Workflow for creating 3d animation (2023)
 |
| 3d animation workflow |
Now a days there are several workflows for creating best 3d renders but in every workflow something is lacking like in blender landscape are not as easy as it is in Unreal Engine 5 but unreal engine 5 don't have the best animation tools as blender so what should be the workflow for creating best possible animation I have divided in the following steps as well as what software I use for awesome results:-
- 3d modeling
- Retopology
- UV
- Texturing
- Rigging
- Animation
- Creating environment
- Import all the assets into unreal engine 5
- Render using movie render queue
Step
1:- 3d modeling
 |
| 3d modeling example |
3D modeling is the
process of creating three-dimensional digital representations of objects,
characters, or environments using specialized software. It involves creating a
wireframe structure and then adding textures, colors, and other details to make
the model appear more realistic.
In 3D modeling, the
artist can manipulate the object from any angle, rotate it, and make
modifications until the desired result is achieved. It is used in a variety of
fields such as film, video games, architecture, product design, and
advertising, to name a few.
My personal preference
is Blender it is a powerful
open-source 3D modeling and animation software that is widely used by
professionals and hobbyists alike. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for
modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, lighting, and rendering, making it an
all-in-one solution for creating 3D content.
Blender has a
user-friendly interface and offers a range of modeling techniques, including
box modeling, sculpting, and polygon modeling. It also features a powerful
node-based material editor and offers support for third-party plugins and
add-ons.
One of the key
advantages of Blender is its active community, which provides a wealth of
resources, tutorials, and support for users of all levels. Overall, Blender is
an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into 3D modeling, whether for
professional or personal projects.
Step
2:- Retopology
 |
| Retopology Example |
Retopology is the
process of creating a new surface topology over an existing 3D model. It
involves recreating the geometry of an object in a more efficient and optimized
way, while still maintaining the overall shape and details of the original
model. Retopology is often used in 3D modeling workflows to create clean,
animation-ready meshes that can be easily rigged and animated.
My personal preference
is Retopoflow it is a popular retopology
add-on for Blender that streamlines the retopology process by providing a range
of tools and workflows to help artists create new topology quickly and easily.
It offers a range of features such as automatic edge loop creation, surface
snapping, and symmetry options, making it ideal for creating complex meshes..
For more info on Retopology view my blog
Step 3 :- UV
UV mapping is a crucial step in the 3D modeling process that involves unwrapping the 3D model's surface onto a 2D plane to create a texture map that can be used to add color, texture, and detail to the model.
The quality of a UV map can greatly affect the final look of a 3D model, as it determines how accurately textures are applied and how well they match the model's geometry, In 3D modeling, UV seams are the edges where the model's surface is split in order to create a UV map, and they can be strategically placed to minimize texture stretching and distortion.
UV maps can be edited and optimized in software such as Photoshop or Substance Painter to improve their quality and make them more efficient for rendering.
 |
| Facial UV |
Step 4 :- Texturing
 |
| PBR Texturing |
Texturing is the
process of adding surface detail, color, and other visual elements to 3D
models. It involves creating a texture map that defines how the surface of an
object should look, including details such as bumps, scratches, and
reflections. Texturing is an important part of the 3D modeling process, as it
can greatly enhance the realism and visual appeal of an object.
Quixel Mixer is a
popular texturing software that offers a range of features and tools to help
artists create high-quality textures for their 3D models. It features a
real-time PBR viewport that allows artists to see the results of their
texturing work in real-time, as well as a range of painting tools for creating
custom textures.
One of the key
advantages of Quixel Mixer is its library of Megascans, which is a collection
of high-quality textures and materials that can be used to create realistic
surfaces for a wide range of objects. The Megascans library includes a range of
materials, such as metals, fabrics, and natural surfaces, as well as 3D scans
of real-world objects that can be used as a basis for creating custom textures.
Step 5 :- Rigging
 |
| Rigging |
Rigging
is an essential part of the animation and game design process. It involves
creating a system of bones, joints, and controls that enable a 3D character or
object to move and perform actions. In this blog, if you want to explore what
rigging is, why it's important, and how it's done and what is the best software
for rigging for free checkout this blog.
For more info on rigging view my blog
Step 6 :- Animation
3D
animation is the creation of moving images in a three-dimensional digital
environment. This type of animation is used in a variety of industries,
including film, television, video games, architecture, and product design.
Unlike traditional 2D animation, 3D animation allows for greater depth,
realism, and interactivity.
My
personal favorite is Blender it is a
robust set of tools and features make it an excellent software for creating high-quality
3D animations for film, video games, and other visual media.
Step 7 :- Creating environment
 |
| 3d environment example |
A 3D environment is a
digital representation of a physical or imaginary space in three dimensions.
These environments can be created using various 3D software tools and can range
from simple models to complex, interactive worlds used in films, video games,
virtual reality, and architecture.
My personal favorite
is Unreal Engine 5 it is a popular game engine that is used to create
high-quality 3D games, virtual reality experiences, and simulations. One of its
key features is the Landscape system, which allows designers to create vast,
detailed outdoor environments with a variety of tools for terrain sculpting,
foliage painting, and dynamic lighting. With Unreal Engine 5 Landscape you can
create expansive and immersive game worlds that feel realistic and awesome.
Step 8 :- Import everything to Unreal Engine 5
 |
| Unreal Engine |
Because
our environment is made in unreal engine 5 we need all of our assets and
animation in unreal engine 5 so that you can use all of them to produce your
animation now you just need to align then as you have imagined it to be.
Step 9 :- Render
 |
| Render from Unreal Engine |
After
adding everything and checking it couple of time then just adjust the export
settings in movie render queue and press export local
And now you have your own awesome
animation
.png)
