3D Modeling Animation Art & Design
The Canadian animation industry continues to grow and thrive. This evolving industry demands talented individuals who have the most up-to-date training on the latest technology and software. If you're looking to enter this exciting industry, VCAD has the program for you.
Our 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design diploma program teaches you the knowledge and skills you need to successfully compete in the computer generated animation industry. The program harnesses the talent of industry-leading professionals to teach the theory and techniques used in three dimensional animation art and design.
The program focuses on game development, including staging scenes, game environments, using storyboards, and designing and animating 3D characters using industry-standard software.
Graduates of this program will have a strong portfolio to showcase their animation work to find employment in roles such as character modeler, 3D modeler, technical artist or junior production designer. 3D animation job opportunities exist in CGI-based industries such as game development companies, computer animation studios, post-production and special effects studios.
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Produce computer-generated images.
- Shape a model.
- Develop a storyboard.
- Stage a scene.
- Design characters.
- Design environments.
- Produce 3D models of props and characters.
- Represent movements in three dimensions.
- Animate characters.
- Create digital visual effects.
- Understand the latest trends in the visual and graphic arts.
- Use critical thinking and creativity to visual expression.
- Draw a character and its environment.
- Analyze and critique a production.
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia.
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- This course is an introductory level course that prepares the student to draw anatomically correct structures of the human body. Students will learn to draw the human figure in correct anatomic detail based on the observation of live models. This course will emphasize the anatomically correct proportions of the human body and the accurate portrayal of muscles and other landmarks by applying various techniques of shading and lighting, views and perspective.
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- This course is an introductory level drawing course designed to have the students apply the fundamental concepts of drawing. Students will experiment with the use of basic shapes and techniques in drawing simple objects comprised of lines, shapes, forms and shading patterns. This course will also continue the coverage of the notions of perspective, scale, and proportions and their role in the production of realistic looking drawings. Students will also gain an understanding of light source placement and shadow casting and how these translate into a final drawing. Students will be able to practice the various techniques learned throughout the course by developing drawings in a progressive manner.
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- This course introduces the students to the popular image-editing software Adobe Photoshop. The main objective of this course is to teach the student graphical image production using Adobe Photoshop. Through this ‘hands-on’ course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, as well as advanced features and tips, to prepare images for the Web and for print. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create and enhance sophisticated images using Adobe Photoshop’s tools and features. They will learn how to correct and modify print as well as Web images using various techniques and organizational tools. They will also learn how to apply special effects to original and composite images.
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- The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamental principles of design and color theory. Students will be introduced to the principle concepts of design such as layout, composition and balance, as well as the theories of color and how to use color creatively. These concepts will be presented in theory as well as reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into good design.
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| GA10D |
2D Animation Foundations |
48 |
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- In this course, students will learn the basic principles of animation. Students will participate in several practical projects designed to illustrate the fundamental processes of animation. The course will explore the traditional techniques of animation and how they apply in the modern world of CG animations. The course will explore the different types of animation including stop-motion, visual effects, traditional animation, and CG.
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- This course is dedicated in large part to the drawing and representation of the skeletal structure and musculature of the human body. Students will learn the anatomical names of the skeletal elements, landmarks and muscle groups. Students will learn how to draw the structures of the human skeleton and then add the surface muscle groups and features appropriate to the skeletal sub-structure. The course will also explore the differences in the portrayal of male and female musculoskeletal features. Students will also be introduced to the drawing of animal forms and basic animal surface coverings.
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- This course introduces students to concept of storyboarding for modelers and animators. Students will learn how to create clear, concise storyboards. Students will explore the elements that contribute to the final production of industry standard storyboards, including everything from a 30 second commercial, a television show, computer game, and feature films. Topics will include concept and production boards, thumbnail sketches, the role of character design, character staging, model sheets, art direction, background (layout) design, and camera positioning.
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| GA20C |
3D Modeling Foundations |
48 |
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- This course is an introductory level course exploring the foundations of 3D modeling. Students will learn to think in a 3D environment and design objects in 3D using the typical 3D coordinate system. In addition to learning the fundamentals of modeling, students will also learn how to use the industry standard modeling and animation software package such as Maya to produce a model. Students will learn to work with polygons, NURBS, subdivisions and deformers as well as a brief introduction to lighting and textures.
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| GA20D |
3D Animation Foundations |
48 |
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- This course will explore the basic techniques of 3D animation. Using industry standard software, students will take their first steps to animating a basic character. Using a hands-on approach, students will learn the techniques of basic animation, texturing, visual effects and rendering.
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| GA21E |
Character Design |
48 |
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- This course explores the design and production of characters for the animation and video game industry. Students will learn the principles of good character design, from research to final detailing, while focusing on character development, style, and personality. Students will apply principles and techniques of design and anatomy to achieve the expressive, well-developed, appealing characters. By the end of this course, students should be able to work with a variety of styles, archetypes and body structures to construct their characters.
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- This course explores the principles and theory of sound game level design. Through extensive practical activities, students will learn the steps and processes for taking an idea and designing a game level prototype.
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| GA30B |
Texture Mapping (Photoshop II) |
48 |
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- In this course students will be introduced to the process of creating and working with textures as they are used in game design. Students will learn to work with the advanced functions of digital imaging software to produce textures that can then be mapped onto surfaces in subsequent steps in the modeling an animation process. The course will explore advanced image manipulation techniques and procedures which the student will apply to create various textures and materials.
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- In this course, students will transfer their knowledge of anatomy and drawing of anatomical parts to a three dimensional sculpture. This course explores the materials, tools and techniques used in producing a sculpture and how to refine the sculpture into a finished work of art.
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| GA30D |
Hard Surface and Organic Modeling |
48 |
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- This course continues the coverage of modeling techniques. Students will learn to design and model both organic surfaces and hard surface objects. Students will learn to produce models using polygonal modeling and splines while working with geometric shapes. Students will also work with textures and materials to create the different types of surfaces.
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| GA30E |
Acting for Animation |
48 |
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- This course continues to enhance the students knowledge of 3D animation. The principles of acting in animation are introduced and applied. Students learn how to animate the body language of a character first in pantomime, and then how to do full facial animation to a dialogue track using a single character, and with two characters interacting.
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| GA40A |
Life Drawing III |
48 |
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- This course focuses on the drawing of human form in various poses that imply movement or motion. This course focuses on drawing the relationships between the body parts and the environment which surrounds them. Students will study and draw these relationships between anatomy background and foreground elements. The course will also explore the drawing of simple motion, facial expressions and gestures from both a human and an animal perspective.
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- This course introduces the student to 3D scripting using Maya Embedded Language or MEL scripting. Students will learn the various features and functions of the language that will add advanced capabilities to the animations. Students will learn how to use the MEL scripting language and its capabilities to streamline and automate the character rigging process. The course will then explore the use of MEL scripting to create a character animation.
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| GA40C |
Character Modeling |
48 |
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- This course continues the study of modeling techniques with a focus on the design and modeling of 3D characters. Students will explore techniques of character modeling and how to take a character project from idea to final model. Students will design and model individual parts of the character anatomy culminating in the building of a complete character.
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| GA40D |
Interior Spaces and Worlds |
48 |
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- This course explores the design and development of game environment modeling. Students will learn how to observe real world environments and then translate those observations into producing a model of the environment. Students will also learn to consider staging and environment mood into the design and modeling of the environment.
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| GA40E |
Material and Lighting |
48 |
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- This course covers the importance of materials, textures and lighting as an integral component in the process of creating an effective look and feel to an object or character. This course explores the fundamental use of lighting texture, and material strategies and how they can add to the effectiveness and realistic appearance of game assets. Students will learn to identify and select appropriate materials and textures based on the type and mood of a game or scene.
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| GA50A |
Brush Based Techniques |
48 |
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- This course introduces the student to 3D sculpting using industry standard software. The student will leverage the capabilities of the brush-based sculpting and modeling software package to create realistic looking character models with effective textures. Students will apply the software’s texturing and morphing capabilities to design and model a 3D character based on predetermined specifications.
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- This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world. The focus of this course is to prepare students for job interviews by helping them compile and defend a first draft of their portfolio. The portfolio will contain pieces produced by the students that demonstrate their skills in conceptualization, design, modeling and animation. This will be the first step in assisting students to identify a preferred skill set and to select distinguishing portfolio pieces that showcase this skill. This will then provide them with a focus for polishing their technique and developing a unique style. Feedback will come in the form of industry, instructor and peer critique.
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| GA50C |
Low Polygon Modeling |
48 |
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- This course continues the study of modeling techniques. The focus of this course is the exploration of modeling techniques using a low polygon count and the effective use of this technique. Students will learn to identify situations where a low poly count is appropriate versus situations where a higher count is required. Students will then apply modeling techniques using a low polygon count to model characters and objects in an appropriate level of detail.
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| GA50D |
3D Character Rigging |
48 |
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- This course explores the process of preparing the setup of a character model for future animation of the character. The course will take the students through the steps of character modeling and animation with a focus on the rigging of the characters. Students will learn how to prepare and setup character rigs, bind structures to geometry and work with meshes and armature. Students will learn to rig facial expressions and lip movement as well as rigging and animating armature.
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| GA50E |
Lighting and Texture |
48 |
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- This course builds upon the previously covered topics of lighting and textures. It takes the students beyond the basic light sources and shadows and explores lighting and texturing as an art. Students will learn advanced lighting and texturing skills and techniques and how to apply them to modeling and animation projects. Students will learn to select the appropriate light type for a particular situation as well as the correct material 2D and 3D textures.
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- This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world, allowing the student to place the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. Students will be required to explain and defend the presentation structure of their portfolio and individual pieces to a panel of their peers and industry in the format of a job interview. All portfolio components should demonstrate the student’s mastery of the programs core competencies while highlighting the uniqueness of their work. Selected pieces should reflect a standard of quality evidenced by additional time spent polishing applied skills. Students will be required to complete their presentation website and marketing collateral.
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| GA60C |
Professional Presentation |
48 |
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- This course is designed to introduce the importance of professional business conduct and attitude. Students will learn the importance of preparing themselves properly for the job search process and how to prepare and present the proper marketing collateral. In this course the student will learn the techniques that will help them to properly market themselves to potential employers.
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| GA60D |
Advanced 3D Animation |
48 |
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- This course covers the advanced topics in 3D animation. Students will learn to produce real-time 3D animations and work with camera angles and lighting techniques to produce complex animations and effects. Students will learn to distinguish between camera movement and character movement in an animation. Students will be required to apply previously acquired skills in design, modeling, rigging and animation to produce an animation from design to final rendering.
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| GA60E |
Advanced Lighting and Texturing |
48 |
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- In this course, students will explore advanced lighting and texturing strategies. Students will learn different methods and techniques to use the full potential of lighting, shading, and textures to increase the detail of an object and enhance its realistic appearance. The course will also look at ways of increasing the detail of the render without necessarily increasing the complexity nor the load on resources. The course will explore the blending of colours, the automation of a scene with the various sampler nodes and utilities, custom UVs, maps and sliders global illumination and final rendering.