3danimator,joelho Details
Intro
Beyond Recreation, Toward Originality
Dive into animating a character-centric dynamic sequence backed by your own master reference.
Guided by the workflow and techniques of 3D animator Joel, who has worked on projects such as Overwatch, TMNT, and Secrets of Strixhaven, you'll take a sequence from planning to polish while learning the nuances behind fluid movement, seamless transitions, and the natural flow that brings a sequence to life.
Guided by the workflow and techniques of 3D animator Joel, who has worked on projects such as Overwatch, TMNT, and Secrets of Strixhaven, you'll take a sequence from planning to polish while learning the nuances behind fluid movement, seamless transitions, and the natural flow that brings a sequence to life.
Starting from a simple idea, you'll explore the know-how and subtle nuances that make a sequence feel seamless and engaging. By minimizing reliance on scripts and complex setups, the focus remains on animation fundamentals, performance, and creative decision-making.
Go beyond recreating your favorite scenes and develop an original character showcase that reflects your own artistic voice. Through a streamlined workflow and professional animation techniques, you'll craft a polished sequence that captures motion, personality, and impact from the very first frame.
Go beyond recreating your favorite scenes and develop an original character showcase that reflects your own artistic voice. Through a streamlined workflow and professional animation techniques, you'll craft a polished sequence that captures motion, personality, and impact from the very first frame.
Class Perks
Special Gift from Joel Ho
-
Exclusive FX Asset Pack -
Final Animation Files -
Viewport Shader Resource Guide
Class Material Details
-
Custom Maya FX Files- A collection of 5 custom FX files for use in Maya -
Animation Files Across Every Stage- Explore the full animation process through files ranging from blocking to final polish -
Curated Maya Shader Links- PDF resource containing links to stylized shaders for Maya Viewport
Recommendation
Who should take this class?
3D Animators focused on mechanics but looking to elevate performance
2D Animators transitioning into 3D-style dynamic action
Self-directed learners aiming for professional portfolio-level output
Expert 3D Animator Joel Ho's Portfolio
credits
1-1 : Masked Warrior Character by Florian Neumann
1-2 : Reyu Rig by Unioverse
2-1 : Dragon Quest Character by Lopieloo
2-2, 3-2 : Street Samouraï Rig by Antony Pico
3-1 : Einar Rig (CC-BY) Blender Foundation
4-1, 4-2: Steamroller Studios x Overwatch
5-2, 5-2: Blur Studio x Secrets of Strixhaven
Why Take This Class?
This course focuses on getting directly to the heart of animation with minimal setup, prioritizing the flow, energy, and visual impact of a shot from the start. Through a streamlined workflow and iterative process, Joel shares the creative decision-making behind each stage of development, showing how to evaluate, refine, and elevate a sequence over time. By learning how to organically transform an idea into a dynamic final animation, you'll develop a practical approach to creating compelling showcase-worthy work.
Going beyond animation fundamentals, Joel shares the principles behind energetic cinematography and dynamic visuals that bring greater impact to character animation. Although the class is taught in Maya, the core practices and creative theories are transferable across software and mediums. By the end of the course, you will have a repeatable workflow for building original character animation and a stronger understanding of how to create dynamic, portfolio-ready shots.
Get Ready for the Real-World
15 Class Exercises
Part 1. Animation and Planning
-
Sequence Structuring
-
Shot Intention
-
Straight Ahead Animation
Part 2. Shot Iteration
-
Effective Framing
-
Trial and Error
-
Transition Tracking
Part 3. Composition and Poses
-
Dynamic Composition
-
Pose Refinement
-
Silhouette Control
Part 4. Timing and Details
-
Timing and Moving Holds
-
Curves Cleanup
-
Details and Clipping
Part 5. Rendering and FX
-
FX Inserts
-
Shaders and Lighting
-
Color Grading
Final Product Example
Dynamic Character Sequence
An introductory sequence of the character that can be used in a character highlight
Highlights
Class Highlights
Stylized 3D Animation
Animate characters with speed and flashy timing. Define each movement with stylistic choices, making them pop through stretches and sword trails. Learn to work logically with overlaps and follow-throughs while maintaining strong mechanics and attention to detail in every frame.
Rhythmic Action Visualization
Utilize visual cues and beats to make your shots flow with rhythm and impact. Learn techniques that help emphasize key actions and highlight the coolest moments to elevate your sequence to the next level.
Streamlined Workflow
Pick up an efficient workflow that speeds up your creative process. Learn to prioritize different objectives at each stage of production, allowing you to animate with minimal time loss and greater focus.
