Curriculum

(Listed here is an overview of the curriculum for this program. To download a detailed curriculum guide click here.)

Term 1 - Foundation Skills

We begin the course by teaching the fundamentals of traditional and digital art forms. Within traditional art; life drawing, anatomy, perspective, color theory and composition are the roots of observational skills. These core skills are taught and apply to all forms of art. Simultaneously, we teach the core fundamentals of current digital art programs such as Maya, Zbrush and Photoshop. This combination of balanced instruction in both the traditional and digital art forms lays the foundation for each student's success as a well-rounded digital artist.

• 3D Fundamentals
• Art Foundation
• Photoshop
• Analytical Figure Drawing
• Traditional Sculpture
• Production History

Term 2 - Advanced Learning

With a foundation in traditional and digital art from term 1, the focus in Term 2 turns to more advanced techniques, and how they apply specifically to the video game industry. The student will advance their 3D skills and apply these skills from concept development to modeling, through to a final professional art asset. Term 2 becomes a vital first run pass through the Game Art Pipeline.

• Character Modeling I
• Concept Art Digital
• Concept Development
• Environment Modeling I
• Intermediate Maya
• Life Drawing
• Photo shop II
• World\Prop Modeling

Term 3 - Preproduction Pipeline

Term 3 is focused on “combining disciplines” and “bringing it all together”. In this term the student learns more advanced techniques for pre-production. They are introduced to the industry production-pipeline and to work-flow concepts. Working in a studio-like environment, students begin the term by pitching their project ideas. Once approved, the project is moved through the production pipeline. Industry-style weeklies are introduced where the students work is critiqued by the instructors, and constructive criticism is given to ensure quality and to keep the students on schedule.

• Advanced Maya
• Art Direction
• Character Modeling II
• Concept Art Digital II
• EA Weeklies
• Environment Modeling II
• Rigging
• ZBrush

Term 4 - Demo Reel Production

The final term is dedicated to the production of an industry-grade demo reel. Under the guidance of the faculty, the students apply the knowledge and experience they have gained. They will pitch their projects and begin their production cycle. Post production techniques such as compositing are taught, while weeklies and tech support ensure its final quality. A grad's demo reel is their most important asset. It will open doors and is the foundation for their success.

• EA Weeklies
• Compositing
• Technical Support