Summer School / Blender Modelling

Learn Blender at one of the world's leading animation schools. Develop your modelling and sculpting skills and create a portfolio-worthy hero prop while spending three inspiring summer weeks in Viborg alongside students and artists from around the world.

The Animation Workshop in Viborg, DenmarkThe Animation Workshop in Viborg, Denmark

Type and duration

Summer school, 3 weeks

Study start and city

9-27 August, 2027, Viborg

Course fee

EU citizens: DKK 10.000 (approx. 1.338 EUR), non-EU citizens: DKK 17.200 (approx. EUR 2.300)

Application deadline

1 May 2027

ECTS

10 ECTS points

What you will learn

This summer school introduces you to the fundamentals of 3D asset creation using the open-source software Blender. Through a project-based workflow, you will explore the complete process of creating a production-ready 3D asset, from modelling and sculpting to materials, rendering, and presentation.

You will be introduced to production workflows and technical principles used in animation, games, and visual effects. The course also explores fundamental rigging concepts through parent-child relationships and simple object hierarchies.

During the course, you will:

  • Learn the Blender interface and essential workflows
  • Create and animate a simple introductory project
  • Explore object hierarchies and basic rigging principles
  • Develop modelling and digital sculpting skills
  • Create materials and lighting setups
  • Render and present a finished 3D asset
  • Produce a professional turntable presentation of your work

By the end of the course, you will have created a fully realised hero prop and presented it through a rendered turntable animation accompanied by a written reflection on your process and learning outcomes.

Course background

Blender Modelling is based on the programme element “Computer Graphic Arts 2” from the Bachelor in Character Animation at The Animation Workshop, VIA University College. The course focuses on digital sculpting concepts and workflows, asset creation, technical production methods, and the artistic principles required to develop high-quality 3D content.

Who should attend?

This summer school is primarily for students of animation as well as professionals and others with some 3D experience. The course assumes a basic understanding of 3D and some prior experience with 3D workflows. The first days are dedicated to becoming familiar with Blender and establishing a common technical foundation for all participants.

Teaching format

As with all our summer school programs, our teaching approach is a dynamic blend of lectures, assignments and constructive feedback. Learn from active industry professionals, while developing your own project.

Course overview

Week 1: Introduction to Blender and 3D Workflows

Week 2: Modelling and Digital Sculpting

Week 3: Materials, Rendering and Presentation

Daily Programme

9:00-12:00: Class
12:00-13:00: Lunch break
13:00-16:00: Class

Exam

The course finishes with a graded exam based on the topic of the course, modelling in Blender. The exam is an individual project examination consisting of a: 

  • Hero prop turntable: a rendered 200-frame turntable presentation of a student-developed hero prop
  • Reflection paper: a 1-page reflection paper discussing workflow, artistic decisions, technical challenges, and learning outcomes.

The examination assesses the student's ability to plan and execute a complete 3D asset production workflow and critically reflect upon the process and final result.

Open Education

The summer school in Toon Boom Harmony 2D Animation is an Open Education programme, part of the Bachelor in Character 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. 

Ready to apply?

What you need to apply

  • A CV
  • Proof of study if relevant
  • A portfolio (online link or PDF) including information about your 3D experience, for example links to exercises that you made, or a course/university diploma transcript proving course participation.
Learn more about how to apply

The application process

The application is first-come-first-serve, and we review the applications as they come. In the event of a successful application to the course, you will receive an acceptance letter within 1-2 weeks after applying. When the course is full, we will have to reject your application even though you meet the admission criteria. However, rejected, qualified applicants are put on a waiting list, and they will be offered a seat in case of cancellations.

The Animation Workshop, VIA University College reserves the right to cancel the course should there not be enough participants by the application deadline.

Apply here

Fill in the application form via the link below and upload your material.

Apply here

Need more information?

  • Housing is not included in the course fee, but here are some suggestions for how and where to find accommodation:

    The student dorm Camp Logos

    For the duration of the course, one option is to rent a room in the nearby student dorm “Camp Logos”, which is run by the company “Boligselskabet Sct. Jørgen”. They offer various types of rooms furnished with a bed, a table and a chair. You can choose to purchase a duvet and pillow through VIA, so you will only need to bring bed sheets, towels and kitchen utensils. Also, you will need to clean your room very thoroughly before leaving. All tenants are, for hygienic reasons, advised to buy a top mattress (300 DKK / 40 EUR). If you have any questions in relation to housing during your course, please contact taw.housing@via.dk

    Please note: It is only possible to rent a room for 1 month.

    One-room flat with private kitchen, bath and toilet: 505 EUR (3.760 DKK)

    Single room in a flat shared with one other student (shared kitchen, bath and toilet): 430 EUR (3.200 DKK)

    Please apply for housing at Camp Logos by sending a mail to: taw.housing@via.dk

    Facebook group

    In the Facebook group “Animation Workshop Housing Forum” you can get in contact with other students who might have a free room in their flat over the summer.

    Bed and Breakfast, camping etc.

    Here is a list of other affordable short-term housing options in Viborg:

    Klosterpensionen

    Oasen

    Lisely

    Danhostel Viborg

    DCU Camping Viborg Sø

  • Food

    Food is not included in the course fee, but breakfast and lunch can be purchased in the VIA cantina. Bakeries and supermarkets offering take-away meals, and restaurants can be found close to the school. Please note that many of the housing options include cooking facilities.

    Cancellation

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

  • Please consult your national film institute, film fund, or employer for possibilities that may apply to you. Funding opportunities within Denmark include:

Contact