How can you showcase realistic physics in your computer animation portfolio?

1 Choose a suitable engine

The first step to showcase realistic physics in your computer animation portfolio is to choose a game engine that supports the features and effects you want to display. A game engine is a software framework that provides the basic functionalities and tools for creating and running games, such as rendering, audio, input, physics, and scripting. Some popular game engines that offer advanced physics capabilities are Unreal Engine, Unity, and Godot. These engines allow you to create and manipulate rigid bodies, soft bodies, cloth, fluids, particles, and other physical elements in your scenes, using built-in or external physics engines such as PhysX, Bullet, or Box2D.

3 Use reference and observation

The third step to showcase realistic physics in your computer animation portfolio is to use reference and observation as your guides. Reference is any source of information or inspiration that you can use to model your animations and simulations, such as photos, videos, books, or real-life examples. Observation is the act of watching and analyzing how objects and forces behave in different situations and environments, such as wind, water, fire, or gravity. By using reference and observation, you can improve your accuracy and realism, and avoid common mistakes and errors, such as unrealistic movements, speeds, scales, or rotations.

4 Experiment and iterate

The fourth step to showcase realistic physics in your computer animation portfolio is to experiment and iterate with different settings and parameters in your game engine and physics engine. Settings and parameters are the values and options that control how your physics elements behave and interact, such as mass, density, friction, restitution, gravity, force, torque, damping, and constraints. By experimenting and iterating with different settings and parameters, you can fine-tune your animations and simulations, and achieve the desired effects and outcomes. You can also discover new possibilities and combinations, and create unique and original physics scenarios.

5 Test and debug

The fifth step to showcase realistic physics in your computer animation portfolio is to test and debug your animations and simulations. Testing is the process of running and playing your game or scene, and checking how your physics elements work and perform. Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing any problems or issues that arise during testing, such as glitches, bugs, errors, or crashes. By testing and debugging your animations and simulations, you can ensure that they are functional and stable, and that they meet your expectations and goals. You can also optimize and improve your performance and quality, and avoid any negative feedback or criticism.

6 Showcase and share

The final step to showcase realistic physics in your computer animation portfolio is to showcase and share your work with others. Showcasing is the process of presenting and displaying your animations and simulations, using screenshots, videos, or demos. Sharing is the process of uploading and distributing your work online, using platforms, websites, or social media. By showcasing and sharing your work, you can demonstrate your skills and abilities, and attract attention and recognition from potential employers or clients. You can also receive feedback and suggestions, and learn from other game developers and animators.