3D Animation- A groundbreaking and game changing innovation

Talk about 3D Animation and it raises visions of a make-believe world and creativity. While the term animation has been around for decades, the 3D concept is quite recent and holds a mystical appeal for all those who explore it. Media Commercials, cartoons, and internet animation has taken over the world of entertainment and 3D animation has created a wonderful impact in every area it has been applied. The industry demands qualified individuals to give it a new dimension and this demand is being provided by institutes offering full-fledged 3D animation courses.

3D animation-An Introduction

The 3D animation consists of creating moving images and pictures in a three-dimensional digital environment and is a complex and challenging process. The steps involved are:

• Creation of a 3D model using 3D software
• Exporting image sequences to create an animation illusion
• Process this sequence of images as one moving image

3D animation found its first practical application in the movies business and was long thought to be limited to it. However, with time, it has found innovative and useful applications in various industries like Medicine, Architecture & Designing, Manufacturing, and Forensic Sciences amongst others. 

The application of 3D animation in various industries

Mining Industry: By using advanced 3D software, it is now possible to create a complete layout of an underground mine showing positions of tunnels, vents, ramps and access shafts. It is also possible to point out various mineral location quite easily. This is useful for geologists to visualize and interpret mining and geological data in quick time and improves mining operations to a great extent.

Gaming Industry: The introduction of 3D animation in the gaming industry gave it a tremendous boost that it desperately needed to shake off the lethargy of 2D animation. 3D animation made the games extremely entertaining and interactive by making it lifelike and taking engagement to a new level. 

Construction and Architecture: The dynamic demands of the construction industry are being increasingly met by the introduction of 3D animation and architectural planning and designing has undergone a major metamorphoses due to its use. Traditional methods of drawing and designing had its own limitations but with 3D animation, models are being created to interact with the user and saves a lot of time while preparing documents and visual aids. 3D animation allows a structure to become tangible as the length, breadth and width can be visualized more effectively. It also allows changes and modifications to be done quickly and easily.

Advertising Industry: The purpose of advertising a particular product is to influence people to buy it and 3D animation brings the product alive and captivates the consumer to a great extent. It provides a sense of visual excitement to the viewer and brings products to life, thus creating a huge impression and pushing them towards buying the product. Many 3D animation courses focus on these applications and give students a huge edge over the large competition in this field.

Starting in the Gaming World with Unity 3D

As a new graduate from a designing course or even as a student, Unity 3D is a game changer to learn development on. While a number of studios even prefer using this software over their own tech, it is a great tool to have by your side. 3D game development with Unity 3D has been a transformation for the industry. Here are some reasons you should be equipped with this as a developer-

Getting Started for Free

While the paid version of the program comes with numerous features and benefits, the free version has complete features of it too. This allows students and gaming professionals to create actual games without having to pay a price.
 

The Multi Platform Application

Ranging from the gaming stations such as Xbox and Wii to various platforms such as iOS and androids, you can publish a game anywhere. With unity 3D, it is easier to customize these preferences and transfer them from one platform to the next without difficulty. This activity that took professional companies months to sometimes successfully complete can now be done without a great deal of effort.

The Community Support

With over 2 million developers making use of the software, Unity 3D has a number of online resources to guide you through difficulties and give you assistance. Sometimes these places are also a great place to learn from the mistakes of others and ask any questions that may have otherwise been left unanswered. Eager unity fans also make for great collaboration opportunities across the globe. 

Using the Net as an Extended Resource
Considering the levels of fame Unity has achieved since its conception, it is no surprise how popular it is online. With tutorials and guides by the hundreds, you can ensure all doubts will be answered. While it is a simple software to learn, figuring your way around it at the start may seem like a daunting process. Online courses and videos have made it possible to learn everything there is to know about this course at your own convenience. 

The unity Asset Store

This feature of the software is a great tool for artists, developers and designers. This store is the place to head to, if you do not wish to build elements such as characters and buildings from scratch. While at the same time, it also provides for you as an extra source of revenue as an artist. Selling your assets in the store ensures you get a royalty of 70% on every purchase, helping you fund your own various costs.

Creating Games You Desire 

While Unity is most popular for developing 3D games, there is also scope to develop 2D games on it, making it a great tool to equip yourself with. Since it also allows you to create multiplayer games, a number of professional companies too swear by this software.

Due to the growing popularity of this software, Unity also holds conferences annually across the globe to provide a platform for developers to meet and discover the world of development through Unity 3D.

Common Mistakes Game Developers Make on Unity

3d Game Development with Unity 3D is an increasingly preferred approach many game developers take today. This platform follows its own pattern of function and if you are not aware of how it operates a trivial feature too, can end up being a challenge. It has to be understood well so as to avoid mistakes especially the first-timers working on Unity make.

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Common mistakes Game developers make on Unity include:

• Mixing up scripts -
  The scripts that you attach with the objects should be either written in java or C#. It should not be a mixture of both. It will help you to avoid confusion as well as save you from other issues that can crop because of mixing two languages. So choose a language you are comfortable with.
  
  
• Not Making use of the Asset Store Logically-
  Do not be in a mad rush to use the asset store to get sounds, scripts, models etc., downloaded. Make sure that the assets you want to buy are relevant for your gaming project. Beware of buying the popular ones because though you may be tempted these assets due to over usage have lost its exclusiveness making Unity games using the same visual style losing its unique visual appeal. Developers have misused the standard assets given by Unity.
  
  
• Not Knowing How to Set your Scale Right-
  As the measurement of an object is taken in meters therefore ensure while importing that the size can be compared to the object it represents. For example a building can be taken approximately as 20 meters or a spaceship can be considered as 200 meters. You might have to resize if you have not taken it likewise. Actually in Unity size does not play a major factor as much as the scale. Whatever the size is if the scale is set right then faults can be avoided like objects falling at a slow pace. You might get tempted to speed up the gravity to make it fall faster but it will only end up being unrealistic. From the very start you must try to set the scale right as changing the settings in the middle of a developed project might be a difficult task.
  
  
• Relying too Much on Reflection-
  Methods like the Get Component or Send Message is expensive and can retard your gaming speed. So it is better to switch on to an efficient alternative pattern.
  
  
• Not Using Rigid body Objects-
  A gaming object has a position, angular velocity, speed, etc. If an object is changed from its position by a script then lot of discrepancy can occur which in turn might make the game unpredictable. A rigidbody can be attached to the object to avoid collision and also to stop messing up of positions of gaming objects.
  
  Make your 3d Game Development with Unity 3d unique by creating it from newer objects.

The Difference between 3D Animation in Games and in Movies

Most of us have a common idea that animation for movies and video games are the same thing. But then, this isn’t the truth. If you have done a 3D animation course in Singapore, then you’ll perhaps know that even though the same principles and tools of animation are applicable to both the mediums, but then, the techniques and processes greatly vary from one another.

 

 

Animation in Movies- What to Know

When talking about animation in movies, you’ll find that the animator is solely accountable for animating whatever is available in the view of the shot camera. More specifically, they have to exclusively worry about a single angle of the camera at a time. If a user is watching a movie, then all you need to do is press the PLAY button on a movie. On the other hand, in case of video game animation, things are a bit contrary.

 

Animation in Games- What to Know

Games should be interactive so as to keep the users engaged. When a player plays a game, you want to make sure that he or she has complete control on the camera and character. After all, it is the player who drives the story forward and allow the characters to proceed.

 

Hence, not only the animation should look good, but then, it should look good from each possible angle. For example, if the game is third person, then the player will rotate the camera around and they will see the run or walk cycle from a different perspective. This new angle may reveal things such as knee pops, which may not have been visible in the usual camera view. These are the things, which a game animator requires to take into consideration so as to make sure their animation holds up to whatever the player can throw at it.

 

And when you are creating game animations then you should see to it that it looks good from any angle. For example, when implementing the principle of arcs into an animation, the animator should see to it that the character is considering smooth arcing motions from any angle of the camera.

 

Creating Game Animation

As a game animator, you will be exposed to several kinds of animations that what is generally found in a movie such as DreamWorks or Pixar. You will find yourself creating animations for giants, fantasy creatures, scripted events and loads more. Majority of the games are driven by body mechanics, hence you will have to invest a lot of time to perfect the body mechanics in games. And as per the timing of the games is concerned, you need to focus on it depending on the specifications of the player inputs. You can take a 3D animation course in Singapore to get a good idea on animation and how it works.

 

Animating for games may bring a wide range of challenges to the table, but then, at the same time it also brings in a rewarding experience. Go for it today and create a new benchmark in the animation domain.

Choosing the right software for character animation

When you are just beginning to work with animations and yet to decide the best software to accomplish your work, then it can be difficult to make a choice out of all the animation software programs out there. With certifications animation design Singapore, you can begin to master the craft of character animation. Whether you prefer to work in 2D or 3D, these are some of the most widely used software for character animation:













2D character animation

Adobe Flash: This is the most commonly used 2D animation software, since it is quite easy to use and is also less expensive than many other animation programs. There are animators who don't like the fact that it is vector based because it tends to have that flash-look, but if that is not a problem for you, then Adobe Flash is definitely worth it for 2D character animation.

Adobe After Effects: Although basically an editing software, After Effects is also a great choice for 2D animation. After Effects gives you great control when creating rigs for 2D, and using the puppet tool is very convenient and intuitive.

Toon Boom: Toon Boom has a great range of animation packages for both beginners and veterans. It offers a user friendly set of animation programs that has advanced rigging systems, effects and camera tools. If you are comfortable with vector based programs then Toon Boom can be a great software at a cheap price which helps you achieve most of your 2D animation needs.

3D character animation
Bryce: If you are a beginner looking for a fairly easy program, then Bryce may be the thing for you. Great for environment modelling, it also offers character animation features now. One of the oldest programs around, Bryce may be great for beginners but advanced animators may not find enough challenges or thrill with this one.

Poser: One of the best programs for 3D character animation, Poser has been around since the mid 90s and still packs a punch. It helps you quickly animate 3D character with its library of human and animal meshes. Although this may not be the ideal program for those looking for a more complex software, it still is one of the best and relatively easy program for beginners.

Blender: While Bryce is for beginners, Blender is for those looking for something advanced. Blender offers top notch features that any animator can ask for and most importantly, it is completely free. It takes up less disk space and has a great online community and a vast number of tutorials.

Maya: One of the more complex programs, Maya is among the best when it comes to animations. With its brilliant interface, simulation features, and the motion tracking tool, Maya should be your go-to 3D character animation software if you're looking for an advanced program.

These are just a few of the programs for animations, with several more available in the market. While price and features may vary, it ultimately depends on the animator's needs when it comes to choosing software for character animation.

Studying in Singapore- A look into Diploma Courses in Animation

Despite being a state of scholars, Singapore has in truth, long been a nation of skill-based individuals. Singapura as it was once known, had its roots as a bustling port for trade. This continued to be a trend up until the time of its colonialism by the British.

However, after the British left and Singapore became independent in 1965, the nation’s manufacturing industry blossomed under the guidance of its leaders. Since then, Singapore has always levied on its skilled manpower in order to make up for its lack of resources. The rapid development of media and technology has not escaped the country’s leaders, and the past two decades have seen the country develop its infrastructure accordingly.

In the past decade especially, the animation industry in Singapore has made extraordinary breakthroughs, in terms of influence, presence in the international industry, infrastructure and government support. Singapore is now the envy of its region having been involved in blockbuster hits such as Godzilla, Pacific Rim, Clone Wars: The Animated Series and more.

Education for Animation, has evolved accordingly with the industry, and several government and private institutions have shown their presence in recent years by producing alumni that have graced these very blockbuster productions that have put Singapore on the map in terms of Animation.

One such institution is MAGES Institute of Excellence. With a strong focus on game design, as well as animation courses, their modules range from the basics such as Character Game Design, to more complicated programming and art modules.Learn diploma courses in animation & give shape to your imagination.Create  your own animation video.Check this funny animation video......

Its Diploma courses in Animation even has a progression into an Advanced Diploma programme that allows you to choose one of three specialities involving, Visual Effects, 3D Character Modelling where you will upgrade your character design skills, as well as Character Animation.

Such specialized schools who are closely tied to the industry and its practitioners, place a high emphasis on ensuring that its students and its curriculum meet the dynamic needs of the industry. As a bonus, the school not only offers long courses, but professional short courses for practicing professionals to add-on or to refresh themselves in their respective field.

If you have ever considered picking up a tertiary course in animation, or wish to improve on existing skills such as character design for games and film, take a look-see at institutions and colleges in Singapore before you consider pricier options in traditional animation powerhouses such as in the United States.

3 Reasons to Take Up Diploma Courses in Animation

A Short Guide for Prospective Creative Students in Singapore

You’re fresh out of secondary education, and it seems to you that the academic route isn’t really your calling. As a kid, you’ve always been drawn to the Sunday morning cartoons in a different way. While everyone else around you stared transfixed at the screen, you wondered with curiosity on the inner workings behind such light-hearted magic. In school, you enjoyed art classes because it stimulated you, allowed you to create. I know, because I’ve been there.

Choosing to walk a non-traditional path is scary, after all we’d been brought up to believe that it’s important for us to study hard; to be good at Mathematics and the Sciences if you ever wanted to amount to anything. Art? That’s just a past-time. It’s been drilled into our heads over and over again, so much so that we start to believe that it’s true. I took the leap, got frightened, and turned my back on my dreams, only to find myself being drawn back to it, but that’s a story for another time. It did teach me a lesson though, and the first reason why you should take up Diploma Courses in Animation….

Because You Want To. The most important reason, and the simplest. I don’t mean to proceed with reckless abandon, but if being an Animator appeals more to you than say, being a Biochemist, why force yourself? Don’t let future income be a deciding factor in your journey, because to be honest, there are way too many variables in the future that could add or damage your earning power anyway. Do what you love, be good at what you do, and success will follow.

Times are also not what they used to be. The creative industry in Singapore has grown so much over the past 10 years, thanks to the efforts of the government and those within the industry. The growth in the Animation industry in fact, has been rather apparent. The arrival of industry giants, Lucasfilm Animation Singapore (LAS) in 2004 has also paved the way for smaller studios to flourish and boom. I guess what I’m saying is… Strike While the Iron is Hot. Granted, job stability is still something that could be worked in such a dynamic environment, but the industry has not looked as good in a long time, and seems like it is only to be getting healthier.

 

The truth is, if you’re still reading this, it means that you’ve considered this career path to some extent but might still be undecided. There is nothing much else for me to say to convince you though, except that Animation is one heck of a fulfilling industry. What you create is tangible, and the satisfaction of seeing your works being displayed… I met someone from Lucasfilms once, and he told me about how amazing it was to have taken part in the production of the movie, Pacific Rim, and watching it onscreen for the first time, was simply mind-blowing.

With how varied Animation is, you can even choose a specialization. Visual Effects, Character Animation and 3D Modeling Courses are available here at MAGES Institute of Excellence, for those who wish to further refine their skillsets into something more specialized. For example, specializing in 3D Modeling Courses will of course open up more markets for you. Besides the traditional roles of in films and gaming, 3d Modelers are also needed in interior design, architecture, the medical industry and for stage/set design. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Want to find out more? Leave a question in the comments or drop us a mail-enquiry@mages.edu.sg

Animation Insights: What to Look Out For in an Animation Education

Hello again!

Today I’d like to share a little bit about 3D Animation Courses in Singapore, and hopefully manage to shed some light when first starting off in the industry.

When we mention an education in animation, there are several things to look out for. First off, are you looking for a generalised education? Or are you looking at specialising into a field such as Character Game Design and Animation? The danger of picking up general 2D and 3DAnimation Courses in Singapore is that Animation in itself is largely wide scope. A general education is best fitted as an introduction for anyone looking into entering the world of Animation and is requiring a base.

The Diploma in Animation from MAGES is one such course, and its modules provide a solid foundation for aspiring animators to find their niche. However, it is up to them to go further and develop their chosen specialty in order to avoid the trappings of being known as a generalist. Some may opt to develop these skills on their own, which is fine, but for those who prefer a guiding hand to boost their future portfolio and career while they seek out specialisation, the Advanced Diploma in Animation at MAGES is a good bet. It offers specialisation into Visual Effects, 3D Modeling and character game design and animation.

However I’d like to emphasise that for an animator, or any skill-based industry for that matter, what matters is not the level of certificate that you have. Your transcripts provide a glimpse into the training you have received, but at the end of the day, what tells your story is your portfolio. It is what future employers will ask for, when they are seriously considering you for a position. As such, it is good when looking out for schools and institutions that understand the focus on employability after education. Look out for modules in their courses that focus on portfolio development.

Well, that is all the time that I have for today. If you do have any questions however, feel free to leave a message on the blog. Cheers everyone, and thanks for reading!

Giving Life to Images-A Look into Diploma Courses in Animation

Diploma courses in animation have been increasingly popular these days because of the rise in demand for Animators. The field of animation was once only limited to the film industry, where companies such as Pixar and Disney were seen as the main options for an animator. These days, animators have an embarrassment in riches when it comes to opportunities.

Prospective students intending on picking up an animation diploma should know however, that there are many aspects to animation, and that it is important that when choosing their animation diploma, that they should be aware of the modules their chosen institutes are offering.

The first question to be asked is, what does being an animator mean in today’s context? Animators create 2D and 3D images in motion for animated films, videogames, commercials, and music videos. They create images, as well as special effects using film, video or computer software.

Animators essentially make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency—or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion. They create 2D and 3D images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling program, and design complex graphics as well as animation. Animators also design animation and graphics, create storyboards, and create designs, drawings and illustrations. They create, plan, and script animated narrative sequences, develop multimedia presentations and technical illustrations, and assist with background design and production coordination.

Here at MAGES Institute of Excellence, our animation diploma is structured to provide students with a solid foundation and consists of core modules such as:

– Perspectives and Composition

– Character and Environment Design

– History and Principles of Animation

– Digital Imaging

– Digital 2D Animation

– Storyboarding and Scriptwriting

– 3D Modeling in Maya

– Texturing and Lighting

– Character Rigging

– Character Animation

Our advanced animation diploma takes this education a step further by offering specialization modules for each of the following disciplines; Character Animation, 3D Modeling, as well as Visual Effects. MAGES also offers Part-Time Diploma Courses in Animation for those unable to commit to a full-time course. Our Part Time Animation Courses  are for 3 days a week, with each lessons lasting about 3 hours, and participating students go through the exact same curriculum as the full-time students. If part time animation courses do not meet your needs, and you are seeking to instead brush up on your skills or simply there for an introductory course, MAGES also offers professional short courses in animation.

At MAGES Institute of Excellence, we believe in providing a suitable learning environment to cater to our students’ unique needs. Of course, they say that seeing is believing, more so in animation than anywhere else. Visit us, and let MAGES show you how to take that first step into one of the world’s most exciting and explosive industries.

 

Mages Institutes of Excellence

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Game designing and animation industry has sprouted to a gargantuan size and is one of the promising and rewarding career choices for the youth of today. Large numbers of institutions have put their feet forward to mark their presence in this whamming career industry. Game designing is an astounding career choice for the young generation as it is manifesting an immaculate growth in the market now-a-days. Animation gives games and cartoons a real life experience.

A lot of creativity and drudgery is needed to enter this whole new field of imagination and competition. The field of game designing has shown an immeasurable growth thus germinating the need for professionals. There are number of students who are developing their interest towards this field and thus various institutions are providing diploma, bachelors and master degree programs in animation and game designing.

Mages, one of the governing gaming institutes in Singapore is providing diploma, bachelor and masters degree in this field. Mages specialize in the game development field as it delivers the best way of designing a game and other related services. This institute is known for offering diploma and advanced diploma courses in game design and animation and also the post graduation diploma.

Here at Mages one can also get the Bsc. degree from the University of London Programs and a certificate in game designing and animation. Also one can get the certificate in mathematics and physics for games. The teaching and learning strategies adopted here are awesome; the faculty has in-depth knowledge of the subjects they are taking. Theoretical knowledge drafts only the base of studying but practical knowledge boosts up your career and gives you a thorough understanding. Mages is the Institute that stresses upon inculcating the practical knowledge rather than focusing upon theoretical knowledge.

Mages Institute of Excellence

 Animation Courses in Singapore

Animation industry is on heights these days. At present the youngsters are fond of animation and dream of becoming animator. Animation has come a long way seeking audiences’ attention in the marketing and advertising world. Animation is the field where you can represent your ideas and information and see them in the realistic form. The 2D animation course implants in you the story telling and character creation approach stimulating in you the innovative visuals. Animation has become a career oriented program as there is a high demand for animators in the market. The students who have interest in the animation field must be very well aware of 2D and 3D animation. 2D animation has given birth to 3D animation; the person who is well aware of the 2D concepts can easily learn 3D animation.

Mages one of the trailblazer in animation institute in Singapore trains its students in all the aspects of animation. The team of industry experienced professionals at Mages will prepare you for jobs in 2D animation. The students will work on the live projects that would develop confidence in them. Mages shows you the way how you turn unreal into real and living i.e. adding soul to the things you could ever think of would be taught here. The 2D animation course develops in you the creative, comprehensive and time management skills which help you reaching the epitome in the industry