[The Above Image Was Created By BBP-Studios]

Many men and women intend on getting into the movie and gaming industries.  But in this day and age that often entails some sort of study into 3D Modeling and animation.  That’s where I James Hogan, the founder of BBP-Studios comes in.  I’m going to help you get started, by giving the latest and greatest information on where to look for great tutorials, and how to guides after I truly tell you all I have about 3D animation.  And believe me when I say I know a thing or two about 3D.  Considering I’ve been knee deep in animation for about 4 – 5 years.

     Okay, lets begin.  First off who am I and why should you be taking my advise?  My name is James Hogan.  I’m 18 years old, but don’t let that fool you.  For about five years I’ve been heavily involved in 3D animation.  It’s been for a longer time, however, I’ve only been really discovering where it can take me for five years.  There is a lot of potential this day and age for animators in general.  Not just the one involved in 3D. 

Image via Wikipedia

     But what is 3D animation?  3D animation is the creation of 3 dimensional figures produced in a 3D creation program.  Contrary to popular belief you may know more about it than what you thing you know.  For example, popular movies from this century like the newest “Hulk” film, the movie “Coraline,” and the movie “Transformers: revenge of the fallen” as well as the previous transformers film where all produced with programs that are responsible for creating 3D images.  Programs like “Houdini 3D,” “Blender 3D,” and “3D Studio Max” are software packages that are popular for this form of digital creation.

     But where do you begin?  Well a lot of people end up trying t 3D modeling and animation only to realize that they don’t like it because it’s to complicated.  There reason for this being that they usually find the more advanced programs that the professionals use for there regular projects.  Beginners should never do this because 3D programs can get very complicating if you don’t have the slightest idea about what your doing.  For example, you don’t go make a cake if you don’t know how to mix the ingredients.  You will fail, EPICALLY!  It’s the same way with 3D animation.  You start small and you build your way up.  

    I began with “3D studio max.”  But I wouldn’t recommend that program for any one.  It was once a very good software and in high demand, but I’m afraid that it’s been out dated.  More advanced programs have come around that can easily out do “3DS Max.”  Like “Houdini 3D” or “Blender 3D.”  The thing with these two programs is that they can do every thing that “3D studio Max” can and more.  A LOT MORE, I MIGHT ADD!  The fact is that 3d studio max, while perfect for beginners will set you back.  But that’s where “Blender 3D” comes in.  It’s not as powerful as “Houdini” but it’s incredibly close.  It’s also perfect for beginners, and because a lot of people use blender for fun and for profession you can find a lot of tutorials on You-Tube.com and other place on the net.  Not just video tutorials but written article tutorials as well.  

     I’m a more advance user, but I’d like to explore more. Where do I go know?  Well fine sir, or madam.  If you haven’t tried “Houdini 3D” already then I suggest going for it.  I guaranty that it is much more complicated than any other tool that you have used so far but I can honestly tell you that the results will astonish you.  It’s so powerful.  In fact, most of the newest films of this decade alone that use 3D software are built using Houdini 3D.  It’s just that amazing.  

     But even still, if your just trying to explore animation in general, flash animation can be very fun as well.  Web sitest are using more and more flash content each year.  And you can get into just as quickly if not quicker.  It’s very easy to learn, and many people get into it.  An amazing animator who uses flash animation has gotten many animations done and posted them to you-tube.  To find out how good he is just click this link:  .  

     It’s no secret that animators are becoming more and more famous.  It’s also no secret that animation is seeming to become more and more important to web designers and film makers.  The possibilities that could come from animation, and graphic design is limitless.  So I say that if you crave animation and design then check out the links below and start getting your practice in!

• [Houdini 3D] – The incredible software from “SIDE FX SOFTWARE!”  Known as easily one of the most powerful tools for 3D animation on the market.  Know this tool is incredibly effective, as it is expensive.  But there is a free version that will still blow you away.  [the download from this link is free.]   
• [Houdini 3D tutorials on you-tube] – This you-tube Chanel series houses tutorials in Houdini 3D.  He is very experienced so I’m sure his wisdom will suffice your need to learn.  There are many tutorials on this channel not all of them are relative to Houdini 3D.  But you will still get a good grasp of what you need to know.  And you may just get a new hobby in the mean time. 
• [Blender 3D] – A very fun 3D animation and modeling software.  It has many tools for your development.  It’s not quit as powerful as Houdini 3D, however, it get incredibly close.  Through its extensive control system it’s much more simple to use then Houdini 3D.  The 3D display does take some getting used to, but once you are used to it then there will be no turning back.  This software is completely free to any person at the time of writing this article. 
• [Blender Tutorials on you-tube] – This is a very good you-tube channel for Blender 3D tutorials.  Granted there are a lot of more advanced tutorials on this channel, but there are a lot of good basic tutorials as well.  The animator that is presenting the tutorial has been doing them for some time.  So I’m sure that you will be left in good hands.           

To learn more about BBP-Studios, head over to: www.bigbagninc.webs.com

THANKS GUYS!  FROM BBP-STUDIOS!