Foundations & Design Tracks overview
Understand the role of a Character TD
Think of the rigging department as the "special forces" of the CG pipeline, diligently working their magic behind the scenes using a deep knowledge of 3D tools, anatomy, coding, math and physics. Throw in the fact that strong communication skills are essential in order to be able to bridge the Modeling and Animation Departments--taking the models built by the former and turning them into something that can be efficiently used by the latter--and this is a hugely demanding but uniquely rewarding role. Our in-depth Character TD | Rigging Track takes students step-by-step through the tools and techniques used by animation, visual effects, and video game studios. Working through classes with a strong emphasis on practical work, they will learn how to build rigs for a wide variety of model and character types using the latest industry-standard methods. Advanced techniques for facial work, cloth, simulations, scripting and tool development are all covered, putting those who successfully complete courses in an ideal position to develop their careers in this highly desirable field.
As you complete each course, you will receive a certificate of completion for that course. In order to qualify for a course certificate of completion, students must complete at least 80% of the class assignment during the duration of the course.
Should you have any questions regarding these courses please contact registration@cgmasteracademy.com. Additionally, you only pay for the course(s) you take in a given term.
Rigging artists--also known as rigging technical directors or character TDs--are tasked with building the inter-related series of joints and controllers (the skeleton) that binds to a model and enables it to move, deform, and generally behave in a believable or desired way for the animation team. In addition to body rigging for character models, there may also be facial animation to consider, along with additional rigs or simulation systems for elements such as muscle and skin deformation, cloth, and hair.
Foundations & Design COURSES
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As you complete each course you will receive a certificate of completion for that course. In order to qualify for an in course certificate of completion, students must complete at least 80% of the class assignment during the duration of the course.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Learn from award-winning artists who've worked at top studios around the world
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Annie Hsu
Fantastic teacher, I definitely appreciated his prompt feedback and willingness to answer any questions and his positive supportive attitude.
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Jagrut Kaptan
I improved very well in terms of Maya modelling and the production workflow. I was not very confident and well learnt in terms of it. I have a better idea of the workflow now.
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Daria Lezucha
The course greatly improved my skills and I would strongly recommend it to others looking to start careers in the field. The personal feedback videos (from Vidya) every week were really helpful and critical for improving even further. I also really enjoyed that all classes were live and we could ask questions during them.
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Gordon Brown
The instructor is clearly an incredibly talented professional. Transferring his knowledge to other learners/students/professionals in different disciplines requires improvement.
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Shawn Tilton
Perry is extremely well advanced in the material he covers throughout his course, and very helpful in resolving any student issues via feedback. I highly recommend his course.
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The course really helped improve my technical knowledge of rigging. It further solidified my understanding of why certain things work rather than just showing how to do it.
Patrick Munroe
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The course was a pretty big part in updating my skills to allow me to get in the door for a few interviews so far for rigging.
Luke Davenport
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Antony Manley
The instructor was informative, helpful and open to communication throughout the duration of the course. Cannot recommend enough.
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Derrick Smith
I really appreciate the instructor's attitude in conveying the material and he worked hard to try and teach us advanced approaches and details.
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Christian Zanghellini-Silva
I liked how he kept what little mistakes he made in the videos and showed how he fixed them, it provided substantial amount of insight to the thought process to being a good rigger.
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Michael Spalla
I learned a lot about Maya Rigging Characters for Facial Expressions in this class. The instructor enlightened and motivated students to learn.
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Eduardo Enriquez
I learned exactly what I wanted and more.
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Daniel Lizzama
The course was excellent and extremely professional. This is one of the best courses I have taken in some time. It is very much University quality.
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Sayer Brawley
Jose is such an amazing instructor! He explains things thoroughly so that even a beginner like my self can follow along with success!!!
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Elina Sievänen
Jose was very gentle in his critiques and has a vast knowledge on the subject. I also appreciate the fact that he didn't cut his mistakes out from the lectures and showed the debugging process, as it's really important part of rigging.
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Mert Oner
He was very responsive and definitely encouraged everyone to learn more and search more to have a deep understanding of the topics
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Anders Dick
Very profesional; I didn't have any questions, that he wouldn't / couldn't answer. Gave his perspective on matters / ways to do things and how he would or had done it before. Gave feedback on demoreel and what would be nice to update & put in there.
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Michelle Wahbeh
He is a great teacher! We know he was busy with his job but even though he had other commitments, he always answered our questions and helped us find solutions.
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Tim Thurmeier
I definitely have a solid foundation for rigging that I can build upon whereas prior to this I had only a passing understanding of it. Feel more confident but know there’s still a ton to learn.
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Matt Dragovits
Rigging was always a weakness for me, since I knew very little about it. This course has helped a great deal in that regard.
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Michael Spalla / Spring 2017
Nico is a genius! I learned much great info about Maya and rigging in general.
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Ilke Alers/ summer 2017
The course was very well structured and offered a wide range of information. As well as a lot of additional info, tips & tricks.
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Heather Mann /Spring 2017
- Nico is very good at explaining and giving feedback on how to improve material. Also very encouraging.
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Eric Hug
This course is meant to help you understand how to use Python with Maya. If you don’t know Python? Don’t worry! This course helps you develop the foundation you’ll need should you want to break into your specific industry (rigging, special effects, lighting, film or gaming, etc.). This course is the best source for learning any programming language I have ever received. If Alex decides to teach a sequel to this course, let me know and sign me up! (Or vice versa.)
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Jacob DeRemer
Amazing teaching style, completely comprehensive, I have taken a few python courses that were not maya centered but they were always bogged down by niche concepts and not paying enough attention to the core of python as a whole. I learned a lot and that is thanks to you!
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Thorsten Moehle
Very professional and efficient. Great explanation of topics.
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Sayer Brawley
I did not know anything about coding before taking this class. I took this class hoping to gain some understanding of python. I never expected that after this class I would have the knowledge to create my own scripts and Maya UI’s! I'm super happy I took this class!!!
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Andrea Pellegrino
This course help me to fill some Python gap and with the information that i studied will help me for technical issues and problem solving. I understand more about the pipeline and creating tools for the artist.
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Chris Orfanidis
Tim Coleman is the best instructor I had so far at CGMA. Actually he is something more than just an instructor. He is a mentor.
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Ricardo Medina
Tim is easily the best online instructor I've had. Maybe even the best teacher I've ever had. He is knowledgeable, patient, thorough in his explanations and takes an interest in the students.
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Brett Phelps
Tim is an amazing teacher, and I’m so glad I took this class. He does a fantastic job of explaining Python, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past.
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Aaron Raeck
Extremely quick and thoughtful in his responses to forum and QA questions. Almost invariably going beyond the scope of each question to give further insight.
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Andrew Brownridge
The course content was very clear, with explanations of the workflow that were easy to understand. The content was paced very well and provided plenty of challenges to help learn the methodological and analytical skills required in this occupation.
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Eric Hug
What the course description doesn't mention is that Tim also focuses on how to rig in a far more Professional Manner throughout the course. He does this by sharing tools he's developed in his day-to-day use and breaks them down for those interested in becoming professional riggers.
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Rex Abba-Abba
Kyle is an amazing teacher and the course has really increased my confidence in body mechanics particularly, and character animation in general. I struggled with body mechanics a lot before this course and I was on the verge of giving up. Now I feel a renewed love for the art of animation and I am poised to continue to pursue my dream of becoming a professional animator. I am very happy with the course and with Kyle’s mastery, dedication and attentiveness as a teacher and animator.
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Neil Brooks
Great instructor who has in-depth knowledge on animation. He was always willing to help and gave good, honest feedback about the work I produced.
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Jeff Clements
Excellent instructor. Clearly knows the content and provides fantastic critiques on a timely basis. This was a great experience.
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Wiebe Giebels
Kyle did an amazing job. He's enthusiastic, has a lot of knowledge and he knows how to teach in a pleasant and efficient way.
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Bryan Theriot
Kyle is an awesome instructor and he shared a lot of useful information especially in his Q&As. I wish could of spent more time on the class.
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Nicholas Bume
"Awesome job! Kyle is by far one of the most articulate and fun teachers to learn from. His experience and passion shine through our sessions and it was a real privilege to have taken his course. "
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Sayer Brawley
I've looked forward to each Q&A and critique as Kyle is such a amazing instructor and very enthusiastic! I've learned so much and have had a lot of fun during this class!!!
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Jessica Anderson
I can't believe how much I learned during this course. I would definitely take any course he teaches in the future.
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Rico Buehler
He taught students how to USE the ENTIRETY of Zbrush in 6 weeks! The reason I could never get into Zbrush, was that no instructor I found, ever, used or explained all the tools in Zbrush. I can’t believe I'm box modelling with Zbrush now, I mean, WOW. This is a skill I know very few Zbrush users have, because very few artists know how to use it. Thanks to Michael I do. No more need to import box modelling from other programs like Maya, or Blender. I can do it in Zbrush!
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Ben Donely
He did a great job of showing us all the possibilities that exist from different workflows to different artists and really set us on a path for success following the courses conclusion.
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Luciano Zadikian
The course gave me tons of knowledge of how to flesh out and create my ideas in zbrush, I now feel proficient in the program and am able to create artwork of my own.
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Cody Grech
Awesome teacher—I would take other classes taught by David without giving it second thought. Very knowledgeable and friendly, assignments are paced very well, lots of great info that is useful with real applications.
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Laura Meijer
David Mooy speaks in a relaxed manner and doesn't sound rushed, which is a big plus for students who are not native English speakers.
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Brittney Rose
He was great and very helpful!
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Russel Aronchick
David presented the material in a very easy to understand way and the course itself was definitely a good kickstart into learning the basics of Maya.
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Nathanielle Onchengo
Mr. David Mooy, is a great instructor. Really shows that he loves teaching, and can teach effectively.
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Guido Tinagli
David is really a great teacher, one of the best I've ever had
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