DL147 - Certificate Digital Sculpting
This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.
Student Work
What is it?
Digital sculpting is the process of using computers to produce digital art. Using leading Industry software, students will explore the basics of the sculpting process for both character and creature sculpting.
You will learn how to generate sketch ideas and to progress a character design from initial concept to completed digital mesh. Utilising a subdivision digital sculpting workflow, you will create your digital character/creature as a digital sculpt in a final pose.
Other areas will also be explored such as preparation of digital sculpts for 3D printing and high-quality renders for portfolio presentation.
At the end of the course, you will:
• Understand the basic requirements and workflows required for using digital sculpting software to create your own 3D models. Both organic and hard surface modelling techniques will be explained and explored.
• Evidence competency in the design and digital sculpting of a human or creature character.
• Synthesize the various technical elements required to produce a 3D print.
• Evaluate and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of roles and processes required of a 3D digital artist.
Students who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate in Professional Skills (Digital Sculpting) – (Level 9 Award, 10 ECTS).
What will I do?
A 3D digital modeller is an artist first and foremost creating or bringing to life the fantastical and fabulous. Using the power of technology these creatives use digital sculpting to produce high quality concept art, Game and animation characters, collectible toys, 3D printed props, scenic elements and more.
You will learn about the Digital sculpting process and about the importance of blocking out, the mesh surface, level of detail, mesh preparation and presentation. You will design and produce a 3D printable humanoid or creature character bust using digital sculpting software.
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level.
Applicants without a Level 8 qualification may be considered based on their prior experience and learning through our RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
As part of the RPL process, applicants in this category will be required to present a qualifying statement of a standard that demonstrates their ability to undertake work at Level 9.
A CV detailing your professional experience is required.
Experience using a drawing tablet is a big plus but not essential.
Materials / Equipment Requirements
Each student must provide their own drawing tablet – examples include:
The Huion Inspiroy H950P or the Huion New 1060 Plus (both available for approx €57 online).
Alternatives might be the Wacom One (approx EUR59 online), or for those with a budget to spend and who want a professional version would be the Wacom Intuos 5 (approx. €400).
Dates + Times
Classes will take place online from 5pm to 9pm on:
Thursdays:
- 6th, 13th, 20th + 27th March 2025
- 3rd, 10th, 17th + 24th April
Tuesdays:
- 15th + 22nd April
Fees + Scholarships
Fees for this course in 2025 are €550, subsidised by the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative. Check your eligibility HERE
Once offered a place on the course, you will be asked to complete a declaration form to confirm your eligibility.
Fees for those who do not meet the eligibility criteria above are €1,100.
CFA Scholarship
A CFA Scholarship encourages the participation and success of learners from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education by offering a free place in one of our CFA courses and programmes.
Find out if you are eligible to apply HERE
Fill in the CFA@IADT Scholarship application form HERE
Meet our Lecturers
This course will be taught by Julian King, MA. Julian is the lead lecturer on 3D Design Model Making and Digital Art in IADT. As well as decades of experience as a lecturer, he also has many years of experience in film design, model making, and 3D digital prototyping and production.