Combine the best of both animation worlds– 2D and 3D–  by creating 2.5D animation using the free open source 3D graphics software Blender. In this workshop students will learn best practices utilizing the grease pencil for animation while harnessing the 3D tools of Blender. This is an intermediate animation course for those students who want to develop techniques for designing assets that integrate seamlessly into a 2.5D environment as seen in features like Treasure Planet, Steamboy, and other imaginative shorts. This workshop is recommended for students experienced in 2D animation.

In this workshop, students will learn the magic behind bringing 3D characters to life using Autodesk Maya. If you are new to animation, this course will help you learn the basics of 3D animation based on the 12 basic principles of animation. You’ll learn animation concepts and techniques through a series of exercises using pre-rigged characters supplied by the instructor. This will build a solid foundation as you start your animation journey. 

For students new to digital art-making or with a project in progress, this class serves as a place where creators can work alongside one another to accomplish their 2D Animation goals in Adobe Animate. Instructors will assist with students who are working on developing portfolio pieces, passion projects, and foundational animation and digital drawing exercises. This class is for all levels. This class can be taken multiple times and will be customized to the student skill level. 

Take your animation to the next level by learning how to apply physicality– including weight and momentum– and acting– including body language and facial expressions– to your animations. Film live-action references of yourself (or others, including pets), and use those to inform how to move your animated characters with pizzazz! Artists will work through classic animation exercises and explore techniques to make their action more believable using principles defined by famous Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Students should have prior experience in Adobe Animate and an understanding of how to use keyframes.

Students will learn how a combination of shot angles, camera movements, and the principles of design can be used to create a visual story. They will also be exposed to professional examples of storyboards and animatics. By the end of this workshop, students will pick one of three prompts in order to create a one-minute animatic using Adobe Animate software. 

Students will learn how to take original characters and develop them into their own unique and memorable designs. Using Animate or Photoshop students will learn the basics of design, gain an understanding of the principles of gesture, posing, anatomy, and composition for developing compelling characters. 

Organize, create, and show the world your best work using Adobe Premiere Pro editing software. This workshop is for the creator who wants to add music, sound FX, and titles to their best work and build upon their editing knowledge. 

Learn the fundamentals of digital sculpting in ZBrush Core Mini. In this workshop, students sculpt simple organic forms in their computers with either a mouse or tablet . After learning the basic techniques, students will have the opportunity to bring their own characters or creatures to life. Open to beginner and intermediate students. 

Sketch, draw, sketch, repeat. This intensive drawing workshop challenges the student to draw outside of their comfort zone. Using visual prompts, students cycle through drawing exercises to bring their craft to the next level. A perfect workshop to build your portfolio.

Join us for an exciting introductory workshop where you’ll dive into the world of graphic design using Adobe Illustrator.  Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or someone looking to enhance their skills, this workshop is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in creating stunning vector-based artwork. 

Design and animate characters and environments using Adobe Animate software. Intermediate students can work on personal animation projects and shorts in a collaborative environment. This very popular class gives students an overview of the Animate software and the animation process. Students should have some familiarity with the Adobe Animate software prior to taking. 

In this hands-on workshop where you’ll explore the advanced features of Adobe Premiere Pro, perfect for those looking to enhance their video editing skills. Whether you’re a content creator, animator, aspiring filmmaker, or hobbyist, this workshop is tailored to help you master the tools and techniques necessary to produce professional-quality videos.

Design and animate characters and environments using Adobe Animate software. Beginners will learn how to utilize the program to make their own simple animations, bringing amazing ideas to life! This very popular class gives students an overview of the Animate software and the animation process. Available in-person or online.

Create virtual 3D worlds in this exciting game engine platform. Whether you’re a gamer or creative storyteller, this workshop is designed to introduce you to the powerful tools and techniques for creating captivating virtual environments.  Students explore the Unreal Game Engine Launcher, Interface and Blueprints to create their own 3D Platformer levels using premade and customized assets. Use of materials, lighting, and reflection captures will be introduced. No previous game engine experience required.  Unreal Engine is a free download. 

Immerse yourself in the art of editing and the language of visual storytelling. This workshop demonstrates foundational theories of picture editing as students create, combine, and manipulate various clips and images into an impactful story. This workshop is great for beginners as it focuses on fundamentals using Adobe Premiere Pro and using multiple tracks and audio in a non-linear timeline. 

A foundational program for all media artists, whether animators, VFX, 3D, editors, or designers, Adobe Photoshop is the leading image editing and generating tool. Learn to harness the power of creative image making using color manipulation, layers, selections and masks. Let your imagination soar and add great work to your portfolio.  

In this workshop, students will build and edit their personal media portfolios to reflect their strengths, interests and personal brand. This is the first step in presenting your work to the world, whether you’re applying to an academic institution or getting your work seen by  industry. Students will have the opportunity to edit, refine, and create work for their final output.  

For students new to digital art-making or with a project in progress, this class serves as a place where creators can work alongside one another to accomplish their visual effects or motion graphics goals using Adobe After Effects. Instructors will assist with students who are working on developing portfolio pieces, passion projects, and technical exercises. This class is for all levels. This workshop can be taken multiple times and will be customized to the student skill level. 

Students will have the opportunity to create their own original titles and sequences or one that mimics an existing opening of a favorite show or movie they’ve seen. The goal of the workshop is to combine text, music, and video to create kinetic typography projects while learning fundamental principles of animation and design. This class is for students that have some After Effects experience.

Please note: This is a special double workshop of 4 hours. Embark on an immersive journey into 3D world building with game engine Unreal Engine. Whether you’re a gamer or creative storyteller, this workshop is designed to introduce you to the powerful tools and techniques for creating captivating virtual environments.  Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the Unreal Engine software interface and a basic working knowledge of Unreal’s Blueprint Visual Scripting system. Using this knowledge, students will combine it with their creative skills to modify one of Unreal Engine’s template projects.