Glossary

Animators use basic physics and mechanics principles they can bend for a more stylized look. In this article, we go through a few examples of physics and mechanics principles to better put words on animation techniques to create more engaging stories.

All animation projects start with an idea. The animation production process then takes these ideas and integrates them into a cohesive story. Bridging the gap between ideas and storytelling is no easy task, however: that’s where concept artists come into the picture to transform ideas and scripts into engaging visuals. But what goes on in the process, exactly? That’s what we set out to figure out in this article. What’s A Concept Artist A concept artist creates designs and illustrations to b

In this article, we explore the role of an environment artist: how it fits in the animation pipeline, why it’s important, and what’s behind its creative process.

Rigging gives 3D models the ability to move. With rigs, you can make realistic animation. At CGWire, we help animation studios from all around the world manage their 3D animation assets so we know how important the rigging process is. But do you know exactly what goes on behind the scenes and how it works? We wrote this article to explain that, and maybe give you an idea on how you can build your own animations. In the following sections, we cover everything related to rigging: how it fits in

Animation relies on visuals, words, and sound. Without music, sound effects, and dialogues, stories would remain incomplete. Characters would lack souls. From the subtle harmonies that evoke emotion to the thunderous applauses that give you goosebumps, sound design is an important part of production. In this article, we take a look behind the scenes to explore the fascinating world of sound design in animation―the techniques, tools, and processes used by sound designers to bring animations to l

To truly appreciate the significance of character design, one must understand its profound impact on our lives. Think of those cherished childhood memories spent glued to the television screen, eagerly following the adventures of our favorite characters. These animated drawings shaped our imagination, taught us valuable life lessons, and became lifelong companions. They ignited our dreams and sparked our creativity, leaving an indelible mark on who we are today. But what makes certain characters

An animation project takes months to produce and thus requires careful planning to deliver successfully: storyboarding is the first step to bring a script to life with visual representations that will influence the rest of the production. With Kitsu, we at CGWire have witnessed firsthand how important storyboarding is to help animation studios to come up with creative visions in collaborative, international environments. In this article, we offer a dive into the process of storyboarding―its pu

Over the past five years, virtually all major movies have relied heavily on 3D modeling, using it to attach characters to virtual sets and create captivating special effects. In modern animation, 3D modeling is an essential component. But have you ever wondered what modeling really is and how it works? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more, taking a closer look at the process, techniques, and tools behind 3D modeling. What’s Modeling Modeling is the process of creating 3D mod

Food without texture is like a blank canvas, lacking the richness and depth of flavors that make it enjoyable. The same holds true for 3D models: without texturing, they would appear flat and lifeless! In this article, we explore the crucial role of texturing and shading in animation. We break down the process, the people involved, and the techniques used to breathe life into 3D models. Let’s discover the secrets behind the mesmerizing visuals of your favorite animations! What’s Texturing Te

Have you ever wondered how animators manage to realistically model the 100,000 hairs on the average person's head in a reasonable amount of time? The answer lies in grooming! In this post, we take a closer look at the intricate art of grooming and how skilled artists handle the complexity of these 3D models to bring them to life in the animation pipeline. Get ready to be amazed! What’s Grooming Grooming is the process of creating and styling hair, leaves, feathers, scales and other types of s

Sight is undoubtedly the most powerful sense for the average person, and you can use its amazing properties to create incredible animation experiences! That’s what stereoscopy is all about. But have you ever wondered about the science behind it? Look no further than this blog post, where we uncover the techniques behind stereoscopy! What’s Stereoscopy Stereoscopy is a technique to create the illusion of three-dimensional depth by presenting slightly different images to each eye. This is done

All good things must end, and animation productions aren’t different: in the final post-production phase, the original concept finally comes to life! But post-production isn’t to be taken lightly, as it plays a crucial role in shaping the final look and feel of your animated project. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at post-production: what it means, why it’s important to get it right, the process, and the challenges to account for. Let’s dive in! Definition Post-production is the p

From blockbuster films to anime and video games, visual effects (VFX) play a crucial role in animating captivating experiences. And at the heart of these incredible effects lies the expertise of VFX artists. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the work of VFX artists, exploring their role in shaping our favorite animated films and how they create these effects. What’s An VFX artist: Definition An VFX artist specializes in creating 2D and 3D visual effects, and rendering simulations

Compositing is the phase where layers and plates are combined into an almost-final image. A layer is a group of assets organized together to be easily edited, while a plate is a raw footage used as a base for adding after-effects. The result is a sequence of images for a shot, as well as stereoscopic (one variant for each eye) and textless (for international production) variants. Compositing In 5 Steps The graphic artist responsible for compositing is called a comper. The role can be divided

Anything is possible in the magical world of animation, if you get the pre-production phase right! Pre-production is the secret ingredient that makes every animation project come to life: it's where the magic begins, and where the imagination is let loose to come up with stunning visuals and captivating stories. But what is pre-production, exactly? In this post, we'll go through the artists, steps, and challenges behind this key phase. So, grab some popcorn, and let's discover the fascinating w