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Programs » 3D Animation » 3D Animation

3D Animation

Location: CTEC

Program Description

Bring creative ideas to life through professional 3D animation, digital art, and cinematic storytelling. Students in the 3D Animation and Digital Media program develop both artistic and technical skills while learning how modern film, game, and visual effects pipelines operate. Using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, Adobe Photoshop, Substance Painter, Adobe After Effects, and other professional tools, students create original characters, environments, animations, and cinematic projects.


The program emphasizes strong artistic fundamentals alongside real-world production workflows. Students learn how to develop ideas from concept to final presentation through storyboarding, reference analysis, modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, rendering, compositing, and portfolio development. Coursework is heavily project-based and mirrors collaborative studio environments used throughout the entertainment industry.
During the first semester, students focus on developing foundational skills in 3D modeling, digital sculpting, basic scene construction, lighting, composition, and animation principles. Students create a variety of studies, cinematic renders, props, and animated sequences while learning industry workflows and creative problem-solving techniques.


The second semester expands into larger collaborative productions and portfolio-quality work. Students explore cinematic storytelling, character performance, visual development, and short film production while working individually and in teams to complete advanced projects suitable for demo reels, college portfolios, and career preparation. Students are encouraged to develop their own creative voice while building professional-level presentation and communication skills.


Students leave the program with a broad understanding of 3D animation pipelines, creative collaboration, and digital production workflows, preparing them for continued education and entry-level opportunities in creative industries.

 

COMPUTER ANIMATION STUDENTS LEARN:

  • 3D Modeling and Digital Sculpting
  • Environmental Design
  • Character Design and Development
  • Storyboarding and Visual Storytelling
  • Animation Principles
  • Cinematic Lighting and Composition
  • Basic Character Rigging
  • Rendering and Compositing
  • Visual Effects Fundamentals
  • Portfolio and Demo Reel Development
  • Collaborative Production Workflows
  • Creative Problem Solving and Critique Skills
 

SOFTWARE:

  • Autodesk Maya
  • Zbrush
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Substance Painter
  • Adobe After Effects

 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Certifications offered to students completing the 3D Animation program include:

  • Precision Exams 21st Century Success Skills
  • CTEC Program Certificate of Completion
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Students should have a basic working knowledge of computers along with average or better skills in reading, writing, communication, and problem solving. Prior experience with drawing, photography, digital art, or programs such as Photoshop is helpful but not required. Students should be prepared to think creatively, collaborate with others, and dedicate time toward building high-quality projects and portfolio work.
 

CREDIT AVAILABLE:

Students earn 15 units of elective credits each semester toward their high school graduation.

 

College prep course.  A-G approved.  Meets area “F” approval for UC and CSU admissions.

 

CAREER PATHWAYS AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS:

This course introduces students to foundational skills used throughout the entertainment art and digital media industries. Students often pursue pathways including:
    • 3D Animation
    • Video Game Development
    • Film and Television Production
    • Visual Effects (VFX)
    • Character and Environment Art
    • Motion Graphics
    • Concept Art and Visual Development
    • Digital Media Production