How a Beginner Can Learn CGI Animation – Step-by-Step Guide
What is CGI Animation?
CGI stands for Computer-Generated Imagery. It involves creating animated visuals using digital tools instead of traditional hand-drawn or stop-motion methods.
CGI animators use software to build 3D characters, environments, and objects, then animate them frame-by-frame using rigs (digital skeletons). It’s widely used in films, games, commercials, and even architecture.
Step-by-Step: How to Learn CGI Animation as a Beginner
1. Understand the Basics of CGI
Start with the foundational concepts: modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and animation pipelines.
Resources: YouTube videos like “How Pixar Makes Movies” or TED-Ed's animation explainer.
2. Install Free Software (Start with Blender)
Blender is a free, open-source 3D software that can do it all: modeling, rigging, animation, texturing, and rendering.
3. Follow Beginner-Friendly Tutorials
Use these channels:
- 🎓 Blender Guru – famous “donut” tutorial series
- 📽️ Ducky 3D – cool stylized VFX and shaders
- 📘 CG Boost – clear lessons on animation and design
4. Learn the 12 Principles of Animation
These timeless Disney principles bring your animation to life:
- Squash and Stretch
- Timing and Spacing
- Anticipation
- Follow-through and Overlapping Action
📺 Watch: Alan Becker’s “12 Principles of Animation” on YouTube
5. Create Small Projects
Practice by completing small projects like:
- 🟠 Bouncing ball animation
- 🤖 Simple robot walk cycle
- 🪙 Rolling coin animation with lighting
💡 Tip: Finish small projects instead of starting a big one you never complete.
6. Use Free AI Tools to Assist Your Creativity
- 🎨 Concept Art: Use DALL·E, Midjourney, or Stable Diffusion to design characters and environments.
- 🎥 Motion Capture: Tools like Kinetix, DeepMotion, and Plask.ai turn your video into 3D motion.
- 🧵 Textures: Use Poly.ai or WithPoly to generate seamless textures from text prompts.
7. Join Online Animation Communities
- 🔗 Reddit: r/blender,