Introduction to 3D Animation
Online 3D animation course for beginners taught by top film and game animators
Learn 3D animation essentials
Take the first step towards your career as a 3D animator
CG Spectrum’s 3D animation for beginners course prepares you for a career where no two days are the same! In this short course, you'll learn the principles of animation for film and games with an industry mentor as your guide. You'll be animating from scratch in no time!
Why study 3D animation at CG Spectrum:
- Learn to animate even without prior knowledge
- Gain confidence using industry software Maya
- Be mentored by a world-class industry animator
- Choose between 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)
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This online 3D animation for beginners course covers all of the essentials you need to get started, including the 12 Principals, body mechanics, and creating character walk cycles. You’ll finish the course with a solid foundation in 3D animation, a portfolio piece, and confidence using Maya software.
You’ll be personally mentored by an industry expert who will show you the latest tools and techniques used by top animation studios.
Expect highly personalized training with small class sizes and 1-on-1 private tuition. Classes are 100% online, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home, in your own time.
After completing the course, you have the option to continue your journey with the 3D Animation Diploma.
Mark Pullyblank
Department Head Mark has held lead positions at Rainmaker, Sony and Weta Digital working on films like Avatar, The Adventures of Tintin, and Night at the Museum.
Read full bioDept. Head of 3D Animation
Known for Avatar
Simon Warwick
Simon has been working in the game industry since 2005, and was credited as the only technical cinematic animator for Batman: Arkham City at Rocksteady Studios.
Read full bioDept. Head of Foundations
Known for Batman: Arkham Knight
Ambre Maurin
Ambre has worked as an animator in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada on projects like LEGO Avengers, Happy Feet Two, Avatar and Where the Wild Things Are.
Read full bioMentor of 3D Animation
Known for Avatar
Roland Vallet
Roland has worked his way across the globe at major studios like Weta Digital, where he worked on two Planet of The Apes movies, The Hobbit Trilogy, and Avengers: Infinity War.
Read full bioMentor of Animation
Known for Avengers: Infinity War
Adrian Lim
Adrian's worked at Weta, ILM and Animal Logic on films and games like Captain Marvel, The Hobbit Trilogy, Fortnite Battle Royale and League of Legends Worlds Championship.
Read full bioMentor of Animation
Known for The Hobbit Trilogy
Rob Lodermeier
The Willoughbys co-Director brings 17 years of industry experience from Nerdcorps, Bardel, Rainmaker and Lucasfilm where he worked on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Read full bioMentor of 3D Animation
Known for The Willoughbys
Nick Unden
Nick's held lead positions at major game studios Relic Entertainment and Phoenix Labs. Credits include Dauntless, Dawn of War 3 and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City.
Read full bioMentor of 3D Animation
Known for Dauntless
Lukas Niklaus
Lukas worked his way through the biggest VFX studios (ILM, Weta Digital, Animal Logic, MPC) on films like Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin, and War for the Planet of the Apes.
Read full bioMentor of 3D Animation
Known for War for the Planet of the Apes
3D Animation Course Pathway
We've built our courses based on industry input and focus on teaching skills studios are hiring for.
The three courses below form a complete study pathway designed to fast track your education so you can land your first job sooner. Each course can also be taken separately depending on your skill level and career goals.
Overview:
The Introduction to 3D Animation Certificate teaches you solid foundations, giving you an idea of what it takes to pursue a career in 3D animation. This introduction course serves as the first term of the 3D Animation Diploma, so you’ll be one-third of the way through the diploma course if you choose to continue your journey.
Prerequisites:
- Basic computer skills
- A computer that meets the minimum recommended specifications
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Certificate
- Duration: 3 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Beginner
- Software: An educational license of Maya and a subscription to Long Winter character rigs is provided for free
Overview:
The 3D Animation Diploma develops your skill level further with a focus on producing the quality of animation expected in video game and television production.
Prerequisites:
- Completion of Introduction to 3D Animation Certificate
(Note: The Introduction to 3D Animation Certificate is embedded in the 3D Animation Diploma and serves as Term 01. If you have already completed the introductory course, you are one-third of the way through this diploma.)
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Diploma
- Duration: 9 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Software: An educational license of Maya and a subscription to Long Winter character rigs is provided for free
Overview:
The Advanced 3D Animation Diploma takes your skills to a feature film and AAA video game level and focuses on building your professional portfolio.
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the 3D Animation Diploma or a portfolio demonstrating similar learning outcomes
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Advanced Diploma
- Duration: 9 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Advanced
- Software: An educational license of Maya and a subscription to Long Winter character rigs is provided for free
Absolutely amazing school!
I recommend it for complete newbs like I was who want to become animators. Mark Pullyblank was an amazing, kind, and helpful mentor who made sure I always knew what I was doing. He's probably one of the most dedicated teachers I know, and made sure he went over everything thoroughly with me and was quick to answer my questions. Definitely 10/10.
I'm learning so much and loving every minute of it!
I didn't realise how much I didn't know before joining CG Spectrum. I'm learning stuff you just can't get out of books and videos alone. You can't ask a book a question. Here, your mentors open your file and give a video critique showing different approaches and ways to improve your workflow, making sure you fully understand the lesson.
CG Spectrum has been an instrumental part of my growth.
CG Spectrum has helped me sharpen my skills, acquire new ones and strengthen my character animation abilities. This is an invaluable experience for anyone looking to learn animation or take their skills to the next level.
