Graphics and Animation, Essay Example

The modeling process, or 3D model processing, would be considered the least form of standardized task processing as compared to rendering. 3D modeling is considered a decidedly creative series of tasks and procedures that can encapsulate an idea, or theory, into a view or format that can be readily inspected, reviewed, altered and eventually displayed to a user or a group of stakeholders. Whilst in recent times 3D modeling has transcended into the realms of computers and high technology (Igarashi 2010), modeling has been conducted and performed for centuries using such basic and accessible tools and objects of every day life such as clay, earth, and flora. Rendering, on the other hand, is considered a more standardized task as it involves the creation of an image, or images, from a model, and then converts it into a 2D scene, or scenes, using specialized computer animation software packages.What marks rendering more standardized than modeling? The pure nature of converting and processing some form of identifiable input into an acceptable or complete output is the deciding factor for making this assertion. Modeling, on the other hand, is considered to be a far more creative process with artful overtones than purely rendering a 2D image into a 3D scene (Lane 2011).The rendering process is a far more computationally intensive task than modeling. Not only is rendering required to transform a 3D model into a computerized graphical format, more often rendering is used to create a series of scenes of the model using lighting, shading, color, as well as continuous motion. Such computer activity requires specialized software packages, along with the necessary technical expertize, to manage and produce the requored output. Modeling can be performed using basic computer software (like standard program add-ons that are shipped with Microsoft Operating Systems, such as MS-Paint), and even from taking photographs from man-made models.

Both the modeling and rendering processes are considered to be quite creative (Wöhler 2012). Even under the guidance from an Art Director in an animation movie studio, technical artists performing the rendering do have quite a large scope to display their creative talents, with the only limitations being the functionality of the software package, and the extent of their imagination towards the rendering task at hand. Modeling is also considered quite a creative process, and has been so for sometime.

There are two main societal changes that will occur as a result of the general public being able to fabricate photographs – and both of these changes are positive and negative in nature. Firstly, with the advent of acessibility to software and photographs to manage, previously ‘untapped’ creative talent or newly creative minds can explore and create amazing pieces of art or imagery for private and public purposes. This could lead to new theories, techniques and advances in the field – this example is considered the positive aspect of the argument. Secondly, altered or ‘doctored’ graphical images that pose a distorted view on advertised products, or advertised messaging, can have an adverse effect on certain segments of society. Human models in images that appear to have unblemished skin, or are depicted as even thinner than they are in real life advertising a wide range of products, can negatively transmist a message to young girls that they must look similar or be the same. Misperceptions such as these can lead to eating disorders, distorted views on society in general, and even mental illness.The legal ramifiations are immense as altered images not only represent false or misleading advertising , but they also can be linked to developed illness in people who negatively perceive such images. What is concerning for companies and organizations that use this practice of altering images is there only needs to be a single court victory for a plaintiff  in order for a precedent to be established. This precedent will definitely be used in future similar litigation proceedings. With the exponential popularity of social media, altered images that are defamatory in nature that are posted to individuals and groups alike could also increase litigation. The over-riding ethical factor at this time is instead of ‘could we’ alter photographic images, but ‘should we’ do so?

References

Igarashi, T., “Computer Graphics for All”, Communications of the ACM, June 2010, Vol. 53 No. 7, Pages71-77,  10.1145/1785414.1785436.

Lane, A., “The Fun Factory”, New Yorker, May 16 2011,  0028792X, 5/16/2011, Vol. 87, Issue 13.

Wöhler, C., “Efficient Methods and Applications”, 3D Computer Vision, September 2012, ISBN: 978-1-4471-4149-5 (Print) 978-1-4471-4150-1 (Online).