Computer Animation

3D Animation

How do I develop 3D models using a variety of editing tools and texturing techniques?

Vocabulary:

Meshes- Represent 3D objects. Polygonal meshes contain vertices, edges and faces.

Modifiers- Used to change a 3D mesh. Examples include mirror, smoothing, array (patterns), and bevels.

Transformers- Used to manipulate a mesh. Typical modifiers include location, rotation and scale.

Mapping- Relates to texturing a mesh and how the texture appears on an object. Examples include flat, cube, tube, sphere.

Constraints- Commands used to limit or assign movement to an object.

What are the various methods of animating 3D models?

Vocabulary:

Key-framing- Keys placed in timeline with computer calculating in between motion.

Paths- Animation is done by having an object move along a line or curve

Interpolations- (IPOs) The actual animation of an object, usually displayed in a graph.

Curves- Objects used to define paths and control shapes.

Child-Parent- Linking of objects where one is dominant and controls the other.

How do I develop characters using bones and constraints?

Vocabulary:

Constraints- Commands used to limit or assign movement to an object.

Armatures- Skeleton and bone structures used to control meshes in Blender

Inverse Kinematics- Moving an armature string by using the end of the chain.

Meta Shapes- Objects in Blender that attract to each other and bond when moved. Like mercury and water droplets.