What you will learn
This intensive course introduces you to 3D character animation using Autodesk Maya, one of the animation industry's leading software packages. Through a production-based workflow, you will explore the fundamental skills and techniques used by professional character animators in film, television, games and visual effects.
The course begins with an introduction to 3D production, modelling, lighting and rendering into as well as character rigging, before progressing into animation exercises increasing in complexity. Throughout the programme, you will develop your understanding of physicality, acting, performance and professional animation workflows while learning how character animators work within a larger production pipeline.
During the course, you will:
- Learn the Autodesk Maya interface and essential production workflows
- Create and render a simple 3D interior environment
- Explore lighting, materials and rendering techniques
- Experiment with creating a character rig for animation
- Learn rigging principles, controls and hierarchies
- Apply animation principles to 3D character performance
- Develop body mechanics and physical acting skills
- Work with interaction animation and advanced performance exercises
- Explore quadruped movement
- Learn professional planning, blocking, splining and polishing workflows
- Analyse and apply video reference in character animation
- Produce a 3D animation showreel
- Be taught and guided by professional animators
By the end of the course, you will have created a portfolio of animation exercises demonstrating your understanding of character animation, acting, physicality and professional production workflows.
Course background
3D Character Animation is based on the programme element "Character Animation 3D" from the Bachelor in Animation at The Animation Workshop, VIA University College.
The programme focuses on character performance, acting, physicality, animation workflows and the professional tools and methods used in contemporary 3D animation production. Students learn how to plan, execute and refine animated performances while gaining insight into the wider production pipeline and the animator's role within it.
Who should attend?
This course is intended for animation students, aspiring character animators, creative professionals and others with an interest in character animation.
No prior experience with Autodesk Maya is required. The course is structured to establish a common technical foundation before progressing into advanced animation exercises.
Teaching format
As with all our training programmes, we firmly believe in supervised learning by doing. Our teaching approach is a dynamic blend of lectures, assignments and constructive feedback.
Participants learn from active industry professionals while creating their own animations and receiving individual guidance throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on practical, production-oriented learning that reflects professional studio workflows and working methods.
Course Overview
Week 1: Introduction to Maya and modelling
The course begins with an introduction to Autodesk Maya and the fundamentals of working in a three-dimensional production environment. Students will build a simple interior environment to develop an understanding of 3D space, composition, lighting and rendering. By the end of the week, students will have created and rendered a finished interior scene while gaining insight into the wider 3D production pipeline.
Week 2: Character rigging foundations
The second week introduces students to character rigging, and students build a character rig from the ground up.
Weeks 3-7: Animation basics
This 5-week module highlights the importance of animation basics. Emphasis is placed on body mechanics and physicality through various assignments such as bouncing balls, walk cycles, and weight shift exercises.
Weeks 8-11: Advanced animation
Building on the animation basics exercises, students move into more sophisticated animation assignments that focus on acting and performance. Students learn how to create convincing animated characters though parkour, interaction, and quadruped animation.
Week 12: Final exam assignment and oral exam
The final week is dedicated to an individual examination assignment.
Students receive a production-style animation brief and are required to plan, execute and polish a complete animation shot using the techniques and workflows developed throughout the course. The completed assignment demonstrates the student's ability to create a professional-quality animated performance while applying industry-standard production methods.
Daily Programme
9:00-12:00: Class
12:00-13:00: Lunch break
13:00-16:00: Class (ends at 15:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays)
Exam
The course finishes with an internally assessed, graded exam. The exam is conducted as an individual oral examination based on a practical 3D animation assignment. The student has 5 days to complete the assignment from 21 to 25 June.
The oral examination is 30 minutes including assessment and grading. The oral exam takes place on either 28 (afternoon), 29, or 30 June. The exam is based on a 3D animation assignment with a given 3D rig, story beats, 3D layout and key poses.
The oral exam is based on the student’s presentation of their exam assignment. Through the 3D animation assignment, the student must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired during the course, including the ability to plan and execute an animation scene within a defined timeline and in accordance with required standards.
Open Education
The 3D Character Animation course is an Open Education programme, part of the Bachelor in Animation at The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (TAW).
Open Education is a wide range of educational programmes in Denmark offered to adults who wish to undergo further training. It is open to anybody who has successfully passed our admission criteria.
Apply now and take the next step towards becoming a professional 3D character animator.