3d Animation Courses

Online

If you're interested in Lighting, Modeling and Texturing 3D Assets for Film or Games from anywhere in the world, our global online campus is the place for you.

Campus

Joining us in person puts you in the heart of the industry, and allows you to pursue a wider array of skills such as Animation, VFX and Compositing.

Hybrid

Like Online, Hybrid students focus on developing 3D Assets. The upside? You'll build a specialized portfolio alongside your industry mentor in person.

Online

CG Asset Creation for Film or Games

No experience required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

No experience required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

CG Asset Portfolio Pre-Production & Production

Foundational skills required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Yes

CG Asset Portfolio Production

Very advanced skills required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Houdini for Film or Games

No experience required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Campus

3D Animation, Visual Effects & Game Art

No experience required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Yes

3D Portfolio Pre-Production & Production

Advanced skills required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Yes

3D Portfolio Production

Very advanced skills required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Hybrid

CG + 3D Asset Creation for Film or Games

48 Weeks Online + 16 Weeks On Campus

No experience required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Yes

CG + 3D Portfolio Pre-Production & Production

32 Weeks Online + 16 Weeks On Campus

Foundational skills required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

Yes

Houdini + 3D for Film or Games

48 Weeks Online + 16 Weeks On Campus

No experience required

DuoLingo 90 / TOEFL 65

As of July 1, 2023, all students are required to subscribe to GuardMe Student Support Program (GMSSP), connecting them with 24/7 confidential mental wellness support with linguistically and culturally-matched licensed clinicians. There is an additional mandatory charge of $5.00CAD/month which covers unlimited use of the GMSSP through app, telephone and web.

Learn more about our instructional terminology.

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What's the difference between learning Online and on Campus at Think Tank?
Whether you decide to learn at the Think Tank Campus, be a part of a remote global community or both, you’ll get first-hand instruction from industry professionals who are dedicated to your artistic growth and success.

Think Tank Online focuses on the creation of CG Assets for Films or Games. In the industry, an “asset” refers to the modeling, texturing and/or lighting of any pieces, big and small, you might be tasked to create. You’ll learn through our proprietary interactive teaching platform, Portal. And while technically “remote,” you’ll be in contact with your peer group and supervisor on a weekly basis.

Think Tank Campus allows for broader specializations that will elevate you above the average CG generalist. You’ll work hands-on with your instructors and mentors to go beyond just asset creation, preparing you for a gig in a more specified field. Having you on campus means you’ll brush shoulders (so to speak) with the wider CG industry who tend to make their way onto the campus. Also, we throw the best BBQs.

TLDR: Online focuses on developing CG Assets while Campus offers more broader, and granular specialization.
What is a Hybrid program at Think Tank?
Think Tank's Hybrid model lets you begin your Asset Creation program remotely before coming to campus for your portfolio production term. This means you’ll develop your professional demo reel in a hands-on environment with the help of your industry mentors and instructors.

Hybrid allows you to have the flexibility of learning online before gaining the kind of in-depth, granular specialization only possible through Think Tank's in-person, hands-on instruction. We mean it when we say it's "the best of both worlds".

Think Tank offers two Hybrid programs: CG + 3D Asset Creation for Film or Games and CG + 3D Asset Portfolio Pre-Production & Production.
What is a Think Tank Specialization?
With many Think Tank programs, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your skills and interests into a specific area of expertise. This means working closely with an industry pro who is themselves accomplished in your chosen area. We call this your Specialization Path, and it is what truly prompts you for stepping into your first role in the CG industry.

If studying Online, you’ll select one of four Specializations related to CG asset creation:
- Props & Environments for Film (making hero props and environments for film)
- Characters & Creatures for Film (making the characters that star in film)
- Environments for Games (making immersive real-time environments for video games)
- Characters & Creatures for Games (making the characters that star in video games)
Joining us on Campus allows for a broader specialization that will elevate you above the average CG generalist. Your path will be one of the following options:
- Props & Environments for Film (making hero props and environments for film)
- Characters & Creatures for Film (making the characters that star in film)
- Environments for Games (making immersive real-time environments for video games)
- Characters & Creatures for Games (making the characters that star in video games)
- Look Dev, Compositing, Hard-Surface Modeling, Matte Painting, Rigging, or Texturing
- Visual Effects or Animation
If taking a Hybrid program, you’ll focus on a CG asset creation path similar to learning online. You'll then undergo a mentored portfolio-focused term once on campus.
Are there different types of CG Art?
Yes! CG Art is often broken down into 3 main categories:
1. 3D Animation: This includes rigging (the creating of a 3D character's or object's skeleton/internal structure) as well as the process of making a 3D character or object move and appear continuous.
2. Visual Effects: Simply put, this is when something that doesn't exist in real life is made to look real on screen amongst real-world objects.
3. Asset Creation: The hallmark of Think Tank's online programs, asset creation covers all the sub fields concerned with creating either a 3D character or environment. This includes modeling, texturing, lighting, and potentially more traditional skills like 2D drawing.
Does Think Tank offer any part-time programs?
What is the GuardMe Student Support Program?
The GuardMe Student Support Program (GMSSP) connects you with free, confidential emotional health and wellbeing support conveniently available 24/7 via the app, telephone and web.

This is the first support program to use linguistically and culturally matched licensed clinicians, providing students a welcoming place where they are comfortable to seek help. GuardMe is available in both internationally and in multiple languages. Learn more about this program on their website here.

All Think Tank students are required to subscribe to the GMSSP. There is an additional mandatory charge of $5.00CAD/month which covers unlimited use of the program.
Are there breaks in classes throughout the year?
Yes! There are Study Breaks, Term Breaks and Statutory Holidays.

Study Breaks
Online and Campus programs have three 1 to 2 week Study Breaks a year: Spring (March), Summer (July), and Winter (December). During these periods there are no Online Live Sessions and Campus attendance is not mandatory (instructors may host make-up classes on Campus during this time which you may be expected to attend).

NOTE: We recommend using these breaks to work on your projects and assignments. Spending the whole time on vacation will result in you falling behind.   

Upcoming Study Breaks: Winter Break: December 23, 2024 - January 4, 2025—No classes

Term Breaks
Online and Campus programs have three two-week Term Breaks between each term: late January, late May, and late September (sometimes into October).

NOTE: Take some time to relax during these periods, but make sure to stay up-to-date on your CG skills and ongoing projects, so you come back to Think Tank prepared for your upcoming term!  

Upcoming Term Breaks:  Term Break 1: Jan 26 - Feb 8, 2025—No classes / Regular Campus hours Jan 26-Feb 1 / Campus closed Feb 2-8

Statutory Holidays
Think Tank observes British Columbia's recognized Federal and Provincial Statutory Holidays. Campus is generally closed during these dates. NOTE: Live Sessions for Online students might still occur on these dates.