3D Artists And Popular 3D Animation Software

3D Artists have always amazed us with their creativity and here we have a list of 3D animation software that helps them design and develop these animated models or characters.

Some of the most remarkable 3D animation software includes -

Autodesk Maya- One of the most commonly used 3D software and better known as 'Maya'. The name 'Maya' has been taken from Sanskrit, which means 'Illusion'. The software is supported on various operating systems like- Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Maya was primarily released for IRIX, an OS until 2006. The software has been developed and owned by Autodesk Inc. Maya helps in building interactive 3D applications like- animated movies, ad campaigns, games, and various visual effects. The Software also helps in 3D architecture, gaming, and character animation.

Autodesk 3ds Max- Yet another powerful tool which is loved by 3D Artists. The software was previously known as 3D Studio Max. The software creates exceptional 3D animations, character models, architectural models, and images. Autodesk 3ds Max, as the name suggests has been developed by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. The software has specific 3D modeling capabilities as well as various plugin features. It is supported on the Microsoft Windows Operating system. Autodesk 3ds Max is most commonly used by game developers, animation studios, and architectural visualization studios. The software has been proven compatible for various movie effects and movie pre-visualization process. Moreover, the latest version of the software have features like- Ambient Occlusion, Subsurface scattering, particle systems, radiosity, dynamic simulation, normal map creation, rendering, global illumination, customizable user interface, and scripting language.

CINEMA 4D - A well-known 3D animation, modeling, and rendering application designed and developed by MAXON Computer GmbH Germany. The software is best known for its 3D animation, procedural and polygonal/SUBD modeling, lighting, texturing, and rendering. Cinema 4D also offers common features from 3D modeling applications. The software has its own unique programming language known as C.O.F.F.E.E. The language helps in building platform independent plugins. The tool is also available in the free plug-in mode. One of the important features put up by the company includes the availability of the software in three different versions. The three versions include- the core CINEMA 4D application, the XL-Bundle, and the Studio-Bundle. The CINEMA 4D is compatible with Windows Operating System and Macintosh. The software has been widely used for generating 3D animation movies and games. It features high-end rendering, shading, creating textures, and high- resolution video and images.

Forms of Entertainment That Use Large Venues

Entertainment is usually considered a luxury that alleviates the moods of people and fosters enjoyment for the duration it is done. There are many different forms and some of these need larger venues than others. The reality of it is that enjoyment can be had in even the smallest form, which is hanging out with friends and having a good time together or just reading a good book in a quiet room. Some kinds of enjoyment are sometimes best enjoyed with large groups of people in a large place. Setting up the ambience for these kinds of places can be part of the responsibilities of the people who owns the venue or the artists who will be entertaining the people.

Concerts

These kinds of entertainment come in different forms and sizes. These are usually interacted by the artists and the audiences through forms of singing and dancing with some verbal communication in between. The larger concerts often need arenas and stadiums that can house several thousands of fans. Producers for these concerts often spend a lot for both visual and auditory enjoyment of the people who buy the tickets. It is important that the people enjoy themselves immensely in order for the following concerts to be a success in other places.

In some states, there are limitations when it comes to the variety of enjoyment that the artists will show or give to their fans. Some singers and dancers have very striking gimmicks that titillate the sense of their audiences and inspire them to spread how good the concert was by word of mouth.

Sports

The different kinds of sports can also be entertaining and can require the use of a large venue. These forms of entertainment usually happen seasonally and have their own schedules to follow. Many of the sports require stadiums that have the capacity to house thousands of sports fans.

The events can be done during the day as well as at night. The venues usually have facilities to cater to the needs of the thousands of fans, such as comfort rooms, lights for the bleachers and the game venue, food and many others. These facilities are important especially for venues that can hold a lot of people and their needs. The government makes sure that cleanliness and other requirements are met in order for the facility to operate and be open to the public. Tickets for the games or sports are usually sold before the games themselves, some are seasonally sold and bought by sports fans while others can be sold at the stadium on the day of the game. This form of entertainment can have enthusiastic audiences who root for their teams and often have different ways to encourage their team and discourage the opponents.

These are two of the bigger forms of entertainment that often require larger venues. The places where they are held often need to have different facilities that cater to the needs of the people who buy tickets for the concert or the games and be entertained.

The Benefits of Theatre Programs for Kids

If you want to get your child involved in an activity, you should consider putting him or her in theatre. The performing arts can be beneficial in many ways for young kids. Find out why you are advised to give this extracurricular activity a chance, no matter how old or young your child is.

One of the best things performing arts can teach is self-confidence. Many kids are afraid of being on stage at first, but that fear goes away once they do it successfully at least once. When children learn that they can perform in front of a large audience, they often feel like they can do anything since they have conquered a fear. Some even end up addicted to that feeling, leading to them pursuing a variety of performing arts, including theatre, dance, or choir. If you want your child to develop this kind of confidence and excitement over performing, you should enroll him or her in a class that allows kids to get up on stage and act.

Young actors also learn responsibility when they take theatre courses. They have to learn a script, remember where they need to be on stage, and use props correctly. While these steps can be hard at first, they are very possible to learn over time. In fact, kids often realize that others are depending on them, so they feel they need to do it all well, leading to them succeeding at these tasks. In this way, both responsibility and teamwork are taught in the theatre.

Finally, your son or daughter will likely make some good friends when involved in a play. Acting requires frequent rehearsals, intense performances, and a lot of cooperation among several people. When children all go through this type of experience together, they often become close, especially after spending weeks or even months rehearsing with each other. This is great if you want your child to gain more friends, many of which may even be there for life after being in theatre together.

Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities for children to reap these benefits. Most cities offer several programs of this type for children of all ages. Though young children may have trouble memorizing a script, they can still have fun with the whole experience, and many actors do get started quite young. Of course, older kids often have a lot of fun, too, making memories that will probably last a lifetime. If you think these benefits sound good, you should find out about some local performing arts groups that cater to young actor

Show Your Art Online: Helpful Tips for Artists

Getting your art noticed by a wide audience is easier than ever before thanks to the many options offered on the internet for networking. Blogging, social media and more all make it easier to showcase your art online and get the word out to those who are interested. Any artist can create a strong online presence with a few simple tips.

Open an Etsy Shop

Etsy is one of the premier places people go to shop for art online, and features all kinds of home and handmade art, jewelry, clothing and more. No matter what the type of art you create, you can find a home and a buyer for it on Etsy.

Opening an Etsy store is free and places you among a community of other artists who are working to create a stronger online presence for their creations. Items sold on Etsy are often featured in magazines which can help you to get noticed and sell your art.

Use Social Media Outlets

It costs you nothing to share your art online through social media outlets like Facebook. Set up your own free Facebook page and then invite all of your friends to join. Ask them to share the link to your page with others on Facebook. Consider a giveaway drawing when you reach a certain milestone number of friends; this will encourage people to share the link and invite others to join.

Post regular status updates on Facebook and also on Twitter to keep the buzz going and ensure people don't forget about you! Make sure to include information on where to find your art locally and how to contact you to make it easy.

Start a Blog

Blogging is a great way to keep up an online presence and also get people interested in your daily life as an artist. Remember to keep it interesting; funny anecdotes and tidbits of information will keep people reading and have them sharing your blog with friends. Keep blog posts short and relevant and make sure to post frequently enough to keep people reading - but don't overload them with blog posts either!

You can start a free blog and even have it hosted for free through some of the many free blogging interfaces available including Blogger, Tumblr, and WordPress. Buy your own domain and redirect the blog there for a more professional appearance.

Network with Other Artists

There are a wide variety of artist forums and website where you can get in contact with other artists and find out what has worked for them. Some of the best places to discuss art online with other artists just like you are artistforum.com and wetcanvas.com. You can upload your art, get advice and critiques in a safe, friendly place, and find out more about the online artists' community.

You'll also get helpful information about selling your art online and tips for saving on supplies, getting your art noticed locally and more.

The internet offers artists a wide variety of helpful ways to share their work, find interested buyers and connect with other artists. Take advantage of all of the opportunities the internet provides for your art to shine.

You Must Be Brave to Watch Brave The Movie

From the opening teaser, a little girl about five years old sitting behind me blurted out, "That scared my heart." Brave is one of the most suspenseful children's movies that I have ever seen. For young children, it can be a little scary. That same child managed to climb into her mother's lap during the movie and was being held tightly. Even my nine and a half -year old wanted to leave during some pivotal battle scenes. I had to have her bury her head into my shoulder and hide her face from some truly gut-wrenching scenes. At one point the little girl started to whimper and her mother told her to cut it out. Though maybe not the best approach, I did understand.

You see, the Brave trailers that I saw on television did not exactly portray the story. I was lead to believe Brave was a movie about a young princesses coming of age who chooses her destiny to be a warrior instead of the wife of a prince. While that was a subplot, it was a small part. The movie is not about the young lady coming into her destiny, but the unintended consequences of choosing one's path. Plus, the bravery it takes to pursue your destiny when others have a different plan for your life. In Merida's case, it was her parents, especially her mother. Brave is a mother-daughter movie.

It is a good movie for mothers to take pre-adolescents, especially in relationships where tension is rising as daughters search for their independence. The catalyst in the plot is a relationship between a strong-willed adolescent and a mother who "knows" best. Though sometimes the battles were hard to watch, I, like the other mother, wanted our daughters to fully embrace the message of the movie. It was during the battle scenes that you saw the fierce loyalty and devotion of the mother and the daughter to each other. And I do mean fierce literally. But, to children, seeing one's mother in danger as Merida experienced is hard to watch, regardless of how outstanding the animation.

And I am not sure what exactly what Pixar is, but I loved the animation just the same. The transformation of the bear in the story is mesmerizing. I am sure I enjoyed it more than my daughter, who asked me to take her to see it. She was looking for the comedy of the mischievous little brothers and a little girl power. She got more than she bargained for. As a mother, I appreciated the growth of Queen Elinor and Merida as well as the expression of the depth of the mother-daughter bond. I also like to see women kick a little butt. I would like to see it again in 3D. All in all, I thought it was a very original movie.

Why Animated Cartoon Video Is the Best Video for Your Business

In animation, unlike videos shot with a camera, independent pictures are put together to give the viewer an illusion of continuous motion. In other words, animation gives shape to our imagination. That is, it is a technique through which something imaginative can be given a shape in a video. Cartoons are the leading examples of animation. Other uses of animation can be seen in the fields of astronomy, telecom, education and engineering etc. An animation sequence conveys much more information than what a page of text or an image does in general.

An animated cartoon video is in much demand these days. They can communicate a complex idea or message in a much simpler way. For example, in education sector the common sight of chalk and blackboard may put off any child's mood, but with the use of cartoons any child can be convinced about an idea. Similarly, the important part of a large data can be animated to give it a different look. The benefits of using cartoons in a video are such that they are also being used in commercial sectors.

With sophistication in animation technology animated cartoon videos have become the general way to promote and advertise a product. In such videos cartoons, in a much more delicate way, do all that an actor do in a commercial video. The advantages associated with using cartoons in an animated cartoon video are:

Can be of an animal as well: Such cartoon, apart from being of a person, can be of an animal as well. The point is clear: the requirement of showing a real animal is done away with. Plus, an animated cartoon of an animal or a person can do much more than what a real animal or person can do.

Convenience: Needless to mention that using cartoons in a video is much more convenient than using real actors or animals therein.

Come with special traits: An animated cartoon maker credits them with a special trait. The idea behind this is to make them not only memorable but also lovable at the same time. This is also done to facilitate the communication of information.

Targets specific audience: The cartoons are made to target a specific set of audience. That means, audiences are chosen before finalizing a character.

Time and cost factor: By using cartoon characters an animated cartoon maker can quickly produce an animated cartoon video and that too at an affordable cost.

Weaved around a story: These characters are beautifully weaved around a story to give the video the effect of a movie.

Cartoons in such videos can create wonder with the movement of the message of the video. They can communicate it as simply as making children read a comic book!

What Is a Tablet Computer? A Guide for Beginners

What is a Tablet Computer? Clearing up the myths

Many computing beginners are being given a tough decision in 2012, whether or not to buy a tablet computer, Android Tablet or iPad, and many are not sure what is a tablet computer?! With sales tactics as brutal as ever lets try and clear up what you should be looking for in a tablet and what exactly is a tablet computer. Wikipedia defines a tablet as:

A a tablet, is a mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard. It often uses an onscreen virtual keyboard, a passive stylus pen, or a digital pen.

So if you wish you can think of a tablet as a beefed up smartphone. A tablet typically has faster processors, more memory and a bigger screen than a smartphone, it is a computer on the move for most people. Another way to think of a tablet computer is as a smaller Laptop. If you find you do not need all the power a typical laptop can deliver than perhaps a tablet computer will have a good use for yourself.

Why buy a Tablet Computer?

There are many reasons for buying a tablet, but for most it will be the extreme portability and small form-factor. By the standards of 2012 most laptops are too bulky for us, so a tablet is the perfect space saving device. For others you may be convinced to buy a tablet to use as an eBook reader. This is a great alternative to carrying around bulky and heavy books, especially when travelling. Finally you may want to purchase a tablet for the great App Stores and gaming opportunities, which are only getting stronger.

In our opinion the best reason to own a tablet is for easy internet browsing. Since Tablets tend to turn on instantly, you can quickly check your email on the sofa, or the name of the actor in the film you're watching. A great deal of us in 2012 are connected to the internet by WiFi or 3G, and tablets offer both connection methods, making a tablet even better than most laptops for internet on the move.

How does a Tablet differ to my Desktop Computer?

Portability, portability, portability. None of us want to be tied to any desk by our computers. Consider using a cooking recipe on the internet, with a tablet you can take this straight into the kitchen with you. As for most laptops and all desktops this isn't the case, portability is the name of the game, and tablet computers deliver this.

In terms of architecture and processing power tablets have a much lower capability. However, the operating system loaded on a tablet (usually Android) requires much less power to run, and is designed to improve battery life. A decent tablet will have around 5 to 12 hours of battery life for constant use. Typical processor speeds of tablets are between 800mhz and 1.5ghz. Typical RAM memory for a tablet is around the 512mb mark, obviously seek for this number to be as high as possible. Typical memory of a tablet is anywhere between 2gb and 64gb, you should seek an amount which suits your needs. If you use a tablet only as a internet browser then lower (2gb) is fine. If you plan on watching films on your tablet aim for as high as possible (32gb - 64gb.)

What can I do with my Tablet Computer?

There's a huge list of what can be achieved with a tablet computer. This list is constantly growing as more apps are released, improving the capabilities of all android tablets. Lets cover the main points in the following list; 

• Browse the Internet
• Use as an eBook reader
• Create and edit office documents
• Use as a personal media player
• A digital photo frame
• Use your tablet as a personal assistant with alarms, calendars and reminders
• Send and receive email
• Edit photographs
• Take photographs (Built in camera required)

In summary when wondering what is a tablet computer? Just remind yourself, they're just like small laptops or large smartphones. With loads of capabilities and functions, they're lightweight and great for travelling. When buying remember to ask the right questions and always buy the best quality tablet you can afford, so it will last you years to come. Enjoy your new tablet computer, you'll love being able to get onto the internet whenever and wherever you like

Go for an Animated Audio Video Production

Audio video productions have several advantages associated with them. They can be made to impart education, give training, entertain people and advertise a product. Advertising videos made with animation makes the message of the video more effective. Use of animation in advertising videos has done away with the requirement of large, bulky cameras which were not affordable to many of us.

An audio video production made with animation differs widely from the audio video production done without animation. Some of the differences between the two are:

Production cost: Producing animated videos are better value for money in comparison to videos made with real actors. Animated videos don't require the services of models or use of expensive cameras. This makes them easier to produce and since they are made with the specific software they also cost less.

Time taken to produce: With all the professionals sitting under one roof, animated videos are produced from a single location. This makes the video being produced in a lesser time in comparison to videos made with real models who may not be available at a particular time.

Target audience: An animation maker can make the animated video target a specific set of audience, but this is not the case with television audience as categorization with them is generally not possible.

Hassle free viewing: Viewers of television videos cannot choose to view them as per their wish, whereas animated videos can be viewed as many times as one wants.

Viral effect: Television videos cannot be shared; this makes them incapable of turning into viral videos. On the other hand, animated videos can be uploaded on different networking sites to make viewers share them with more and more people.

An animation maker with its animators, graphic designers and story board artists etc. can make a video do more in lesser time to promote the products and services of a business. The audio video production done by them could simply be hard to miss. An animation maker makes the video keeping in mind the above mentioned points. They go deep into the specific requirements of a client, like understanding his business objective, knowing his target audience, his tastes and preferences in terms of graphics and characters etc.

They use the characters to enhance the message and look of the video. Characters could be of an animal or a person. They can invoke a particular emotion in viewers so that they can share the video with several people several times, for instance they can be shown to get excited or feel nervous, thus making the viewers also feel the same

How to Choose a Good 2D Animation Studio

An animation studio can portray moving images in 2D and 3D view. Choosing a good 2D animation studio is important in order to get graphics and other elements, such as cartoons, as per one's wishes. They can make an animated cartoon video according to the prevailing trend in the market.

How to choose a good 2D animation studio

By looking at their testimonials: Testimonials can be a great way to way to know how a company has performed, in terms of quality and quantity, till date. Testimonials are the feedback of the clients who have availed the services of an animation studio. Being in a better position to voice their opinion, negative and positive, their testimony can help a new entity to make out whether to choose or reject a studio.

By looking at their past work: Past work consists of videos that are already made by a studio. By looking thoroughly, a video can reveal about the quality of graphics, the uniqueness of character, the way a message is communicated and the overall feel generated by a video.

By looking at their client list: More often than not, you will always find a dedicated section showing the clients list of an animation studio. A studio having a global client may be leading other such studios. And having varied clients mean the vast exposure a studio has received in terms of doing a variety of videos.

By looking at their work force: A good animation studio will always have a dedicated team of animators, graphic designers, story board artists and script writers. Take your time to make out to know the professional level of people on their team.

By looking at the awards or the recognition they have attained over the years: Awards and recognition can reveal a lot about a dynamic and proficient animation studio. Recognition from someone capable means that a studio is not merely doing its work but also doing it qualitatively.

By looking at the price at which they are making a video: Price can also be a determining factor in choosing a studio. A proficient studio will always make the best use of all its resources, thus coming up with a video at a competitive price.

By looking at their post production services: It is better to clear beforehand about the post production services that a studio is offering. Try enquiring about the post production services that a studio is willing to provide you.

The State of 3D Computer Animation Today

With the presence of animation software along with the number of talented animators that are active nowadays, 3D computer animation is surely receiving quite a boost in today's business world.

With the capabilities of computers nowadays, any skilled animator can come up with a 3D animation piece with just a simple laptop or desktop computer along with the right software. One such software that is easy to master is Illusion Mage. Of course there exists more advanced hardware and software that can enable anyone to create tantalizing 3D animated presentations. But let's just say that today is a fresh time for 3D for many interested individuals and groups, and Illusion Mage is perfect for getting started.

3D computer animation is at the heart of many businesses today. People working in the media and advertising industry make heavy use of 3D animation. Uses which include movies, documentaries, television commercials, and cartoons.

3D animation is also useful in the engineering and architecture fields. It enables architects and engineers to render and see multiple perspectives of one image. It is useful in mathematics and science research too. It is also useful in medicine, where imaging the body is important, and in art, where artists can use their talents on a canvas beyond 2D.

3D computer animation is also increasingly becoming useful for businesses whose fields do not directly involve 3D, but nevertheless rely on the role of 3D for modern marketing. Presentations during meetings often become livelier through the use of 3D. Customers today are more enthralled with 3D presentations than with the usual 2D presentations. Business websites can also benefit from videos with three-dimensional presentations.

From the industrial, marketing, and artistic uses of 3D computer animation, we can deduce many advantages. Here they are:

• 3D can convey relationships that are difficult to express in words or even through normal pictures. For instance, in mathematics, some of the properties of 3D figures become less obvious when viewed in 2D. Also, in science, 3D can give us more information about, for example, molecules or movements of particles.


• 3D can recreate many scenes in which live re-enactment is too difficult, too expensive, or too dangerous. For instance, accidents, the functions of the human body, and the inner workings of certain instruments can be recreated through 3D. It is also useful for visualizing something that does not exist yet (or no longer exists), such as a building or a house.


• 3D can easily capture the attention of viewers. Such a property is useful for marketing. The sheer unusualness of 3D is considered enough for many viewers to take careful notice. Also, viewers can retain three-dimensional images in their minds more easily than they can retain two-dimensional illustrations since they are more realistic.


• 3D is also immensely educational. Beginning architects, for example, just move a three-dimensional image of a building back and forth without difficulty. Medical students can follow the workings of the human body easily as if they are looking at the real thing. Also, because people easily fixate on a 3D visual, they tend to become captivated and thus learn more. (The same goes for customers.)

Because 3D Computer Animation is conquering many fields of business nowadays, the time is now ripe for animators. A good, competitive but easy to use software is important, and Illusion Mage is a good example of that.

Attending Strip Clubs: A Guide For Men

Your first exposure to strip clubs can be an eye-opening experience. If all you know of these establishments is what you've seen on television and countless action movies, you may be surprised at the atmosphere. Whether you visit an upscale place or a seedy dive, you'll soon see that actually being there is a lot different from watching it on a screen. The concept of nearly naked (or fully naked), beautiful women dancing for your entertainment can be intoxicating. Combine that with alcohol and it's not uncommon for men to lose their sense of place. That's why it's important to have an idea of some guidelines before you walk in the door. Here's a guide for those who aren't quite sure how to approach an evening of adult entertainment.

Dress Appropriately

You don't need to put on your best suit to go to strip clubs (although no one ever died from dressing too nicely). At the same time, however, meet some standards of decency. Some men like to get a cheap thrill by wearing the loosest, thinnest pants they can find. Some establishments will turn you away at the door for wearing this kind of attire. Others will throw you out on the street once the reason for your attire becomes obvious. Don't be that guy. Put on some jeans.

Tip Generously

You need to remember that the establishment does not pay the dancers at almost every strip clubs. In fact, more often than not they have to pay the club to have access to the stage. That means they are in the hole from the start. They can easily dig their way out of that hole and make some money, however, if guys will come off their wallet. If you think you can enjoy a night of cheap entertainment for just the price of a couple of drinks, you should consider doing something else with your night. In fact, management may insist that you do so.

Don't Take Liberties

There is probably the easiest way to get thrown out of strip clubs and placed on a blacklist. You may even have your face cosmetically adjusted for the trouble. Don't try to push your luck. If there are rules regarding what you can and can't do in terms of touching, follow those rules. One infraction may get you a warning, or it could be that you're in a zero tolerance environment. You'll find out quickly. And if the rules at one particular place are more liberal than most, they will almost certainly let you know

Broadway Shows: 3 Great Occasions To See a Show

If you are looking for something different to do, you should check out Broadway shows. Many cities occasionally offer this kind of entertainment, and it can be perfect for certain occasions. Get an idea of some of the best reasons to see this kind of show.

Seeing Broadway shows can be a great way to bond with your spouse. Many couples find that going to a show on a date night is nice way to spend an evening out of the house. Plays and musicals can be a nice method of getting away from it all since they take you away from the typical life, at least mentally. If you are stressed out or overworked, you can take a break with your spouse by laughing or crying in the theatre as you watch a show. Just choose the best show for you depending on your mood, since sometimes you may want some humor, while other times you probably want drama.

Another reason to see a show is when you are celebrating an occasion, such as a birthday or graduation. Many people like to celebrate such events by doing something they normally do not get to do, including seeing Broadway shows. Whether you or a family member is celebrating, this can be the perfect family outing. Just make sure you keep in mind the ages of your group before you choose the best performance to see. Make sure it is age-appropriate and interesting to everyone so that you get the most for your money.

You can also bring out of town visitors to Broadway shows in your city. If you want to let them see all there is to do in your area, this is a great option. Consider first asking your visitors what type of performance they want to see, and then look for one that will be playing near you when they visit. You could always travel to the next city to get a different performance, or you might even want to go farther, such as a couple hours away to another city with attractions that tourists might want to see. As long as you inform your visitors of the plans ahead of time, they should have a great time seeing a play or musical with you.

There is a reason Broadway shows are so popular among people of all ages. There are clearly many occasions on which this is a great entertainment option. So start looking for performances in your city today.