3D Studio Max (650 hours)

Course Overview/Description

This exciting certificate program will teach students how to use 3ds Max to design, develop, automate and animate 3D objects within a 3D scene.

3D-Object Development is one of the most important skills behind the success of digital games. You will complete individual assignments to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create models, textures, maps, and realistic environments, along with particle effects for added realism. You will also learn to use a variety of tools to create a complete 3D scene as a Portfolio piece.

Quality 3D objects and animation is the standard for today's video games. To be a successful 3D Animator takes the marriage of both traditional artistic talents and the mastery of a barrage of computer programs and digital design techniques.

This awesome 3D game design and animation certificate course offers the chance for students to immerse themselves in a 3D world. If you are looking to design professional 3D objects and scenes that look and feel just like the ones you play at home then you don't want to miss this course!

Emphasis is placed on modeling, texturing, and preparing models for animation. Once you have mastered the Fundamentals of modeling 3D objects, you will learn 3D animation. This program is designed for aspiring game animators who have a passion for creating complex virtual 3D landscapes, create models, design levels, and create lighting and shadow effects.

Upon registering, you are given an initial six months to complete the program. Should you need more time, you may request a 6-month extension at no additional charge.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the 3ds max certificate program are:

• To facilitate your professional growth into the world of video game development as an Animator.
• To facilitate your professional growth into the world of video game development as a 3D modeler.
• To equip the student with the technical knowledge and skills vital for success in vocational endeavors.

Course Outline

I. Basic Concepts and Navigation of User Interface
II. 3DS Max Workflow
III. Naming Conventions
IV. Working with Objects
V. Basic Modeling
VI. Materials and Maps
VII. Basic Animation
VIII. Working with Trackview
IX. Building Compound Objects
X. Creating and Controlling Particle Systems
XI. Creating Atmospheric Effects
XII. Rendering and Post Production
XIII. Modeling Using Reference Images
XIV. Advanced Production Tutorials
XV. Maxscript

Prerequisites/Audience

Software & application knowledge: Windows, FTP, Files & folders, Email, Chat, Windows media, PowerPoint Skill-sets: Students should have basic PC skills, knowledge of computers, and a better than average understanding of the Internet.

Audience: By earning any kind of technical certification, you demonstrate commitment and acknowledge your desire to work with and to learn multiple technologies.

If your friends won't compete with you anymore, and you hold the record for solving brain teasers or consistently have the highest scores in console games, this is the program for you.

If beating your own high scores has no challenge and you want more, this program is for you.

If being on an industry recognized, award winning team building video games is where you want to be, please give serious consideration to this program.

The ever-growing, evolving Video Game Industry, your employer, clients, and peers will recognize your Certification, your credential as a symbol of the skills and knowledge you've gained through experience. The certification clearly and strongly demonstrates that you are a technical leader with the ability to successfully implement Video Game solutions for your organization.

PC Requirements/Materials Included

This course is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system.

Your computer should meet the following requirements upon registration:

• Processor: Pentium II with a minimum processor speed of 550mhz
• Hard-disk drive available space: 10 Gigs
• Minimum Ram: 128MB
• Monitor: Color
• Internet Connectivity: High Speed Bandwidth strongly recommended
• Windows Media 9.0 (a free upgrade) - Please download at:
  http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp
• Anark Player - please download at: http://www.anark.com/downloads/
• Microsoft Producer 1.1 (a PowerPoint add-in) a free download at:
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=210df665-352d-4968-9b30-361fa2874ff8&displaylang=en
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2002

GES will provide the following materials:

• Current version of 3ds max with one year student license
• 3ds Max 9 Bible
• Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds max, 2nd Edition: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins
• Realistic Architectural Visualization with 3ds Max and Mental Ray
• The Dark Side of Game Texturing
• Modeling A Character in 3DS Max, 2nd Edition
• 3ds max 8: From Modeling to Animation

The following materials are recommended for all students, but are not required or provided by GES:

• Adobe Photoshop 6.0
• Rendering with Mental Ray & 3ds Max
• 3ds Max MAXScript Essentials, Second Edition
• Model, Rig, Animate! With 3ds max, by Michele Bousquet
• Animating Real-Time Game Characters (Game Development Series)

Instructor Bio

Jason Hill lives and breathes 3D animation. He has instructed students at both the Experience Music Project and the Center School in Seattle. He has created 3D mechanical and electrical models using 3DS Max, MAXscript, Combustion (Discreet) and Anark Studio. His major emphasis is on creating interactive multimedia by combining modeling, texturing, animation, programming and soundscape design to create specialized and unique 3D solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I register?
Click on the register button at the top of the page and follow the directions. It is important that you type all your information in the boxes, then print it out to sign.  Payment and sending instructions are in the bottom right corner of the form.

2. How much do the courses cost?
The fee is in the pink box at the top of the page.

3. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can!

4. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school.

5. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for a course, you are given an 180 days (6 months) to complete the course. If you need more time, extensions are available.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. GES will ship all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.

7. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

• GES provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan at a slightly higher rate. Click here for more information on this loan program.

8. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school you registered with. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.

9. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

10. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

11. Can I use a Mac computer?
No – 3ds Max software is only PC compatible.

12. How can I get more information on the course?
All of the information we have is available online under our course catalog (www.gatlineducation.com). If you have questions that are not answered online, please feel free to email us at courseinfo@gatlineducation.com or call 817-870-2870. We will answer your questions promptly.

13. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready.