Technical Arts

This course will cover the fundamentals of computer programming and the logic behind it. Students will learn the essentials of programming and basic scripting for 3D applications, including variables, arrays, different types of loops, conditions and functions. The cousre also introduces students to Python, a standard scripting language used in a variety of technical art fields. Python is used in the production process for scripting complex computer graphic intensive films, animation and 3D tools.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Understanding the 3D environment is fundamental for technical artists. This course will cover the basics of 3D applications, animation, materials, and scripting, as well as polygon modeling techniques for simple 3D objects. The course will introduce students to Maya ® , one of the most popular 3D applications used by the visual effects, animation, and game industries. Students will navigate different environments within the Maya ® application, becoming familiar with modeling menus, Hypershade, and render settings. Students will complete a series of 3D projects, creating basic objects, materials, character rigs, and scripts in a 3D environment.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is the first of a three-course series for students to develop the core knowledge and skills of a technical artist in the visual effects, animation and game industries. In this first course in the series, students will be introduced to the role and activities of the technical artist in bridging the programming and artistic side of projects, such as streamlining assets and code or improving visual appeal. Students will learn the complete production pipeline, from the perspective of both the art and engineering side. Throughout this course, students will work under an instructor’s supervision on industry standard technical art projects and develop skills in rigging, technical applications, shader creation, physics, effects and particles.
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5100

This course introduces students to project management tools and techniques in the context of technical arts, and prepares students for a series of team project courses in Terms 2 and 3. In this introductory project management course, students will learn the roles and responsibilities of technical artists and the unique characteristics of the production pipeline for visual effects, animation, and game projects. Students will learn fundamental project planning techniques such as agile or waterfall methdologies. We will discuss the common sources of difficulty in project management, such as communication issues, people management, and project control using check points and milestones. Students will also use project management software to practice their project management skills and become familiar with common software aids. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course focuses on creating and developing procedures and functions inside industry standard 3D applications and game engines using visual scripting methodology. Students will learn the fundamentals of visual scripting in several 3D applications and game engines through the creation of materials, blueprints, effects, dynamics and event controls. Topics also include creating events and triggers (including collision-based events), developing loops and conditions to execute functions, and performing the required mathematical calculations.
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5000

This course looks at different art assets used in the production and development of a video game. Students will be introduced to standard game engines used in game studios. While exploring the game engine and its different panels and environments, students will be taught the dos and don’ts of creating 3D game models, lighting, textures, and shaders. Students will create a small game level using 3D assets, audio, and textures; visual scripting; and lights, camera, environment effects, and dynamics.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In this course, students will build on their programming and scripting skills within industry standard 3D applications. Programming with Python, students will apply standard coding practices used by technical artists in developing expressions, user interfaces, tools, and functions. In addition, students will learn the essential elements of user-centric design and user experience. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5100

Building on knowledge and skills developed in Technical Arts 1, this course will focus on creating 3D-friendly shaders and materials for different projects used in the visual effects, animation, and game industries. In this course, students will use industry standard applications to develop materials and visual effects. In addition, students will create and optimize textures to be imported into 3D applications and game engines ​
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5200

In this course students develop object-oriented scripts with Python. The focus is on problem-solving in scripts, proper object-oriented programming (OOP) techniques, and clear coding style. The fundamental principles of OOP (data abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism) are covered with emphasis on inheritance and polymorphism. Students will examine data structures such as linked lists, queues, stacks, trees and common search and sort algorithms. Students will also explore scripting in more depth, creating interfaces, tools, exception handling and user interfaces in Python.
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 6300

This course is the first of two courses in the team project sequence. The goal of the team project sequence is to prepare students for the deadline-oriented, results-driven, team-based environment that technical artists work in. Students will have the opportunity to use project management skills developed in Term 1. Students will be placed in teams to pitch, prototype, and deliver a technical art project, such as developing and optimizing tools, dynamic assets, procedural shaders and/or textures. Students will experiment with scripting, user interfaces and modeling techniques, and will apply technical and artistic skills specific to the project they are completing. Each week teams will discuss their progress with their instructor and receive feedback through team meetings and online sessions. The instructor will sign off on each milestone as the teams present their work.
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5600

This course introduces the concept of dynamics in 3D applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of physics and the essentials of several dynamic elements, such as rigid bodies, cloth, hair, particles, and pyro. Students will create different dynamic objects and experiment with various environmental elements and their effect on objects. An important component of this course is completion of various projects related to dynamic elements and environment, which contribute to students’ individual portfolios. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5300

This course builds on Technical Arts 2, where students developed their skills in designing shaders, procedural materials, and textures. In Technical Arts 3, students focus on advanced technical procedures and camera setup to light and render scenes in 3D applications and game engines. They will create expressions and develop scripts for dynamic lighting, camera movement, and effects. Finally, students will learn advanced rendering techniques: managing and prioritizing data, troubleshooting and optimizing materials, and ensuring the smooth operation of rendering processes. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 6100

This course focuses on advanced object-oriented programming techniques in Python. It builds on the skills developed with scripting and data structures. Students will create and develop scripts and expressions that control node attributes within 3D applications and that connect nodes to influence one another. In addition, students will create and implement pre- and post-render scripting options to automate time-consuming processes. Students will also develop tools that provide flexibility and ease of modeling, texturing, shading, rigging, animation, and rendering processes throughout different stages of the production pipeline. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 5400

Effective teamwork skills are essential to success as a technical artist, as a core member of the production team, or as the team lead. Developing a strong team and improving team performance leads to better project outcomes. Students will participate in the various stages of team development and learn decision-making and conflict resolution techniques, as well as how to solve problems and collaborate effectively with others. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In this second of two courses in the team project sequence, students will have further opportunity to experience the types of projects that reflect a technical artist’s day-to-day work environment. They will propose ideas for projects related to visual effects, animation, or games, which should be tools related to dynamics, user interfaces, animation, and/or modeling. Students will form interdisciplinary teams based on their skill sets and interests, and execute collaborative projects that turn their ideas into reality. Teams will plan, track, and troubleshoot each stage of the collaborative project. In this final team project course, students are expected to show advanced technical art and scripting skills. Each week teams will discuss their progress with their instructor and receive feedback through team meetings and online sessions. The instructor will sign off on each milestone as the teams present their work. At the end of the term, students’ must present their finished project to the instructor(s) and an industry panel.
Prerequisite(s):

• TECA 6700