Certificate in Character Bust Sculpting
30 Apr 2026
-
9 May 2026
Apply By
13 Apr 2026
Apply To
IADT
ECTS Points
5
Places
10
Fees
€800* or €1,500
13 Apr 2026
IADT
5
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 intensive practical workshop introduces participants to the craft of character sculpture used in animation, film and visual effects. Led by stop-motion artist Paul McDonnell, the course guides participants through the process of sculpting an expressive character bust while learning key techniques used by professional model makers and animation studios.
Through demonstrations and hands-on studio work, participants will develop an understanding of character form, proportion, anatomy and expression.
The course welcomes beginners as well as artists and makers who wish to develop their sculpting skills further.
Prior sculpting experience is not required, although applicants should have a basic level of artistic ability or creative practice, such as drawing, painting, design or model-making.
By the end of the course participants will complete a finished character bust and receive professional portfolio documentation of their work.
Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate in Professional Skills for the Creative Industries (Character Bust Sculpting) – Level 8 Award, 5 ECTS.
• Hands-on sculpting workshop led by an experienced industry practitioner
• Learn techniques used in animation, film and special effects sculpture
• Create a finished character bust sculpture
• Receive individual guidance and feedback
• Gain professional portfolio photographs and video documentation
• Work in a small-group studio environment
Participants will:
• Learn the fundamentals of character sculpture, form and proportion
• Understand basic anatomy and expression for character design
• Develop techniques for building and refining a character bust in clay
• Gain insight into sculptural processes used in film and animation production
• Receive individual guidance and feedback throughout the workshop
By the end of the course participants will have:
• A completed character bust sculpture
• Professional portfolio photographs of their finished work
• Video documentation suitable for portfolios or applications
• A practical understanding of the core principles of character sculpture
This course may be of interest to:
• animation students and graduates
• visual artists and illustrators
• model makers and prop builders
• designers interested in character development
• those interested in practical sculpture or model making
Applicants should demonstrate a basic level of artistic ability or creative practice, such as drawing, painting, design or model-making.
Examples of creative work may be submitted as part of the application.
The studio workshop takes place in a practical making environment designed to support hands-on learning and creative exploration. The course draws on the studio practice of Stiúideo Fia, a stop-motion studio and training hub based in Connemara on the west coast of Ireland. Surrounded by beaches, coastline and open Atlantic landscape, the area offers a quiet and inspiring setting that supports concentration and creative work. The natural environment encourages careful observation, patience and attention to form — qualities that are central to both sculpture and animation practice.
Participants work in a small-group studio setting, allowing for individual guidance and a collaborative learning atmosphere. Many participants describe the experience as feeling similar to a creative retreat, where time is dedicated to making, experimentation and developing new skills.
An extensive accommodation list (including local B&Bs, guesthouses, and self-catering options) will be provided to help participants plan their stay.
The course consists of a short online introductory session followed by a five-day studio workshop.
Online Introduction:
30th April | 6pm – 9pm | Online
Studio Workshop:
5th – 9th May | 9am – 6pm | In person in Stiúideo Fia
The online session introduces the course structure, materials and sculpting fundamentals. The studio workshop focuses on hands-on sculpting with demonstrations and individual feedback.
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.
All basic sculpting materials and tools required for the course will be provided.
Paul McDonnell is a stop-motion artist, model maker and creative practitioner with over three decades of experience working across animation, film and visual effects.
He specialises in character sculpture, puppet fabrication and miniature set construction for stop-motion production. Alongside his studio practice, Paul works in education and has extensive experience teaching and mentoring emerging artists entering the animation and screen industries.
Paul is the creative director of Stiúideo Fia, a stop-motion studio and training hub based in Connemara.
“I came into the course with drawing experience but very little sculpting. By the end of the week I had a finished character bust and a much clearer understanding of form and anatomy.” – Previous Participant
“Paul brings real industry insight and explains the process in a clear and practical way. It’s a great course for anyone interested in animation or character sculpture.” – Previous Participant
“The workshop was hands-on from the start and the guidance throughout the week was excellent. The portfolio images at the end were a huge bonus.” – Previous Participant
Creative Futures Academy are delighted to collaborate with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet to offer a special partnership rate of €800 for qualifying candidates, which include those resident in the Republic of Ireland and not already in receipt of a bursary, grant aid or a scholarship for this course and not participating in a CE scheme or in receipt of Unemployment Benefit.
This Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland & the European Union. www.eufunds.ie
Fees for those who do not meet the Skillnet criteria are €1,500.
