3D Animation Jumpstart
Model a 3D character in 4 weeks.
In this intermediate-level course, students will learn how to model a character in 3D. Once this is established, students will be taught how to texture and rig. Next students are taught 3-point lighting set-up and how to render their animation to video. The course is practically oriented, with lots of homework and one-on-one help from the instructor. The last week will be devoted to completing their final projects and producing a 15-second animation reel. The course is intended for intermediate users who have completed the 3D Jumpstart course or have sufficient working knowledge of Maya or a similar 3D app.
Course Outline
-
Introduction to Modelling with Polygons
-
Using Deformers on simple objects – Twist, Lattice, Flare, Bend, Flare
-
Project Start – Modelling the low poly character
-
Setting up photo references and Image planes
-
Modelling Techniques (box method vs edge loop method)
-
Clean Topology using quads, a few triangles, and n-gons
-
Introduction to Maya’s polygonal modelling tools – Extrude, bridge, Merge, Multi-Cut, Insert Edge loop, Combine, Smooth, Sculpt geometry tool, etc
-
Modelling with symmetry – Mirror Geometry, Merge vertices, Edge Loops
-
Development of form and detail (low poly count, surface quality, hard and soft edges)
-
Homework – Students will create a low-poly character, and the Instructor will review
-
-
Purpose and applications
-
Types of UV Mapping (planar, cylindrical, spherical etc)
-
Unwrapping UV and proper UV mapping on models
-
Unfolding and stitching UVs of objects
-
UV Snapshot for exporting UV to image files
-
Homework – Student will create UVs for their character
-
-
Introductions to Shading: Materials and Textures
-
Applying Basic Textures
-
Working with Maya’s Hypershade
-
Homework – Student will use simple materials for their character
-
-
Create basic facial expressions using blend shapes
-
Creating and fitting a basic advanced skeleton rig to the character
-
Building the complete advanced skeleton rig
-
Skinning the polygon character to the rig
-
Use basic skin cage to adjust Skin weights
-
Basic weight painting
-
Posing a character after rigging
-
Homework – Student will have completed the rig of their character and create simple poses
-
-
Introduction to Lights and Cameras
-
Types of lights (skydome, point, spot, ambient and area lights)
-
Three (3) point light setup (Key/Fill/Rim)
-
Arnold Sun and Sky Light
-
Setup of Lights and Cameras
-
Creating a turntable camera
-
Playblast your scene
-
-
Introduction to Rendering
-
Introduction to Arnold Renderer
-
Arnold Render View
-
Rendering Settings, Batch Rendering, and Formats
-
Rendering out still images and video
-
Final Project: Creating a Short Animated Scene
-
-
Instructors will review and grade the finished piece for their portfolio
-
Final viewing party: Kick back, relax, and watch student reel
-