Toronto
Ontario

At Max the Mutt Animation School - College West we give you the tools to bring your creativity to life.

Program Overview:

The Concept Art Diploma Program has been developed to meet the increasing level of proficiency required by the video game and animation industries. Like our animation programs, this program offers a rigorous, in-depth curriculum based on suggestions and portfolio requirements from major video-game producers and animation companies. This unique four-year diploma program includes a mix of fine art, illustration, animation, and cartooning courses, as well as concept courses and instruction in all necessary computer software from Photoshop to Maya. Students in year 4 will work on a real time assignment.

Max the Mutt students graduate with a solid portfolio, the skills to write a cover letter and resum?, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally in a job interview. We have strong contacts in the animation and video game industries, our annual Industry Open House is well attended by representatives from animation and gaming companies, and many employers are looking forward to meeting our first Concept Art graduates.

Program Length:

This is a four year diploma, the first year of which is Visual Arts Literacy (VAL). For direct entry into year two, students may apply for advanced standing. To qualify for advanced standing, students must submit a portfolio demonstrating skills equivalent to our VAL year.

Curriculum Overview:

First Year

Term 1

Beginning Life Drawing
Perspective 1
Structural Drawing
Design & Composition
Representational Painting 1
Principles of Drawing 1
History of Animation

Term 2

Beginning Life Drawing
Perspective 2
Colour & Water Based Media
Representational Painting 2
Principles of Drawing 2
Drawing Props and Objects

Second Year

Term 1

Intermediate Life Drawing 1
Cartooning 1
Background Painting
Digital background Painting
Introduction to Concept Art
Environment Visualization
Artistic Anatomy

Term 2

Intermediate Life Drawing 2
Cartooning 2
Drawing Heads & Features
Figurative Painting in Oils
Advanced Environment Design & Painting in Photo Shop
Drawing Hands & Feet

Third Year

Term 1

Advanced Life Drawing 1
Character Design & Maquette Building
Maya 3D for Concept Art
Introduction to Storyboarding
Portrait Painting in Oils

Term 2

Advanced Life Drawing 2
Figurative Drawing: The Sustained Pose
Advanced Props & Objects Design
Storyboarding
Animal Drawing
Layout

Fourth Year

Term 1

Tradiational & Computer Colour Illustration
Creature Design
Painting the Costumed Model
Mentored Life Drawing

Term 2

Portfolio Development
Designing in Real Time: From Paper to Game
Mentored Life Drawing
Painting & Drawing on Location (workshop)