone but yourself. And once you step out on the ledge, make sure you’re ready for negative feedback. Learn to embrace it and use it to develop into a better professional. Growing some thick skin will also be helpful.
To see what I mean, visit [http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/]www.webpagesthatsuck.com.
About the Author http://www.visionefx.net - Visionefx President Ricardo Vidallon has been in the creative business of advertising, cable broadcast, animation and the World Wide Web for more than two decades. His work has been featured on
the Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., Fox News and NBC Entertainment. His career track in Web consultancy includes the global companies of Reynolds and Reynolds, CMGI Solutions, and Automark, Inc.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Vidallon http://EzineArticles.com/?Branding,-Concept,-Communication-and-Focus-Testing&id=99651
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rick_Vidallon]Rick Vidallon
I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad and the ugly of Web site design. And the more I analyze what’s on the Web, the sadder I get, because the Web has become open game for Web site designers with bad taste and no plan.
On the other hand, there are many talented Web designers to choose from. But talent will only take one so far.
A designer has to understand and master the essence of design: Design with purpose, Create with purpose, and Implement with purpose.
As with the world of print, TV, and radio, a designer must design with four specific goals in mind:
Branding
Good branding makes the cash register ring. Take Fox News as a case in point. Unlike CNN or MSNBC, Fox strives to be a bit more edgy and bold -- and they lead the pack. Their logo animation, bumper graphics, and over-the-shoulder graphics are bright primary colors. Even their music is a bit edgier with guitar riffs versus the subdued music tones of the other stations.
Concept
A great concept on a shoe-string budget will blow away a weak concept on a multi-million dollar budget any day. For example, how many truck or SUV commercials have you seen with guys careening through mud or snow-covered mountain passes as the words scream out “Chevy Tough” or “Ford, Built to Last.” I can’t believe executives at these car companies spend millions each year on poorly conceived advertising campaigns.
Now, see if you remember this one. A mother is about to drop her child off at school, and asks if he’d rather get dropped off at the curb instead of directly in-front of the school. The child says, “nah, that’s okay mom.” He steps down from the Hummer and strolls up to the school entrance while an older student, with his eyes glued to the Hummer, says “cool.” This is a “concept;” a very well executed concept. It strongly conveys an attitude. Even Hummer’s theme music has attitude. The branding and concept raises the Hummer’s image above the rest.
Your Web site or your client’s Web site should convey this type of branding and concept. Think outside the box. Look at other well executed designs for inspiration. Don’t look at the industry, look at the design. Just because you’re building a Web site for a golf course doesn’t mean you should only Google golf courses in your research. Look beyond. Here are some great Web site resources for creative inspiration. http://www.commarts.com
CA-
Communication Arts, the online counterpart of Communication Arts magazine. http://www.designinteract.com
Design Interact, The premier source of information and inspiration for the field of interactive media. http://www.coolhomepages.com
Cool Home Pages, Great resource for designer's block.
Communication
During my career in broadcast graphics we would churn out graphics for the evening news. Many of them were “over-the-shoulder” graphics which appeared behind the anchor as they delivered the story. The main philosophy
I constantly ingrained into my design team was:“If it doesn’t read – it doesn’t work.” In other words, if the volume of the TV is turned off, the viewer should know what the story is about without the presence of text or title.
Your Web site should project that same philosophy. Ask yourself, does it immediately communicate my message? In television your message is “one click” away from the next channel. On the World Wide Web, you’re one mouse click away from a potential customer moving on.
If you own an e-commerce site, do you expend Web real estate endlessly talking about yourself, or do you get right down to business by featuring your products?
If you own an industry or business site, do you have fancy animation with glitzy music, or does your site convey a serious professional business image?
Make sure your Web designer is communicating well with the public. Solid thinking translated into clear messages works every time.
Focus Test
Want good feedback? Want good direction? Try a grassroots focus test.
Late one evening after some finger breaking work on some all important Flash animation, the cleaning crew entered my office. I asked, “What do you guys think?” They replied, “What is it?”
I was taken back. Ouch!!! I had fallen into the old trap of not being able to see the forest for the trees. This is an all too common problem among creative types. Design work tends to be a labor of love, and you can get too close to your project without seeing the big picture.
Get feedback, it’s the breakfast of champions. Ask your team, neighbor, spouse, significant other -- ask anyone but yourself. And once you step out on the ledge, make sure you’re ready for negative feedback. Learn to embrace it and use it to develop into a better professional. Growing some thick skin will also be helpful.
To see what I mean, visit [http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/]www.webpagesthatsuck.com.
About the Author http://www.visionefx.net - Visionefx President Ricardo Vidallon has been in the creative business of advertising, cable broadcast, animation and the World Wide Web for more than two decades. His work has been featured on
the Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., Fox News and NBC Entertainment. His career track in Web consultancy includes the global companies of Reynolds and Reynolds, CMGI Solutions, and Automark, Inc.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Vidallon http://EzineArticles.com/?Branding,-Concept,-Communication-and-Focus-Testing&id=99651
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