3D Digital Studio II

Art 529

The goal of this class is to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of 3D digital modeling and animation software as a tool for making art. The class will use Maya. We will start by concentrating on advanced level materials and lighting. The
second half of the class will introduce you to the creation of animations and the unique technical challenges that are posed by the moving image. The class will also explore aesthetic and design issues that are relevant to these techniques, in particular the differences between the design of a still image and the design of a moving image.

Assignments in the class will introduce you to various elements of the software, including the creation of both procedural and image based materials, texture projection techniques and UV editing, digital lighting and camera set up, simple key frame animation, motion paths and
an introduction to various types of animated deformers. Assignments will be graded for quality of design (both graphically and in cinematic terms), appropriate use of the software and general creativity. A mid-term paper will be required in which you will critique two examples
of 3D digital animation.