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Niche Software Profiles: ZBrush, Renderman, and SoftImage (CSI)

There is a wide variety of 3D animation software at use in the industry. Here are three lesser-known programs that some animators swear by.

ZBrush, called a "hybrid" in the 3D animation industry, provides software solutions for a variety of production areas: modeling, 2D painting, 3D texturing, and more. What distinguishes ZBrush from other software programs is its use of "Pixols." A Pixol is similar to a pixel, but here's the difference: pixels contain RGB color information. Pixols contain RGB information as well, but also XYZ, rotation, material, and lighting information. Think of them as pixels all grown up.

ZBrush is also a tool highly sought after for 3D modeling. Many film and animation feature animators use ZBrush to model objects and figures, especially human figures.

Another software favorite among a niche of industry animators is Renderman, software created by Pixar for the development of its popular animation features. The goals of Renderman are to render large scenes of animation, quickly, reliably, and at a high quality. Its specialties are shadowing, blurring, depth of field -- effective space-manipulation tools that create the realism in 3D animation. Renderman is used almost exclusively by film animators.

A third, lesser-known 3D animation tool is called SoftImage, or XSI. Known for its excellent "ghosting" tools (viewing animation before and after certain frames to evaluate motion), SoftImage offers "relational views" when working within modified panels. Dual monitor window viewing, new paint and rendering tools, and simulation are also features of SoftImage (XSI).

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

American InterContinental University Online

[Online]

The Visual Communication online degree program is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. Emphasis is placed on the development of the thinking process and the ability to conceive creative solutions for specified design problems. Students will learn the principles, practical applications and methodologies used in completing competent and creative graphic solutions.
Programs:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications
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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

[Online]

Develop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class. Because you're always on the go, we offer education to go wherever you connect to the Internet. While we meet the demands of your busy lifestyle, our online degree and diploma programs go even further by embracing the standards of excellence long held by The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and The Art Institutes system of schools backed by an over 85-year commitment to academic excellence. Learn from the leader in online creative arts education.
Programs:
Digital Design
Game Art & Design
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