Computers and animation go hand in hand. It is quite obvious that computer animation is the future of animation. However, what is animation exactly? What do the words mean? What is computer graphics?
Animation is the visual art of producing a representation using computer hardware, software, and other media. Computer animation uses the medium of visual images to produce a three-dimensional (or “realistic”) representation of a subject, scene, or environment. While computer graphics are an offshoot of animation, they are often confused with it. Let’s take a look at the differences between computer graphics and animation.
The Differences
The key difference between computer graphics and animation is the technology used to create the image. While some computer-generated images can be completely computer-generated, many computer-animated images are still produced by hand. When a photographer creates a photo by placing a camera on a target, the shot is considered to be a computer-generated image. The same is true when an author writes a book or creates any other type of work using a word processing program. In both cases, an artist places the focus on a point, makes a mark, or draws a shape with a pencil on paper and then copies it on some other material.
The difference between computer-generated images and computer animation is the medium involved. For example, computer-generated television pictures use the computer CPU to draw the images. Images are then shown on a monitor or television screen. The image displayed on the screen is what you see in the program. This form of computer animation is more popular than conventional film animation, but what is it?
There are many different types of animation. Motion graphics, 3D animation, cartoon drawing, filmstrip drawing, and others are all forms of computer animation. Filmstrip animation is the earliest form of animation that was used on home television screens. It uses a moving picture series with a single panel displaying the scene view in repeating cycles.
Animation can create an illusion of reality and allow the artist to play around with visual effects. Many computer-generated images are produced as a result of combining two images. One example of this would be a photograph and a video or game simulation combined into one image. The image that is created is not a photograph, nor is it a video game or movie. These images are typically created by applying special effects, filmstrip patterns, and other processing techniques.
The creation of a computer-generated image can take a long time since the image needed must be drawn in advance, the color scheme created, the composition of the image, and other factors need to be followed. It takes patience, skill, and knowledge of how to operate a computer graphic program to create a nice image. Some individuals who create their images may choose to draw all of the elements of the image in a certain order. This allows the artist more control over the finished image.
In The Final Analysis
The difference between computer graphics and animation can be determined on a very basic level. Both computer-generated images and real photographs and video games have become part of everyday life for many people. Computer animation gives artists and designers the ability to recreate some of the most beautiful scenery and images that are available to us through the eyes of a photographer. Computer graphics has opened the door to some of the most amazing products on the market for consumers.
If you have enjoyed the stunning images found on computer monitors and other display devices, you may appreciate the process of computer animation. Animation is not a new field of art production. Since the inception of the first computer, the possibilities have been developing exponentially. A computer-animated film can take your breath away when it mimics the look and feel of actually seeing an image on a screen instead of just reading about it. The advancements in digital image production and animation are becoming more noticeable every year.
There are some different applications for computer graphics and animation. It is possible to create some of the most realistic images and artwork possible. You may use these images to help create marketing materials or other promotional material that will help spread the word about your business. The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination.
As you can see, the difference between computer graphics and animation is very subtle. Both still and video images can be highly polished and produced exceedingly well using complex computer programs. The next time you are browsing images on the Internet, pay close attention to the details. The images could all be created with a simple, computer-generated graphic tool.
