They’ve been a part of our daily lives for years, and many times you’ve probably gone unnoticed. If you’ve ever wondered what CGI animations are, where they appear, and how they’re made, we’ll tell you!
We live in a constantly evolving world that demands companies assert their identity from a new perspective, where developing a good logo becomes more than just a detail—it’s essential.
Building a solid identity is no easy task. Some logos are simply the image of a company, but the goal of a logo is to embody the company in a single image. These are the result of a process of analysis and professional development.
What are CGI animations?
CGI animations are computer-generated images. The acronym stands for computer-generated imagery. They are used to create scenes, characters, or effects using specialized software for integration into various projects. We can make them look as realistic as possible or create 3D animations that don’t aim for realism.
What are CGI animations used for?
There are countless fields where we encounter CGI animations and designs. Undoubtedly, one of the first applications that comes to mind is video games, which test our skills and abilities through this type of development.
Another area that everyone thinks of is film, and here’s something interesting: its use isn’t exclusive to animated films or those requiring special effects. Many other feature films use it simply to create sets that would be much more expensive or difficult to achieve otherwise. Even if it’s just to retouch a facade and give it the desired look, or add a light, a sign, or any other architectural detail, CGI is present, and sometimes we don’t even realize it.
Generally, both films and video games capture the movement of actors in special suits, who move along a grid of coordinates on the ground, and then add the necessary effects.
The next field where this type of software is used is architecture. These professionals learn how CGI animations are created because they are fundamental to their work. This allows them to create computer models of buildings before presenting them or for advertising to potential clients.
Marketing and advertising have also used CGI animations to convey a message, the value of a brand, or its meaning. Having experts who can capture your essence through this technique is a valuable asset.
How are CGI animations made?
Understanding how CGI animation is created is a process that goes far beyond simply producing the pieces with specialized software. There are many steps involved in achieving the desired result and effectively conveying your intended message. In this case, we can focus on its applications for marketing and advertising. Ready?
1. What do we need to say?
Before getting started, it’s essential to know what you want to convey, whether it’s about a brand, a product, or a service. What do you need to say? This is fundamental to ensuring the final result meets your client’s or brand’s needs while keeping their target audience in mind.
Once you know, you can begin developing your story to achieve that goal and deliver the message effectively. Think about it: Will your story have characters? What objects appear? Where does it take place? What do you need to add? Do you know? Then… let’s move on to the next step.
2. Storyboard
It’s time to get out your sketchbook and drawing pencils. To create CGI animations, you need to know what you’re going to tell and how. For that, you need to sketch your storyline, your characters, and everything that will appear.
How do you want to visually convey the message? Who appears? What are they like? What objects appear, and what happens to them? You’ll need to understand these points and sketch from different angles, or, if there are characters, also with different expressions and 3D illustrations.
It’s not the same to tell the emotional journey of a consumer toward a satisfying purchase, for example, as it is to create a CGI animation designed to explain how one of our products works.
Got it? Great, consult with your client and explain the reasoning behind it all, show them sketches. Do they like the concept? Then next step: production.
3. Computer Design
Now we have to delve into creating that whole story using animation software. Knowing how to make CGI animations isn’t a simple process. First, you’ll have to choose the depth of field, if you’re going to use it, or create the camera effects.
Then, you start shaping your character, initially in a basic way, with geometric modules. Once the structure is created, you’ll then have to start giving it volume, expression, movement—that grace and life characteristic of a CGI animation. Don’t forget to apply lighting, shadows, textures, and details that make all the difference in bringing your message, your story, and what you need to say to life. Knowing how to create CGI animations is half the battle, not just because of technical skill, which is also important, but because you can make the difficult things you want to express seem easy.
If you can communicate and simplify the complex, you’ll have a significant advantage. Need help? Our 3D animation experts at salago.design.com can tell the world who you are. We make your story a reality.
