3D Character Animation

Are you an animator, animation director, CG artist, or maybe an illustrator, designer, storyboard artist, or architect who would love to learn 3D character animation? Then join the 3D Character Animation course! 

Type and duration

Professional Training Course, 12 weeks

Study start and city

8 April, 2024, Viborg

Course fee

EU Citizens: DKK 31.500 (EUR 4.225) /// Non-EU Citizens: DKK 53.400 (EUR 7.164)

Application deadline

Admissions Closed

ECTS

30

What you will learn

In our dynamic and highly creative learning environment, you will have the unique opportunity to learn from active industry professionals and develop both your technical and artistic skills in the realm of 3D character animation.

The 3D Character Animation course combines the following key programme elements from the BA in Character Animation into a semester course of 30 ECTS points: “Animation Software and Production 2”, “Animation Basics 3”, and “Advanced Animation”. The 12-week 3D Character Animation course takes you through a series of lectures, assignments and mini productions, increasing in complexity, in the field of 3D character animation - from concept to polish. You will be introduced to the industry standard modelling and animation software Autodesk Maya and to 3D character animation. You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to transfer the classical animation principles onto a 3D platform. The curriculum places a strong focus on understanding body mechanics and physical action during animation basics, gradually advancing into more sophisticated concepts including parkour, and interaction, and finishing with an introduction to 4-legged character animation.

The course finishes with a portfolio exam with consists of a showreel that you compile from the completed exercises. Additionally, you will be required to craft a 2-4 page written paper, reflecting on your learning process. The exam is graded.

Unlock a world of opportunities with our comprehensive course. 

Here's what you'll get:

  • Updated and industry-oriented Curriculum: Immerse yourself in an intensive course that has been thoughtfully developed in collaboration with industry experts. Stay ahead of the curve with up-to-date insights and knowledge.

  • Industry-Seasoned Instructors: Learn from instructors who bring real-world, production-tested expertise to the classroom. Benefit from their invaluable insights and guidance to develop your skills.

  • Master Autodesk Maya: Gain proficiency in Autodesk Maya, the cornerstone of 3D software used by leading studios worldwide. Equip yourself with the essential skills that form the foundation for any proprietary software you may encounter.

  • Hands-On Learning: Dive into a dynamic learning experience. From morning to afternoon, every day, you'll engage in hands-on exercises that reinforce your understanding and skills.

  • State-of-the-Art Workstation: Enjoy round-the-clock access to your personal workstation, equipped with industry-standard software. Experience seamless creativity and innovation with the tools professionals rely on.

  • Support Beyond the Classroom: We're here to provide housing and travel guidance, ensuring a hassle-free learning experience.

  • Build a Professional Network: Forge valuable connections with like-minded individuals and industry insiders. Our programme provides you with opportunities to expand your professional network.

  • Earn Academic Recognition: Receive 30 ECTS credits upon successful completion of the course, further enhancing your credentials and career opportunities.

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.
 

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Lecturers

Henrik Malmgren
  • Henrik Malmgren

  • AV Generalist, CEO and founder of Good Joob Studios
    • The Guest (2010)
    • Elu Herman H. Rottiga (2015)
    • Out of a Forest (2010)
See more from Henrik
Stine Agerskov Frandsen
  • Stine Agerskov Frandsen

  • Animator at AVDesign
    • Has previously worked at TeamTO in Valence
    • Her credits include various TV series such as PJ Masks, Raving Rabbids, and Skylanders Academy.
See more from Stine
  • Christoffer Andersen

  • Senior Animator at TeamTO, France
    • Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
    • Skylanders Academy
    • Barbar & The Adventures of Badou – Season 3
See more from Christoffer
Eric Schmidt
  • Erik Schmidt

  • Animation Supervisor at Sun Creature
    • Has been in the animation industry over 30 years
    • Black Panther (2018)
    • Shark Tale (2004)
    • The Road to Eldorado (2000)
See more from Erik
Leigh Russel is a teacher at Computer Graphics Art
  • Leigh Russell

  • CG consultant
    • Has been making digital images for over 25 years.
    • Has been working on projects like Star Wars, Interstellar, Hunger Games and Harry Potter.
See more from Leigh

Ready to apply?

Who can apply?

We rate animation experience highly when evaluating applications but applicants with high technical skills in 3D software are also eligible.

How to apply?

You are asked to provide a CV, motivational letter, and a showreel/portfolio. This can be simple exercises in a variety of formats (2D, 3D, stop-motion, cut-out etc.). 

If you have a CPR number, simply use it with NemID to log in via the link below. If you do not have a CPR number, just enter your email address. You will receive an email with a link, click the link, then select “Educational programmes”, “Continuing and further education”, and then search for “3D Character Animation” in the top right corner.

Apply here

When and where

The application deadline is 1 February 2024.

Once accepted, you will receive a signed acceptance letter within 1-2 weeks after the application deadline.

Need more information?

  • We offer to help you find accommodation during your stay.

    We aim at locating housing options that are furnished and located close to the school and which provide you with the opportunity to live with other adult course participants from the same course programme.

    The prices range between 400-700 EUR (3.000-5.000 DKK) per month.

    You will be offered a specific accommodation option by the housing organizer shortly after you have been accepted into the course. Rooms offered are typically located in the dormitory Camp Logos, which is right next to The Animation Workshop. Please note that TAW cannot guarantee that you get the specific room type you have requested. In some cases, we have to accept what is currently available from the housing organizer.

    Practical information

    All rooms in Camp Logos are furnished with a bed, bedside table, bedside lamp, room divider, desk, chair, and kitchenette. Please note that there are no kitchen utensils for the kitchenette in the room, but you can buy utensils at second-hand shops in Viborg. You can choose to purchase a duvet and pillow through VIA, so you will only need to bring bed sheets and towels. There is also a shared kitchen and common area at your disposal. If you have any questions in relation to housing during your course, please contact taw.housing@via.dk

    As a PRO course participant, you pay a reduced deposit of 5.000 DKK (instead of 10.000 DKK).

    If you have any questions in relation to housing during your course, please contact taw.housing@via.dk

  • The Animation Workshop/VIA University College (TAW) reserves the right to cancel the course should there not be enough participants.

    Please note that you will be asked to pay the fee before the course starts.

    Unfortunately, we cannot offer scholarships for this course.

    Details on materials: All students will work in a fully set up computer lab on powerful workstations with Autodesk Maya installed. This is included in the course fee. The room is set up with dual monitors and a Wacom tablet (optional to use).

Contact

  • Per Kristensen

  • Project Manager, Talent & Skills Development
  • T: +45 87 55 49 55