Diploma in Animation

Course Modules

This course is spread across 10 sessions within each session topics are explored and improved upon.

Topics:

• Camera Angles, procedural textures, and storyboarding
• Animation theory timing and Introduction to Blender navigation
• Concept Design, Colour theory, Hard surface modelling
• Annotations in Animation, Human modelling hands
• Rigging, Skilling, and UV unwrapping
• Walk cycle and Character animation
• Cloth and Hair simulations
• Smoke, and liquid simulations
• Environment design modelling
• Character creation, topology and edge flow, Humanoid modelling

All Topics will be connected and linked to the principles of animation along with in class examples of their implementation.

Detailed examples  

Animation Theory
Learners will be introduced to core, fundamental animation principles, and will examine classic cartoons/films. They will explore old animation techniques and compare these with modern solutions.

Storyboards
Learners will be shown how to create compelling and effective storyboards. As animators, it is vital to be able to showcase and discuss your ideas quickly, before committing to larger, more time-consuming animations.

Character Design & Art Theory
Learners will be given lessons in Character Design and Art Theory. This will provide them with the knowledge and understanding required to create unique and interesting characters.

3D Modelling & Texturing
Learners will model and texture their characters in Blender, based on the Character concepts they have created. Character designs will be kept simple as the modelling is secondary to the animation in this course.

Rig Preparation
Rigging and skinning characters is the process required to be able to animate said characters. Learners will create skeletons (rigs) that correctly move and animate their characters without tearing or self-intersecting.

Animating
Learners will finally animate their character, creating walk, run and jump cycles. Their final assignment will be a character model with all three of these basic animations, combined with one “Special” animation that will be unique to their character.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course students will have a good foundation of knowledge in many areas of animation, with the understanding and knowledge to explore areas of interest in more depth. Establishing the start of a portfolio during the course students will be able build on and improve their work with the confidence in their fundamental understanding of animation.

Students will be able to work on many different types of projects and in many areas with the skills gained in this course. Throughout the course students demonstrate their understanding of 3D modelling and the different requirements needed for games vs film etc.

Areas of interest that some students may explore in more detail after the course include but are not limited to:

• Lighting Artist
• Environment Modellers
• Prop modeller
• Concept artist
• Character Rigger
• Character modeller
• Animator
• Environment Design
  And many more…

Course Award

A City College’s Professional Diploma Course is a focused, practical programme designed and delivered by an industry practitioner, that consolidates, upskills or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that indicate that you have been trained in a particular area or specific subject matter.

City College Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study here by their organisation.

Entry Requirements

Students will require a laptop or a PC for the duration of this course. Students will be using Blender software  https://www.blender.org/  available free online for practical work during this course.

Assessments/Examinations

Students will be assessed through two practical assignments.

The first assignment will be completed during the course and will focus the leaners understanding of blender and their modelling capability.

The second will be completed within one month of cessation of the lectures and will focus on the learner’s ability to combine their theoretical knowledge with their technical implementation creating a short animation with a character that must interact with the created model from the first assignment.

These assignments will be based around the information and topics covered during the course and will focus on core asset design and animation principles.

Lecturer

Michael Carstairs

Michael Carstairs is a game designer and developer. He is qualified and has been involved in Game Design and development for many years and completed many projects.

Michael has been an active member of many game projects establishing skills across all areas of development including animation for use both in game assets and cut scenes, while focusing on the fundamentals of animation and storytelling in 2D and 3D game environments.

During this time Michael has gained vital experience in animation, character creation, storyboarding, and many other aspects of game development as well as designing and developing 2D and 3D characters and preparing them for animation.

Michael’s focus on games encourages dynamic and interesting animations that suit the characters world, driving the narrative forward.

Some of Michael’s portfolio:

https://michael-carstairs.itch.io/

Enquire