Ihab Mardini Headshot

Ihab Mardini

Associate Professor

School of Design
College of Art and Design
ixmfaa@rit.edu
585-475-5729

Ihab Mardini

Associate Professor

School of Design
College of Art and Design

Education

BA, International University of Science and Technology (Syria); MFA, Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio

Ihab graduated in 2014 after being awarded the Outstanding Student of College of Imaging Arts at RIT, and he was chosen as the delegate of all RIT grad students. His teaching career took-off in 2014 as an adjunct Professor in the School of Film and Animation (SOFA), he was hired later as a visiting professor at the 3D Digital Design program (3DDD), where he later was offered the position of an Assistant Professor, a position he currently holds. He is now also an affiliate Professor of the Center for Media, Arts, Games, Interaction & Creativity (MAGIC).

In addition to teaching academically, for several years Ihab has taught 3D modeling and animation to kids at the RIT Tiger-Camps. He has also been volunteering to teach animation to kids at the Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance.

Throughout his career at RIT Ihab worked on several personal and commissioned films, which reaped him numerous film recognitions including a permanent display of Iroquois Creation Story at Ganondagan’s Seneca Art & Culture Center and two Best Animation awards, in addition to a permanent display of Soap Film at the Exploratorium Museum of Science. As a Professor, Ihab was nominated for Teaching with Technology in 2022, the Eisenhart Nomination – RIT Outstanding Teaching Award in 2018, and a Nomination for Outstanding Teaching Award for Non-Tenure-Track Faculty in 2015.

ixmfaa@rit.edu
585-475-5729
Personal Links
Personal Website
ORCID
LinkedIn
Areas of Expertise
3D Modeling and Motion
3D Printing
Autodesk Maya
Unreal Engine
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Substance Painter
Animation
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Graphics
Photography
Drawing
Eye Tracking
Filmmaking
Game Design
Graphic Design
Medical Illustration
Virtual Reality

Currently Teaching

DDDD-103
Introduction to 3D Imaging
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to generating and manipulating 2D images, both still and moving, for use in the 3D software environment. Techniques for drawing perspective and orthographic views as well as idea generation and narrative storytelling using thumbnails, concept sketches and sequential images for storyboards will be covered Students learn to create vector art curves to import for model creation and material application, capture images photographically, and develop them into multi-channel textures for material workflows. Students will learn multi-image photo editing, subject extraction, and compositing techniques for both single and multi-image sequences as well as basic color correction and color grading.
DDDD-104
Introduction to 3D Design Pathways
1 Credits
This course is an introduction to the varied applications of 3D Digital Design, and the different methods used for each industry. Students will explore how camera control affects project design, from the linear cinematics common in visualizations, to the discoverable branching common in games. By the end of this course, students will be able to discuss the differences and similarities between game design and visualization, and making informed design choices depending on the target audience.
DDDD-308
Contemporary Practices: Design Technologies
1 Credits
This course delves into technology-driven topics within the dynamic fields of game arts and visualization. The primary objective is to equip students with knowledge of emerging technologies and to develop their proficiency in the course's specific subject matter. Potential areas of focus include specialized subtopics such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), simulation, visual effects, character design, the metaverse, 3D user interface design, and other innovative areas of 3D Digital Design.
DDDD-523
Hard Surface Design
3 Credits
The course focuses on designing and constructing hard surface models including machinery, furniture, vehicles, electronics, and robots. Students explore the use of different modeling techniques in the process and are particularly interested in the flow of the topology within the geometry. Some attention is given to creating controls for moving the hard surface models.
DDDD-599
3D Digital Design Independent Study
1 - 6 Credits
3D Digital Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty advisor will propose a course of study. 3D Digital Design independent study students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll.
FDTN-131
3D Design I
3 Credits
This course presents a progressive study in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design and is foundational to the College of Art and Design curriculum. Using hands-on problem solving, student will develop an informed understanding of the three-dimensional form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a three-dimensional composition. A heightened awareness of form and space will be developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students will also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation and critical analysis. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account**
VCDE-633
Hard Surface Modeling
3 Credits
The course focuses on designing and constructing hard surface models including machinery, furniture, vehicles, electronics, and robots. Students explore the use of different modeling techniques in the process and are particularly interested in the flow of the topology within the geometry. Some attention is given to creating controls for moving the hard surface models.

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Featured Work

Hard Surface

Hard Surface Design 2020 Class Reel - RIT 3DDD

All students are credited on the Behance Project

Hard Surface Design 2020 Class Reel Check the Behance Project link for more information: https://www.behance.net/gallery/117174567/Hard-Surface-Design-2020-Class-Reel-RIT-3DDD

View More about Hard Surface Design 2020 Class Reel - RIT 3DDD