Live Webinar: Digital Arts for Beginners

VANAS Animation School

Welcome to the VANAS Webinar: Exploring Digital Arts at VANAS

Welcome to today's webinar for VANAS, the Vancouver Animation School. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, VANAS is Canada's oldest online animation school, having been around for 13 years.

Introduction by Our Host

Hi everyone, I apologize for the delayed start due to some technical issues with my computer. Thank you, Calvin, for the introduction. I’d like to tell you about the program I’m teaching, starting with a brief introduction about myself.

About the Instructor

My name is Hermann Troger and I live in North Germany and run my own 3D studio specializing in product visualization, architecture visualization, and animation, with a growing focus on VFX. I began my education at VANAS in 2013, studying under Calvin and Mario, which was a transformative experience. I’ve stayed connected to VANAS ever since, and I now teach there.

Introduction to Digital Arts Program

The course I teach is called "Digital Arts: Introduction to Digital Arts," designed for individuals who want to enter the digital arts industry but are unsure of which direction to take. Whether you're interested in 2D animation, 3D animation, special effects, or 3D modeling, this course offers a comprehensive overview.

Over 12 weeks, students start from the basics of creating a character, building a story, and developing a world. We cover concept art, 2D animation using Adobe Animate, and basic animation principles. Students will also learn 3D animation by animating a bouncing ball and modeling a 3D character. The course includes creating special effects such as fire, explosions, and snow.

Course Structure and Benefits

Classes are held online once a week on Saturdays for an hour. Students will have access to industry-standard software like Maya and Adobe Animate. They will also receive homework help and support if they encounter any issues.

After completing this course, students will have a solid foundation in digital arts, enabling them to pursue further education in 3D animation, 2D animation, 3D modeling, video games, or special effects. The skills acquired will be valuable for building a strong portfolio, essential for entering the industry.

My Career Journey

I started working with 3D rendering around 1999-2000 and quickly fell in love with it. Initially focusing on architecture visualization, I later trained as a product designer. However, I missed the creative freedom of the 3D world, which led me to pursue 3D character animation at VANAS. The flexible, online format of the course was ideal for me, allowing me to balance work, family, and education. VANAS stood out due to its excellent teachers and affordable tuition.

Advice for Aspiring Digital Artists

For those interested in entering the digital arts field, practice is key. Study anatomy, perspective drawing, and observe your favorite artists and their work. Whether your interest lies in 2D animation, concept art, or another area, start by drawing a lot and analyzing why certain works stand out to you.

Questions and Answers

Q: What software should I start with?

A: It depends on your focus. For 3D animation, Maya or Blender are excellent choices. However, I recommend taking a structured course to ensure you learn industry-standard practices.

Q: Do I need to take the Introduction to Digital Arts course before other programs?

A: While it’s not mandatory, it’s highly beneficial. Completing this course means you won't need to present a portfolio for diploma programs, and you'll have a solid foundation to build on.

Q: What equipment do I need?

A: You'll need a computer with internet, a camera, a mouse, and a good graphics card. Upon enrolling, you’ll receive a student license for Maya and discounts on Adobe software. For serious 3D work, a PC with a high-end graphics card is recommended.

VANAS Online Animation School offers programs in Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Games. Visit VANAS to launch your career.