A Day in the Life of a 3D Art Student
A prospective 3D student has a variety of educational choices. While some 3D artists have no formal education, most employers require certification from a recognized academic institute. The length of time needed to earn a degree or diploma varies between institutions.
Bachelor's of Science in Digital Arts & Design:
- A Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Digital Arts & Design focuses on more than just arts. With a foundation of art and visual arts history, English composition, mathematics, geometry and development form, the student is introduced to design theory with programs centered on visual thinking, color, and perspectives. Personal digital content with podcasts, movies and websites may also be taught, as well as varying levels expertise of computer graphics, motion graphics, digital photography and digital video. A multifaceted degree, students will also benefit from principles of 3D computer design, graphics and animation with industry-specific software and hardware. A BS in Digital Arts & Design may also provide students with business practices knowledge, such as building and maintaining a studio, project management skills, corporate branding and client relations.
Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Animation:
- A Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Animation offers a higher concentration of art courses. An in-depth curriculum focused on 2D Animation may precede an introduction of the principles of 3D animation, such as texture, scale, color, contrast, proportion and balance, and human form drawing techniques. Storyboard and script development are usually addressed, in addition to varying levels of modeling. Analytical skills may be developed by critiquing productions for technique, story, character and visual elements. Industry software and hardware, such as Adobe Photoshop, Maya and the Ink and Pain system, are comprehensively explored. Students may also have the opportunity to work on a project from conception to completion, assemble a portfolio, and attain an internship. Business strategies of self-promotion and understanding the business of animation may complete the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Animation program.
3D Modeling Animation Art & Design Diploma:
- A 3D Modeling Animation Art & Design Diploma would suit those individuals who wish to find employment with existing studios or businesses rather than become self-employed. Life drawing is often the initiating course in a diploma program. Basic and advance level courses teach students how to draw an anatomically correct human figure with skeletal, musculature and facial features.Color theory, character design and storyboard creation will be addressed, as will the fundamentals of 2D and 3D modeling and animation. Producing a sculpture using brush based techniques and character-modeling techniques may also be included in the curriculum. Adobe Photoshop and Maya Embedded Language are customarily taught, but the diploma program does not usually cover business strategies.
Whichever path you choose, you'll spend the majority of your education learning and developing 3D animation principles and techniques. You'll also strengthen your artistic abilities and acquire software and hardware technical skills. Upon graduation, you'll boast a solid foundation in your chosen career, and an impressive portfolio illustrating your unique talent.
