Inspiration Lab - Animation, 3D Design and Visual Effects Software
This guide provides information on the 3D animation and visual effects software that can be used for free in the Inspiration Lab.
You can now visit the Inspiration Lab to access our suite of professional 3D animation and visual effects (VFX) software including Houdini, Unity, Unreal Engine and Blender.
We have included links to recommended learning resources and tutorials so you can teach yourself how to use the software.
About the Inspiration Lab
The Inspiration Lab is a space dedicated to digital creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. We are located on level 3 at the Central branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
The Inspiration Lab features recording studios, a high-performance computer lab with audio, video and image editing software, as well as graphic design and self-publishing software. We also have analog-to-digital conversion stations for various forms of older media.
All our services are absolutely free with your library card!
Reserve a recording studio or drop in to use a computer workstation. If this will be your first time booking or you need a refresher on the process, review our booking instructions.
Using 3D animation and VFX software in the Inspiration Lab
The Inspiration Lab is open during regular Central library hours.
Come visit us to use the creative software detailed in this guide in our computer lab. Our computer stations, called "Creation Stations" can be reserved in advance or you may drop-in (subject to availability). If reserving, bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance, for up to 3 hours per day. Time extensions for computer use can be granted on a case by case basis after a conversation with staff. For more information on booking computer stations, please see these booking instructions under the "Book a Creation Station" heading.
| Software | Available On |
| Adobe Creative Cloud 2023 | CIL3004, CIL3006, CIL3007, CIL3008, CIL3009, CIL3010, CIL3012, CIL3014, CIL3015, CIL3016, CIL3017, CIL3018, CIL3021 |
| Adobe Character Animator | CIL3007, CIL3017 |
| Blender | CIL3004, CIL3006, CIL3007, CIL3008, CIL3009, CIL3010, CIL3012, CIL3014, CIL3015, CIL3016, CIL3017, CIL3018, CIL3021 |
| Houdini Apprentice | CIL3004, CIL3006, CIL3007, CIL3008, CIL3009, CIL3010, CIL3012, CIL3018, CIL3021 |
| Houdini Indie & Houdini Indie Engine | CIL3014, CIL3015, CIL3016, CIL3017 |
| Unity | CIL3004, CIL3006, CIL3007, CIL3008, CIL3009, CIL3010, CIL3012, CIL3014, CIL3015, CIL3016, CIL3017, CIL3018, CIL3021 |
| Unreal Engine | CIL3004, CIL3006, CIL3007, CIL3008, CIL3009, CIL3010, CIL3012, CIL3014, CIL3015, CIL3016, CIL3017, CIL3018, CIL3021 |
LinkedIn Learning: Video Courses Created By Experts
This resource is available for free with your library card. Visit LinkedIn Learning to get started.
Search for the following recommended courses available now:
- Adobe Animate Essential Training by Joseph Labrecque – 2h 47m
Discover how to use Adobe Animate—the multimedia drawing, layout, animation, and interactive design application—to create rich, expressive animations and interactive content.
- Animation Fundamentals and Careers by David Andrade – 22m
David Andrade provides an overview of the fundamental principles, workflows, and available careers in digital animation.
- Blender 3 Essential Training by David Andrade – 4h 52m
Get up and running with Blender 3, the powerful open-source tool for 2D and 3D modeling, animation, compositing, and post-production.
- Houdini Essential Training by Scott Pagano – 7h 44m
Discover Houdini, a leading package for procedural 3D content creation. Learn about core geometry and animation concepts, lighting, shading and rendering techniques, and more.
- Introduction to 3D by George Maestri – 4h 6m
This course presents a broad overview of the core concepts of 3D modeling and rendering, including navigating 3D space and manipulating existing objects, a review of geometry and modeling, how to apply colour and texture to surfaces, and basic rendering theory.
- Unity 3D 2021 Essential Training by Emmanuel Henri – 4h 21m
Learn the basics of level design, lighting, materials, and animation in Unity 3D.
- Unreal Essential Training (2019) by Simon Manning – 2h 47m
Unreal isn’t just for games. Learn the essential skills you need to build engaging and interactive user experiences of all kinds with Unreal Engine 4.
