Entering the Creature Animation Track
Creature Animation Course
Mentored by Filippo Dattola — Lead Animator, 12+ years on major feature productions.
Mentorship Phase 7
The seventh phase in the SquashnStretch mentorship path and the entry point to the creature animation track. This creature animation course covers quadruped anatomy, locomotion mechanics, and the movement principles that drive believable animal performance.
Through direct 1-on-1 mentorship, you will study how real animals move and translate that understanding into professional-level creature animation.
What This Mentorship Phase 7 Covers
This creature animation course focuses on animal locomotion fundamentals. You will study quadruped anatomy, gait patterns (walk, trot, canter, gallop), weight distribution, and the biomechanical differences between species. Every assignment translates real-world animal reference into convincing 3D creature movement.
Who This Phase Is For
Designed for animators who have completed the character animation track (Phases 1-6) or have equivalent professional experience. If you want to specialize in creature animation for VFX, this phase builds the anatomical understanding and movement vocabulary you need.
What You Will Achieve
By the end of this phase, you will animate quadrupeds with anatomical accuracy and believable locomotion. Your creature shots will demonstrate the foundational movement quality that VFX studios require — ready for your demo reel and ready for Phase 8 — Advanced Animal Locomotion.
Mentorship Phase 7 Details
LIVE Review
Two 1-on-1 live sessions per week with your mentor. All sessions recorded for you to review anytime.
LECTURES
Live and recorded video tutorials and PDF resources, covering quadruped anatomy, gait analysis, and locomotion mechanics.
ASSIGNMENT
1 creature shot with detailed mentor feedback on anatomy, weight, gait accuracy, and movement quality.
SOFTWARE
Autodesk Maya is the primary software.
Students can also use Blender or other 3D packages
LANGUAGE
All sessions and materials are delivered in English or Italian. Choose your preferred language when you enrol
REQUIREMENTS
Stable internet connection, microphone and webcam. Completion of Phase 6 or equivalent experience.
DURATION
10 weeks of structured training focused on quadruped anatomy, and creature locomotion fundamentals.
Why Choose This Creature Animation Course
This creature animation course is the gateway to one of the most in-demand specializations in VFX. Under direct mentorship from a Lead Animator who has animated creatures on major feature productions, you will develop the anatomical knowledge and movement skills that creature-heavy studios actively recruit for.
The feedback you receive is the same standard applied inside real studios — specific, actionable, and focused on developing your ability to translate real animal reference into convincing creature animation.
Students who have completed this creature animation course describe it as the moment they stopped animating creatures from memory and started truly understanding how animals move — the anatomy, the weight shifts, the gait mechanics that make creature work believable. If you are serious about breaking into VFX creature animation, this is the phase that builds your foundation.
Apply for This Phase
Get in touch to apply for this Creature Animation phase or to find out which phase is right for your level.