In computer graphics, when a modeler has finished building a character, a static 3D mesh is created, almost like a marble sculpture. Before it is handed off to the animators, it must be attached to a system of joints and control levers so that the animators can pose the model. This process is usually completed by artists known as character technical directors (TDs) or riggers.
Create a character rig in Blender in 1 minute!
Character TDs work closely with animators to ensure that specific technical issues are addressed. Their primary role, however, is to prepare a static 3D mesh for animation, a process called rigging.
A character rig is essentially a digital skeleton bonded to the 3D mesh. Like a real skeleton, a rig is made up of joints and bones, each of which acts as a “handle” that animators use to bend the character into the desired pose.
A character rig can range from simple and elegant to stunningly complex. A basic rig for simple poses can be built in a few hours, while a fully articulated rig for a feature film can take days or weeks before the character is ready for Pixar-level animation.
