Course Pages

Art Department - Spring 2026 - Digital Art - Ronaldo Kiel

ARTD 2823 - Digital Clay - 3D Sculpting and Modeling

Code: 18804 Section: TQ8L - T 08:55-12:40PM 5102 BH - Jan 26 to May 19, 2026

Course Description Class Projects Schedule Important Dates Contact Index

Introduction

The field of 3D Computer Graphics is experiencing significant growth. 3D Digital Art production is continuously evolving. Knowledge of 3D Computer Graphics is essential in the digital production of Animation, Games, Data Visualization, Design, Architecture, Interactive 3D Experiences, etc.

This course allows students to expand their digital art skills by bridging traditional art practices to 3D digital art. Students in the Art Department are uniquely prepared to learn 3D sculpting. For students trained in drawing, painting and sculpture who want to work in Digital Art production, 3D Digital Sculpting skills are important.

Before enrolling in this class, it is recommended that students have a basic understanding of polygonal modeling, texture mapping, animation, and rendering. ARTD 2821 is the recommended introductory 3D course.

Some of the following information does not apply to the online version of the class.
(This syllabus was created for a class to be taught in the BC computer studio 5102.)

Students can use computers in the 5102 or 5207 studios. They will need to work on a single generic local account for the class.

You should login the computers in 5102 using:

Username: 3dstudent
Password: garnet22

Course Objectives

Develop skills in sculpting digital 3D models.
Show proficiency in following intricate workflows and delivering satisfactory results.
Guide their creative practice by conducting research and compiling references.
Gain a deeper comprehension of 3D production pipelines.
Acquire a diverse set of skills in modeling, texture mapping, and material design.

Software

Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Mud Box
Adobe Substance Painter
Adobe PhotoShop

For the Autodesk software MAYA and MUDBOX: https://www.autodesk.com/education/students

Please do not download the free version. Register as a student and install the license.

For Adobe Software:

You MUST use your CUNYID login credentials for accessing Adobe CC (not your personal email or BC-email).

(Instructions using your CUNYID to access Adobe CC): https://cisweb.cuny.edu/covid19/Accessing-AdobeCreativeCloud-COVID19-Outbreak.pdf

If you have any trouble using your CUNYID to login the Adobe Creative Cloud you must contact the ITS Helpdesk:

Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

Phone: 718-951-4188

Email: helpdesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu

Materials

Having a USB drive or a SanDisk will be helpful for transferring files and backups. Remember, you’re responsible for backing up your files. If your files are lost of deleted from the studio computers, you’ll have to start over if you don’t keep backups. Make it a habit to save copies of your work at the end of each class and take them with you.

Studio 5102 equipment:

17X Mac Studio computers, 1X Mac Pro, 1x IMac (scanning station).
1 Kyocera PA4500 black & white printer.
1 Kyocera ECOSYS P8060cdn color printer.
1 Epson Perfection V700 scanner (located at the teaching station).

The color printer is usually reserved for the Graphic Design classes. It requires specific password credentials for printing. However, you can use it if you want to see your concept art on paper. Please let me know, and I’ll assist you.

Studio 5207 equipment:

16X Mac Pro computers.
1 HP521 B&W laser printer.
1 BrotherL8360 Color laser printer.
1 teaching station with projector and PA system.
2X fluorescent light banks (with dimmers) for staging scenes.
1 PlusTek OpticSlim scanner (located on the front row to the right).
1 Epson Perfection scanner at the rear right of the lab.
2X Copy Stands with lights.

Attendance and Grades

In this course, we will work with industry-standard software packages. To pass, you must complete four projects. Some of the material is technical and specific, so these projects will require a significant time commitment. At least four hours of independent work per week is mandatory. Attendance is crucial, and online training will be necessary to enhance your knowledge.

Prior notification and arrangements will be necessary in the case of late work and it will be graded down at least one letter grade.

NOTE: All students will be graded based on the work they complete throughout the semester. Incomplete grades will not be awarded. Projects that are still in progress will be graded accordingly. All projects must be uploaded to the Bright Space Platform.

Online Training: If you have a NYPL card you can access Lynda Workshops (In Learning) for free.

Other Resources:

Autodesk - https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/simplecontent/content/exploring-maya-2018-instructional-video-tutorials-maya-for-beginners.html

Pluralsight

Animation Methods: https://animationmethods.com

CGTuts+

Creative Blog - https://www.creativebloq.com/tag/3d

12 Principles of Animation

Maya Lerning Channel

Contextual Menus

Tool Box - Hot Keys

Origins of American Animation - https://www.loc.gov/collections/origins-of-american-animation/about-this-collection/

Topology Guides - https://topologyguides.com

History of Animation - https://history-of-animation.webflow.io/#Section-1

Animation Timeline - http://cs.brown.edu/courses/cs229/animTimeline.html