Humans perceive the world with depth, which is why 3D illustrations and designs inherently captivate—especially in comparison to their 2D counterparts. Research conducted by the University of Warwick found that participants exhibited greater satisfaction, comprehension, and confidence when presented with diagnoses accompanied by 3D images rather than 2D ones.
For designers, mastering the ability to convey concepts in three dimensions is immensely valuable. The exciting part? It’s now simpler and more within reach than ever before. Here’s your guide to 3D graphic design, including how to initiate your journey into the realm of Animation Design.
Table of Content:
- What Exactly Is 3d Graphic Design?
- Which Software Do Animation Designers Employ for 3d Graphic Design?
- How Do You Learn 3d Graphic Design?
What exactly is 3D graphic design?
Messages through visual elements. It’s pervasive, appearing in posters, website interfaces, logos, infographics, book covers, and more.
On the flip side, 3D design involves utilizing computer graphics software to represent objects in a three-dimensional space. As the term implies, 3D graphic design integrates 3D elements—such as icons, illustrations, and text—into graphic design endeavors. This yields striking visuals that can offer a competitive edge over 2D-centric designs.
Which software do Animation Designers employ for 3D graphic design?
A diverse array of 3D software exists in the market, catering to varied budgets, skill levels, and project demands especially for animation designer. Below are some commonly encountered options.
1. Blender
Blender is a renowned free, open-source tool for 3D animation design, offering features such as texturing, sculpting, and animation. It’s widely embraced for its robust capabilities, lack of cost, and abundant educational materials, catering to both novice and seasoned 3D designers. However, its interface may pose initial challenges due to its complexity.
2. Cinema 4D
Describing itself as comprehensive 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software, Cinema 4D is known for its user-friendly nature compared to Blender. However, it comes with a monthly subscription fee starting at EUR103.32, making it more geared towards professionals in the field.
3. Vectary
Vectary emerges as a user-friendly tool democratizing 3D graphic design, even for individuals without prior 3D experience. It enables the creation of 3D designs directly in a web browser, with the option to embed entire scenes into websites. Think of it as akin to Figma, but tailored for 3D design projects.
4. Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya, commonly referred to as Maya, predominantly serves the creation of 3D assets for video games, films, and television productions. While favored by professional 3D artists and FX specialists, it comes with a hefty price tag, starting at $1,785 per year.
How do you learn 3D graphic design?
For those inclined towards formal education in 3D graphic design and illustration, several avenues exist. One option is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or fine arts with a focus to be a 3D Animation Designer or pursuing a career in a animation design company. Alternatively, considering a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, such as the program offered by the University of Nevada, can be beneficial.
However, not everyone has the luxury of time or resources for a degree program. Thankfully, numerous affordable online resources facilitate learning. Here are a few noteworthy options:
1. Blender 3.0 Beginner Tutorial by Blender Guru
This widely viewed (and free!) YouTube series imparts fundamental skills in Blender and core aspects of 3D graphic design like modeling, lighting, and rendering, all while crafting a 3D donut. It has amassed millions of views and inspired numerous donut-themed memes.
2. Become a 3D Illustrator by Polygon Runway
Tailored for beginners, this 3D course guides learners through Blender basics, progressing from simple cubic designs to vibrant low poly illustrations. Priced at $297 before tax, it offers comprehensive learning. For those on a tighter budget, Polygon Runway also shares excellent 3D tutorials on YouTube, available for free.
3. Additional courses
Online platforms like Udemy and Skillshare present affordable courses on 3D design, illustration, and modeling. Skillshare offers an Introduction to Cinema 4D for those interested in diving into animation creation, while Udemy features a popular course on 3D modeling using Blender.
Contact us to explore how 3D graphic design can enhance your visual projects and captivate your audience.