Many people have heard the term “Animation” used to describe movies such as Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out.” However, few know what it really means. Animation, which sometimes applies to 2D works of art, commonly involves 3D art, created using something known as “3D Modeling.”

3D modeling uses unique software specially designed for the task. It involves the creation of 3D objects and characters. Once the objects, characters, and settings have been designed, or modeled, the rigging team comes in. The task of riggers is to “rig,” or basically attach the strings to the “puppet” (the 3D object modeled in the computer).

Finally, the animators are able to come in and do their jobs: animate the 3D objects. That simply means that they are “pulling the strings” that the riggers attached to “the puppet,” which is the character originally modeled by the 3D modeler.

Now that you have at least a better understanding of 3D modeling and animation, we can discuss their purposes. Ever played a 3D videogame (such as Minecraft, Call of Duty, etc.)? Ever watched an animated movie (such as Disney Pixar’s “Up,” “Inside Out,” and “Finding Nemo,” or DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Foo Panda”)? Well, all of these use some form of animation. The animated characters begin as simple models, created using 3D modeling software. Then the riggers come in and “rig” the characters, allowing the animators to use the “handles” (attached to the characters by the riggers) to animate the characters.

So now you know what animation is and why it is used. Without it, we would not be able to enjoy such wonderful movies that are not acted out by real people. We would never be able to play video games such as Minecraft. Thanks to 3D modeling and animation, we can enjoy these things.

Like to know more? Go to Pixar in a Box on Khan Academy