3D Modeling and Animation Course with Maya: Tradition Meets Technology

3D modeling and animation have transformed numerous fields, including filmmaking, computer games, architecture and product design. Yet the underlying basis of high-quality 3D production originates in traditional design and animation methodologies. This course provides an introduction to the exciting world of 3D content creation, while emphasizing its connection to the creative thought process. Students will learn an overview of the artist workflow as it relates to modeling, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering. This course offers a new dimension to the process of filmmaking and design.

• Modeling as Virtual Sculpture: Designing Expressive 3D Shapes
• In this session we will gain familiarity with the Maya interface and Maya polygonal modeling tools. We will also discuss the purpose and "story" behind objects that we choose to model.
• The Principles of Animation Applied to 3D
• In this session we will learn about applying the principles of traditional animation to the 3D environment, and become familiar with Maya's keyframe animation tools.
• Final Output: Camera, Rendering and Post-Production
• In this session we will review the basic camera and rendering options in Maya, as well as the basics of compositing and movie output in After Effects.
• Adding Materiality: Color, Surface and Texture
• We will introduce Maya material and texturing tools and different texturing resources as well as approaches (e.g. scanning paintings, using photo images, public domain libraries, seamless images, image transparency).
• Lighting For Mood
• This session introduces light types in Maya, and discusses developing an art direction approach for the lighting of a 3D scene.