60-125 IDeATe: Introduction to 3D Animation Pipeline

12 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This class will explore computer animation in the context of a professional animation production pipeline. The course is designed to give students exposure to key job descriptions that align to the animation industry. Topics covered include: character design, world building, storyboarding, digital sculpture, look development, rigging, layout, animation, cinematography, lighting, and rendering. These topics are taught in 2-4 week sprints that allow a student to learn the fundamentals of each craft. Through a mix of class lectures, critiques, and training workshops, students will become acquainted with the skills needed to create their own characters and animations. By completion of the course, students will be familiar with industry-standard best practices and ready to take advanced courses related to animation, VFX, and video game-related pipelines. This course specifically offers insight into how the craft of animation is always evolving at top studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and Industrial Light and Magic.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2025

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