Character and Creature Animation
Students studying animation at Gnomon are trained to capture believable and appealing performances in their characters and creatures through the application of fundamental animation concepts, software techniques, and acting skills. Coursework covers a variety of animation methods including traditional and computer, as well as technical character rigging. With a balance of foundational education and software-based technical training, Gnomon’s Character and Creature Animation curriculum offers students an in-depth skill set relevant to the demands of the industry.
- Foundational education in traditional animation and acting
- Technical training with a focus on tools, processes, and workflow
- In-depth training of industry software
- Flexibility to customize assignments to fit your desired emphasis
- Opportunities to create and collaborate on demo reel projects
- Various options for elective courses
- Financial aid eligible for those who qualify
Get Started
2-Year Curriculum Note: This is a sample curriculum and is subject to change.
- Introduction to 3D with Maya
- Photoshop for Digital Production
- Texturing and Shading 1
- Drawing Fundamentals 1
- Storyboarding
- Overview of Visual Effects and Games
- Hard Surface Modeling 1
- Introduction to Compositing
- Texturing and Shading 2
- Animation and Visual Effects 1
- History and Principles of Animation
- Character Sculpture 1
- Character Animation 1
- Timing for Animation
- Lighting and Rendering 1
- Animation and Visual Effects 2
- Character Design
- Anatomy for Artists
- Character Animation 2
- Improvisational Acting
- Lighting and Rendering 2
- Art of Compositing
- Digital Photography
- Visual Structure
- Character Animation 3
- Creature Animation 1
- Character Rigging Fundamentals
- HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects
- Expressions and Scripting
- Animation for Games
- Character Animation 4
- Creature Animation 2
- Character Rigging for Production
- Matchmoving and Integration
- Motion Capture
- Previsualization and Animatics
- Demo Reel (6 Credits)
- Career Realities
- Story Development
- Elective
- Reel Lab 1
- Reel Lab 2
- Reel Lab 3
- Demo Reel (6 Credits)
- Portfolio and Resumé Workshop
- Acting for Animators
- Elective
- Reel Lab 4
- Reel Lab 5
- Reel Lab 6
Alumni Success Stories
Gnomon strives to place graduates into their dream jobs right out of school. Our 2019 employment rates of 97%* for our 2-Year Certificate in Digital Production program means that Gnomon consistently supplies Hollywood’s studios with the talent they need.
Alberto Abril
Caitlin Rupert
Tefft Smith II
Adam Nixon
"The program and the fantastic people I met at Gnomon helped guide me through the complexities of the CG industry, enabling me to discover my true potential. It was the best decision I could have made for myself!"
"Gnomon provides its students with a balance of technical know-how and the ability to develop their own unique artistic styles. This balance of skills is what all creative teams, including those at Walt Disney Animation Studios, look for when seeking new talent."
