Learning to create animation is a skill and the higher the level of one's animating skills is, the more complex the software of his choice would be. The same goes for those who are just beginning to learn the art of digital animation. Animation takes form in two ways, the 2D animation and the 3D animation. In 2D animation, the mechanics are a lot simpler, the basic thing to do is to arrange the slides in a way that animates - or moves - the objects in the slides.
On the other hand, 3D animation is definitely more complex. One must be able to take care of the details of the object in all angles, in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. In fact drawing 3D animations may not only involve the artist and the software, tools in the real world is also necessary such as gadgets that are able to detect the real dynamics of the motion of the subject to be animated. Now let us go into what kind of animation software would be suitable for a certain skill level.
Pencil
Pencil is perhaps the simplest animation software that an animator, whether beginner or not, would be able to use. This serves as excellent introductory animation software in a way because Pencil is like combination of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Flash, only much simpler. Yet, there are also a few disadvantages in this software such as that it can only work on 2D animations and that it has a very limited number of features and animation tools. What's good about this software is that it's free so it really is introductory animation software.
Animations
This software is like Pencil being taken up a notch. It has more tools to be used in animation and it can support a wider range of file formats. Moreover, it has a work area that looks better when compared to Pencil.
Adobe Flash
Although Flash is not exactly the tool of choice for serious animators, Adobe Flash would be surely the choice for experienced hobbyists. The reason why it isn't the software for serious animators is because it lacks some of the tools that an animator might need and has some that isn't really part of animating such as button-clicking tools.
TV Paint
Perhaps the best way to describe this software is that this software lies between hobbyist and professional animators.
Lightwave
This is where 3D animation begins. This 3D animation program should not be taken lightly as it is meant for professionals. This software works best for creating special effects for both films and animations.
Maya
Now, this is where the professional animation houses usually resort to. This animation software is best for almost all movies, particularly in creating effects in 3D such as lighting effects, shadow effects. It is also a good choice for animating houses that uses more than one animation softwares.
3D Studio Max
If you are beginning to consider using this software, you must be sure that you are going to bring in a lot of returns as this animation software will really bring you what you'll pay for.
These are just a few suggestions to use as a guideline. There is more great software for beginners through professional level. Choose the one that you feel most comfortable with.
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