PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN ANIMATION

Focusing on core skills of Animation that are essential to beginning your journey into the exciting world of animation this course will enable learners to gain a hands-on experience in Blender, key frame animation and simulations, allowing the learner to create simple 2D and 3D animations.

During this 10-week course, learners will engage the character creation process from conception to completion designing and animating their own unique characters. They will learn to expand on the core principles of animation and implementation within animation software.

Learners will engage in multiple stages of the development pipeline applying theory to different key development stages of a project including 3D Modelling, UV Unwrapping, Texture Creation (in Blender), Rigging, Skinning, Key Frame Animation Rendering and much more.

Learners will explore the use of perspective in a creative 3D environment experimenting with perspective, and alignment and how to render with respect to different genres.

Throughout this course the learners will evaluate the twelve principles of animation and how they can be implemented in both 2D & 3D design, implementing these principles within their own world and designed characters.

This course has been developed to introduce students to all aspects of animation with a focus on the key areas that can be used to improve the overall quality of their animations and ultimately show case the skills gained throughout the course.

• Animation is in demand across multiple industry’s.
  • Game Design
  • Advertisements
  • Medical
  • Film
  • And Much More
• Create unique environments.
• Discover 12 principles of animation.
• Implement 12 principles of animation through critical evaluation of the needs of the scene.
• Rewarding and creative career path.
• Gain an understanding of camera angles, colour theory and composition.

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

Topics:

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

All topics covered are in respect to the previous topics covered and will build on and improve previous skills gained in the course.

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.

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.

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.