Courses for 3D Animation - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Animation //

We're creating the future, one frame at a time...

Bringing a character to life involves more than just technical ability. With that in mind, Animation at JMC has been developed in association with studio professionals from Pixar and Animal Logic, to help you tell your story from concept development to finished animation.

Learn to design and develop characters and worlds – from concept to finished art – and create arresting graphical motion and believable characters. Introducing you to the art and practice of animation, this course allows you to specialise in your passion, be it story and art direction, 2D + 3D hybrid animation, technical art or a combination of them all.

We’ll make sure you are up to speed on all the latest developments demanded by the industry, you'll have a chance to intern, network and study abroad along the way. Graduate with a top-notch portfolio, a show reel, and knowledge of who’s who where it counts, to launch you into the industry.

TECH //

During this course you will be able to access HTC Vive and Occulus Go for VR, Green-screen studios, Wacom Intuos Pro and Cintiq tablets, Ball and Socket stop-motion rigs, Redshift 3D, Pixar RenderMan & Arnold for lighting and rendering, Quixel Suite for texture painting and look development, ZBrush, 3D-Coat, and Mudbox for asset creation, Blackmagic Fusion, Mocha and After Effects for compositing, Adobe CC suite for artwork creation, video editing and motion design, Range of professional character rigs for animation studies, Autodesk Maya and Motionbuilder for animation and motion editing, Shotgun Studio for project management, Over 2 terrabytes of online storage and office 365 subscription, Unity Pro & Visual Studio, including range of assets and extensions for game development, Lightboxes + line testers, Dragonframe stop-motion software, 18-camera leading precision motion-capture suites and MotionBuilder and Mixing and recording studios for soundscapes.

a leading industry internship

program scheduled as part of the timetable at companies

such as Viskatoons, Liquid Animation, Cutting Edge Studios

and Alt VFX a leading industry internship

program scheduled as part of the timetable at companies

such as Viskatoons, Liquid Animation, Cutting Edge Studios

and Alt VFX a leading industry internship

program scheduled as part of the timetable at companies

such as Viskatoons, Liquid Animation, Cutting Edge Studios

and Alt VFX a leading industry internship

program scheduled as part of the timetable at companies

such as Viskatoons, Liquid Animation, Cutting Edge Studios

and Alt VFX a leading industry internship

program scheduled as part of the timetable at companies

such as Viskatoons, Liquid Animation, Cutting Edge Studios

and Alt VFX

Follow our JMC Academy Animation & Game Design Instagram Page!

course guide //

Bachelor of Creative Arts (3D Animation)
[CRICOS 075776J]
Diploma of Creative Arts (3D Animation)
[CRICOS 058464M]

Specialise in what you are passionate about with a Bachelor degree focusing on story and art direction, 2D, 3D and hybrid animation, technical art or a combination of them all. Immerse yourself in an exciting journey from concept development to finished animation in multiple styles. Take advantage of JMC’s impressive animation, motion-capture, virtual-reality, recording and green-screen studios to bring your project to life, and master tech skills like rigging and compositing.

In only 2 years you can graduate with a Bachelor degree thanks to our accelerated full-time course. Part-time study is also available to domestic students. International students many choose to complete the course in 3 years [CRICOS 058460D] rather than the accelerated 2 year option.

COURSE STRUCTURE //

T1 Design Processes I

Introduces students to the early phases of Design Process, in particular Discover and Define. Based on the first diamond of the Design Council’s Double Diamond schema.

T1 Studio Workshop

A double credit point unit that introduces students in a hands-on way to the range of processes, skills, and tools that are available to them in their courses. Covers everything from Study Skills, File Management, Visual Research and Design Sketching, through to introductory techniques in 2D, 3D, and Game Development software applications. At the completion of this unit lecturers will provide one-on-one mentoring to students to help them make selections of the skills streams they want to pursue as their specialisation.

T1 Design Fundamentals

A Design unit which introduces students to basic concepts in visual design. With a mix of foundation concepts, hands-on exploratory creative exercises, and an introduction to important ideas and people in various visual design disciplines, it will provide a sound basis for students to build their individual specialisations on.

T2 Games & Animation in Context

Students learn to consider the animations, films, and games they love in a bigger context. How the industries are structured, the relationship between creators and consumers, how these media relate to the wider scene and to their time and place. The unit seeks to start students on the journey from being enthusiasts to being informed and critically-aware creators.

Students undertake a solo creative project focussing on their areas of specialisation from Stream A and/or B. A number of simple briefs are provided to select from, with a high degree of freedom in the interpretation, but clear scope limits. In addition to the creative process of conceiving, developing, and completing their project with individual supervision from a lecturer, they will also undertake the planning, documentation, and reporting of the work. Timesheets will be kept along with reflective practice journalling of their experience. The final outcome will be posted, along with process work, to a publicly viewable portfolio.

T2 2D Animation I (2D Animation Stream)

Students are introduced to the basic principles of expressive animation, which they explore through exercises in techniques like cut-out animation, stop-motion, and frame-by frame animation. The unit begins with under-the-camera traditional techniques, and progresses into an introduction to 2D animation software.

T2 3D Animation I (3D Animation Stream)

Students learn animation from basic mechanics through to simple character rigs in Maya. An emphasis is placed on posing and staging as well as understanding how the principles of animation apply within a 3D context.

T2 Production Art I: Characters (Production Art Stream)

Students learn the considerations of character design through applied exercises. A range of styles and methods are explored, pushing and variation of designs is worked through, and documentation requirements of character designs undertaken. Through life drawing and observation, skills in construction, posing, and conveying of movement are developed.

T2 CG Art I: Modelling (CG Art Stream)

Students are introduced to a range of skills and techniques for modelling objects and environments in 3D. A series of small-scope projects will allow students, with the help of lecturer feedback, to explore how desired results can be achieved through different approaches. Modelling requirements for different applications: games, animation, vfx, will be introduced and explored.

T2 Game Dev I: Game Development (Game Dev Stream)

Students learn some of the major components of Game Design via a series of small practical exercises. The emphasis is on learning how to work in the game engine, create and import assets, and implement assets to create levels and interfaces. Tasks model the iterative game development process at a controlled scale.

T3 Graphic Narrative

Students learn to develop the visual language of storytelling as applied in comics, animation and film. Visual story skills such as storyboarding, animatics, and layout and pre-vis will be taught through a series of applied exercises. Students will cultivate an awareness of visual story through analysis and deconstruction of comic, animation, and film stills and sequences.

T3 History of Animation + Games

Students will explore the history of animation, games, and vfx through active research and presentations to peers. A number of perspectives will be looked at such as historical, geographic, and social context. Students will also be asked to engage with their field by attending talks, exhibitions, screenings and workshops, and record their experiences in journal form. Ongoing discussion of presented topics in an online forum will also be part of the unit.

T3 2D Animation II (2D Animation Stream)

Students explore a range of image-making and animation techniques including various traditional media in Dragonframe, Photoshop animation, and Motion Graphics style animation in After Effects.

T3 Rigging (3D Animation Stream)

Students learn how to build “skeletons” for their characters, bind the 3D “mesh” to the skeleton (rig), add animation controls, and test and refine its function to achieve the motion and expression needed for action and performance.

T3 Production Art II: Props + Environment Design (Production Art Stream)

Students learn principles and skills for developing detailed designs for objects, vehicles, and environments. Simple drafting is taught, and 3D drawing and perspective skills are reinforced, while methods for staging, colouring and rendering artwork are introduced. An understanding of elements of machinery and architecture is cultivated.

T3 CG Art II: Look Development (CG Art Stream)

AGA309 CG Art II: Look Development (T3) Students learn the scientific, artistic, and technical aspects of working with materials, textures, and lighting in 3D to create a unique look for animation, VFX, and games. Software tools and techniques will be taught as well as how the process fits into a production pipeline.

T3 Game Dev II: Programming (Game Dev Stream)

Students learn to code in Unity, using the C# programming language, to build function in their games. This unit gives artists and designers enough knowledge to prototype and test their creations but is not intended to teach fundamental programming as a specialisation. Other coding and scripting skills may be touched upon if sufficient time and interest are evident.

T4 Collaboration

Cross-disciplinary creative projects in teams from across all JMC courses.

Similar to Lab I but working in small teams on correspondingly more complex projects. An option will be also offered where suitable for students to work as crew members on a Studio project from T5/6.

T4 2D Animation III (2D Animation Stream)

Students focus on full expressive animation using ToonBoom Harmony. Frame by frame and rigged animation will be covered, and advanced acting, reference creation, and working with dialogue included.

T4 3D Animation II (3D Animation Stream)

Students focus on full expressive animation using Maya. Advanced acting, reference creation, and working with dialogue will be covered.

T4 Production Art III: Production Design (Production Art Stream)

Students explore the overall conception and detailed design of a production in 2D or 3D animation, games, and related fields. The development of staging, atmosphere, mood, character, setting, story, and tone are covered. Practical skills in script breakdown, colour scripting, texture, design and documentation are developed, along with illustration methods for conceptual art and the creation of a pitch bible and/or design bible.

T4 CG Art III: Digital Sculpture (CG Art Stream)

Students explore the tradition of sculpture and its application to character modelling. Digital sculpting software skills are taught along with the accompanying artistic and conceptual process. A strong emphasis is placed upon consistent practice, first with quick sketches, and later with more elaborate pieces.

T4 Game Dev III: Rapid Prototyping (Game Dev Stream)

Students apply their coding and game engine skills to build and prototype a series of small game exercises and mechanics. Rapidly implementing and testing concepts is the focus here rather than refined aesthetics and design.

T5 Critical Frameworks

Students consider a range of theoretical lenses through which to examine work in their field. They will use different critical models to analyse examples and present their findings to their peers. Ongoing discussion is encouraged through a digital platform, and external engagement with academic, artistic, and professional communities of practice is also a requirement. This unit also helps prepare students for post-graduate study should they have an interest in further education.

Students begin work on a Studio Project, to be completed over trimesters 5 and 6. The type of project may be in animation, game, VR, or design, and collaboration between team members from various specialisations within Animation, Games or Design is encouraged .Projects also have the option of recruiting students from AGA304 Lab II as crew members on their projects. Students must plan and manage their projects using the Shotgun platform, and deliver a finished product at the end of Studio II.

T5 Compositing (Extension Elective)

Students learn to use Nuke for compositing render layers in animation, or 2D, 3D, and live action elements to generate VFX shots. The unit will be available to Film students as well and will encourage collaboration between disciplines.

T5 Augmented + Virtual Reality (Extension Elective)

Students explore the technology and art of Extended Reality (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality) in creating interactive and immersive content. Collaboration with Design, Film, and Audio is a potential within this unit.

T5 Motion Capture (Extension Elective)

This subject covers the capture, cleanup, and refinement of motion data acquired from our motion capture suite, but there should be an opportunity to explore the application of the tools in a slightly more experimental manner.

T6 Professional Development

This subject is aimed at giving you the tools and skills needed to seek employment upon completion of the program. Preparation of showreels and portfolios, letter writing and interview skills, and the promotion of oneself as a unique “brand” in a creative industry all form part of the content. You will have the opportunity to test your presentation skills in both mock and real environments. You will draw on the work completed during the course as well as charting a direction for the future, and preparing a set of materials to take with them into their job-seeking. You may, as a part of this unit, have the opportunity to connect with industry representatives at site visits, “speed-dating’ interviews, and other events.

Studio II is the completion of the team project begun in Studio I.

International Study Tour (By Application Only)

What better way to immerse yourself in the anime, manga or Asian pop scene than by spending two weeks in Japan learning from some of Japan's best teachers?

Anime/Manga Stream
Students will participate in Anime and Manga Creation classes at the Tokyo Design Technology Centre and Osaka Animation College. Students will then continue with a 12-week special project on campus in Australia, which is based on a single project topic of the student’s choice that is then developed over the length of the course.

J-Pop Stream
Students will participate in J-Pop classes and workshops at the Tokyo School of Music and Osaka School of Music. Students will then continue with a 12-weeks special project on campus in Australia. Students will be supervised and will work with the supervisor to complete the final project. Bachelor Degree students enrolled in JMC Academy's Animation, Game Design and Design programs, and Music and Songwriting programs, have the amazing opportunity to enrol in a two week study tour in Tokyo and Osaka.

Internship (By Application Only)

This unit is a workplace placement where you will be working directly for an employer on their premises as nominated by JMC. The placement is for 12 working days or an equivalent number of contact hours, typically spread over the course of a single JMC trimester (14 weeks). You will enhance your skills and capabilities in a ‘real-world’ situation and apply in practise the knowledge you have gained throughout your Bachelor Course to date.

Get hands-on with the design and development of characters and worlds – from concept to finished art – and create arresting graphical motion and believable character performances with a Diploma of Creative Arts (3D Animation). Master drawing and visualisation techniques, learn traditional techniques and cutting-edge motion design and master the core skillset and tools required for 3D modeling and animation.

Associate Degree Exit Point: Students who have successfully completed 4 trimesters of the Bachelor programme may successfully graduate with an Associate Degree qualification.

COURSE STRUCTURE //

T1 Design Processes I

Introduces students to the early phases of Design Process, in particular Discover and Define. Based on the first diamond of the Design Council’s Double Diamond schema.

T1 Studio Workshop

A double credit point unit that introduces students in a hands-on way to the range of processes, skills, and tools that are available to them in their courses. Covers everything from Study Skills, File Management, Visual Research and Design Sketching, through to introductory techniques in 2D, 3D, and Game Development software applications. At the completion of this unit lecturers will provide one-on-one mentoring to students to help them make selections of the skills streams they want to pursue as their specialisation.

T1 Design Fundamentals

A Design unit which introduces students to basic concepts in visual design. With a mix of foundation concepts, hands-on exploratory creative exercises, and an introduction to important ideas and people in various visual design disciplines, it will provide a sound basis for students to build their individual specialisations on.

Students undertake a solo creative project focussing on their areas of specialisation from Stream A and/or B. A number of simple briefs are provided to select from, with a high degree of freedom in the interpretation, but clear scope limits. In addition to the creative process of conceiving, developing, and completing their project with individual supervision from a lecturer, they will also undertake the planning, documentation, and reporting of the work. Timesheets will be kept along with reflective practice journalling of their experience. The final outcome will be posted, along with process work, to a publicly viewable portfolio.

T2 Games & Animation in Context

Students learn to consider the animations, films, and games they love in a bigger context. How the industries are structured, the relationship between creators and consumers, how these media relate to the wider scene and to their time and place. The unit seeks to start students on the journey from being enthusiasts to being informed and critically-aware creators.

T2 2D Animation I (2D Animation Stream)

Students are introduced to the basic principles of expressive animation, which they explore through exercises in techniques like cut-out animation, stop-motion, and frame-by frame animation. The unit begins with under-the-camera traditional techniques, and progresses into an introduction to 2D animation software.

T2 3D Animation I (3D Animation Stream)

Students learn animation from basic mechanics through to simple character rigs in Maya. An emphasis is placed on posing and staging as well as understanding how the principles of animation apply within a 3D context.

T2 Production Art I: Characters (Production Art Stream)

Students learn the considerations of character design through applied exercises. A range of styles and methods are explored, pushing and variation of designs is worked through, and documentation requirements of character designs undertaken. Through life drawing and observation, skills in construction, posing, and conveying of movement are developed.

T2 CG Art I: Modelling (CG Art Stream)

Students are introduced to a range of skills and techniques for modelling objects and environments in 3D. A series of small-scope projects will allow students, with the help of lecturer feedback, to explore how desired results can be achieved through different approaches. Modelling requirements for different applications: games, animation, vfx, will be introduced and explored.

T2 Game Dev I: Game Development (Game Dev Stream)

Students learn some of the major components of Game Design via a series of small practical exercises. The emphasis is on learning how to work in the game engine, create and import assets, and implement assets to create levels and interfaces. Tasks model the iterative game development process at a controlled scale.

Careers in the Industry //

JMC’s Animation graduates currently work in a wide range of creative positions in game design, film + TV, web animation and advertising, in major studios like Animal Logic and design houses like ZSpace.

Animation is an essential ingredient in the collaborative, innovative and future-forward global entertainment industry, which is why some of the most in demand players are animators and visual-effects specialists.

Specific roles may include

3D or 2D Animator
Producer
Director
Concept Artist
Storyboard Artist
Modeller
Texture Artist
Rigger
Illustrator

Render Wrangler
Visual Effects Artist
Matte Painter
Effects Animator
Compositor
Digital Lighting
Designer
Motion Designer

spotlight //

Having the audio and film guys to work with me on my projects taught me a lot about the whole process. I put this into action as one of the animators on the ‘Happy Feet’ films.
Damien Schneider , Freelance Animation Artist, Animation Alumni

My favourite aspect of the degree was engaging with industry professionals. Picking the brains of the JMC lecturers who have broad and relevant experience.
Thomas Fisher , ‎3D Generalist, Animator and Motion Graphics Artist at Tom Fisher 3D, Animation Alumni

JMC gave me the opportunity to meet like minded people and grow as a creative. The lecturers are fantastic! Their passion for the industry was infectious making me strive for my best
Rachael Tannous , Artist Recruitment & Coordination, Iloura Sydney, Animation Alumni

I found the small class sizes at JMC were very helpful for me. It was easier to get help from my lecturer and I got to better know and connect with my classmates.
Erika Wu, Animator at Studio Moshi, Animation Alumni

My internship at Cutting Edge came about through a JMC lecturer. Turns out what they tell you about networking is a thing!
Daniel Springall, 3D Character Rigger , Animation Alumni

Faqs //

I'm not good at drawing - can I still apply for the Animation course?

Yes. We take your inherent abilities and creativity, whatever level they may be at, and help you develop them as thoroughly as the passion you have for working on them.

Do I need to bring in a portfolio to apply for Animation, and if so, what should I put in it?

A portfolio essentially relates to samples of your work. If you have nice finished artwork, that’s fantastic, but not essential. What we’re looking for is that you have a drive to create things and are passionate about the field, so show us that in your portfolio. Things like sketches or drawings, notes, ideas and characters you’ve invented are all great.

How can I increase my chances of finding employment upon graduation?

Building your network with like-minded people and meeting people in the industry is really important. We encourage you to attend industry talks and events (many of which are held on campus) and introduce yourself to people. Amazing opportunities often arise through those connections so be open to new experiences. Create your own opportunities as well. If there’s nothing else happening, keep working. Work on your own projects and set yourself tasks to enhance and refine your skills so you not only have great content to add to your showreel, but when an opportunity does come up, you’re ready to seize it.

What projects will I create during the Animation course that I can show future employers?

During your course you will be advised to build your portfolio with relevant samples of your finished work. A final Degree project which you will develop and 'executive produce' will ensure you have an animated 3D film to add to your show reel.