3D renders have been one of the most sought-after processes and skills in the world today. 3D artists work hard to produce their jobs, but what exactly is this term? And how can you start making one?

What is 3D Renders

In 3-dimensional design applications, 3D renders are processes where objects that have been designed and defined in an application are calculated into a flattened image by simulating real-world principles and following predetermined rules. 

In this rendering process, light is emitted from the source to hit and determine the color of each area that is reflected from it to be captured by the camera’s point of view from the 3D program. This process can simulate in such a way so that the results that appear can be images that are exactly like in the real world, cartoon style, and so on.

In the production process (both for still images or motion pictures), the rendering of a 3-dimensional program is usually in the production stage. It then proceeds to the compositing stage (post-production) so that the rendering results from the 3D program produce various types of images. The most common include:

1. Render the main image (beauty pass), which is the overall rendered image
2. Object buffer, a white silhouette on the specified objects used as image separators at the compositing stage
3. Image pass, a grayscale image that determines various parameters such as the depth of the camera lens, shadows, and ambient occlusion. Users can use this grayscale image to adjust the intensity of these various parameters so that there’s no need to re-render from the 3-dimensional program when there are changes.

This process is a process that requires high computing dedication. The higher the desired quality is, the higher the computational load and the longer the time will be necessary, and vice versa.

3D vs 2D Renders: What’s the Difference?

To understand 3D renders, it’s essential to know what animation is. Animation, in general, can be seen as the process of animating an object, according to the root word taken from the Latin’ anima,’ which means soul, life, and spirit. The animation uses the illusion of motion to make objects look more authentic. The illusion of movement can be interpreted as a visual change in the image captured by the eye.

The animation itself has undergone a long evolutionary process until we can recognize two types of animation today, 2D and 3D. 2D animation, as the name implies, is a two-dimensional image that is moved quickly and sequentially to produce moving images so that objects look alive. Each image in making this 2D animation has its own sequence according to the movement desired by the animator or animation maker.

Meanwhile, 3D animation has not only length and width but also depth. In other words: objects in 3D animation have three axes (X, Y, and Z). 

2D and 3D animation indeed have some fundamental differences. This difference starts from the form and process to the resulting output. In short:

• 2D animation only has length and width (X-axis and Y-axis), while 3D animation also has depth (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). Because it has three axes, 3D animation looks more natural than 2D animation.
• Objects in 3D animation can be made closer to real life, while 2D animation cannot.
• Making 3D animation is more complicated and uses computer assistance, while designers can do 2D animation conventionally.
• 3D animation requires not only drawing skills but also the ability to operate computer programs.

How to Create 3D Renders

The process of making 3D animation is assisted by mostly a computer. However, there are also many mobile apps for 3D renders that can help mobile users with no access to a computer at the moment.

Usually, the 3D rendering process stems from 2D images, which will be broken into interactive steps to help you understand the whole process. Do note, however, that a 3D designer won’t always oblige this order. Sometimes, you may see someone does the order differently or take additional measures to achieve more desired work. Nonetheless, here are the basic steps when it comes to creating 3D renders:

• Talk it out with your client

This step is the foundation for your whole project because, depending on who your client is, they may each have their preferred reference images, sketches, or plans. These aspects will have to be visualized by the designer as close as possible to their client’s mind. If both of you are on the same boat, it’ll be much easier to finish the project in time and accordingly.

• Modeling

Basically, modeling is the first stage of the 3D animation creation process. A standard 3D model will be created by a solid procedure, which includes a shell/boundary step to define the shape of the object‘s surface. This is also where the designer starts utilizing designated 3D modeling software, making it similar to constructing the formation of a physical replica, with an exception of the model only existing digitally.

• Texturing and material

It‘s time to ensure that the models appear as lifelike as possible by applying images to them. Think about this stage as sticking photographs and materials onto them or coating paint to a touchable model. When necessary, material setup will also provide options for whether you need something to be glossy or matte. To some extent, depending on the software used, there‘s also a need to adjust the surface‘s roughness and other possible parameters. 

• Lighting

Real-world lighting principles can also be needed during the creation of 3D scenes. Think of it as a procedure done when a videographer or photographer is setting up their lighting upon photoshoot. Realistic 3D pictures will also require sunlight or room lighting for additional depth.

• Rendering 

As the last step of a 3D animation process, rendering incorporates the insertion of all data generated in the stages before, which are modeling, animation, texturing and lighting. All of these will later be transformed and processed into the desired output form. This is where 2D picture or pictures are generated into 3D, hence making it similar to capturing a real-life picture in the real world.

Due to the complexity and details posed by it, the rendering process may be finished anywhere from a matter of seconds to a few days. It also depends on the desired quality and end result.

• Refining

After your rendering process is done, you obviously still need to do some refining or polishing to ensure its finished look. Usually, you‘ll need to ask for feedback from your clients, which is why it‘s better to prepare a low-resolution format just in case they have lots of input but still want you to complete the correction in time. However, it’s important to note that the 3D artist may need additional time to produce changes. 

• Final delivery

It’s time to present the discussed 3D rendered images to your client, which will cater to their particular preference, size, and format. Although the client should already be satisfied with your work at this point, don’t get upset when some might still want some changes or have some critiques. Do your best to revise accordingly and discuss the timeline again with your client.

Three 3D Renders Inspirations

If you need the inspiration to do your 3D renders, here are some suggestions for us. Some of the included main files are:

• Vector-Fully Text Editable in Ai – Vector files and CS4
• A vector that is accessible through several vector-based graphic software like Illustrator and CorelDraw in Eps – Vector files and 10EPS
• Font Info – “Readme First.txt”
• Preview – PNG File

• Real Estate Agency

For those working in the real estate industry, there are times where you need to do 3D renders for your projects to introduce your products to your customers better. This one is a great template to start!

• Dentist

This Dentist template is not only unique but also refreshing to look at. Boost your creative juices with this template to produce a believable dentistry product!

• Amusement Park

Lastly, we have the Amusement Park template that will be helpful for those working on a large landscape project that requires extra precision and attention.

Software Recommendations to Create 3D Renders

As one type of job currently quite popular and steals attention, animators require knowing great qualified 3D rendering software alongside skills and competence. Following technological advancement nowadays, everyone can also learn animation from the comfort of their home by studying this software themselves. What software for 3D renders is most commonly used by professional animators? 

• Daz Studio

Daz Studio is one of the free 3D animation software out there that is perfect for beginners to try. Even though it is free, the features provided by Daz Studio are no less sophisticated compared to other popular software.

This software has several great functions. One of them is its rendering function, which animators love. Through Daz Studio, it is possible for you to make 3D animations easily since there are interactive tutorials to support those of you who want to learn on your own.

• Zbrush

Another 3D animation software that you should know about is Zbrush. This software can help you with 3D modeling, chiseling, and texturing. Zbrush can be helpful when users have an idea to make the characters they’ve been imagining.

Mostly used to give visual effects and produce animated films, Zbrush actually works quite traditionally since it looks more like sculpting. However, don’t underestimate the final look because Zbrush is fairly favored by professional animators as well.

• Mixamo

If you are new to 3D animation, this software is worth trying since it enables you to get more familiar with the intricacies of 3D animation. Users also don’t need much effort to learn using Mixamo.

Mixamo’s advantages are not inferior to other well-known 3D renders software. One of the advantages is that it has a faster working system. The software allows users to work more quickly during creating and setting the animations they make.

• Cinema 4D

Another software that professional animators most often use is Cinema 4D. Favored by many professionals working in advertising and television, Cinema 4D has promising advanced high-speed features.

Talking about the completeness of features, Cinema 4D may appear inferior to Maya or any other programs featured here. However, this software has a perfect soft curve for those beginners who are still learning 3D animation. Some provided features include cutting scenes as well as developing concepts.

• Blender

Blender is considered to be one of the most popular 3D animation apps by professional animators. It comprises many cool features that are indeed very easy to use in creating animations.

Using this software, you will find many features for animating, modeling, rigging, simulating, motion tracking, rendering, and composing. It accommodates those who wish to create animated films, video games, or visual effects.

• Maya

Maya should not be left behind if we talk about one of the most popular 3D animation software by many professional animators. Even those who are already working on making Hollywood films also love using Maya for their work!

Through Maya, you might try developing games or creating 3D effects on movies. Maya has several advanced features ranging from modeling, animation to coloring.

Conclusion

There you go: all you need to know about 3D renders and its inspiration! Check out more ideas through our featured links, and don‘t forget to follow our social media accounts for more information like this. 

If you experience difficulty in doing the rendering process, don‘t worry; you‘re not alone! It can be a confusing procedure at first, but this process is quite easy to grasp after several tries. We suggest starting small before going for a big rendering project that requires hours of focus, and slowly build your way from there from time to time. Keep going, and be creative today!