0. I have never done this before – should I apply?

Yes! We aim to have a range of skill levels, from novice to master. Your portfolio does not need to be large, and could be produced in a day or two if you’re a fast learner.

1. I am not interested in computer science, or I’m not interested in film making. Should I apply?

Certainly. 3Dami is not a single-subject event, rather it is a fusion-event, that combines many different areas and subjects. Don’t read too much into us (usually) running in computer science departments – making a 3D animated film in seven days requires lots of high end computers, and there are few places that can provide them. Past students have certainly gone on to study computer science and the many areas of film making, in particular animation, but others have gone on to study subjects such as fine art, as well as subjects that are unrelated. Regardless of your future, 3Dami is a team event, and the skills of working in a team are applicable whatever you choose to do with your life.

2. What qualifications/subjects do I need for the course?

We are not that interested in your academic qualifications (though we’d like you to study hard and stay in school!), we are far more interested in what you can prove through a strong portfolio.

3. What are you looking for in the portfolio?

Primarily, proof that you have tried Blender out (it’s free to use), are comfortable with the basics and can respond to feedback. Beyond that we always aim to have a wide range of skill in any given team, and use the portfolio to judge what you can do. For more info check out the portfolio page and successful portfolios from previous years. Responding to feedback is important as this will give us an indication of how you will be able to work in a team and improve your work. The best portfolios are normally those submitted early with opportunities for you to improve your work.

4. How do you submit a portfolio?

Portfolios are submitted by email (apply@3dami.org). We accept links to websites (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Google+, deviantART, p3d, sketchfab etc.), as well as attached images and videos in standard formats. If we have any problems with what you send us we will chase – we are very flexible, and will accept anything reasonable.

5. Do you need to have done animation before?

No, though we expect you to have at least tried basic key framing in Blender. In any given team we will select at least one person who has demonstrated good animation skills, so its worth getting some practise in.

6. I have a lot of content for my portfolio – what should I include?

We enforce no limit on portfolio size, however, if its really large we will probably lose concentration before we reach the end (this is also true when sending your portfolio to a potential employer). Our advice here is to just include your best work, with a bias towards demonstrating a variety of skills.

7. What kind of content should be in my portfolio?

It doesn’t matter – we are looking at your skills, not what you like to create. Of course, if you can demonstrate creativity and/or variety that will only help.  See the portfolio examples page for ideas.

8. Can I get feedback on my portfolio?

Absolutely, we encourage this! And responding well to feedback is one of the biggest indicators that we will be able to accept you onto the course. Please send through what you have done and we can give you feedback to help you with your final submission.

9. How do you judge portfolios?

We look at the range of skills that you have demonstrating in your portfolio, we then compare these against other people applying. We have a particular focus on Blender usage but also look at your other artwork. In the case of two very similar level portfolios, we will generally go with the person who has responded better to feedback. Knowing that you can respond positively to criticisms of your work it important. Sometimes we get a lot of students very skilled in one particular area and students showcasing other areas will be chosen. You can’t have a team made up entirely of goalkeepers. Final decision for entry lies with us, and whilst we are trying to explain how we judge entries, there will always be a subjective element to judging, especially when art is involved.

10. When does the course run?

It lasts for 9 days (with a day beforehand to check that you can use our systems and log in), specifically Monday – tech setup, then Tuesday-Friday followed by Monday-Friday in the following week. Each day is from 9am until 5pm, except for the last Friday, when we première the films to an audience in the evening. Note we are looking at ways that we can support evening work, but this is yet to be confirmed and will not be compuslory.

11. I’m younger than 13, can I still apply?

Sadly this year the online event means we can only accept 13-18 year olds

12. I’m from outside the UK, can I still apply?

Our funding this year is for a UK wide event, this means, unfortunately, that we have no funding for non-UK residents.