At Pixel Perfect Studios in Philadelphia, we work with business owners, designers, architects, and all sorts of other professionals to help them create lifelike 3D computer animations and graphics to use in their marketing materials. While we’re always looking forward to the future so we can bring you the latest in 3D rendering services and animation, it’s always a good idea to look to the past for inspiration. In that spirit, we thought we’d share some information with you about the history of 3D rendering so you can see just how far we’ve come!
The 1970s: The Dawning of the 3D Rendered Age
Although research into computer graphics goes all the way back to the 1960s, when computer scientist and Professor Ivan Sutherland introduced the software program known as Sketchpad, it wasn’t until the 70s that researchers began making big strides in the field. Throughout 70s, Sutherland and his colleague David C. Evans continued to be at the cutting edge of 3D rendering and graphics, even teaching the subject at the University of Utah and other educational institutions. Utah proved to be the epicenter of 3D rendering, with many of Sutherland’s students going on to do big things in the industry (like co-founding Pixar, for example).
While Sutherland’s program Sketchpad could only produce the most rudimentary 3D shapes, other computer scientists utilized this powerful tool as a jumping off point. By the late 1970s, they were able to render complex shapes in 3D, one of the most well-known being the “Utah Teapot” first rendered by Martin Newell at the University of Utah. While it may seem to be a mundane object, the calculations that went into reproducing a teapot’s many curves and contours represented a great leap forward in 3D computer rendering.
The 1980s: A New Era in 3D Rendering
Moving into the 80s, computer scientists and businesspeople quickly realized the potential of 3D computer graphics. By the mid-1980s, texture mapping allowed professionals like architects to create 3D rendered models of their creations. 3D graphics also began to permeate popular culture, being featured in films and music videos like Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing. With the mainstreaming of 3D rendering, consumers were hungry for more 3D rendered content, and Hollywood began to take notice.
The 1990s: A 3D Rendering Revolution
During the 1990s, 3D rendering technology probably advanced more quickly than at any other point in its history. The arrival of 1995’s Toy Story was a milestone; it was the first time a film had ever been presented in full 3D rendered graphics. Audiences loved the new style of animation, and today there are dozens of examples of successful 3D animated film franchises. Video games also advanced quickly during this time, switching from 2D pixel art to fully rendered 3D graphics almost overnight.
The 2000s and beyond
Flash forward to today and you can’t turn on your TV or go online without seeing 3D animation or 3D rendered graphics. What was once considered a novelty has become an integral part of everyday life, not just for consumers seeking entertainment, but for professionals in a range of industries who use powerful 3D rendering software to complete their important work. As we move into the future, it’s hard to say where 3D rendering will take us, but one thing is certain: Pixel Perfect Studios will always stay on top of the latest trends in 3D animation and rendering.
If you’re interested in learning more about how 3D rendering can help you be more successful, we want to talk to you! Give us a call at (215) 568-8380, send an email to info@pixelperfect-studios.com or fill out the online form on our contact page. Our talented team of graphic designers and animators will help you bring your ideas to life in stunning 3D graphics, so get in touch with us for a free quote today!