3D Emcompusses Many Different Mediums
Whether your in the market for 3D in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Hickory, NC, it can still be confusing when you’re looking for the 3D partner. Why 3D Animation, 3D Printing, and 3D Movies Have Nothing in Common (Except the Ability to Confuse Your Marge, the Marketing Assistant)
Let’s start with a reality check:
“3D” used to mean something simple—like, “Wow, this object has depth.”
Now? Saying “3D” is like saying “I need a ride.”
Do you mean a Prius, a Indian (My Beautiful Indian Challenger), a jetpack, or a donkey with a saddle?
Let’s untangle this 3D spaghetti with a little help from humor, science, and the occasional outdated movie reference.
Exhibit A: 3D Animation
AKA: “The thing that makes your product spin around like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.”
What it is 3D Animation:
3D animation is the art of creating objects that move in a three-dimensional space—like that logo you wanted to fly across the screen like it just parachuted in from a Red Bull commercial.
Examples:
· Pixar movies (not your cousin’s PowerPoint transitions)
· Explainer videos with floating robots
· Product demos where the screw actually unscrews
· The moment Iron Man’s HUD spins around his helmet like he’s browsing Best Buy in VR
Citation-worthy truth:
“3D animation gives marketers a visual edge by simplifying complex products and adding motion that enhances retention.” – Kumar et al., Journal of Visual Communication, 2020
In summary: It’s flat on your screen, but it feels real. Like dating someone online.
Exhibit B: 3D Printing
AKA: “When your office printer thinks it’s Michelangelo.”
What it is 3D Printing:
A machine lays down material—usually plastic or resin—layer by tiny layer until it creates an actual physical object. It’s not magic. It’s science. Okay, it’s basically magic.
Examples:
· Custom dental implants (don’t ask how I know)
· A wrench you accidentally print instead of downloading a PDF
· A miniature of your dog wearing sunglasses
· NASA printing tools in space (because shipping from Earth is expensive)
Citation-worthy truth:
“The global 3D printing market is expected to reach $83.9 billion by 2029.” – Markets & Markets, 2023
In summary: It’s the opposite of 3D animation. This one you can touch—unless it’s still hot. Then please don’t.
Exhibit C: 3D Movies
AKA: “When things fly at your face and the popcorn goes airborne.”
What it is 3D Movies:
A visual technique that tricks your eyes into thinking flat images are popping off the screen—using special glasses that make you look like a confused raccoon.
Examples:
· Avatar (the one with blue people, not the bald kid)
· Any movie where someone throws a spear directly at the camera
· Theme park rides where water sprays in your face and you regret your mascara
Citation-worthy truth:
“Despite the novelty, 3D cinema has struggled to maintain interest beyond immersive spectacles.” – Film Quarterly, Vol. 76, 2022
In summary: It’s temporary immersion. Great during the film, awkward when you accidentally walk into the bathroom still wearing the glasses.
Exhibit D: “3D Sound” (Bonus Round!)
AKA: “Your headphones suddenly know you’re turning your head—and yes, it’s spooky.”
What it is 3D Sound:
Audio that creates the illusion of depth and direction. So that spaceship doesn’t just go left to right—it whooshes over your scalp like a caffeinated hawk.
Examples:
· Apple’s Spatial Audio
· Dolby Atmos in your living room (because stereo is for peasants)
· VR games where you hear zombies sneaking up behind you
Citation-worthy truth:
“Immersive audio increases engagement and perceived realism in digital environments.” – Journal of Sound Studies, 2021
In summary: Not visual 3D, but your ears are having a party.
Final Thoughts: What Does 3D Actually Mean?
It means “three-dimensional,” but like most things in life—context is everything.
If someone says, “Hey, want to see something 3D?”
You’d better follow up with:
“Wait. Are we talking about Pixar, a printer, a movie, or your VR headset?”
Or else you’ll show up wearing IMAX glasses to a factory tour—and trust me, no one looks cool doing that.
Need 3D animation that doesn’t look like a 2004 screensaver?
For 3D Animation, Call…
We don’t print it. We don’t throw it at your face.
We animate it like your brand depends on it.
(And let’s be honest… it kinda does.)
📞 704-451-5073
🌐 www.episode11productions.com
