Overview
The 3D Animation concentration is an option of the Digital Animation diploma program. You start this concentration in the second term of your first year.
This concentration develops advanced 3D modelling and animation skills. The primary focus is 3D animation and storytelling through acting, posing and scene setup. Throughout this process you learn to transform a 2D character concept to a finished 3D model and rig it ready for animation. This includes setting up environments with lighting, texturing and compositing, all to enhance the storyline.
You can expect to experience different 3D workflow processes needed for storytelling while still developing your traditional artistic skills. Finally, you learn how to combine these skills to produce a short 3D piece to add to your online portfolio.
You learn how to transform a character concept to a finished 3D model ready for rigging (creation of a digital skeleton with joints and bones required for animation). You use image-based modelling to develop a 3D sculpture and demonstrate the different stages of workflow while you create and complete a realistically-rendered 3D model. You also focus on intermediate texturing and lighting techniques for 3D environments and various levels of animation. In addition, you learn how to combine these skills to create and produce a short, 3D animated film, and leave with a polished portfolio of your work.
Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
DATD 1002 - Sculpture
Learners will experience and create 3D forms with their hands through the process of building models with a variety of materials.
DATD 1015 - Digital Painting I
This course introduces learners to painting with digital software. A variety of tools and painting techniques will be covered, as well as some art aesthetics and design principles. Learners will discuss the merits of their paintings and how they can be improved.
DATD 1500 - Animation Production I
In this course learners will work on an animation production. The importance of setting realistic goals, creating a schedule and following it to meet deadlines will be emphasized. Strong communication skills are crucial to keep all stakeholders informed and to avoid costly mistakes.
DATD 2000 - Life Drawing II
This is a hands on in studio and on location life drawing course which builds on fundamental drawing skills. Students use wet and dry media and experiment with techniques related to drawing the human figure and animals in motion.
DATD 2130 - 3D Modelling
This course introduces students to the discipline of 3D modelling within the 3D animation field. Students learn the process involved with transferring a character concept into a finished 3D model ready for rigging and texturing as well as other 3D modelling techniques and principles.
DATD 2135 - 3D Animation
This course introduces students to the processes, principles, tools, and software required to develop and create 3D Animation.
DATD 2210 - Career Development for Animation I
Students will work in teams and individually to research and investigate the various structures, cultures and career opportunities in the Animation industry. Students will identify the purpose of a professional creative portfolio focused on their career pathway.
DATD 2220 - 3D Character Animation I
This course focuses on the fundamentals of adopting a professional workflow that aligns with industry standards and optimizes the animation production process. From animation conceptualization to final delivery, students will create animation workflows and apply the tools and techniques employed by professionals.
DATD 2225 - Digital Animation Capstone
This course integrates the skills and knowledge students have developed throughout the year. Students will work on animation projects that imitate the real world to meet the specifications and goals of the project.
DATD 2250 - 3D Production Studio I
In this course students practice creative and analytical studio skills acquired in the previous semester using 3D language and consistent application of the 3D design process.
DATD 3030 - 3D Production and Rigging
This course develops the skills and knowledge required for rigging a character in a 3D environment. Rigging prepares a character for animation and is an integral part of the process pipeline of 3D animation. Students will develop a character animation using a custom-made rig following animation principles.
DATD 3035 - 3D Sculpting I
This course explores digital modelling, sculpting and painting techniques for today’s 3D artists. Learners will create their own basic 3D models and develop them into detailed 3D sculptures by understand the workflow through the different stages of development. Upon completion of this course learners will have conceptualized, created and completed a realistically rendered 3D model.
DATD 3039 - Clay Sculpting I
This course emphasis is on sculpting realistic human anatomy in clay. Through image presentations, demonstration and hands-on exercises, learners will explore the artistic fundamentals and workflow techniques of figure sculpture. Over the duration of this course students will make their own modelling clay and apply fundamental sculpting techniques to their models.
DATD 3210 - Career Development for Animation II
In this course students identify employment opportunities that align to strengths and career goals. In addition, students build a professional creative portfolio and demo reel focused on a personal career path.
DATD 3220 - 3D Character Animation II
In this course, students will refine 3D character animation workflows aligned with industry standards and optimization of the 3D animation production process. In addition, students will apply the industry animation principle of "appeal" to enhance 3D animated characters.
DATD 3250 - 3D Production Studio II
In this course students explore alternative 3D software and techniques to create professional 3D assets. Students will build on acquired 3D skills and knowledge to develop assets in their preferred areas of 3D production for a more focused professional portfolio. Study areas may include programming, dynamics, compositing, animation, special effects, rigging, lighting, texturing, or modelling.
DATD 3330 - Animation Industry Project
This course integrates all the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program in an industry ‘simulation’ environment. It is an alternative to a work integrated learning experience or animation industry work placement. Projects are usually provided by industry professionals.
DATD 3500 - Animation Work Experience
This course is a work integrated learning experience and takes place in a professional animation environment. Students will work alongside professional animators on real-world productions as part of an animation team.
DATD 4035 - 3D Sculpting II
In this course students follow industry workflows to build 3D organic and hard surface models and develop them into realistic, detailed 3D sculptures using modelling software.
DATD 4039 - Clay Sculpting II
In this course students design complex humanoid, animal and or creature clay sculptures in preparation for use in 3D animation environments.
Digital Animation - 3D Prescribed elective course requirement. 1.5 credits
