3D modeling and animation have become the hottest skills for the new century. Most of us recognize the opportunities in cinema and video games for these skills, but they are becoming just as in demand in 2D illustration and image editing, in page layout, on the web, and throughout the advertising industry. Truthfully it is easier to control lighting and environments in 3D than it is to get the perfect product shot or to photograph an actor or actress in exactly the pose we need. Add in the ability to control features, scenery, and artistic interpretation and 3D is the perfect environment to get exactly the image you need.
3D is one of a number of skill sets that any designer needs today. A good model or animation can fit seamlessly into print, video, or multimedia and as you learn to work in this environment, you'll discover that these other mediums also fit easily into the 3D environment.
These 2 complimentary courses will not get you a job in Hollywood; however, they will give the you a solid foundation in the principles and practical applications of both modeling and animation and will give the future animator the foundations to later pursue a bachelor's degree in this specialty. For those students who do not plan on pursuing further education 3D, the work you will do with materials, camera, and lighting will greatly improve your PhotoShop and Illustrator skills, and the knowledge you gain from working with animation will greatly improve your ability to work in programs such as Final Cut Pro, Flash, and Director.
The length of each course is 100 hours over a four-week period of time. Students can expect to do approximately 25-50 hours of outside work for each course.