Course Descriptions

In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of animation, and the laws of basic body mechanics. Through the study and application of classical animation techniques and timing, students will examine the importance of creating animated characters with weight, strong posing and believable performance.

In this course students will compare and contrast industry approaches to designing and creating original 3D characters, props and environments for use in video games, television and film projects. Students will research, analyze and apply the fundamental techniques of modeling, sculpting, texturing, lighting and rendering in the creation of original 3D assets. Through reference and research, students will develop an appreciation for what makes an appealing 3D design suitable for use in a production pipeline.

In this course students will be introduced to techniques for rigging 3D characters and objects for use in animated productions. Students will learn the production methodology used to create skeletons, expressions, controls and user interface systems that allow an animator to bring characters and objects to life. Students will learn troubleshooting techniques necessary to create assets ready for use in animated projects.

The course concentrates on anatomical studies of the human form and extensive life drawing practice. Students will learn to reproduce complex anatomical form, poses, and gesture in realistic proportions. Through a variety of exercises students learn to capture the complexity of movement and gesture to create appealing drawings for animation. The study of life drawing and anatomy will impart a stronger appreciation of the human form and its use in the entertainment industry.

In this course students will continue to develop their acting, timing and animation skills to create memorable 3D character performances. This course will focus the students’ efforts on dialogue, acting choices, character personality, body language, and pacing to create life-like characters. Further exploration and refinement of the principles of animation and how they are applied to create subtle acting nuances will help the students create a portfolio of professionally animated scenes.

In this course students will continue to refine their 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, shading and lighting skills introduced in 3D Design I to create production ready assets. Students will learn intermediate techniques in digital sculpture, shading, lighting and rendering to create professional looking 3D assets.

In this course students will continue to investigate, research and create professional character rigs suitable for creating complex animated performances. Students will continue to explore and implement advanced rigging concepts using a variety of technologies designed to enable animators to achieve great animated performances. Students will use advanced simulation and procedural animation to speed up animation production.

In this course students will continue to focus on life drawing of the human form with deeper investigation into gesture, form, structure and anatomy. Students will continue to study and draw from live models to solidify acquired knowledge and advance to intermediate studies in light, drapery and character design from life.

In this course students will learn how to create appealing characters, props and environment designs for video game, television and film productions. Traditional and digital media techniques will be introduced in the creation of original concepts and artwork. Students will explore and utilize the visual language of design and story development to visually communicate ideas and themes effectively. A crucial element of the course is the ability to communicate and receive appropriate, respectful and constructive critique with regards to students’ assignments.

This course takes the student through numerous analytical studies of human and animal motion in order to build a fundamental understanding of movement. Animators and animation designers must understand how things move so that the laws of motion, timing and the principles of animation become inherent skills that allow the animator to focus on the performance of their "actors".

This course will refine a student’s acting, posing and animation appeal to bring entertaining characters to life. Students will learn to define the subtle nuances of character animation while managing scenes with increased complexity and detail. Students will gain valuable experience animating physically realistic creatures in motion.

In this course students will refine their technical and artistic process in the creation of advanced 3D characters, props or environments. Students will choose a career path and develop the specialized skills necessary to be a proficient production artist in the film or game industries. The course will focus on the creation of an online portfolio that showcases the students’ creative talent.

This course builds upon the students’ knowledge of rigging technologies and facilitates the development of interactive animation rigs. Students will leverage animation class assignments adding technical elements including particles, rigid and soft body dynamics and cloth simulations. Students will plan and construct advanced rigging solutions based on a constructive needs analysis of relevant animation projects.

In this course students will be introduced to the art of storyboarding and how it is used to visually communicate the emotional impact and pacing of a story. Students will explore and apply storytelling and artistic techniques that are used by studios in the creation of storyboards and animatics. Students will plan and present their final term animation project through the creation of original story ideas and concepts.

Concept artists provide engaging, inspirational and appealing designs that push the creative limits of 3D production artists. This course will continue to refine and improve the students’ drawing, digital painting and design techniques established in Concept Art and Design I. Students will delve further into the art of visual communication for electronic game, television and film productions and concentrate on creating unique and appealing production ready designs.

The animation industry demands specialists who produce exemplary work on tight timelines. This course enables students to attain outstanding skills in animation. Students will identify an animation career specialty and create an industry-focused, self-directed portfolio and animation demo reel that targets industry for employment. Regular peer reviews, group critiques and mentoring sessions will provide critical feedback while developing students’ creative evaluation and analytical skills. Instructors will work with students to plan and develop unique, creative projects for their demo reels. An emphasis will be placed on quality standards, professionalism, project management, and networking in the animation community.

The animation industry demands specialists who produce exemplary work on tight timelines. This course enables students to attain outstanding technical skills in 3D asset creation. Students will identify a 3D career specialty and create an industry-focused, self-directed portfolio and demo reel that targets industry for employment. Regular peer reviews, group critiques and mentoring sessions will provide critical feedback while developing students’ creative evaluation and analytical skills. Instructors will work with students to plan and develop unique, creative projects for their portfolios. An emphasis will be placed on quality standards, professionalism, project management, and networking in the animation community.

Creation of a specific visual style is an integral part and the basis of all art direction in any animation, game or film project. This course focuses on industry techniques and approaches for creating realistic visual looks through a variety of technologies. Advanced shader creation, rendering and compositing techniques will aid students in the creation of a polished professional portfolio and demo reel.

The animation industry demands specialists who are capable of producing exemplary work on tight timelines. This course enables students to attain outstanding skills in their chosen area of expertise. Students will identify a career specialty and create an industry-focused, self-directed portfolio and demo reel that targets the industry sector they wish to be employed in. Regular peer reviews, group critiques and mentoring sessions will provide critical portfolio feedback while developing students’ creative evaluation and analytical skills. Instructors will work with students to plan and develop unique, creative projects and original content for their portfolios and/or demo reels. An emphasis will be placed on quality standards, professionalism, project management, and networking in the animation community.