The difference between 3D and traditional (2D) animation courses depends on the relative ease of technicalities involved. 2D animation creations are also known as the traditional form of animation, while 3D animation features are the latest technological advances in the graphic world.
The debate of which course is better for you, 2D animation or 3D animation, requires you to go through a few points of differentiation between the two. If you are looking for animation courses after 12th exam and wondering which of the two to opt for, find out more about them below.
3D vs. 2D – Which Is Better?
Deciding which animation is better for you can be tricky if you do not undermine the differences, pros and cons of each. After all, which are the best animation courses after the 12th, is subjective and depends on the preference of the aspirants.
Traditional animation typically refers to 2D animation. 2D animation is considered an easy choice by many over 3D animation. However, 3D animation brings the virtual world to reality, creating marvellous graphic effects. Apart from preference and perception, a few practical criteria set them apart. From technical skills required for each to tools and criteria, let’s find out the difference between 2D animation and 3D.
Technical Skills
The vital technical involvement in 2D animation includes both drawing and illustration. A 2D animator should have the skills to make flawless sketches of the characters, their backgrounds, and other elements in the story. They should also have some insights into animal and human anatomy, whether drawing on paper or digital canvas.
On the other hand, 3D animation has a different approach. Polygon modelling is an important aspect of 3D animation cartoons and stories. Through polygons, the 3D structure of buildings and characters can be created. Also, sculpting is a major aspect of making 3D images. Several 3D sculpting tools and software are available in the market.
To create adequate motion and symmetry in the drawings, the animator should have sound knowledge in the fields of trigonometry, geometry, energy, mathematics, gravity, motion, and more. Other technological skills that are required in the subject of 3D animations include:
- Lighting: Optimal illumination and lighting ensure that the 3D characters and other images are vivid. Adjusting light intensity makes the images visually appealing to the eyes and modifying the color gives a sense of realism.
- Rendering: Through rendering, different processes like Arnold, Blender’s Cycle, and V-Ray are initiated.
- Rigging: Skeletal creation and skinning are two important aspects of rigging that 3D animators should be aware of. Software tools are available to create these 3D skeletal models. During skinning, the character is provided with a complete appearance. The control system monitors the movement and rigs of animation.
Other technical skills common to 2D and 3D animation include colour theory, visualisation, and storytelling. However, such extensive knowledge in different fields is exclusive to 3D animation, making the process more complicated than 2D animation.
Creativity
The aspect of creativity is common to both 2D and 3D animation, but the approach differs. For 2D animation, you need artistic expression, imaginative storytelling, and engaging designs.
- Artistic Appeal: Personal style and drawing skills are unique to every 2D animator. With expressive and unique characters, no two 2D animators are the same.
- Imaginative Story: 2D animators can escape the constraint of realism to create a more exaggerated storyline of the fantasy world. This offers more creative freedom in 2D animation.
- Styling Flexibility: A wide range of artistic styles are involved in 2D animation, from traditional hand-drawn images to the latest digital method.
- Designing Creativity: A strong sense of design is required for 2D animation, whether it’s visuals, characters, background, or other elements.
3D animations must be visually pleasing, designed for aptitude, and exclusive storytelling.
- Building the Virtual World: The animator should be able to create an imaginative 3D world with an immersive experience that includes a proper environment, atmospheric effects, and props.
- Realism and Detailing: Both realism and details are important aspects of the 3D world, comprising texture, models, lighting, rigging, and other vital components of animation.
- Characters: Motion capture is used for realistic and smooth movement of the characters, offering believable aspects to the scene.
Required Tools
Tools used for 2D and 3D animation vary, and here’s a list of common tools required for both. The tools for 3D creation are certainly more complex.
These are some of the tools for 2D animation:
- Adobe Animate: Vector-based animated characters are made with this tool.
- TVPaint: This software is used for hand-drawn animation.
- Pencil2D: This is an open-source tool that uses hand-drawn animations.
- Blender( Grease Pencil): This tool is effective for both 3D and 2D animation.
- Krita: It’s a digital painting tool widely used in 2D animation.
- Toon Boom Harmony: It’s a professional tool widely used for hand-drawn and cut-out animations.
- Synfig Studio: This is an open-source software required in 2D animation for vector-based creation.
- OpenToonZ: This is another open-source software used by professionals in studios.
Popular tools used in 3D animation:
- Blender: This is a 3D tool that supports modelling, animation, rigging, simulation, composting, and motion tracking.
- Autodesk Maya: Required for creating models, visual effects, and other video games.
- Cinema 4D: Rendering, animation, and modelling are done through this user-friendly interface. Integration and other design tools are also integrated in this trait.
- Autodesk 3ds Max: Features like game development, production, and architectural visualisation are covered with Autodesk 3ds Max.
- Houdini: Procedural generations like visual effects and complex simulation, as well as node-based workflow for intricacies in the animation, are initiated through Houdini.
- Modo: Sculpting, rendering, and 3D modelling are powerful tools integrated with this system.
- Cinema 4D: Through animation, rendering, and 3D modelling, this platform makes it a user-friendly interface to work on.
- SketchUp: This software is primarily used for interior designing and architectural visualisation.
Conclusion
Choosing between 2D and 3D animation depends on your interests and strengths. 2D animation might be the right fit if you love hand-drawn art and storytelling. On the other hand, if you’re excited by technology and working in a three-dimensional space, 3D animation could be your path. Both fields offer exciting opportunities, and exploring animation courses after 12th can help you gain the skills needed to succeed in either. Find the course that aligns with your career goals and creative vision.
Explore animation courses after the 12th at Moople and kickstart your creative journey today!
FAQs
Q1. Is there a future in 3D animation?
3D animation is based on AI advances and is estimated to make further progress soon, making it a lucrative career choice.
Q2. Can you do animation courses after the 12th?
After boards, one can opt for a BSc in animation or join other latest animation courses after the 12th to pursue a career in 3D animation.
Q3. What makes 3D animation better than 2D animation?
2D animation is tedious and time-consuming, which can be skipped in 3D animation with more technical involvement.
