What Is CGI?
In addition to standing for computer graphics, CG is sometimes used as an acronym for
computer generated. You may have heard the term CGI (computer-generated imagery).
These terms refer to any image or images that are created with the aid of a computer. In
this day and age, you??™d be hard-pressed to find anyone with any computer experience who
hasn??™t messed around with electronic images such as scanned pictures or digital photos.
Learning a CG package such as 3ds Max is just an extension of the simple concept of playing
around with a digital photo. The obvious differences are that 3ds Max adds the dimension
of depth as well as control over time.
Computer graphics is a more common toolset in the hands of the masses than it was
just a few years ago. Within the next decade or so, 3D rendering will be as ubiquitous
as ???Photoshopping??? a photo is today. Artists who are not in the 3D or CG industry are
2 ?– chapter 1: Basic Concepts
finding that programs such as 3ds Max are valuable tools for generating elements for their
own work, digital or not. Let??™s take a look at the concepts behind 3D creation.
The following sections break down the fundamental concepts behind CG.
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