Bachelor in Digital Fine Arts
- Los Angeles, USA
- Valencia, Spain
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus, Blended
Key Summary
Welcome to the exciting world of Digital Fine Arts!
The world of Digital Fine Arts is transforming the way artists express their creativity. The fusion between artistic tradition and cutting-edge technology has given rise to a field full of infinite possibilities, where every idea can materialize into images, characters, and settings that make an impact worldwide.
In the Digital Fine Arts Career Program at Universal Arts School, you will learn how to transform your talent into high-level projects in areas such as 3D Sculpting, Matte Painting, Concept Art, and Video Game Art. From creating realistic characters to fantastic worlds, you will develop a professional portfolio using leading tools such as ZBrush, Unreal Engine, Photoshop, and Maya.
This program is ideal for those who want to build a career in the film, animation, video game, and advertising industries, taking their imagination to a new creative level.
Double Degree
International Certification USA–Spain
Our dual-degree program allows you to graduate with two official certificates:
- Curriculum certified in the USA, meeting American industry standards for creative careers worldwide.
- European accreditation is fully recognized in Spain and across Europe.
This ensures your training is not limited to one country. You’ll have the credentials to work internationally, from Hollywood to European studios.
- Official diploma issued in California
- International registration backed by the BPPE
- Translation and validation of academic transcripts
- Portfolio guidance and support in English
- International letter of recommendation
You can choose the following tracks:
Art for Film, Animation, and Video Games
Turn your imagination into breathtaking worlds! Design cities, magical vehicles, and powerful weapons. This creative discipline applies to film, commercials, and more. Learn the techniques to succeed as an Environment/Prop Artist, building captivating worlds and collaborating with others to bring exciting games to life. Be the architect of your own adventures!
Software: Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine
3D Sculpting
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D Sculpting! Here, you’ll acquire the skills to bring characters and creatures to life as stars of the film, animation, and video game industries. You’ll also be able to create printable sculptures ideal for collectibles, miniatures, and breathtaking scenography. From anatomy to texturing, you’ll master industry techniques and secrets to create characters in any style—cartoon, realistic, or unique creatures. Prepare for an inspiring journey where your creativity will soar, and your creations will leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
Software: ZBrush, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, Photoshop
Matte Painting
Welcome to the fascinating world of Matte Painting! Through a series of exercises and techniques—such as photobashing, editing and postproduction, camera tracking, compositing, asset creation, and terrain reconstruction—you’ll recreate ruins and master the complex processes of rendering and integrating real images with CGI. Along the way, you’ll learn artistic essentials such as color, photography, lighting, and framing, while mastering the necessary software to create your own content efficiently. Get ready to explore a creative universe where your visual dreams come alive and every brushstroke takes you closer to excellence in Matte Painting.
Software: Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, ZBrush, 3ds Max, Marmoset Toolbag, Unreal Engine
Concept Art
Imagine working for top companies in illustration, concept, film, or video games. Here, you’ll discover the techniques professionals use—from technical skills to trade secrets. Learn to design worlds, whether fantasy or realistic, that become standout productions in film, TV, and video games. You’ll master professional drawing fundamentals such as composition, vanishing points, and perspective, as well as advanced shading, color, and texture techniques for environments and characters. The result: a high-level Concept Art portfolio that opens doors to studios and production companies. Get ready to elevate your artistic career!
Software: Photoshop
- Artists and creatives looking to specialize in digital arts.
- Graduates in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, audiovisual communication, or related fields.
- Professionals seeking to update their skills in digital production techniques and software.
- International students seeking official accreditation in both the USA and Europe.
Universal Arts School offers:
- Partial scholarships for merit and artistic talent.
- Discounts for early enrollment (check active code).
- Flexible, personalized financing plans.
Matte Painting
Block 1 – Artistic Fundamentals
- History and applications of matte painting and photobashing
- Principles of composition and analysis of classic works
- Color theory and study of chromatic palettes
- Observation practices: photography, textures, and references
Block 2 – Photoshop and Perspective
- Essential editing and digital painting tools
- Layer management, masks, blending modes, and color adjustments
- Two- and three-point perspective applied to visual storytelling
- Sketching exercises and color scheme extraction
Block 3 – Photography, 3D, and Advanced Compositing
- DSLR photography: exposure, ISO, lenses, and aberrations
- Modeling in 3ds Max and ZBrush (props, environments, and characters)
- Fusion: 3D integration, atmospheric effects, and camera tracking
- Creating scenarios and characters with photobash
Block 4 – Postproduction and Final Project
- After Effects: animation, masks, particles, tracking, and camera mapping
- Rendering and lighting for final projects
- Integration of 2D and 3D elements in finished scenes
- Final project delivery and presentation
Game Art
Block 1 – Art and Props Fundamentals
- Creating sets and basic props from concept art
- Concept analysis and adaptation to 3D
- Initial modeling, proportions, and geometry editing
Block 2 – Environments and Textures
- Advanced environment modeling and UV mapping
- Introduction to Photoshop and hand-painted cartoon textures
- Creation and application of basic and advanced materials
Block 3 – Mechanics, Assets, and Animation
- Level design, gameplay, and basic blueprints
- Skeleton creation, skinning, and rigging (IK/FK, constraints)
- Importing meshes, animations, and resources for gameplay
Block 4 – Final Project and Presentation
- Lighting, post-processing, and executable package creation
- Gameplay mechanics supervision and bug fixing
- Project presentation in Marmoset and final delivery
3D Sculpting
Block 1 – Anatomy Fundamentals and Digital Sculpture
- ZBrush basics and workflow
- Human anatomy: proportions, skull, torso, limbs, and hands
- Drawing and sculpting practice to internalize anatomy
Block 2 – Head, Portrait, and Advanced Details
- Anatomy and sculpting of the human head
- Retopology, UVs, and detailing techniques (skin, hair, fabric)
- Using Marvelous Designer for clothing and basic simulations
Block 3 – Modeling, Texturing, and Props
- Creating cartoon and low-poly characters
- Polygonal modeling: props, hard surface, vehicles, environments
- Texturing with Substance Painter and baking techniques
Block 4 – Presentation and Final Project
- Lighting, rendering, and animation in Marmoset Viewer
- Postproduction in Photoshop and After Effects
- Personal reel, feedback, and final master’s project submission
Concept Art
Block 1 – Artistic and Technical Fundamentals
- Introduction to Photoshop and creation of custom brushes
- Geometric forms, perspective (1-, 2-, and 3-point)
- Light, shadow, grayscale, and basic anatomy
Block 2 – Perspective, Color, and Environments
- Advanced perspective for complex objects and vehicles
- Color theory and advanced materials
- Environments, landscapes, and camera angles
Block 3 – Character and Prop Design
- Silhouette design and exploration through line
- Creation of accessories, weapons, and backgrounds for video games
- Photo texturing and matte painting techniques
Block 4 – Visual Narrative and Final Project
- Character rotations, expressions, and acting
- Composition (rule of thirds, thumbnails, layout)
- Development of complete characters and environments for portfolio
- Universal Arts School recognized in international creative rankings in digital art and video games.
- Official accreditation from BPPE in California and European homologation.
- Renowned for its hands-on methodology and partnerships with leading studios.
- Master professional digital art tools
- Create high-level sculptures, environments, and characters
- Develop competitive portfolios across concept art, video games, film, and collectibles
- Integrate traditional artistic knowledge with digital technology
- Work on real projects to gain industry-relevant experience
3D Sculpting
- Extreme Sculpting
- Character Artist (real-time & cinematics)
- Creature Artist
- Digital Scenography
- Collectible Miniatures
- Texture/Props/Dressing Artist
Matte Painting
- Photobashing Artist
- Technical Compositing Artist
- Matte Painter for film and video games
- Landscape Artist
- Set Design Artist
Game Art
- Environment Artist
- Prop Artist
- Hard Surface Artist
- 3D Artist
- Texture Artist
- Modeler
- Lighter
Concept Art
- Character/Environment Artist
- Vehicle & Prop Artist
- Storyboard Artist (with additional comic training)
- Theming Designer (parks, museums, attractions)
- Toy Designer
- Art Director
- Dual USA–Spain degree with international recognition
- Campuses in Los Angeles and Valencia
- Faculty of active professionals
- Flexible study options: on-campus, online, or blended
- Hands-on learning with applied projects from day one
- Alumni network and partnerships with film, video game, and digital design companies