- 1st year (3D)
- 2nd year (3D)
- 3rd year (3D)
3D Artist program - Lyon
This Bachelor degree equips students with cutting-edge skills in digital illustration, concept art, and 3D animation, opening up creative careers in animated film, video games, motion design, and video mapping
A 3-year program leading to a Level 6 state-recognised diploma (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree).
Keys informations
-
State recognition and qualification certification
Program overview
The Dessinateur 3D diploma (Bac+3 / Level 6) leads to careers in both 3D still imagery (illustration, comics, concept art, etc.) and 3D animated imagery (animation, video games, motion design, video mapping).
Students are guided through the two key foundations of the profession: first acquiring academic drawing skills, then learning how to give volume and stage their work using industry-standard 3D software.
Over the course of the three-year program, students will acquire the following skills:
-
Design and produce 3D still and animated images
-
Interpret and apply an artistic direction in three dimensions
-
Animate, light, and post-produce 3D scenes, ensuring originality and high-quality rendering
-
Manage a full 3D production, both individually and as part of a team
-
Create efficient 3D workflows based on specific production requirements
To learn more about the skill blocks and validation options, click here.
Students complete a 22- to 24-week internship in a professional studio. At the end of the program, they present their individual final project and internship report in two separate oral defenses before a professional jury.
In addition, the school organises a dedicated recruitment day, helping students transition directly into the workforce.
Details on accessible careers and employment outcomes can be found on our France Compétences listing.
This certification is available through initial training, continuing education, or via the VAE (Validation of Prior Experience) process.
En savoir + sur chaque année
-
Year 1 of the 3D Artist program focuses on acquiring the fundamentals of observational drawing, learning 2D/3D digital tools, and developing a general understanding of digital image culture.
The year’s teaching approach is centred on developing the student’s visual awareness, applied to both physical and virtual imagery.
In practice, most exercises begin with a 2D study and continue in 3D. The aim is to train students to work seamlessly between paper and screen. They learn to “switch” between graphic environments, beginning their creative process in 2D and continuing it in 3D — all while maintaining the same level of visual quality and precision.
By the end of the first year, students will have gained key competencies, including:
-
Proficiency with Maya, Mudbox, and Photoshop
-
Understanding of how to transition between 2D and 3D workflows
-
Skills in modeling mechanical and organic objects, texturing, creating textures in Photoshop, and mapping them in 3D
-
Foundations in 2D animation, and introductory knowledge in 3D animation, lighting, and rendering
Important: Admission to Year 1 of the 3D Designer program requires prior experience in observational drawing, typically acquired in a foundation or preparatory art program.
-
-
In the second year, students learn to move from realistic representations of drawn or animated 3D objects to designing imagined mechanical or organic objects that serve a narrative purpose.
The 2D drawing courses evolve toward narrative drawing, which involves staging scenes with both observed and imagined characters and environments.
The modeling courses approach object design as a form of “advanced 3D sculpting” for video games or animated films. For example, in the case of an adventure game, students may be tasked with inventing a car without referencing any existing brands, or designing objects in line with a specific artistic movement relevant to the project. The instruction further strengthens skills in texturing and animation techniques.
The program includes “outsourcing” exercises for students from other classes, helping participants learn how to adapt to an artistic direction and contribute effectively to group projects.
Also in the second year, 3D printers are used to finalize digital projects, offering a deeper understanding of volumes, proportions, and perspective.
By the end of the year, students have acquired the technical skills needed to carry out a personal project in their final year.
-
In the third year, students complete a final project in which they demonstrate their drawing skills and present a personal creation in one of the following fields: video games, animated film, web, comics, or illustration.
Project supervision plays a key role in the curriculum, particularly through production follow-up, which is an essential component in the creation of 3D images or animations. During the final project presentation, students must clearly explain their creative process, artistic approach, and the technical methods they used.
Part of the third-year curriculum is also dedicated to professional development and communication skills: preparing for job interviews, building a portfolio, sharing their work online, understanding professional statuses (freelance, salaried, etc.), and learning how to issue quotes and invoices.
The program includes a mandatory six-month internship in a company.
Métiers
Further studies
-
Video game - Master Degree
Mis à jour le 17 November 2025
This Master's program in video game prepares students for careers as Concept Artist – Director. More broadly, this program prepares students for the wide range of careers that make up the video game production pipeline.
discover -
Animation - Master Degree
Mis à jour le 17 November 2025
This Master's program in animation prepares students for careers as Concept Artist – Director. More broadly, this program prepares students for the wide range of careers that make up the animation production pipeline.
discover