Learning 3D Animation: we do things differently

Be warned: the contents of this site is highly controversial – and may leave you addicted!

Hi! Welcome to the world of learning 3D animation! This could be one of the most exciting and life-changing decisions in your life!

Did you know that South Africa is experiencing a huge shortage of staff in the 3D animation and visual effects industry? It is so bad that local companies sometimes have to decline international work due to lack of manpower!

One of the reasons South Africa has a backlog of staff in the 3D animation and visual effects industry, is the cost of 3D animation training. We think out of the box to set top quality industry standards, while making it affordable to you.

We do things a lot differently from other schools:

At DNA Pixels Learning Centre in Somerset West, Western Cape, we mix fun with hard work, talent and passion. Not because we are mean, but because that is what the real world will require of you. If you are interested in your 3D animation career after you've left us, then we are interested in you.

Our goal is to provide a top quality and affordable 3D animation learning environment to passionate students, who exhibit appropriate skills and aptitudes, to enable them to excel in the workplace.

Let's discuss the goal above in more detail:

Our passion is imparting 3D animation skills – in a fun and learning environment. When you get through the course, you will not be a mere software operator, but you will be well-grounded in 3D animation principles – as well as software (Blender and a selection of Maya, Combustion, Adobe Premiere, etc). Others don't always tell you, but in your animation career, you will have to change software many times – and knowing the principles enables you adapt easier than merely knowing software. All of that will be applied with lots of practical work towards your showreel. You will notice at the outset that we do things differently in order to bring you the most cost-effective training solution: from as little as R24,000 per year!

For us, passion matters more than attitude. And potential more than ability. Inquisitiveness is your best learning aid. Your passion will carry you when you sometimes have to put in some long hours. And inquisitiveness will drive you to do things better. And it is passion and inquisitiveness that will help you excel in the 3D animation industry.

We are not into selling certificates, but into preparing people to successfully enter the industry. That is why we are selective in who we allow to study at DNA Pixels Animation Learning Centre. Your probability of entering the industry depends on what your are able to bring to the table: something we can work with. You should at least have completed high school (or be busy completing) and be computer literate. We would like you to be able to draw (you do not have to be a da Vinci: we can help you improve). Why? Because we'll lie if we don't tell you that a career in 3D animation will require that of you.

Talent may help you get into DNA Pixels Animation Learning Centre, but a learning spirit will help you get through it. We are a learning centre, not a school. We'll spoonfeed you with the basics initially, but later we'll help you more to find ways to discover things for yourself. Why? Because that is what you will have to be able to do in the industry! But we'll always be there right alongside you to help you, to guide you and to prepare you for the industry.

Now for the shocker: a certificate or diploma will NOT ensure you employment in the industry! Nor will any other schools' – for that matter! The only thing that counts is the “reel thing”: an outstanding showreel is your ticket to obtaining employment in the industry. And that is what we will be practising and honing you for.

* Price is currently set at R24,000 for the first year and R30,000 for the second year (due to additional requirements). However, we are in discussion with our suppliers and costs will firmed soon. Price also depends on your payment option.