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Foundations of VFX Course

Learn VFX online from artists who have worked on major films and video games
Overview

VFX course run by industry artists

Launch your career with expert career training & mentorship

In just 9 months, this VFX for beginners course will give you a solid foundation in 3D modeling, animation and VFX, so you can get hands-on practice with each discipline and confidently decide which area you'd like to specialize in. You’ll learn VFX software used by top production studios all over the world, and start your journey into the industry!

Why study VFX at CG Spectrum:

  • Get the latest skills studios are hiring for
  • Be mentored by VFX artists with real-world experience
  • Learn Maya, Substance Painter, Houdini & Nuke 
  • Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)

[more]More[/more]

CG Spectrum is an online visual effects school where you are personally mentored by some of the best film and video game artists. You'll be guided step-by-step through the entire VFX post-production process, develop a solid understanding of CGI and motion graphics, get hands-on experience, and graduate with original work for your demo reel.

Enjoy a personalized education experience like no other with unrivalled support and feedback from a mentor who is invested in your success. On graduation, you can further your career training with an advanced course in your chosen discipline.

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Qualification

Certificate

Study duration

9 months

Commitment

40 hrs weekly

Skill level

Intermediate

Prerequisites

Basic computer skills & min. computer specs

Delivery

Weekly online classes, feedback and support

Software

Maya, Substance Painter, Houdini, Nuke

Start date

May 1, 2023
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Why study with us

Learn VFX from seasoned industry pros with years of real-world experience

Specialized expert-led visual effects programs to help you build job skills and a competitive edge

Flexible Scheduling

Plan your studies around your work and family commitments

Industry Mentors

Learn from mentors who have worked on major films and games

Job-Ready Skills

Build practical, relevant job skills that studios are looking for

Payment Plans

Options to help you pursue your passion and start working sooner
Curriculum

An industry-approved curriculum to get you started in the film and games industry

Term 1: 12 weeks

Animation & Modeling for VFX

Dive right in to your VFX course with 3D modeling, animation and visual effects exercises using Maya, Substance Painter, and Houdini. Practice setting up a proper workflow–a vital skill you’ll use throughout your career. Have a go at creating a realistic animation using the 12 Principles of Animation, then move onto basic 3D props. Finish with portfolio pieces including animation walk cycles, character jumps, 3D models such as stylized props or weapons, plus a space rover or robot model.

Animation Foundations (Stream A)

  • How to navigate software used by VFX studios
  • Animate and build 3D models from scratch
  • Create believable motion in your animation
  • Retopolgize hi-res objects for clean line flow

3D Modeling Foundations (Stream B)

  • How to set up proper workflows in Maya
  • Retopolgize objects for clean line flow
  • Create 3D assets from film & games
  • Texture using Substance Painter

Animation Foundations (Stream A)

  1. Introduction to 3D Animation & Rigs
  2. Posing a Character
  3. Timing & Spacing
  4. Overlap & Follow Through
  5. Pose Transitions 01
  6. Pose Transitions 02
  7. Lower Body Walk Cycle
  8. Lower Body Run Cycle
  9. Full Body Walk Cycle
  10. Full Body Run Cycle
  11. Walk With Prop 01
  12. Walk With Prop 02

3D Modeling Foundations (Stream B)

  1. Introduction to Modeling
  2. Blocking a Model with Reference
  3. Model Finalizing & Cleanup
  4. Retopology Basics
  5. Modeling Project 2A
  6. Modeling Project 2B & Presentation
  7. Hard Surface High Poly Modeling for Film
  8. Hard Surface Low Poly Modeling for Games
  9. UV Theory
  10. UV Layout & Texture Preparation
  11. Introduction: Substance Painter
  12. Texturing & Presentation
Term 2: 12 weeks

Character Art, Animation & Environment Modeling

Build on your animation and 3D modeling foundation knowledge with more complex projects. Start animating characters interacting with their surroundings and see how they respond to physical force by creating combat actions for film and games. Next, you’ll learn all about human anatomy and create your own 3D character with clothing, hair and accessories. Finally, using a concept design as a guide, you’ll create a realistic 3D environment with assets like buildings, trees, rocks and props.

Intermediate Animation (Stream A)

  • How to animate action sequences
  • Body mechanics for animation
  • Create 3D environments from scratch
  • Texture, light and render 3D assets

Intermediate 3D Modeling (Stream B)

  • How to create 3D characters & environments
  • Set up a basic scene for rendering
  • Model organic & hard surface assets
  • Apply lighting & rendering techniques

Intermediate Animation (Stream A)

  1. Run and Jump Blocking
  2. Run and Jump Polish
  3. Parkour Blocking
  4. Parkour Polish
  5. Forces & Weight Blocking
  6. Forces & Weight Polish
  7. Weight Lift Blocking
  8. Weight Lift Polish
  9. Combat Actions Blocking
  10. Combat Actions Polish
  11. Fight Scene Blocking
  12. Fight Scene Polish

Intermediate 3D Modeling (Stream B)

  1. Introduction to Character Modeling
  2. Character Modeling
  3. Clothing and Accessories
  4. Character UV and Texturing
  5. Hair in Maya
  6. Character Presentation
  7. Introduction to Environment Modeling
  8. Environment Basics - Modeling
  9. Environment Basics - Texturing
  10. Trees
  11. Making props
  12. Environment Presentation

*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input

Term 3: 12 weeks

FX for VFX

Your VFX training is not complete until you can confidently produce stunning visual effects for the film in Houdini. Learn how to create dynamic particle effects and seamlessly implement them into a scene with lighting and rendering. By the end of this course you will have a hands-on understanding of the VFX pipeline, several portfolio pieces, and a clearer idea of which specialty you wish to pursue in the film industry.

  • How to create unreal visual effects for film
  • Use simulation and particle techniques
  • Light and composite your shot
  • Professionally present your work

VFX Production

  1. Introduction to Houdini Networks
  2. Creating Motion in Houdini
  3. Particle FX Project
  4. Transforming Attributes
  5. Intro to RBD FX
  6. RBD FX Project
  7. Intro to Smoke and Pyro
  8. Pyro FX Project
  9. Intro to FLIP
  10. Flip FX project
  11. FX Project Introduction
  12. FX Project Presentation
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Mentors

Get direct access to VFX artists and learn from the best

All VFX classes are taught by industry mentors with years of experience working on films and video games at major studios around the world

Alex Lori's Work
Alex Lori

Alex Lori

Alex is a highly experienced senior animator and supervisor whose credits include: The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Monsters Vs. Aliens and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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Dept. Head of Foundations

Known for The Adventures of Puss in Boots

Ben Fox's Work
Ben Fox

Ben Fox

Ben's worked on high-profile commercials and Unreal Engine VR experiences for projects like Game of Thrones, Interstellar and Ready Player One.

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Mentor of Houdini FX

Known for Interstellar VR

Justin Mohlman's Work
Justin Mohlman

Justin Mohlman

Justin has brought dozens of games to life in his 2-decade career. Credits include Tony Hawk, Mortal Kombat, and other AAA titles like Singularity and Stranglehold.

Read full bio

Mentor of Foundations

Known for Mortal Kombat Franchise

Yuri Perrini's Work
Yuri Perrini

Yuri Perrini

Yuri is a 3D Animator and Rigger who has worked across film, TV, commercials, video games, and mixed reality AR-VR, for clients such as Jim Henson, Stan Lee, Gatorade, and the 2018 World Cup.

Mentor of Foundations

Known for The Cleansing Hour

Yinglei Yang's Work
Yinglei Yang

Yinglei Yang

Yinglei is CG Generalist skilled in modeling, texturing, lighting, rigger, and DMP. She’s applied her skills on projects such as Gotham Minority Report, Mockingjay, and Bridgerton.

Mentor of Foundations

Known for Bridgerton

Dave Pasciuto's Work
Dave Pasciuto

Dave Pasciuto

In his 25 year career, Dave's worked as a 3D artist, and concept artist, art and creative director at studios like Framestore, LVTHN, EA and clients like Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon to name a few.

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Mentor of Foundations

Known for Tony Hawk Ride

Jorge Razon's Work
Jorge Razon

Jorge Razon

With almost 2 decades in the industry, VFX Supervisor Jorge has more than 50 credits to his name including Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman and Tomb Raider.

Read full bio

Mentor of Foundations

Known for Umbrella Academy

Billy Dao's Work
Billy Dao

Billy Dao

For the past 7 years, Billy's been a resident artist at Luma Pictures, working on films like Godzilla vs Kong, Spider-Man: Far from Home, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Deadpool.

Read full bio

Mentor of Foundations

Known for Godzilla vs Kong

Enric Joanmiquel's Work
Enric Joanmiquel

Enric Joanmiquel

Mentor of Foundations

Known for Bleeding Edge
Study Options

Small Class

The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.

  • Max. 4 students per course
  • Affordable high-quality education
  • Network while you learn
Study Options

1-on-1 Private

Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.

  • Maximum level of mentor interaction
  • Greater flexibility to schedule classes
  • Customized learning experience

 

Monthly
$1,185 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,199 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 25%

Upfront
$7,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Monthly
$1,485 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,999 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 25%

Upfront
$9,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Frequently asked questions

Foundations of VFX Course FAQs

For this course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Software:

Students can sign up for an educational license for Maya, Houdini and Substance Painter.

Hardware:

You will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter.
Student Showcase

High quality student work that speaks for itself

With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. See what they are creating.

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Studios that hire our students

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From the get-go, you’re thrown into hands-on projects that have you itching to learn more.

This doesn’t feel like online studying. The mentors are always there to help and the live chats and forum help you get to know your fellow students who are also more than willing to give insightful feedback. Every step of the way you’re growing into a wonderful community.

Patricia T
Patricia T
Visual Effects

I’m not only learning the essentials of VFX but also key networking tips from my mentor.

I started CG Spectrum with no experience in visual effects. In my opinion, the education with CG Spectrum is the closest to giving me actual industry experience since I’m working alongside an industry vet whilst being taught the fundamentals of my trade. I can comfortably say I have more of a "peer to peer" relationship rather than "teacher to student", making it really easy to share my work and expect solid criticism.

Subhan A
Subhan A
Houdini FX

I landed a job immediately after finishing the course.

When I started CG Spectrum's animation program, I wasn't sure what to expect. Now, I can surely tell that choosing CG Spectrum was the best decision I've ever made. My mentors were incredibly knowledgeable, dedicated and supportive.

Vanessa R
Vanessa R
Animation

The mentors are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Prior to enrolling at CG Spectrum's VFX course, I had no experience in creating VFX or using Houdini at all. By the end of the 3rd semester, I was quite comfortable in using Houdini for most simulations, using VEX in place of regular nodes and creating procedural assets. 

Rosen K
Rosen K
Houdini FX

I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!

I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!

Kasia P
Kasia P
3D Modeling

CG Spectrum seemed too good to be true. Looking back, it was the best decision.

Every mentor and staff member has been so hands-on and directly involved in my learning. Co-Directors of top box office movies and supervisors of major Netflix TV shows are giving me feedback on my projects. Students also have access to a strong community, and an awesome career class to prepare you for your dream job.

Stephanie S
Stephanie S
3D Modeling