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A qualification in animation will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to launch a lucrative career in many different visual design industries.
Diploma in Animation
Our Diploma in Animation will equip students with all the skills and knowledge needed to create fun, interesting and appealing animations in Blender. Animation is a growing sector, and when one looks at the exponential growth of the game development and film industries, it becomes an extremely exciting career opportunity.
Throughout the course, you will be introduced to the world of animation. From theory to storyboards, and from models to textures. You will build up the strong foundations needed to begin creating fun and exciting animations. The course will begin with the basics, ensuring that all students are building up from the same level. As the course progresses, you will begin implementing this knowledge, creating original characters, and bringing them to life in your own unique way!
The course will consist of several smaller assignments focusing on theory and theory application. Once you have demonstrated your Animation Knowledge and Blender Skills, it will then be up to you to design, model, texture and fully animate a character completely designed by yourself!
The course has been developed to introduce students to all aspects of animation but will primarily focus on Theory and 3D animation. The goal is to focus on the core concepts and demonstrate your ability to apply them. No animation background or skills are required, but a basic level of computer experience is recommended.
Course Overview
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Why Animation?
- Demand for Animators is growing & Industry Scope is Expanding.
- Develop an understanding of 3D modelling.
- Lucrative and Rewarding Career path.
- Learn to make custom animations using the 12 Animation Principles.
- Learn to create your own unique characters from scratch.
- Live & work anywhere in the world.
- Opens the door for work in other Visual Design industries.
Content
- Introduction to Animation
- The 12 Principles of Animation
- Sketching & Storyboarding
- Character Design & Art Theory
- Introduction to Blender
- Character Modelling
- UV Unwrapping & Texturing
- Character Rigging & Skinning
- Character Animation in Blender
- Cinematic Techniques & Film Theory
Introduction to Animation
Learners will be introduced to core, fundamental animation principles, and will examine classic cartoons/films. They will explore old animation techniques and compare them 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 with no 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.
What Will I Learn?
On completion of this course, students will be equipped with the relevant skills and knowhow needed to launch a career in animation. Movies, Computer Games, and many other forms of media require animators, and this diploma will equip students with skills that are transferable across many visual design sectors.
Throughout this course you will gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the core concepts used in animation and character creation. This knowledge, combined with your improved 3D modelling skills will allow you to create unique and exciting characters for use in any project! Students will experience the full development process, from conception to production, and will learn how to effectively communicate their vision through character creation and animation.
Requirements
Students will require a laptop or a PC for the duration of this course. Students will be using Blender software available free online for practical work during this course.
Digital Assessment
Students will be assessed through three practical assignments.
The first two assignments will be completed during the course and will focus on the learner’s theoretical and technical skills independently.
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.
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 has studied game design for 6 years and has achieved an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design from TU Dublin.
Michael has developed several games that can be across steam, itch.io and new grounds, with animated characters and environments that encourage immersive storytelling and gameplay. He has created characters, environments and interactions using both 2D and 3D methods in animation.
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