Do you want to create incredible computer-generated images? If you have computer science skills and an artistic eye for creating or manipulating photos, then enrolling in a computer graphics course might be a good idea. Do you love games, movies, animation, photography, digital displays, or advertising? Well, they all require computer graphics.
There are many ways to learn computer graphics and by the end of this article, you should have a solid foundation to start your journey. Through this tutorial, you will learn more about what computer graphics are, what career paths you can take, and discover the top computer graphics courses you can start straight away.
An Introduction to Computer Graphics
Put simply, computer graphics refers to the creation and editing of images through computer-aided design. It is a wonderfully diverse field that involves creating images, digital models, the process of texturing, rendering, and lighting models in an attempt to create realistic figures and settings.
In some cases, computer graphics specialists work on one pixel at a time, trying to make the best possible image in the end. The types of careers you can go into after learning computer graphics are diverse. You may go into graphic design, production art, computer game design, computer programming, or computer animation.
Some computer graphics topics include sprite graphics, 3D graphics, ray tracing, geometry processing, computer animation, vector graphics, shaders, image processing, GPU design, implicit surface visualization, computational photography, and scientific visualization, among many others.
How Are 3D Computer Graphics Used?
To see just how diverse the field of computer graphics can be, below is a look at what you can accomplish with 3D design.
- 3D Games. If you love computer games, you could help create the characters and backgrounds of those games. This skill requires modeling, Cg programming, image processing or rendering, and computer lighting to create that real-world feeling.
- 3D Printing. Today some machines can print 3D images, allowing you to touch your creations that are produced before your eyes. You can make your characters or ideas come to life in a new way, market and sell them or create artwork.
- Animation. Much like gaming, animation will enable you to bring stories to life. You may be world-building, creating characters, or refining the work of others.
- Virtual Reality. The latest in gaming technology brings 3D virtual worlds to your living room. If you are interested in creating wholly immersive and interactive computer games, VR is a perfect fit.
- Architectural Visualization. Before the invention of 3D computer models, architects mostly used pen and paper. But with the technology available today, an architect can create their dream building on a computer, providing them a detailed and almost cinematic version of their vision.
- Visual Effects. If you are a fan of cinema, then you could be the one to create those explosions, blue people, magical spells, and much more with visual effects.
An In-Depth Look at Types of Computer Graphics
Below is a look at some types and standard terms of computer graphics to give you a more thorough understanding of this incredible craft.
Advertisements
There are numerous ways to create an advertisement and using computer graphics will help with many of them. This field can assist with manipulating an image for a billboard to look flawless, generating graphic designs for logos and packaging, editing magazine covers, and much more. You will even learn image editing and manipulation in most photography courses.
Image Rendering
This term is one that is often used but rarely understood. It is the last part of the process in 2D and 3D images as those creations come to life. Rendering is a lengthy process of coloring and improving each pixel on the screen. This complex task involves math, knowledge of light and color, and computer programming.
User Interfaces
For those interested in web design courses, graphical user interfaces deal with creating graphics to make user-friendly navigational tools. These can include things like buttons, checkboxes, sliders, and tabs. This is a programming-intensive process with graphical elements that make the navigation of websites and software more intuitive.
Ray Tracing
If you love the way lighting looks in 3D images, thank ray tracing. The tool allows games to show reflections in puddles, reveal dynamic shadows that move with a light source, and create dark environments that look photorealistic.
Ray tracing is essentially a rendering technique for computer-generated images. It traces the light as pixels to simulate natural lighting on objects in 3D space.
Raster Graphics vs Vector Graphics
There are two common types of 2D image graphics: raster graphics and vector graphics. The big difference between the two is that if you were to enlarge a raster graphic image, the pixels would become blurred, leaving you with a terrible version of the image. On the other hand, a vector graphic image can be enlarged while keeping a clean, crisp appearance.
Learning Computer Graphics
Learning computer graphics is an exciting process that can be done either at a university or through an online course. As technology progresses, students can more easily learn online, build a portfolio, and gain employment at exciting companies.
There is no right or wrong way to learn computer graphics, as long as you have a passion for it. Below is a rough guide of what is needed to start your computer graphics journey.
How to Learn Computer Graphics: Step-by-Step
If you are unsure of where to begin to learn about computer graphics, then here is a simple guide to get you started. Take a look through this step-by-step tutorial to get moving towards your design goals.
- Artistic Vision. Having a background in illustration or drawing will give you a great foundation for understanding light, shadow, composition, and many more things you will need to know for the field of computer graphics.
- Computer Programming. The next step is to learn some programming languages. It can be done either online, at a university, or with a coding Bootcamp. Languages like Python, C++, and Javascript should be your top priority if your goal is to learn about computer graphics.
- Ray Tracing and Rasterization. These two algorithms are more accessible for beginners to implement compared to a modern API. They will lay down excellent foundational knowledge of computer graphics such as cross products, dot products, transformation matrices, cameras, and more.
- Computer Graphics Math. Mathematics plays an essential role in computer graphics. But this doesn’t mean you need to be a pro in all math subjects. Rather, you should focus on a branch called linear algebra. You will need to understand different matrices, intersection calculations, modeling maths, and more in this field.
- Graphics API. Learning how to draw a triangle is a great start. There will be plenty of debugging challenges when starting and learning how to fix those will prove useful in the long run.
- Begin Projects. The more you create and add to your portfolio, the more knowledge you will gain. You can also follow tutorials on YouTube or complete projects in a computer graphics course.
The Best Computer Graphics Courses and Training
We have put together a list below of the most exciting computer graphics courses and training. These range from in-person, online, and even a few free courses to help build your skills. Let’s take a look at the computer graphics courses that could begin shaping your future.
Best In-Person Computer Graphics Courses
Here are a few in-person courses to get you ready for an incredible career. These are degree programs for those who are sure they want to pursue computer graphics as their career.
School of Visual Arts
- BFA Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects
- Where: New York City, NY
- Time: 4 years
- Prerequisites: Request more information
- Price: Request more information
This exciting degree program is perfect for those interested in animation and visual effects. The website is full of brilliant examples of student’s work, which include industry-level standard animations.
Purdue University – Polytechnic Institute
- Computer Graphics Technology
- Where: West Lafayette, IN
- Time: 3 – 4 years
- Prerequisites: Send email to cgtinfo@purdue.edu
- Price: Send email to cgtinfo@purdue.edu
This is another incredible degree program that offers students the ability to learn a range of topics in the field of computer design. Areas of study include animation, information modeling, data visualization, game development, UX design, virtual product integration, visual effects, and many more.
Best Online Computer Graphics Courses
Here we have put together some of the very best paid and free online courses. These vary from beginner to advanced courses and are bound to get you excited to begin your journey. Let’s look at the very best online courses out there.
UC San Diego – Online
- Computer Graphics II: Rendering
- Where: Online
- Time: 25 weeks
- Prerequisites: Completed CSE 167, Foundations of Computer Graphics
- Price: Create a free account to find out
This course covers creating very realistic computer-generated images of 3D scenes. Students will learn about ray and path tracing and how to create beautiful computer-generated images.
PluralSight
- Grow Your CG101 Skills
- Where: Online
- Time: Self-paced
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $31.59 per month
This PluralSight course is great for beginners in computer graphics, VFX, and digital art. The course offers a 10-day free trial before it charges $31.59 per month. Students will learn modeling, texturing, image editing, lighting, composition, and more. PluralSight also teaches programming languages for complete beginners.
3D Motive
Learn the “Hand-Painted” texturing style for games
Model and Texture a Stylized Character for Games
Learn 2D Cell Shading in Photoshop
Complete Intro to Maya for Games and Film
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
- Where: Online
- Time: Varies
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $10.80 each or $22.80 per month
Here is just a handful of the wonderful courses and tutorials provided by 3D Motive. This website is the perfect place if you want short tutorials on specific gaming or 3D computer graphics for film. Students can learn different software, coding skills, and other topics all on one platform.
The Gnomon Workshop
Creating A Stylized Groom In Maya & XGen
Making A Combat Finishing Takedown
Introduction To Flip Fluids In Houdini
Subtle Performance Workflow Vol. 2
- Where: Online
- Time: Self-paced
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $49 per month
The Gnomon Workshop has stunning projects and courses for more advanced students. Consider these the master classes of visual effects. Although they come at a higher price, the courses are well worth the money for those interested.
LinkedIn Learning
Computer Science Principles: Programming
Illustrator 2020 One-on-One: Fundamentals
Photoshop CC 2019 One-on-One: Advanced
Introduction to Graphic Design
- Where: Online
- Time: 1.20 to 18 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Varies (first month is free)
These are ideal for beginner’s venturing into computer graphics. LinkedIn Learning offers some fabulous introductory lessons that will give students a foundation of computer graphics, computer science, various software, and graphic design.
Lynda
- Illustration to Computer Graphics
- Where: Online
- Time: 15.28 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: First month is free
This podcast-style course allows students to listen to experts speak about their experiences in motion design, visual effects, and digital art. It is great for beginners to intermediates who want to hear top tips from people like Kris Pearn (storyboard artist for Sony Animation) and many more.
Best Computer Graphics Books
Below are a few incredibly popular books on design. These are great to read alongside your studies to broaden your knowledge.
Guide to Blender Graphics: Computer Modeling & Animation, John M. Blain
Blender is an open-source 3D creation suite that is absolutely free. This book explores modeling, animation, rigging, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking. Learn how to use Blender and start creating your projects with this text.
Mathematics for 3D Game Programming & Computer Graphics, Eric Lengyel
This book by Eric Lengyel will enrich your understanding of mathematics and physics concepts. It explores game theory, collision detection, 3D vectors, transformations, and essential calculus. It also provides an accessible guide for coders to write algorithms and programs.
Book of Ideas – A Journal of Creative Direction & Graphic Design, Radim Malinic
This extensive book offers excellent advice on inspiration, inbox control, facing your fears, finding happiness in your work, the art of self-promotion, and beating a creative block. It also includes significant illustrations from Malinic’s portfolio projects. This book is a fantastic tool in any creative arsenal.
Best Online Computer Graphics Resources
Here are some of the very best resources for learning and practicing computer graphics. These are wonderful for beginners, intermediate, and advanced computer graphics students and offer a wide range of articles, tutorials, and software.
Evermotion.org/tutorials
For those who want to specialize in modeling for architecture visualizations, Evermotion is the best resource. It provides tutorials on modeling, texturing, rendering, and compositing. And it’s all centered around architectural trends.
3dtotal.com/tutorials
3D Total is fantastic for tutorials on 2D, 3D, and a range of other techniques. These tutorials are completely free and offer enough content to be busy for days. 3D total is a must-browse for students interested in 3D animation and gaming.
Blender.org
Lastly, we will point you to the best free software out there: Blender. It supports the whole 3D pipeline in real-time, even down to video editing and game creation. Blender is used by some big companies as well as smaller ones.
Pixar even said it was a similar software to their in-house program. This is the best place to start for beginners. It includes a lot of functions and it’s 100 percent free.
Should You Study Computer Graphics?
After reading through this article, you should have an idea of whether you should study computer graphics. Do you love illustration, computer science, creating characters, scenery, or buildings? Does the idea of creating visual effects in movies or games sound thrilling?
This fascinating field combines technology and art in its title and in practice. If you have a passion for evoking emotions and bringing stories and ideas to life, you should learn more about it.
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, multimedia artists and animators can earn a median salary of $75,270 per year. That means it’s not only a creatively fulfilling job, but financially rewarding as well.
If you still crave more information on the best game development Bootcamps, how to learn coding, how to learn UX Design and the best coding operating systems, then we have got you covered.
We at Career Karma hope this guide to computer graphics courses and training has helped you find the perfect course for you. We wish you the best career karma and we hope you achieve your dreams of building beautiful, vibrant, and innovative computer graphics.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
