What is computer-generated imagery (CGI) in 3D animation?

Understanding computer-generated imagery.

CGI uses computers to create three-dimensional graphics more efficiently. Traditional animation requires painstakingly creating frame-by-frame drawings of characters and scenes, which takes a lot of time and manual effort. CGI still requires time and expertise, but computers do a lot of the heavy lifting for animation teams. As media evolved, so did CGI. Most of us are familiar with CGI from Pixar movies and TV shows, but it’s present in much more than entertainment. This visual technology is used in architecture, engineering, and even medicine.

CGI vs. traditional animation.

CGI is the natural next step for traditional animation, but that doesn’t mean one technique is necessarily better.

CGI is best for:

• Adobe After Effects
• KeyShot
• Cinema 4D

Traditional animation was once better for artistic expression and stylistic appeal, but CGI studios are now pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with CGI.

If you’re trying to decide between CGI vs animation, it’s also possible to combine the two techniques. Sony’s Into the Spider-Verse and Fortiche’s work on Arcane combine hand-drawn animation and CGI effects to create richer experiences and push the boundaries of what’s possible with CGI.

Demystifying the CGI process.

CGI uses computers to speed up the design process, but it isn’t as simple as pressing a button. The CGI creation process involves:

1. Conceptualization and pre-production. The design team works on storyboards, character design, and scene layouts.
2. 3D modeling. At this stage, designers build digital 3D objects, characters, and environments.
3. Texturing. Texture applies color and realistic details to 3D models.
4. Rigging. Rigging adds a digital skeleton for movement and flexibility.
5. Animation. Designers use the established foundation to bring the 3D models to life and add movement.
6. Lighting. Virtual lighting creates ambiance and makes the scene more realistic.
7. Rendering. This converts the 3D scene into a 2D image or animation.
8. Post-production. The designers add final touches, effects, and edits to make the scene production ready.

The magic of CGI 3D animation.

The rise of memorable films like Toy Story, Frozen, and Moana shows how mesmerizing CGI 3D animation can be. This animation process isn’t just visually appealing, but it also enhances storytelling and audience engagement by creating relatable characters and realistic scenes.

CGI might seem like magic to everyday audiences, but it takes real technical skill to pull off. Technical skills and software tools like Substance 3D, Blender, Maya, and Adobe After Effects are the bedrock of CGI 3D animation.

The future of CGI and beyond.

CGI is incredibly popular in the entertainment industry, but that’s just the beginning. CGI has limitless potential, especially in an age when virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming more accessible to everyday consumers.

Architects use CGI to simulate designs, medical professionals use it to enhance life-saving scans, and educators use the technology for immersive learning experiences. There is so much to learn about CGI, so it’s best to delve deeper into this technology through courses, tutorials, and online resources.

Unlocking 3D potential: Adobe Substance 3D as your creative partner.

CGI 3D animation is the foundation of modern media. While it might seem like effortless magic on the surface, it requires both an artistic eye and technical skills.

Now that you have foundational knowledge about CGI, you’re poised to appreciate — and perhaps even contribute to — the expanding world of CGI.