Program: Digital Production Arts, Clemson University
Software Used: Autodesk Maya

Course Description:

DPA 3070 introduces students to industry-standard workflows in 3D animation and digital production using Autodesk Maya. Through a studio-based environment, students gain hands-on experience with the complete production process, including modeling, surfacing, animation, lighting, and rendering. Emphasis is placed on building both technical foundations and artistic sensibilities while developing an understanding of professional practices used in film, games, and visualization.

  • dpa3070_arianaLane_farmouseInt_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_baileyBoucher_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_baileyBouche_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_benNazaruk_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_benWatford_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_ellieStrom_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_gabrielaBalleza_apartment_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_graceGattman_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_hannahPeeples_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_ianAltman_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_marenaLandeo_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_marenaLandeo_apartment_2.jpg
  • dpa3070_mattPorzio_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_mayaLandeo_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_orrinValdez_apartment_1.jpg
  • dpa3070_serenaLi_apartment_1.jpg

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in Autodesk Maya as the core tool for digital production.
  • Apply principles of 3D modeling, surfacing, lighting, and rendering by creating a modern, photo-real apartment set.
  • Apply the 12 principles of animation through the creation of expressive character walk cycles.

Course: DPA 3070 – Studio Methods for Digital Production

Student Animation Showcase

For most of these burgeoning animators, this was their very first walk cycle. The Top 10 selections (in no particular order) were created by students in DPA 3070: Studio Methods for Digital Production at Clemson University, completed during the Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 academic year.

Each walk cycle was animated in Autodesk Maya, showcasing the creativity, timing, and technical skills developed over the semester. From bold, stylized struts to subtle, naturalistic walks, every cycle tells a story.

Well done, Tigers — keep walking toward your dreams.

Course: DPA 3070 – Studio Methods for Digital Production

Program: Digital Production Arts, Clemson University

Software Used: Autodesk Maya

Learn more about Digital Production Arts at Clemson University:

https://www.cs.clemson.edu/dpa/

 

Credits
Character rig “Sam” by AdvancedSkeleton
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdvancedSkeleton

Animation tutorial “16 WALK CYCLES – DIFFERENT ATTITUDES” by I Want to Be an Animator – Animation Tutorials
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@iwanttobeananimator-animat5526
Tutorial Video: https://youtu.be/8XDrUs5kMZI?si=ATX6ATFXZ-YvwY4p

Music: Tell The What They Wanna Hear – Everet Almond