Visual Effects Animation
This curriculum emphasizes the various processes by which imagery is created or manipulated outside of a live action shot, including the blending of background plates or matte paintings with 3D architectural, character, or elemental assets. Courses content includes lighting and filming techniques, tracking and compositing of elements, and creating both particle and dynamic effects.
An emphasis on Visual Effects Animation offers students an extensive and in-depth skill set relevant to the demands of the industry.
- Technical training with a focus on tools, processes, and workflow
- In-depth training of industry software such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke, After Effects, Photoshop, Realflow, and more
- 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
3-Year Curriculum Note: This is a sample curriculum and is subject to change.
- Photoshop for Digital Production
- Life Drawing
- Overview of Visual Effects and Games
- Drawing in 3D
- Drawing Fundamentals 1
- Art History 1
- Drawing Fundamentals 2
- Anatomy for Artists
- Costumed Figure Drawing
- Graphic Design
- Character Sculpture 1
- Art History 2
- Animal Drawing
- Storyboarding
- Character Design
- Product Design
- Color Theory and Light
- Design History
- Digital Painting
- Creature Design
- Environment Design
- Vehicle Design
- Character Sculpture 2
- Film History
- Introduction to 3D with Maya
- Introduction to Compositing
- Texturing and Shading 1
- Advanced Character Design
- Advanced Digital Painting
- History of Visual Effects
- Hard Surface Modeling 1
- Motion Graphics
- Texturing and Shading 2
- Animation and Visual Effects 1
- History and Principles of Animation
- Gesture Drawing
- Dynamic Effects 1
- Houdini 1
- Lighting and Rendering 1
- Animation and Visual Effects 2
- Expressions and Scripting
- Character Animation 1
- Dynamic Effects 2
- Houdini 2
- Lighting and Rendering 2
- Art of Compositing
- Digital Photography
- Scripting for Production
- Dynamic Effects 3
- Houdini 3
- Lighting and Rendering 3
- HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects
- Character Rigging Fundamentals
- Advanced Compositing
- Dynamic Effects 4
- Houdini 4
- Lighting and Rendering 4
- Matchmoving and Integration
- Motion Capture
- Previsualization and Animatics
- Demo Reel (6 Credits)
- Career Realities
- Liquid Simulation
- Elective
- Reel Lab 1
- Reel Lab 2
- Reel Lab 3
- Demo Reel (6 Credits)
- Portfolio and Resumé Workshop
- Visual Effects Design
- 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.
Thomas Atchley
Matt Puchala
David Chow
Toby Lewin
"Gnomon was crucial to my success in the game industry. Being exposed to constant creativity, inspiration, and critique was extremely helpful for my transition into game development."
"While already familiar with visual effects for films, I wanted to learn the challenges of creating real-time effects for game engines. Gnomon’s game effects courses prepared me for anything the game industry throws at me."
