Certificate in Character Bust Sculpting
13 Dec 2025
-
19 Dec 2025
Apply By
30 Nov 2025
Apply To
IADT
Places
10
Fees
€800* or €1,500
30 Nov 2025
IADT
10
€800* or €1,500
Dream up your own character — an ancient elder, a creepy zombie, a wild monster, or a hero from your favourite tale. Go as weird or wonderful as you like — the only limit is your imagination!
This hands-on, immersive sculpting workshop takes participants from concept and anatomy study through to a finished character bust over five intensive studio days. An initial online orientation covers design principles, materials, and preparation. The in-studio block then focuses on practical sculpting techniques — from blocking and anatomy to surface detail and final presentation.
The course emphasizes observation, iteration, and professional industry techniques in character sculpture.
By the end of the course, participants will:
This course is for:
The in-studio element takes place at Stiúideo Fia, Ireland’s only dedicated stop-motion, and fabrication studio, based in Connemara, Galway. More than just a workshop space, Stiúideo Fia is a safe, creative environment where artists can experiment, learn, and grow. With fully equipped workstations, specialist tools, and a welcoming atmosphere, the studio provides the perfect setting to focus, take risks, and develop new skills alongside like-minded makers.
Set against the dramatic landscape of Connemara, the studio is only minutes from the Atlantic coast. Participants can enjoy walks on the nearby beaches or take in the wild, unspoilt scenery in the evenings — the ideal way to recharge after a day of sculpting.
An extensive accommodation list (including local B&Bs, guesthouses, and self-catering options) will be provided to help participants plan their stay.
Your final submission for assessment should include the following:
An MP4 video with includes the following:
Prompts
13th December 2025 |10am – 2pm | Online
15th – 19th December | 9am – 6pm: In person in Stiúideo Fia
Day 1 – 15th December: Concept & Block-In
Day 2 – 16th December: Features (Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Ears)
Day 3 – 17th December: Refining Planes + Anatomy
Day 4 – 18th December: Surface Detail + Character
Day 5 – 19th December: Finalisation + Presentation
Level 7 qualification.
We consider applicants without a Level 7 qualification based on their prior experience and learning through our RPL process. Generally, any learner who has achieved a minimum of a Level 6 with 2 years of work experience in a related environment is eligible to apply to the programme via the RPL process.
We would like to hear from you as to why you would like to do this course and your suitability for it.
This is not a beginner’s level course, so you will need to provide some evidence of your previous work and ability.
On the application form you will be asked to upload a link to your digital portfolio. Please be clear what is yours and what is collaborative work in your portfolio. You will also need to upload a short video of why you want to do this course.
All materials and tools are supplied.
You will need to bring a design and references with you. References can be printed in the studio.
You can bring your own laptop. You will need to record and document your work (a smartphone will work for this).
The course is led by Paul McDonnell, a master sculptor, fabricator, and creative director with nearly three decades of professional experience in stop-motion, model-making, and visual storytelling. Paul is the founder of Stiúideo Fia and has worked across film, theatre, and television, collaborating with award-winning artists and mentoring the next generation of animators and makers. His teaching style blends deep technical expertise with a passion for fostering creativity, confidence, and storytelling through craft.
A subsidised fee of €800 will be confirmed here soon.
Full course fees are €1,500.
