What is CGI in practice? Applications and business insights

In the world of modern technology and digital arts, Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) has revolutionized the way we perceive and experience visual content. But what is CGI, and why has it become so influential? From film and advertising to gaming and architecture, CGI plays a pivotal role across industries, enabling the creation of visuals that were once impossible. This article explores its definition, applications, and transformative impact.

CGI has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s, when the first graphic technologies were developed for scientific and military applications. However, it was in the 1970s that computer graphics began to enter the entertainment world, with productions like Westworld (1973), the first film to include computer-generated images.

In the 1980s, with the advent of Tron and the groundbreaking special effects of Star Wars, CGI captured the imagination of audiences worldwide and established itself as a leading creative tool in cinema.

At the same time, in the 1990s, CGI began to make waves in the commercial sector, transforming industries like advertising and industrial design. Brands such as Nike leveraged hyper-realistic 3D images for innovative advertising campaigns, while automotive companies like BMW and Ferrari used CGI to showcase their models through high-definition videos and images, reducing costs associated with physical prototypes.

Today, CGI is also pivotal in industries like real estate, where it enables the creation of photorealistic renderings of buildings and interiors before they are constructed, and e-commerce, where it allows customers to interactively view products in great detail, delivering an immersive shopping experience.

Today, the evolution of CGI is increasingly moving towards real-time rendering, a technology that enables the creation of visual content in real time. This innovation, driven by graphic engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, is revolutionizing not only entertainment but also e-commerce, design, and marketing, offering an unprecedented level of interaction and customization.

CGI refers to the creation of computer-generated visual elements, scenes, or complete imagery using advanced software and hardware. It involves techniques that allow artists and designers to construct realistic, imaginary, or even surreal visuals that may be difficult or impossible to capture through traditional means.

CGI has the power to bring fantasy worlds, breathtaking landscapes, and other fantastic creations to life, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

In practical terms, CGI, which stands for Computer Generated Imagery, encompasses the entire process of creating digital images using advanced software and hardware. This process includes various stages such as 3D modeling, where virtual models of objects, characters, or environments are created; animation, which brings these models to life by providing movement and action; and finally, rendering, which is the last step to generate the final images. Rendering involves applying lights, textures, shadows, and other effects to achieve a realistic visual result.

Ultimately, CGI is a set of techniques that transforms ideas and concepts into digital images used in various industries, such as film, advertising, gaming, and architecture.

The Computer Generated Imagery, has revolutionized countless industries by enabling the creation of visually stunning and highly detailed content. From transforming the entertainment world with immersive storytelling to streamlining architectural design processes, CGI has become a cornerstone of modern innovation. Its versatility and transformative potential continue to drive creativity, efficiency, and engagement in a wide range of applications.

One of the most common applications of CGI can be found in the film industry. Movie makers frequently use CGI to create stunning visual effects, ranging from believable creatures and characters to awe-inspiring action sequences. CGI allows filmmakers to go beyond the limitations of practical effects, unleashing their creative visions on the big screen. It has become an indispensable tool for producing blockbuster movies that captivate audiences worldwide.

Pixar Animation Studios: Pioneer of CGI animation, famous for films such as Toy Story and Inside Out.

Another area where CGI shines is advertising. With the help of advanced software, advertisers can create visually striking commercials that grab attention and engage viewers. CGI allows brands to showcase their products in ways that may be impossible to achieve in real life. From cars flying through the air to food looking impossibly delicious, CGI helps advertisers tell compelling stories and sell their products effectively.

The Mill:  The Mill is a full-service creative content studio

The gaming industry is also heavily reliant on CGI. Video games have come a long way since their early pixelated days, now offering incredible graphics and immersive virtual worlds. CGI enables game developers to create lifelike characters, detailed environments, and mind-blowing special effects, enhancing the gaming experience and transporting players into new realms. CGI is huge for modern day technology. 

Epic Games: Creators of Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, which powers many visually impressive games.

CGI has also made its way into architecture and real estate. With the use of 3D modeling and rendering software, architects can create virtual representations of buildings and structures, allowing clients to visualize and explore proposed designs before construction begins. CGI assists in producing realistic walkthroughs, showcasing interiors, exteriors, and different design possibilities.

DBOX: Known for producing renderings and animations for luxury real estate projects.

The impact of CGI is not limited to these industries alone. It has influenced various other fields, including education, healthcare, and product design. For instance, educators can use CGI to create interactive educational materials, making learning more engaging for students. Doctors and surgeons can utilize CGI for medical imaging, aiding diagnosis, planning surgeries, and patient education. Additionally, product designers can employ CGI to prototype and present their ideas more accurately.

Khan Academy (Educational): It uses CGI animations to make complex concepts more understandable.

EchoPixel (Healthcare): It uses CGI to create immersive 3D images for doctors and surgeons.

CGI offers a wide range of creative possibilities to enhance communication, product presentation, training, and the efficiency of your business. By strategically using these techniques, you can gain a competitive advantage and provide engaging visual experiences to your customers and collaborators. You can use for:

By using CGI, you can create captivating images and videos for your product or service advertising campaigns. CGI provides the flexibility to showcase your product in various settings and environments without the need for expensive physical sets. You can grab customer attention with engaging and high-quality visuals.

In advertising and marketing, CGI plays a pivotal role in crafting visually stunning campaigns that captivate audiences. A notable example is KIA’s ‘Power to Surprise’ campaign, produced by the Moving Picture Company (MPC), where CGI was used to bring the excitement of driving to life, effectively blending emotion and innovation in a memorable brand narrative

If you need to make business presentations for clients, investors, or employees, CGI can be a valuable tool. You can use it to create three-dimensional visualizations of future projects, product prototypes, or simulations of business processes.

CGI can be employed to create images and videos of products to showcase them realistically on your e-commerce website. This can increase customer confidence and encourage purchases, as customers will have a better idea of how the product looks in reality.

A compelling example of this is IKEA’s Place App, which uses augmented reality to allow users to virtually place furniture in their homes, providing a highly interactive and realistic shopping experience that enhances customer confidence and decision-making.

 If your company provides training or educational courses, CGI can be used to create interactive simulations or engaging learning materials. This can make the learning process more effective and efficient for your employees or students.

 If your business is involved in product design and development, CGI can be used to create digital prototypes of your products before moving on to physical production. This can reduce costs and development time and help you visualize the finished product in advance.

CGI can also be used for internal purposes, such as communicating ideas and projects within the team. You can use visual presentations to explain complex concepts or business processes clearly and intuitively.

In conclusion, CGI has revolutionized the way we create and experience visual content. Its applications span across industries such as film, advertising, gaming, and architecture, and have even impacted fields like education and healthcare. CGI allows artists, filmmakers, designers, and professionals to push the boundaries of creativity, bringing their imagination to life. As technology continues to advance, CGI will undoubtedly play an increasingly prominent role, enabling us to explore new realms of visual possibilities.

In the ever-evolving business landscape, adopting CGI can give you a competitive edge. By embracing this technology, you demonstrate innovation and a commitment to providing engaging and immersive experiences to your customers, partners, and stakeholders.

CGI is not just a trend or a fancy visual tool; it’s a transformative asset that empowers your business to reach new heights of creativity, efficiency, and success. Embrace the world of CGI, and unlock its full potential to set your business apart in the digital age.