Next generation 3D design wins over CPIT

Next generation 3D design wins over CPIT

As the 3D design environment evolves, one tertiary institute is keeping ahead of the changes, with a little help from a key industry partnership, and it’s the new generation of designers who will reap the rewards.

By introducing Cinema 4D (C4D) to its multi-media Art & Design students from this year, CPIT can claim to be the first degree programme in New Zealand to offer the package. Not only will the agreement with C4D New Zealand supplier Megabits save the institute $20,000, but it will enable students to spend more time actually using the package and less time learning how to use it, says CPIT Head of Art & Design Bruce Russell.

“We are confident that using this exciting software will be of huge benefit to student learning. Cinema4D is highly intuitive and we anticipate that all our students will be able to do more exciting and creative work using this new tool. Less time actually learning the software means more time for students to actually use it.”

In ten years of teaching 3D design, tutor Tim Budgen found C4D the easiest programme to pick up. “The package we have been using is excellent for high end work such as film special effects, however it is hard to get into. C4D will allow students to learn the software quickly and then go further in their work.”

C4D connects with Adobe After Effects and Photoshop, which are environments the Art & Design students are already familiar with, and will lead to a variety of industry work such as broadcast and motion graphics as well as special effects and gaming.

3D freelancer Ralph Wilkin researched all the options when he was Team Leader of Graphics at TVNZ and C4D emerged as the obvious choice.

“It turned out to be a very successful choice with our most ‘3D-scared’ designers quickly enjoying the new found possibilities of applying 3D to their broadcast design. And our clients loved the more contemporary results in the creative work we were supplying them,” he said.

“C4D is as easy or complicated as you want it to be. The interface is simple and intuitive, but you can drill down to the detail required for all high-end 3D work. It comes with many add-ons so you can tailor it to your needs, although we went with the full package. Now as a freelance graphic designer, C4D is my personal choice for all my 3D.”

CPIT has taught 3D modelling and animation for 10 years as part of the multi-media specialisation of the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design). The other specialisations are Applied Visual Art and Visual Communication.

Budgen says CPIT graduates are working at top design studios such as Weta and he is looking forward to seeing what students will achieve with more creative time available and less time spent learning more technical programmes.

The arrangement with Megabits also allows students to have a personal copy of the software at minimal cost and future discounts on the professional package, plus one licence per year will be offered as a prize for excellent work.

C4D is a German application developed by MAXON Computer GmbH for modelling, animating, lighting, texturing and rendering design work.

ENDS

© Scoop Media