So you’re considering purchasing some 3D computer animation software. I would like to take the liberty in assuming that you have looked into the big names like Maya or 3D Max? Maybe even the free software that is freely available to download like blender?
Seth Avery did exactly the same thing. After looking at all the available animation 3D software he arrived at one very important conclusion. The software was either too expensive or too complicated to learn, or it was free but there were little or no user friendly tutorials alongside it.
After spending over 10 years in the animation software business, he could see that there was a huge gap in the market for an affordable 3D animation software package that even a beginner could start using immediately and create some stunning animation and games. But not only did he want user friendly software, he wanted even a beginner with no previous experience to be able to follow him step by step.
So Seth put together a comprehensive computer animation software package which not only contained popular animation 3D software, but also easy to follow step by step video tutorials and written instruction. He wanted to compliment the 3D animation software (blender) with his own knowledge of animation.
With animation so much a part of our lives in the millennium and constantly growing in popularity, Seth had a goal to bring the 3D animation and graphics experience within the reach of anyone who owned a computer. But it was not just enough for it to be affordable, it had to be user friendly first and foremost.
So Seth set about combining over 6 hours of in depth video tutorials with Blender 3D animation software.
The software that Seth uses is the same software that the leading animation studios are currently using (blender). It boasts the aritechtural power of 3D Studios Max combined with the the animation effects of Maya, which apparently enables you to produce the same Hollywood style animations as the big guys.
The different types of animation are vast and creating anything from professional looking 3D objects to fully interactive 3D applications is relatively easy to achieve. He says for a beginner, 53 minutes from scratch is all it takes to create your very first 3D animation model and then you can go on to produce your very own cartoon animation series such as Shrek, Toy Story and Madagascar.
The software itself is works with multi file types. It supports 3D Studio, Lightwave Formats and many others that are with compatible with Mac and Windows.
Some of the many features include advanced simulation tools like rigid body, fluid and soft body dynamics. Dynamic 3D models can be created by RTS animation allowing models to float, rotate and to move back and forth. There is also a complete toolset included for professional CG artists to create wonderfully realistic environments.
Illusion Mage has a very simplistic interface that is not intimidating and allows you to open and work on multiple windows and projects at the same time. There is also an undo function (very handy for beginners) which allows you to make changes to your work at any time.
Included in the 3D animation software package is over 6 hours of videos and audio tutorials and a 200 page training manual. It comes with a complete start up guide for beginners where you learn the basics of 3D animation, modelling, material and light and then how to use the advanced tools and techniques.
One of my favorite bits of animation at the movies is liquid simulation and it shows you how to do this and how to create models of human faces and cartoon characters. There are so many different techniques, it must be great fun (especially if you have kids – they love that stuff!).
Seth has put together a comprehensive package for anyone who has a desire to dabble with 3D animation. No matter if you are a beginner or a pro, this package was put together for all levels and to allow you to stretch the boundaries of your imagination and creativity.
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