Basic Principles of 3D Animation

65% of people are considered visual learners. This is easy to understand considering that most information (90%) that is transmitted to the brain is visual. It also transmits visual information much faster (60,000 times faster) than text. It is therefore not surprising that videos are the most popular medium for communication and engagement currently available online.

The Rise of 3D Animation

It’s getting harder for brands to cut through the noise and get their message across to their target audience. There are so many videos available online today. You need to have something extra to get noticed. This is where animated 3D content comes in.

Animated audiovisual content has been shown to be very effective in influencing the choices of consumers in the later stages of their purchasing journey. There are several reasons that this type of content is more effective than other visuals.

1. Animated videos are effective at grabbing and keeping the viewer’s attention. They resonate with viewers and spark conversations amongst audiences.
2. Brands are better able to simplify complex topics through animation. You are able to show various concepts using a 3D simulation that would otherwise be impossible with other visuals.
3. Visualizations are a powerful way to convey a technology or product and show their features and benefits.
4. They are fun.
5. They can be about anything.
6. They are cost effective to produce.

Principles for successful 3D Animation

Just because the animated audiovisual content is so popular doesn’t mean that your explainer video simulation will be an instant hit with your audience. There are various guidelines to consider in the production of audiovisual content to ensure its success.

1. Quality and photorealistic Animations- Creating a quality 3D animation is crucial to giving it a photorealistic feel which brings it to life. This takes more details, attention to lighting and using realistic materials and even adding in reflections on to the surface of the object.
2. Anticipation – This principle helps the viewer expect a movement even before it occurs, for example, the heel of the character’s foot pressing down on the ground before taking the step. Anticipation helps to prevent audiovisual content animation from appearing too robotic.
3. Exaggeration – This is used in animation to give more energy to the characters. Exaggeration, for instance, can be used in poses to draw attention to what the character is doing.
4. Staging – This principle involves the placement of objects and characters in the video. It helps the audience to understand the narrative and the role of the characters in it. It involves timing, setting, and cinematography.
5. Timing – Timing is vital as it dictates how fast images move and how long they stay still in the animated video. Speeding something up can help to create a sense of energy, lightness, or speed. Slowing something down gives the impression of gravity, mass, and adds weight to the image.
6. Solid drawing – This is the principle used to make an image appear as if it were three dimensional even though it has been created on a two-dimensional surface. This principle gives weight, balance, and depth to the image.