Learn 3D Animation for Film & Video Games

CG Spectrum’s 3D animation for beginners course prepares you for an exciting career where no two days are the same!

Using creativity and problem solving, 3D Animators use motion to bring characters, vehicles and props to life in films, video games, and TV shows.

But as film and game technology evolves and becomes more complex, it can be daunting to learn 3D animation on your own. Our course saves you time and keeps you focused with a comprehensive curriculum that gets you animating like a pro, even without any prior knowledge.

You’ll be personally mentored by a world-class industry expert who will show you the latest tools and techniques used by top studios. Learn 3D animation from the best and gain a competitive advantage over your peers!

Introduction to 3D Animation Overview

This online 3D animation for beginners course covers all of the essentials, including the 12 Principals, body mechanics, and how to rig your very own character. You’ll finish the course with a solid foundation in 3D, a portfolio piece, and confidence using Maya software.

At CG Spectrum we ensure you receive a high level of personalized training by keeping class sizes small and offering 1-on-1 private tuition. With online classes 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 Advanced 3D Animation Diploma.

Start Date

April 6th, 2020

Duration

6 Months

Delivery Method

Weekly online classes via Zoom along with recorded feedback, e-mail support and a student community

Software

A student educational license of Maya and subscription to Long Winter character rigs is provided to all students for free

Course Load

20hrs/week

Skill Level

Beginner

Prerequisites

Course Curriculum

TERM 01

3D Animation Foundations

3D Animation Foundations

The 3D animation for beginners course starts with the essentials. Using industry software Maya, discover how to get a character moving in a believable way with a character walk-cycle. You’ll get plenty of time to practice, giving you a better understanding of body mechanics, locomotion and rigging. Finish with a cool piece for your portfolio!

Learn how to:

  • Gain speed and confidence in Maya
  • Set up professional animation workflows
  • Use character rigs and create poses
  • Understand the principals of animation

Weekly Breakdown

  1. Introduction: 3D Animation
  2. Introduction: Animation Rigs
  3. Posing a Character
  4. Timing & Spacing
  5. Squash & Stretch
  6. Overlap & Follow Through
  7. Poses Transitions
  8. Flour Sack Jump
  9. Lower Body Walk Cycle
  10. Upper Body Walk Cycle
  11. Adding a Prop
  12. Polish & Presentation

*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input

TERM 02

Body Mechanics

Body Mechanics

Time to get physical! Learn 3D animation tips and tricks from your mentor while building on your foundation skills. In this semester you’ll find out how to get characters interacting with their surrounding environment, and see how they deal with physical forces. Finally you’ll learn how to design combat animations for both film and games.

Learn how to:

  • Create a character run cycle
  • Convey realistic weight with a character
  • Animate combat action scenes
  • Build your own character rigs

Weekly Breakdown

  1. Lower Body Run Cycle 01
  2. Lower Body Run Cycle 02
  3. Full Body Run Cycle 01
  4. Full Body Run Cycle 02
  5. Forces & Weight 01
  6. Forces & Weight 02
  7. Weight Lift 01
  8. Weight Lift 02
  9. Combat Actions 01
  10. Combat Actions 02
  11. Fight Scene 01
  12. Fight Scene 02

*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input

LOOK INSIDE

HOW IT WORKS?

Meet Your Mentors

Simon Warwick

Simon Warwick

Mentor of 3D Animation

Known for

Batman: Arkham Knight

Mark Pullyblank

Mark Pullyblank

Dept. Head of 3D Animation

Known for

Avatar

Lukas Niklaus

Lukas Niklaus

Mentor of 3D Animation

Known for

War of the Planet of the Apes

Delano Athias

Delano Athias

Mentor of 3D Animation

Known for

Deadpool

Alumni Testimonials

I cannot recommend CG Spectrum enough! The mentors at CG Spectrum are fantastic. What separates CG Spectrum from other online animation schools is that the mentors are not only talented professionals in their own right, but they also care about your success as an artist both in school and after you graduate.

David Nelson Animator - Picture Shop

It’s your career success that matters. I applied to some companies with my updated reel and get the chance to be hired by a small studio named Dwarf-Labs where I did some animations for a CG commercial. Then I was hired by Ubisoft where I worked for the last release of one of their big franchise, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate!

Sebastien Muller Animator - Ubisoft

CG Spectrum has a way of mentoring students that I haven't experienced before. My mentor is always pushing me in order to become industry-ready. CG Spectrum mentors are always available for feedback and take a proactive approach to teaching their students.

Vanessa Rossi Animator - MPC

I got my dream job! After a lot of searching, I found CG Spectrum. The curriculum is wonderful, the mentors are fantastic and the school is very accommodating. The thing that impressed me the most was they actually go through the assignment files. This contributes tremendously towards understanding your mistakes.

Aniket Natekar Lead Animator - Bron Studios

Studios Who Hire Our Alumni

Studio
Studio
Studio

The CG Spectrum Advantage

Flexible Scheduling

Whether studying full-time or working around a busy schedule, CG Spectrum’s virtual learning model allows you to study when you want, where you want.

Industry Mentors

Learn from highly experienced and passionate mentors who are actively working in the industry on major feature films and AAA video games.

Job Ready Skills

Our specialized, custom-built digital art courses and hands-on teaching method ensure the skills you gain are exactly those that studios are looking for.

Payment Plans

Your education is an investment. We offer various payment options to help you pursue your passion, hone your craft, and start working sooner.

Ready to Start Something Great?

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Tuition & Study Options

Small Class Option

If you enjoy learning with others and sharing ideas, small group classes are for you! Fun, engaging and capped at 5 students max, this is an affordable way to learn 3D animation from a top industry mentor. Ideal if you thrive in a collaborative environment and would like to start building your peer network while you learn. While there is some flexibility with class times, if your schedule is rather busy, consider 1-on-1 mentorship.

MONTHLY

$650

6 x payments

 
PER TERM

$1750

2 x payments

(Save 10%)
UPFRONT

$2900

1 x payments

(Save 25%)

1-On-1 Private Option

Progress faster with 1-on-1 mentorship! Private tuition offers a higher level of individual attention and more flexibility to schedule classes around work and family commitments. Your mentor can also customize the 3D animation for beginners course based on your strengths and interests. This option is perfect for those looking to change careers to get into the industry, or established artists looking to upgrade skills or change specialties.

MONTHLY

$850

6 x payments

 
PER TERM

$2290

2 x payments

(Save 10%)
UPFRONT

$3800

1 x payments

(Save 25%)