Diploma In Digital Animation

Digital animation is the process of creating moving, animated visuals using computer programmes. It is about bringing static images and objects to life through visuals, movement, expression and personality.

In this programme, we offer courses that introduce students to the essential skillsets that are needed in the creation of animation content. This programme is designed to groom students to develop their creative and artistic senses, foster their own ingenious techniques, and build their portfolios and reels by instilling various skills that fit the animation industry’s requirements.

The course focuses on the 3D aspect of animation production while also teaching other traditional crafts on the side to help build a strong foundation. Courses will be taught by professional mentors in an industry-oriented environment to help them gain invaluable insight from top industry leaders.

Students are also introduced to multiple paths that the animation industry travels upon while learning all the vital skillsets during our programme. Towards the end of the programme, students will be able to apply all their learnings and skills to creating a full 3D animated short film as their final project before graduation, which will prepare and lead them to thrive in their chosen career.

Figure Drawing and Concept Design

To possess a good mastery of skills, a strong foundation is a must. Students need to master the foundation of art through practicing figure drawing and concept design. This will enhance their art senses, which will be applied to all other animation subjects.

It is crucial to build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced classes. In this area of study, students will learn about drawing appealing characters, pushing character poses, understanding forms and design, and learning about concept design for artworks.

Visual Storytelling

Animation is a form of storytelling that utilizes different types of visuals to convey a narrative. Students will learn about storytelling through photography, storyboards, animatics, and filming to understand the basics of visual storytelling.

Specialization in Animation or Modeling

Throughout the course of their studies, students will need to choose their specialization between animation and modeling.

In animation, students will learn how to make characters move by animating them in 2D and 3D. They will first master the 12 animation principles from our traditional 2D animation subject.

Then, they will learn the fundamentals of animation in 3D and apply the 12 Animation Principles to 3D animations. The goal of animation is to bring characters to life, and by specializing in animation, students will be able to create 3D characters with appealing poses and believable movements.

Additionally, students will explore the art of storytelling and acting, delving deeper into these topics and eventually applying them to character animations that are believable and entertaining.

In modeling, students will learn how to model objects and characters in 3D. They will apply knowledge from the analysis of forms and designs, then translate the 2D concept art into 3D visuals.

By mastering software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe Substance 3D Painter, and Pixologic ZBrush, students will be able to articulate accurate forms, structures, and material shading based on their references.

They will gradually master the different aspects of 3D modeling, from creating rough blocking models, UV unwrapping, applying accurate topology, polishing forms with details, texturing, and creating realistic shaders and lighting as they finish the 3D model with final touches.

These skillsets are part of the look development process that students will be mastering in their specialization in modeling, which will lead them to creating stunning 3D models.

Animation Short Film

Towards the end of the course, students are required to work as a team to create an animated short film. They will be able to apply the knowledge and skillsets they have acquired across all the areas of study mentioned above to create an animated short film.

Students will be working as a team, mastering soft skills such as leadership, communication, time management, work organization, work ethic, and many more to learn how to be a team player.

Additionally, this project will provide a studio production experience under the guidance of lecturers, allowing students to experience how projects are done in a simulated studio scenario. As a result, students will be prepared and gain a basic understanding of how animation production works in the industry.

Course Modules

• Design Fundamentals

• Drawing

• Advanced Drawing

• Visual Communication

• Approaches to Figure Drawing

• Perspective Studies

• Functional Drawing

• Life Figure Drawing

• Conceptual Art Development

• Concept Art

• Introduction to Photography

• Visual Storytelling

• Digital Video Creation

• 3D Maya Essentials

• Drawn Animation

• 3D Animation

• 3D Environment Modeling

• Applied Practice in Animation and Modeling

• Specialization in Animation and Modeling

• Introduction to Composing and Editing

• Studio for Animation and Modeling

• Animation Short Film: Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production

Contextual Courses

• Language and Communication Skills

• History of Art and Design

• Malaysian Studies

• Business and Marketing

• Survey of S.E.A. Art and Culture

• Culture and Humanities

Software

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe After Effects

• Adobe Premiere Pro

• Adobe Audition

• Adobe Animation

• Adobe Lightroom

• Adobe Substance 3D Painter

• Autodesk Maya

• Pixologic ZBrush

• Marmoset Toolsbag

• Marvelous Designer

Personal Development

• Sound Workshop

• Rigging Workshop

• Advanced Rigging Workshop

• Lighting and Compositing Workshop

• Team-building activities