Courses

Enter the exciting world of rapid prototyping! 3D Printers are almost commonplace in schools, libraries, and even our own homes. However, many people don’t understand this technology or how to take advantage of it. In 3D Design and Fabrication you will learn how to properly design for 3D printing and develop a basic understanding of the printing process. We will also introduce molding and casting techniques that will allow for faster and stronger construction. Through these processes, you will gain a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for what these amazing machines can do.

You will learn:

How 3D printers function, and how to operate and troubleshoot them
Design concepts specific to 3D printing
Reproduction techniques that will speed up your creative process

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Many of today’s most popular games are powered by extremely sophisticated real-time 3D game engines that incorporate complex mathematical concepts and advanced graphical algorithms. This advanced-level workshop draws from the previous courses in the series and translates these concepts into a 3D environment. You will explore how objects are defined and rendered in a virtual 3D space, as well as how these objects can be manipulated in a game. This workshop is taught using the C programming language.

You will learn:

Vectors, matrices, transforms, and linear and affine algebras
Defining and drawing 3D objects through programming
Algorithms to perform complicated math and expedite the computing process

Prerequisites / Requirements
Algebra 2 and Video Game Programming Level 1 or Scholars Computer Science or Coding Fast Track

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

3D modeling and digital sculpting tools are heavily used in the entertainment industry to create realistic models of characters and creatures featured in today’s video games, animations, and films. In this workshop, you are introduced to an array of digital modeling, sculpting, and painting techniques to create 3D models that are ready for animation. You will also learn fundamental art skills relevant to character and creature design to help ensure that your work looks amazing.

You will learn:

Basic polygon modeling
Digital sculpting techniques
How muscles, bones, and skin interact to create models that mimic living creatures

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

In this follow up to our introductory game design course, students will dive deeper into the design concepts that make games truly fun to play. Special attention will be given to creating multi-level games that present an ever increasing challenge to the players. Games will be polished with updated graphics, sound, and special effects. Students are welcome to bring their projects from the previous workshop or create entirely new games.

Students will Learn:

• Advanced techniques in particle effects and user interface creation.
• Using a Tile Editor to quickly create multiple game levels.
• How to incorporate feedback from players to improve their games.

Prerequisite: Junior 2D Game Design: 8-bit Wonders

Prerequisites / Requirements
Junior 2D Game Design

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

The DigiPen Art and Animation course provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to pursue post-secondary education in the field of fine art and animation. The program focuses on traditional art skills including basic drawing, composition, line and value, and perspective drawing. Upon learning these skills, students are introduced to essential animation skills like character concept and design, basic keyframe animation, motion studies, and 2D and 3D computer animation.

Credit Granted: Students who successfully complete a year of study with the program earn 1.0 fine art credit plus 2.0 occupational education credits. DigiPen college credit available.

*Younger students are accepted if space if is available

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Today’s digital production artists must rely on strong traditional art and animation skills to meet the audience’s visual expectations. Through a variety of hands-on projects, you will be introduced to the tools and techniques professional artists use while creating their own 2D and 3D animations. You will experience firsthand how each step of the art production process works while also developing foundational skills, including drawing and sculpting.

You will learn:

Basic drawing and fine art skills
The art and science of animation
3D computer animation processes, including modeling and texturing
Fundamental storytelling, dialogue, and creative writing techniques

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Whether working with human-based characters or fanciful creatures, the animator’s primary job is to convey the characters’ thoughts and emotions through their physical actions. In Art and Animation Level 2, students learn about the character design and animation processes while exploring modeling and animation techniques using 3D computer animation software. Throughout the workshop, students will learn about traditional art and animation concepts used by successful character animators.

Students will learn:

Fundamental acting principles
Basic anatomy and rigging with bones and skin
Facial animations and movement analysis
3D character definition, modeling, and texturing skills
Advanced modeling techniques

Prerequisites / Requirements
Art and Animation Level 1

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

The prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow in software applications for industries such as gaming, robotics, finance, retail, manufacturing, military, and even medical diagnosis. This workshop introduces you to the basics of AI and provides opportunities to program AI for gaming and robotic systems platforms.

You will learn:

Current and future applications for AI
Overview of AI varieties and types
Basic AI algorithms and logic
Techniques for programming AI

Prerequisites / Requirements
Video Game Programming Level 1 or Scholars Computer Science or Fast Track Coding

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

In this workshop, students focus on creating virtual reality experiences and games. By the end of this workshop, students will have a greater understanding of the professional applications of VR technology as well as a deeper understanding of the game development pipeline.

You will learn:

• User experience and interface design in a 3D environment
• Basic level scripting to create dynamic sequences and events
• Unique VR development challenges, including proper frame rate and creating convincing and immersive worlds

Prerequisite: Video Game Development Level 1

Prerequisites / Requirements
Prerequisite: Video Game Development Level 1

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Character designers have the exciting opportunity to create characters whose body type, costuming, and props reflect their unique personalities. This workshop teaches you how to design characters, from the initial concept stage all the way to the modeling of a maquette (a small sculpture of a character). Throughout this process, you will also examine how designers strike a balance between making characters that are both fantastic and believable.

You will learn:

The history of character design, including a survey of famous characters
The character design process, including character archetypes and prop design
Basic anatomy and figure drawing concepts
Figure sculpting, drawing, and painting

Location

DigiPen Campus
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052