Animation (2D & 3D) Training in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State

ANIMATION (2D & 3D) TRAINING COURSE in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

(using Autodesk Maya, 3D Max, Cinema 4D, Toon Boon, Moho, Adobe (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Animate), Nuke Studio, Motionbuilder, Z – Brush, Substance Painter, Make Human, and Blender 3D

Course Goal: To equip students with a strong foundation and advanced skills in both 2D and 3D animation, enabling them to excel in various roles within the animation and visual effects industries.

Course Structure: The course is divided into four main phases, each containing 18 modules. This structure allows for a logical progression from foundational concepts to advanced techniques and specialization.

Phase 1: Foundations of Visual Storytelling and Animation Principles 

Module Group 1: Visual Storytelling & Art Fundamentals 

1. Introduction to Visual Storytelling: Understanding narrative structure, storyboarding basics, shot composition, and camera angles.
2. Drawing Fundamentals for Animators: Line of action, shape language, form, perspective, and sketching techniques.
3. Color Theory and Application: Understanding color palettes, harmony, contrast, and their impact on mood and storytelling.
4. Character Design Principles: Creating appealing and expressive characters, understanding anatomy, and silhouette.
5. Digital Painting Fundamentals: Introduction to digital painting software (Photoshop/Krita), brushes, layers, and basic rendering techniques.
6. Introduction to Animation History and Styles: Exploring the evolution of animation, different techniques, and influential animators.

Module Group 2: Core Animation Principles 

7. The 12 Principles of Animation (Part 1): Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, Straight Ahead Action & Pose to Pose.
8. The 12 Principles of Animation (Part 2): Follow Through and Overlapping Action, Slow In and Slow Out, Arcs, Secondary Action.
9. The 12 Principles of Animation (Part 3): Timing, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, Appeal.
10. Basic Animation Techniques: Bouncing ball, pendulum swing, simple character walks and runs (introduction).
11. Introduction to Keyframing and Timing Charts: Understanding animation curves and creating effective timing.
12. Animation Workflow and Production Pipeline: An overview of the animation process from concept to final output.

Module Group 3: Introduction to 2D Animation Software (Toon Boom Harmony & Moho)

13. Toon Boom Harmony Fundamentals: Interface overview, drawing tools, layers, palettes, and basic scene setup.
14. Creating Basic Animations in Toon Boom Harmony: Keyframing, motion paths, and basic rigging principles.
15. Moho Fundamentals: Interface overview, drawing tools, layers, vector manipulation, and bone rigging basics.
16. Creating Basic Animations in Moho: Keyframing, smart bones, and basic character animation.
17. Introduction to 2D Compositing (Adobe Animate): Symbols, instances, motion tweens, shape tweens, and basic effects.
18. Integrating 2D Assets into Video Editing (Adobe Premiere Pro): Importing, basic editing, and exporting.

Phase 2: Mastering 2D Animation and Introduction to 3D 

Module Group 4: Advanced 2D Animation Techniques (Toon Boom Harmony & Moho)

19. Advanced Rigging in Toon Boom Harmony: Inverse kinematics (IK), forward kinematics (FK), deformers, and character setup.
20. Complex Character Animation in Toon Boom Harmony: Walks, runs, jumps, and acting performances.
21. Advanced Rigging in Moho: Smart bones, switch layers, and complex character setup.
22. Complex Character Animation in Moho: Walks, runs, jumps, and dynamic actions.
23. 2D Special Effects Animation: Creating dynamic effects like fire, water, and smoke using 2D techniques.
24. Lip Sync and Dialogue Animation in 2D: Understanding phonemes and creating believable character speech.

Module Group 5: Introduction to 3D Modeling (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Blender 3D) 

25. Introduction to 3D Software Interface (Maya): Navigation, viewports, basic object manipulation, and interface customization.
26. Introduction to 3D Software Interface (3ds Max): Navigation, viewports, basic object manipulation, and interface customization.
27. Introduction to 3D Software Interface (Cinema 4D): Navigation, viewports, basic object manipulation, and interface customization.
28. Introduction to 3D Software Interface (Blender 3D): Navigation, viewports, basic object manipulation, and interface customization.
29. Basic 3D Modeling Techniques: Primitives, polygon modeling, extruding, and basic modifiers.
30. Introduction to NURBS and Subdivision Surface Modeling: Creating smooth and organic shapes.

Module Group 6: Introduction to 3D Animation Principles (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Blender 3D)

31. Understanding the 3D Animation Workflow: From modeling to rendering.
32. Basic Keyframe Animation in 3D: Translating 2D principles into a 3D environment.
33. Introduction to Animation Curves and the Graph Editor: Fine-tuning animation timing and spacing.
34. Basic Rigging Concepts in 3D: Joints, bones, and basic control handles.
35. Introduction to Forward and Inverse Kinematics in 3D: Applying IK and FK for character movement.
36. Animating Simple Objects and Scenes in 3D: Applying learned principles to basic 3D scenarios.

Phase 3: Advanced 3D Animation and Visual Effects 

Module Group 7: Advanced 3D Character Rigging (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Blender 3D)

37. Advanced Joint Placement and Orientation: Creating deformation-friendly rigs.
38. Creating Control Rigs for Characters: Using controllers for intuitive animation.
39. Skinning and Weight Painting: Achieving realistic deformation of character meshes.
40. Facial Rigging Techniques: Creating expressive facial animation controls.
41. Introduction to Muscle Systems and Dynamics: Adding realistic muscle movement.
42. Rigging for Quadrupeds and Complex Creatures: Adapting rigging techniques for different anatomy.

Module Group 8: Advanced 3D Character Animation (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Blender 3D)

43. Animating Realistic Walks and Runs in 3D: Incorporating weight, momentum, and subtle movements.
44. Animating Jumps, Leaps, and Dynamic Actions in 3D: Emphasizing impact and flow.
45. Acting and Performance in 3D Animation: Conveying emotions and storytelling through movement.
46. Lip Sync and Dialogue Animation in 3D: Matching animation to audio with accuracy and expression.
47. Animating with Motion Capture Data (Introduction to MotionBuilder): Importing, cleaning, and adapting mocap data.
48. Animating Crowds and Complex Scenes: Techniques for managing and animating large numbers of elements.

Module Group 9: Introduction to Visual Effects (Adobe After Effects & Nuke Studio) 

49. Adobe After Effects Fundamentals: Interface, layers, compositing basics, and keying.
50. Basic Motion Graphics and Text Animation (After Effects): Creating dynamic visual elements.
51. Introduction to Particle Systems (After Effects): Simulating natural phenomena.
52. Nuke Studio Fundamentals: Node-based compositing, interface, and basic workflows.
53. Keying and Rotoscoping in Nuke Studio: Isolating elements for compositing.
54. Tracking and Stabilization (After Effects & Nuke Studio): Integrating elements into live-action footage.

Phase 4: Specialization, Production, and Portfolio Development 

Module Group 10: Character Sculpting and Texturing (ZBrush & Substance Painter) 

55. Introduction to Digital Sculpting with ZBrush: Interface, brushes, and basic sculpting techniques.
56. Creating High-Detail Character Sculptures in ZBrush: Anatomy, detailing, and surface refinement.
57. Retopology for Animation: Creating clean and animatable meshes from high-poly sculpts.
58. Introduction to Texture Painting with Substance Painter: Interface, material creation, and painting techniques.
59. Creating Realistic Textures and Materials: Applying color, roughness, metallic properties, and details.
60. Baking Maps for Low-Poly Models: Transferring detail from high-poly to low-poly models.

Module Group 11: Character Creation and Advanced Visual Effects (MakeHuman & Nuke Studio) 

61. Introduction to Character Generation with MakeHuman: Creating base meshes for characters.
62. Customizing and Refining MakeHuman Models for Animation: Adapting models for rigging.
63. Advanced Compositing Techniques in Nuke Studio: Multi-layer compositing, color grading, and finishing.
64. Working with 3D Renders in Nuke Studio: Integrating CGI elements seamlessly.
65. Introduction to Dynamics and Simulations in 3D Software: Cloth, hair, and rigid body simulations.
66. Advanced Particle Effects and Simulations: Creating complex visual effects.

Module Group 12: Portfolio Development and Industry Preparation

67. Creating Effective Showreels and Portfolios: Showcasing best work for different specializations.
68. Understanding Industry Standard File Formats and Pipelines: Preparing work for professional environments.
69. Networking and Self-Promotion for Animators: Building connections and marketing skills.
70. Freelancing and Studio Work: Understanding Different Career Paths: Exploring employment options.
71. Project Management and Collaboration in Animation: Working effectively in teams.
72. Final Project Development and Presentation: Creating a significant animation piece demonstrating acquired skills.