VANARTS - School for Animation, Photography, Acting, Video Game Design & Visual Effects, in Vancouver, Canada

"UNDERSTANDING & WORKING WITH THE “SOP” SOLVER DOP"
(burning fuse, explosion example)

This is the fourth workshop in the Houdini Case Study Course Series, and it explores and demonstrates the use and implementation of the mysterious “Sop” Solver Dynamic operator. When one starts to learn Houdini today, most will jump into Dynamic, SoftBody, Fluid and Fire simulations. There is a fair amount of material and example files that one can explore to get a handle on these simulations. Dynamic and Fluid simulations are a great place to start, and as many of know, they can be relatively basic on one end of the learning curve, but extremely complicated on the other.

Within this course, you can see your drawings come to life as you learn the fundamentals of classical 2D animation. The principles taught in this course are the foundation for all other mediums of animation. Character design and basic Flash animation are also covered, and popular animated films are analyzed to aid in the students' work.

An excellent beginner's course!

This course is designed to teach the beginner the basics of color theory. The course guides the student through the fundamentals of color theory into the application of color theory to painting. Color theory applies to every art form from traditional painting on canvas, to digital painting for animation, games and film. This course will give the student the understanding of color needed to begin painting in any media.

This course is designed to introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of digital concept art. Digital concept art is the primary form of design for video games, feature films, and computer animation. This course covers current design techniques for characters, machines, environments, and creatures. No previous computer skills needed to complete this course.

This course is an introduction to 3D modeling, lighting, texturing and effects animation using Maya, one of the most popular software packages in the film, TV and video game industry. Students will create their own character, environment & prop models and bring them to life inside the computer, also gaining an introduction to further modeling/sculpting techniques using ZBrush.  Elements of production for visual effects and entertainment art are explored according to industry standards, taught by our staff of professionals.  Students finish the program with a basic understanding of general 3D workflow, and a certificate upon completion.

This is the only specialized course in Vancouver for the popular technique of stop-motion puppet animation. Students will learn the history and inside tips on how to build puppets using wire, clay, foam, latex and other materials, and bring them to life frame-by-frame in front of the camera.

Animation is shot digitally but still maintains a classic hands-on approach. Exercises include clay morphs, facial expressions, dialogue, and much more! Taught by Ken Priebe, author of The Art of Stop-Motion Animation.
 

(prerequisite to Intro to Maya Level II)

In this popular course, you will learn the basics of modeling, lighting, texturing and animation using Maya, one of the most popular software packages in the industry. Students will gain an understanding of the interface and capabilities of Maya, as well as basic principles of movement and models.

In this course, students will be guided through the various stages of creating a four-page comic, including: script writing, character design, thumbnailing, penciling, inking, page structure, panel composition, and storytelling. Students will be using Adobe Photoshop to add lettering and greytones to their artwork, and explore how to develop a plan for pursuing their personal aspirations within the medium of comics.