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Online Courses

Character Creation


Qualification N/A Program Code: N/A  
Location: Online Application: AIE Online
Duration:   Course Schedule: Flexible online study

Course Overview

Designed to build on students existing knowledge of 3D Studio Max, Character Design focuses on enabling students to concept, model, texture, rig and animate Hi and Low Poly game & film characters completely from scratch.

Using a combination of video and text tutorials, students have the freedom to develop a character of their own design or to use our designs as a base! On completion of this course students will be able to confidently develop their own characters.


Pre-requisites

This course assumes an intermediate level knowledge of modelling, texturing and animating using 3D Studio Max and a basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop. Students applying for this course need to have completed the first two modules of the Certificate III in Screen (Basic 3D Animation) or provide evidence of equivalent knowledge in the form of a portfolio.


Areas of Study

Module 1

Module One of the course focuses on developing a Low Polygon Character as used in most popular games. Students learn techniques in:

  • Develop character concept art
  • Low poly character modelling techniques
  • Texture mapping and UVW mapping using Photoshop

Module 2

In the second module, students focus on developing Hi Poly, realistic character designs. Students build on many of the techniques learnt in module one of the course, as well as developing skills in:

  • Creating Hi Poly models
  • Custom rigging and character animation using Character Studio
  • Character still image and video rendering

Software Requirements:

Students will need the following software to successfully complete the online course:

  • 3D Studio Max 6,7,8 or 9
  • Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
  • Word processing software (MS Word, OpenOffice, etc)
  • Adobe Acrobat reader
  • Adobe Photoshop 6+

Students will also need an internet connection, preferably broadband, though dial-up would be sufficient.

Tutorials are written specifically to address the software listed above. Unfortunately we cannot support students using different software from those listed.

Please note that most of the software required for the course is available as academic or student versions, at significantly lower costs. 3D Studio Max and Adobe Photoshop are available online from Storm FX, www.stormfx.com.au. Ulead Video Studio, Internet Explorer and word processing software (MS Word, OpenOffice etc) are available from most software retailers.

A WACOM or similar graphics tablet is also recommended for completion of this course. For more information please contact us.

Course costs

Module Name Hours involved Cost
Character Creation - Module 1 80 $325
Character Creation - Module 2 80 $325
TOTAL 160 hours** $650

How to Apply

Download the application form here