Maya for Beginners

Maya for Beginners

Studios today are looking for talented animators who are proficient in 2D or 3D animation using industry standard software.

This course responds to this need, developing your skills in character animation using Maya.

This course will benefit professionals (and students) who wish to develop their artistic and technical skills in all aspects of animation.

On this course, you will:

• learn about the twelve principles of animation, the same principles that were developed by the ‘old men of animation’ - and why it is a must for every animator to master
• learn how to bring a 2D or 3D biped or quadruped character and prop to life
• understand the importance of storyboarding
• learn how to create your own staging and camera works
• work with Cintiq drawing tablets to aid the process
• learn the secret of how to create believable, realistic facial expressions and lip syncs
• learn how to create 3D scene sequences, layouts and camera shots (an advantage for anyone interested in game design).

The course is delivered in a stimulating workshop environment through informative step-by-step tutorials and one-to-one guidance.

What will you gain?

By the end of the course, you’ll have 2D and 3D animation samples which can be used in your portfolio, along with photo-realistic renders of your work (using Arnold).

You will also have the confidence and understanding of professional techniques and workflow processes.

Where you'll learn: You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You’ll find collaborative working spaces where you develop your sketches and concepts, and Mac suites equipped with industry standard software and hardware including Sculptis, Blender, Arnold, Adobe Creative Cloud, Wacom Cintiq Touch Tablets and Pro Creative Pens.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Here's what our previous attendees said:

"I loved being able to develop my own short project each week!" CA

Tutor biography: Jojo Young has worked in the animation industry for over twenty years.

He has worked for Fox Animation Studios (USA) and Animagic Studios (Spain) before moving to the UK and working for a variety of animation and games studios at a senior level.

Jojo is a member of the Film Animators Guild.

He has also worked as a commissioned artist, and as a painter at Science Ltd (Damien Hirst).