“An animator is an actor with a pencil”, Chuck Jones.
3D character animation involves learning the theoretical and artistic basics of animation – anatomy, body movements – through the practice of drawing and sculpting and by sharpening your sense of observation. You’ll learn to master acting (facial expressions, emotions, lip-synching with the voice, etc.). You’ll be introduced to character design (creating a character) and concept art (conveying an idea or an atmosphere through an illustration).
The first two years will allow you to experiment with 3D manufacturing processes, including modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and animation.
In the next three years you’ll focus on character animation, to reach the level required by studios.
From blocking (defining the key poses of characters to build the animation plan, which will be validated by the supervisor) to the refine/spline phase which involves working frame by frame to ensure that movements are fluid and executed based on the timing devised for the character, you’ll master all the techniques required to bring a character to life.