Think Tank | CG & 3D Asset Creation for Film or Games

Next Start DateFeb 10, 2025

Overview

Program overview

Taught through Think Tank’s interactive platform, Portal, the first 48 weeks, this program combines prerecorded tutorials, collaborative workshops, and one-on-one mentorship to prepare students for a career in Film, TV, or Games.

Specializing in your field of interest, you’ll create a portfolio that is catered toward a particular career, and often, a specific studio. With advice from your experienced supervisors, instructors and personal mentor, you’ll develop a wealth of industry insights and connections that will help you confidently take the next step.

Along with providing you with the flexibility of remote learning, this program immerses you in a professional community built on mutual respect, artistic support, and ingenuity. At Think Tank, we strive for our students to not just observe this community, but become active players in it.

Who it's for

This is for artists new to CG who wish to spend the majority of their program remotely, but want to complete their portfolio in a highly collaborative, in-person setting. Students must be ready to dedicate at least 40-60 hours a week to their studies. Working while studying is not recommended.

Reach out today

Software we'll provide

Mari
Maya
Mudbox
Photoshop
V-Ray
UVLayout
ZBrush
Substance Designer
Substance Painter
Nuke
Marmoset
Marvelous Designer
R3DS Wrap
Unreal Engine

You’ll choose your specialization in Term 2

While developing a broad skillset that enables you to pursue a variety of career paths, this program lets you focus on a unique specialization that will help define you as a CG Artist:

Characters & Creatures for Film

Characters & Creatures for Film

Characters & Creatures for Games

Characters & Creatures for Games

Props & Environments for Film

Props & Environments for Film

Props & Environments for Games

Props & Environments for Games

Breakdown

Term by term

Term 1 (Online)

Start with the basics. From modeling, texturing, lighting, compositing, rendering, asset creation and more…this term is designed to train you in the most essential facets of traditional arts and computer graphics. In addition, you’ll be introduced to (and ultimately do a deep dive in) the software tools you’ll be using when working in the industry.

The courses you’ll take in this term will emphasize and enhance your organization, flexible thinking, and problem solving skills. In just 16 weeks, you’ll become an extremely well-rounded artist, with a strong inkling towards what will become your area of specialization.

Courses *

/ Introduction to Maya
/ 3D Modeling Fundamentals
/ Look Development
/ Texturing
/ Final Project

Art by Roy Bennett

Student Art: Roy Bennett

Term 2 (Online)

The fundamental courses started in Term 1 continue, becoming more intense, complex, and demanding. You’ll be presented with more in-depth, creative techniques and tools which will allow you to produce more complex and detail-oriented work.

In addition to these more advanced lessons, you’ll be required to select your specialization path from one of four primary options: Environments & Props for Film or Games, and Characters & Creatures for Film or Games. These paths will inform what will eventually become your portfolio project during the following two terms.

Courses *

/ 3D Modeling
/ Drapery
/ Hero Prop
/ Anatomy & Topology
/ Look Development
/ Game Engines
/ Production Pipeline
/ Final Project
/ Texturing

Art by Andrea Savchenko

Student Art: Andrea Savchenko

Term 3 (Online)

Courses in this term focus on advanced tools, workflows and techniques that will prepare you for the final stages of your specialization. Guided by your online supervisor, you’ll begin to develop a full-term final project that will serve as a high-quality asset preceding the portfolio production stage to come.

Workload and expectations increase during this term as pre-production on your portfolio and demo reel begin while advanced courses continue.

Courses *

/ 3D Modeling
/ Hero Prop
/ Grooming
/ Anatomy & Topology
/ Environments
/ Game Engines
/ Advanced Tools
/ Final Project
/ Texturing

Art by Juan Carlos Linares

Student Art: Juan Carlos Linares

Term 4 (Campus)

Welcome to the Think Tank Campus. As the foundational piece of the portfolio production process, this mentor-focused term has you making definitive creative decisions on your pieces–such as finalizing shots, completing lighting, rendering, and compositing to produce what will become the final cut.

Alongside the industry-hardened advice of your instructors and personal mentor, you’ll take lessons focusing on presentation skills, portfolio packaging, career preparation and job search which will provide invaluable direction on preparing resumés and cover letters, as well as industry practices and ethics.

Courses *

/ Presentation Skills
/ Portfolio Packaging
/ Job Search
/ Production Pipeline
/ Experiential Learning Lab
/ Final Portfolio Production

Art by Jonni Zhang

Student Art: Jonni Zhang

* Specialization may affect course selection

Why Think Tank?

Personalized Fast-paced Hands-on Hybrid

Portal
Your virtual home base. Connect with classmates, your supervisor, take in live sessions, and explore the student gallery.
Weekly challenges
Each week, receive a set of challenges that reflects the problems and scenarios you'll encounter professionally.
Inspiring community
Online, you’ll be connected to a supportive community of artists and industry leaders. This only expands on campus.
Small classes
Each class features a max of 10 students. This means less theory, less waiting, more collaboration, and more feedback.
Elite access
Get the opportunity to work in Think Tank's advanced labs, and enjoy 24/7 access to all recorded live sessions.
Leave with results
Gain the skills, confidence, connections, and portfolio required to make a statement and land that first job.

FAQ

Got a question?

Reach out today

What is the tuition for CG + 3D Asset Creation for Film or Games?
Does this program require previous experience?
What are this program's admission requirements?
General Admission Requirements:
- Must have graduated from high school (or equivalent) or be at least 19 years of age
- Provide a valid piece of government photo identification.
- Provide the names and contact details of 2 references.
- Attend an interview (in person or virtual) with an Admissions Advisor.
Program Specific Requirements:
- You must submit examples of your artwork or a short paragraph essay that displays your commitment to the program.
English Language Requirements:
- For applicants from countries where the primary language is something other than English, the applicant must demonstrate English proficiency.
- The preferred method to test your English proficiency is Duo Lingo—a testing platform that works globally, and has equivalencies for TOEFL. You'll meet Think Tank's admission criteria if your score is above or equal to TOEFL 65, IELTS 5.5, or Duo Lingo 90.
What hardware and software should I have for this program?

For the first three terms we recommend using a Windows computer with a minimum 2.5ghz quad-core CPU with at least 16GB of RAM and an NVIDIA with 4GB of RAM; a headset (with microphone), webcam and broadband internet; and a creative pen tablet (ideally from the Wacom Intuos Pro line). You’ll be provided with access to all hardware upon coming to the Think Tank Campus in your final term.

Please Note: additional RAM may be required for the Intermediate Term and beyond.

All software tools needed for this program will be provided by Think Tank. This includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Substance 3D Designer, Adobe Substance 3D Painter, MAYA, Mudbox, MARI, UV Layout, V-Ray, Nuke, Marmoset, Marvelous Designer, ZBrush, ZWrap, Unreal Engine 5.
What kind of workload can I expect in this program?
There are over 1930 instructional hours in this program. For every instructional hour, there is approximately 30 minutes of homework. Think Tank students can expect a workload between 40-60 hours per week.

Please Note: to succeed, we recommend forgoing all employment to adequately attend to the programs full-time schedule. This will prepare you for the demands of working in a fast-paced, intense, and highly rewarding industry.
When can I apply to this program?

Student Art: Brad Singleton

Tuition & Start Dates

Apply for this program

Ready to take the next step? The application process is simple, and our Admissions Team are happy to answer any questions you might have.

•All prices are CAD. See estimated conversions here:

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