Duration
8 months (2 trimesters)
Locations
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Fees
Intake Dates

February, June, September

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International

CRICOS 058464M

JMC welcomes from all over the world.
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Underpinned by a strong understanding of design and image-making, the Diploma provides a hands-on introduction to the process of animation in film, design and games through art and practice.

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 (Animation). Be introduced to drawing and visualization techniques, learn traditional techniques and cutting-edge motion design and acquire the core skills and tools required for 3D modeling and animation.

Students are given the opportunity to plan, execute and deliver a mentored project based on their specialization.

Why Study Animation at JMC?

Course designed in consultation with Pixar & Animal Logic Artists
Take advantage of our 18 camera dedicated motion capture suites
Study abroad in Japan or the Netherlands

Technology & Facilities

During this course you will be able to access the Full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Autodesk Maya, Wacom Intuos Pro and Cintiq tablets, Animation lightboxes + line testers, ball and socket stop-motion rigs, Dragonframe stop-motion software, 18-camera motion-capture suites, VR facilities, green-screen studios, renderers (Redshift, Pixar RenderMan, Arnold), Substance Painter for texturing, Zbrush for sculpting, Compositing tools (After Effects, Nuke), Katana for Look Development and Shotgun Studio for Project Planning and Management.

Duration

When undertaken full-time, the Diploma of Creative Arts (Animation) can be completed in 8 months (2 trimesters).

Upon successful completion of the Diploma qualification, students are eligible to continue their studies into the Bachelor Degree with advanced standing of two trimesters.

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

Course Structure

The Diploma of Creative Arts (Animation) makes up the first 2 trimesters of the Animation Bachelor's degree. At the successful completion of 2 trimesters, our modular course structure lets you graduate with an officially recognised diploma or continue seamlessly towards the industry standard Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation) degree.

Click here to view the detailed course structure →

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CURRICULUM

Students will have the opportunity to investigate widely used design processes, including the UK Design Council’s “Double Diamond” and human-centred design practices. This unit explores foundational theory related to universal design (‘design for all’) and assistive technology (‘design for need’) principles. The unit investigates the relational aspects of inclusive design with a view to addressing human needs and desires, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the aged, children/youth, and people with disability sectors. This is the first of two units that take students through the full life span of a creative project, from brief to implementation.

This unit addresses the principles and practices of the ‘first diamond’, from challenging the brief and discovery, to conducting research, and developing insights – right through to identifying opportunity areas. Students will be required to apply the methodology learned to a design project, focussing on challenging their position (beliefs, values) in relation to the process and the brief.  

Games and Animation in Context provides students with a formal and contextual framework to discuss games and animation. Beginning with journalistic responses, and developing through to in-depth presentations, students will consider the context, express the experience, and identify the structural elements of a variety of contemporary and historical works. This unit also requires on and off-campus participation in contemporary exhibitions, screenings, and events.

This unit explores the foundations of good visual design. Students will learn the different elements and principles of visual communication including Gestalt, colour theory, layout and typography. They will explore how to bring these components together to create strong visual messages.

In Lab I students are presented with the opportunity to develop and execute a small individual project utilising the key skills they are focusing on in their streams. They must log required hours in the lab environment and meet weekly with an assigned project supervisor who will act as a mentor and support person. A range of creative briefs will be provided covering potential projects in areas such as art and design, modelling, animation, game development, or hybrids of these. In addition to the creative work, students will be guided through planning, documenting, reporting, and reflecting on their work. Additional workshops may be provided where required to extend technical knowledge. Finished projects will form the basis of a portfolio to be built upon in successive trimesters.

This unit introduces students to practices, processes, and tools utilised in animation, games, and visual effects (VFX). Students will work through a series of self-contained exercises, with mentoring support from lecturers, which will provide entry-level practical experience. These will primarily be completed during class time. Areas of focus may include design research, design sketching and visualisation, concept ideation, simple animation, colour grading, editing, and delivery to different platforms. While students are not expected to achieve full competence in these skills, they will gain a practical grasp of the steps and thinking required to produce animation, games, and VFX. At the conclusion of this unit students will be supported to make an informed decision regarding the focus streams they will choose in Trimester 2.

2D Animation I - AGA204

Students are introduced to the conventions and common principles that have developed over animation’s rich hundred-year history. Students will explore traditional frame-by-frame techniques including cut-out, stop-motion, and drawn animation underpinning and developing an understanding of principles of movement and the animation process. Work will be undertaken using both traditional hand-made and photographed techniques and newer digital versions of these.

3D Animation I - AGA205

3D Animation I guides students through the analysis and application of key principles of animation in a 3D context at a basic level. Technical workflow and animation mechanics are illustrated through lectures, and ongoing practical exercises build foundational knowledge and skills. This is a practice led class with weekly exercises.

This unit introduces students to practices, processes, and tools utilised in animation, games, and visual effects (VFX). Students will work through a series of self-contained exercises, with mentoring support from lecturers, which will provide entry-level practical experience. These will primarily be completed during class time. Areas of focus may include 3D modelling, surfacing, texturing, basic rigging, simple animation, rendering, game mechanics, simple programming, and delivery to different platforms. While students are not expected to achieve full competence in these skills, they will gain a practical grasp of the steps and thinking required to produce animation, games, and VFX. At the conclusion of this unit students will be supported to make an informed decision regarding the focus streams they will choose in Trimester 2.

Production Art I: Characters - AGA207

Character Design introduces key design principles for the creation of memorable animation and game characters in a range of styles. Students will be introduced to fundamentals of form and construction, basics of anatomy and gesture through life drawing, and the visual development of characters from story contexts. Artwork workflow and finishing styles will be covered, along with unified approaches to developing a full cast. Industry practice in documentation and presentation will also be covered.

CG Art I: Modelling - AGA208

The unit focuses on general 3D art creation with an emphasis on process. Block-outs, low poly modelling in 3D, mesh optimisation, unwrapping, rendering to texture, texturing, and project management, are all covered using a low poly diorama as a vehicle for the project. The final project is uploaded to an online real-time WebGL 3D viewer.

The course begins with an introduction to the pipeline through the creation of simple prop objects such as telephone poles and signs. A scene block-out is then created and students work through the elements. For houses, a modular texturing approach is introduced along with stencils to reduce the number of textures. Finally, vegetation is created. Post-processing effects and lighting are added in the online viewer.

Game Dev I: Game Development - AGA206

This unit provides a broad introduction to working within game editor systems, integrating art elements into projects. The use of 2D & 3D graphics programs will be developed in conjunction with 2D & 3D features in the engine.  Students will be provided with a template for gameplay and will apply principles of design and technical art skills to develop a playable project. This will provide an overview of a range of core engine features and practical experience integrating content.

2D Animation I - AGA204 (available if you chose 3D Animation as Major Specialisation)

Students are introduced to the conventions and common principles that have developed over animation’s rich hundred-year history. Students will explore traditional frame-by-frame techniques including cut-out, stop-motion, and drawn animation underpinning and developing an understanding of principles of movement and the animation process. Work will be undertaken using both traditional hand-made and photographed techniques and newer digital versions of these.

3D Animation I - AGA205 (available if you chose 2D Animation as Major Specialisation)

3D Animation I guides students through the analysis and application of key principles of animation in a 3D context at a basic level. Technical workflow and animation mechanics are illustrated through lectures, and ongoing practical exercises build foundational knowledge and skills. This is a practice led class with weekly exercises.

Our Lecturers

Tim McEwen

Animation, Game + Design Lecturer

Tim McEwen draws on his broad experience in feature film storyboards and concept art (Happy Feet Two, Blinky Bill, Wolf Creek 2), as well as comic books, illustration, and cartooning. He's been published professionally since he was 17, has featured in 22 exhibitions domestically and internationally, and has been nominated and shortlisted many times for numerous awards, including three times for Best Comic Book Artist in the Australian Cartoonists’ Association's prestigious Stanley Awards. In 2018 he received the Platinum Ledger Award for contributions to the Australian comics scene.

He's been the director of the Comics Art Awards of Australia, a committee member for the Australian Cartoonists' Association, founding art director of Supanova Pop Culture Expo, as well as being a featured guest at numerous conventions, and an expert speaker at numerous events. He's also an art director and graphic designer with 30+ years of experience.

Tim has lectured at JMC in Sydney for nine years, and has previously lectured at the University of Western Sydney. He continues to work in his chosen professions, illustrating books, providing storyboards, and working on his internationally distributed, award-winning comic series ‘Greener Pastures’.

Tim McEwen

Animation, Game + Design Lecturer

Tim McEwen draws on his broad experience in feature film storyboards and concept art (Happy Feet Two, Blinky Bill, Wolf Creek 2), as well as comic books, illustration, and cartooning. He's been published professionally since he was 17, has featured in 22 exhibitions domestically and internationally, and has been nominated and shortlisted many times for numerous awards, including three times for Best Comic Book Artist in the Australian Cartoonists’ Association's prestigious Stanley Awards. In 2018 he received the Platinum Ledger Award for contributions to the Australian comics scene.

He's been the director of the Comics Art Awards of Australia, a committee member for the Australian Cartoonists' Association, founding art director of Supanova Pop Culture Expo, as well as being a featured guest at numerous conventions, and an expert speaker at numerous events. He's also an art director and graphic designer with 30+ years of experience.

Tim has lectured at JMC in Sydney for nine years, and has previously lectured at the University of Western Sydney. He continues to work in his chosen professions, illustrating books, providing storyboards, and working on his internationally distributed, award-winning comic series ‘Greener Pastures’.

Sean Callinan

Head of Animation + Game Design (Sydney)

The essence of Sean’s career has been a broad-ranging interest in all aspects of design for film, television and other screen media. His career prior to teaching spans a wealth of experience, beginning as co-founder of his own production company, Meaningful Eye Contact (MEC), with Alex Proyas and Peter Miller. Sean quickly garnered a reputation for eye-catching visuals and inventive concepts. While producing music video clips for high profile acts such as INXS, Crowded House, and Fleetwood Mac, Sean developed a passion for the disciplines of production design, art direction, graphics and animation that would become instrumental in his future career.

During this period Sean received an AFI nomination for “Best Art Direction” for his work on Alex Proyas’ post-apocalyptic gothic fantasy feature Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds. MEC were also the recipients of a number of music video awards through the eighties.

Having turned freelance, Sean continued to work on numerous television commercials, music videos, television productions and several more feature films. Animation and motion graphics had always been an important part of his practice, but in 2001 Sean made the decision to leave Production Design and focus on these areas whilst undertaking a Masters in Design at UTS.

Since then he has undertaken a range of work including infographic animation, screen graphics, museum interactives, collaborations on broadband and mobile platform content, and personal projects. Prior to accepting the role as Head of Animation and Game Development at JMC Academy, Sean taught animation, video design and screen-based media at UTS for over twenty years.

Sean Callinan

Head of Animation + Game Design (Sydney)

The essence of Sean’s career has been a broad-ranging interest in all aspects of design for film, television and other screen media. His career prior to teaching spans a wealth of experience, beginning as co-founder of his own production company, Meaningful Eye Contact (MEC), with Alex Proyas and Peter Miller. Sean quickly garnered a reputation for eye-catching visuals and inventive concepts. While producing music video clips for high profile acts such as INXS, Crowded House, and Fleetwood Mac, Sean developed a passion for the disciplines of production design, art direction, graphics and animation that would become instrumental in his future career.

During this period Sean received an AFI nomination for “Best Art Direction” for his work on Alex Proyas’ post-apocalyptic gothic fantasy feature Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds. MEC were also the recipients of a number of music video awards through the eighties.

Having turned freelance, Sean continued to work on numerous television commercials, music videos, television productions and several more feature films. Animation and motion graphics had always been an important part of his practice, but in 2001 Sean made the decision to leave Production Design and focus on these areas whilst undertaking a Masters in Design at UTS.

Since then he has undertaken a range of work including infographic animation, screen graphics, museum interactives, collaborations on broadband and mobile platform content, and personal projects. Prior to accepting the role as Head of Animation and Game Development at JMC Academy, Sean taught animation, video design and screen-based media at UTS for over twenty years.

Peter Botev

Animation & Game Design Lecturer

Peter is a 2D animator, rigger and supervisor, working for studios across Australia and the EU. Notable credits include 20th Century’s Bob’s Burgers: The Movie, Netflix’s The Cuphead Show, Warner Bros' Jellystone, Nickelodeon’s Rise of the TMNT and Disney XD’s Space Chickens in Space

Peter Botev

Animation & Game Design Lecturer

Peter is a 2D animator, rigger and supervisor, working for studios across Australia and the EU. Notable credits include 20th Century’s Bob’s Burgers: The Movie, Netflix’s The Cuphead Show, Warner Bros' Jellystone, Nickelodeon’s Rise of the TMNT and Disney XD’s Space Chickens in Space

Lance Balchin

Head of Animation & Game Design (Brisbane)

Lance is an educator in the creative industries, with over 15 years hands-on experience teaching Photoshop. Lance’s relationship with Photoshop started in 1991 with Version 2.5 (pre layers!) and he has built a substantial understanding of the software over 25 years. Lance currently lives in Brisbane, Australia and was admitted to practice law two years ago.

Lance Balchin is also a children’s illustrator and author who has internationally published two books in the ‘Mechanica’ series with the Five Mile Press, Simon & Schuster, Little Bee Books and Bonnier Publishing. There are a further seven picture books to follow as well as a set of four novels. The books carry a strong environmental message and are written for children aged from 8 to 14.

Lance Balchin

Head of Animation & Game Design (Brisbane)

Lance is an educator in the creative industries, with over 15 years hands-on experience teaching Photoshop. Lance’s relationship with Photoshop started in 1991 with Version 2.5 (pre layers!) and he has built a substantial understanding of the software over 25 years. Lance currently lives in Brisbane, Australia and was admitted to practice law two years ago.

Lance Balchin is also a children’s illustrator and author who has internationally published two books in the ‘Mechanica’ series with the Five Mile Press, Simon & Schuster, Little Bee Books and Bonnier Publishing. There are a further seven picture books to follow as well as a set of four novels. The books carry a strong environmental message and are written for children aged from 8 to 14.

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 - VFX Supervisor, Sony Pictures
Animation Alumni
The selection of lecturers who were industry-based and able to impart a lot of impressive knowledge allowed me to get a foothold within the entertainment industry.
Mitchell Pasquini - Senior Character Rigger, Kapow Pictures
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 - Digital Resources Administrator, Animal Logic
Animation Alumni

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation)

Seamlessly transition into the bachelor's degree with JMC Academy's modular and integrated courses. 

More on this course

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD YOUR CAREER IN ANIMATION?

FAQs

Yes. We offer multiple pathways into the course regardless of your current drawing abilities and art is one of these pathways. If you don’t feel all too comfortable drawing, we offer pathways in technical and conceptual skills.

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.

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.

In the course of completing the Bachelor degree you will complete multiple key creative projects, both solo and in teams, as well as a host of smaller exercises. You will build your portfolio with polished work from your second trimester onwards and your last two trimesters will be devoted to a major project that will showcase your talent and abilities.

Yes. The JMC Academy is registered and regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) which is Australia’s independent national regulator of the higher education sector, both public and private.

No, our courses are hands on and practical. Students are required to attend classes to receive ongoing mentorship, learn new skills and work with the equipment provided. We do encourage our students to use online study resources, however our courses would not be as immersive as they are without the practical component.