Program Overview

Introduction to 3D Character Creation for Animators

The 3D Character Creation for Animators course is a short, part-time program designed to unlock creativity and dive into the art of animation. This immersive workshop begins by mastering the basics of frame-by-frame animation in Adobe Animate before progressing to advanced digital techniques using the full Adobe Suite: Animate, After Effects, and Photoshop.

Course Details

• Level(s) of Study: Short course
• Course Fee: £595
• Start Date(s): 13 July 2026
• Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am - 4 pm, one week
• Study Mode(s): Part-time
• Campus: City Campus

What You'll Study

During the course, you will:

• Dive into the essence of animation, mastering crucial elements like timing, spacing, and the twelve principles of animation techniques
• Understand the basics of frame-by-frame animation and tween animation
• Create a final animation with a professional animation workflow
• Design unique and creative characters and prepare them for animation
• Utilize assets within your animation, such as using a piece of music/dialogue or video reference, blending visual and audio together effectively
• Workshop your animation to create a final animated short using the skills learned
• Use Adobe Animate, After Effects, Photoshop, and Wacom Cintiq tablets

By the end of the course, you'll have a good understanding of basic animation techniques and knowledge of Adobe software and its capabilities. You'll have produced a series of short projects that demonstrate your new skills in animation, as well as a final animated piece and making animated characters that can be used for a show reel and portfolio.

Course Structure

The course is structured into three stages:

1. Stage One: Explore the principles of animation and experiment with these fundamental skills whilst learning Adobe Animate.
2. Stage Two: Design and adapt a character for animation, utilizing model sheets and design theory.
3. Stage Three: Create your final animation piece with the skills and experience gained so far.

How You're Taught

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University's city campus. You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

Careers and Employability

The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the art and design industry. Students who have taken this course have come from a wide variety of industries, including animation and film, advertising and marketing, gaming, and multimedia companies. On successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Campus and Facilities

You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art and Design on the City Campus. The facilities include collaborative working spaces where you develop your sketches and concepts, and Mac suites equipped with industry-standard software and hardware, including Adobe Animate, Wacom Cintiq Touch Tablets, and Pro Creative Pens.

Entry Requirements

• Level: Beginner
• Entry Requirement: Whilst no software experience is required, you should be confident in saving files and basic computer functions.
• You should have an interest in animation and a love of animated films, and an eagerness to explore new ways of working and sharing your ideas.
• Age Requirement: You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course.

Fees and Funding

• The Fee for This Course is £595.
• Payment is due at the time of booking.
• Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
• You will also need to bring with you:
  • Notepad and pen
  • Sketchbook and drawing pens/pencils
  • USB stick
• Ideally, you will bring to the course any images or material you are working on, or which inspire you to experiment with, so that you get the most out of the practical projects.

Accommodation

Accommodation can be booked separately to the course. The rooms are only a few minutes' walk from our studios and classrooms and cost £266 per week. These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University's city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.