Ever wanted to turn your ideas into real, tangible creations? In this 7-week, hands-on course, you’ll learn the art of digital sculpting using SculptGL and discover how to prepare your models for 3D printing in Bambu Studio.
Your project: design and articulate your own taniwha, a guardian figure from Maaori tradition. Taniwha are important kaitiaki (guardians) in te ao Maaori, protecting waterways, land, and people. In a local context, the people of Waikato speak of the many taniwha who protected the chiefs at each bend of the river. As the saying goes:
“Waikato Taniwharau! He piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha – Waikato of a thousand taniwha! At every bend resides a taniwha”
This course is inspired by these traditions and encourages participants to approach their designs with respect and creativity.
Along the way, you’ll master essential sculpting techniques which can be applied to product design, game assets, animation, VFX, and more. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to model almost anything you can imagine and bring it to life through 3D printing. No experience required!
Course outline:
Week 1: Designing taniwha and introduction to 3D sculpting
Week 2: A head start on 3D sculpting
Week 3: Blocking out the body
Week 4: Refining details
Week 5: Preparing for articulation
Week 6: Finalising & test assembly
Week 7: Print & showcase