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3D Modeling & Animation Academy
Two-Week Academy | Ages 12-183D Modeling & Animation Academy
Two-Week Academy | Ages 12-18Build Your Portfolio of 3D Models, Characters, and Animations
Become a well-rounded 3D artist capable of using modeling software in games, film, and tv with this course. Develop an understanding of the storytelling and character animation process with the industry-standard 3D software, Autodesk Maya. 3D design and modeling open doors into all kinds of modern creative careers. Learn, discover, create and enjoy learning with other passionate creators.
Week 1, Intro to 3D Modeling with Maya: You’ll learn valuable workflows that pros use and create and sculpt 3D models. We’ll teach you the fundamentals of character design and rigging before you create your own original 3D props, set pieces, and characters.
Week 2, 3D Character Animation with Maya: Using Autodesk Maya, you’ll learn how to bring characters to life, using lighting, settings, and camera angles. We’ll teach you a workflow that will take pre-rigged models and animate them in an original short sequence that tells a story.
Join Digital Media Academy for this two-week academy to build your portfolio and learn 3D design and animation.
Receive up to 12 months of Adobe Creative Cloud by registering today ($600 Value)!


Staff Ratio: 12:1
Hardware + Software: Laptop 1:1, Autodesk Maya + Autodesk Mudbox
Ages: Students 12-18
Hours: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Staff Ratio: 12:1
Hardware + Software: Laptop 1:1, Autodesk Maya + Autodesk Mudbox
Ages: Students 12-18
Hours: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Course Information
Get ready for a fun and impactful educational experience through project-based learning

What Students Learn
- The process of planning for and executing animations
- How to use 3D modeling programs such as Autodesk Maya
- Creating 3D models, both organic and inorganic
- UV mapping and how to apply textures to models
- Lighting and rendering a scene using advanced tools
- How to plan and execute projects to create anything
- How to use Autodesk Maya as a tool for animation
- Keyframes and interpolations in Maya’s graph editor
- How to use digital puppets aka character rigs
What Students Create
- A wide variety of 3D Objects in Maya and Mudbox
- Simple models made of Polygon Primitives and advanced models using box modeling techniques
- Sculptures of characters or creatures using Mudbox’s toolset
- Several animations of a bouncing ball to display mastery of keyframes, weight, and timing
- Images of characters in expressive poses, displaying subtle control of the complex character rigs
About 3D Modeling Courses
Our 3D Modeling + Design camps prepare students with the skills they will need working in a professional 3D modeling, animation, and design environment. The 3D Modeling & Animation Academy is the perfect choice for a student looking to dive-in to creating and animating 3D models. You’ll learn how to use Autodesk Maya and Mudbox to model your own character in the first week and animate pre-rigged characters into a short sequence the next. Explore more design and animation courses.
The Teen Experience: Since 2002, Digital Media Academy has been encouraging and inspiring teens to become the next generation of developers, animators, filmmakers, photographers, designers, and engineers. In addition to developing teens’ interests and passions for the latest in new tech, our camps foster personal growth, confidence, and independence; preparing students for life beyond high school and college.

Learn More About This Course
Learn more about our 3D Modeling & Animation Academy by taking an in-depth look at the syllabus for this course.
Our project-based approach to learning sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and fosters teamwork as students seek solutions to real-world problems. Do you have additional questions about selecting the perfect course? Contact our friendly Academic Advisors.

Register for this course
Select a region below
If camp is canceled due to COVID-19 you’ll receive full credit for Summer 2021. Terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Academy courses differ from the week-long camps?
The Academy courses are two weeks long and allow you to “take a deeper dive,” into your chosen subject. In addition to creating unique projects, Academy students build digital portfolios of the work they completed during their two-week program. Our Academies provide an immersive, pre-college and career experience that allows students more time to build a mentorship with instructors and friendships with other campers.
Camp Upgrades
Get the most out of your summer with Digital Media Academy when you add any or all of the following:

Lunch Plan
Make things easy and get lunch on campus so you don’t have to pack your own. Lunch Plans start at $95/week at select locations.

Overnight Housing
Stay in the dorms and eat on-campus, Sunday through Friday. Overnight Housing starts at $695/week where available.

Extended Day
Our flexible Extended Day option allows families to pick-up students as late as 6:00 PM from Monday to Thursday at all locations.

Weekend Stay
Add Weekend Stay and enjoy extra activities and day trips around the area. Weekend Stay starts at $380/weekend at select locations.
“Digital Media Academy is the place where your dreams come true… in a computer!”
Ben G.
3D Modeling & Animation Academy

Passionate Staff
Educators, artists, and talented industry professionals with a passion for STEAM education.

A Balanced Experience
Our students enjoy a balanced camp day with both in-class lessons and outdoor activities.

Project-Based Learning
Our curriculum sparks curiosity, builds confidence, while fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Safety Matters
Our staff is First-Aid + CPR certified and have completed national background checks.