VC 243 Animation and Motion Graphics 1

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Covers concepts, methods, and techniques of creating animations and motion graphics. Surveys a range of traditional animation methods and principles as well as explores the art of storytelling through the use of storyboarding and implementing various industry standard software and contemporary techniques.

Prerequisite: ART 120 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Plan and develop animation projects.
Apply animation and motion graphics principles.
Record, edit, and export sound for use in animation projects.
Publish and exhibit animation projects to various distribution platforms.
Interpret copyright laws and ethics related to digital media.
Use industry standard terminology in discussing concepts and techniques.
Create personally significant animations, applying contemporary techniques and processes.
Use industry standard software in the creation of animation projects.

Content Outline

Project Planning and Design
- Story conceptualisation
- Character design and development
- Storyboarding
- Critique and revise
Traditional Animation Methods and Principles
- 2D animation
  - Squash and stretch
  - Anticipation, follow through, and reverb
  - Onion-skinning
  - Rotoscoping
- Stop motion
  - Claymation
  - Pixilation
  - Cut-outs
- Color theory and design principles
Contemporary Animation Methods and Techniques
- Key-frames
- Z-axis
- 3D models
- Character Rigging
- Compositing
- Masking motion tracking
- Special effects and filters
Motion Graphics Software
- After Effects
- Character Animate
- Photoshop
- Premier Pro
- Dragonframe
- Other industry standard software or plugins
Audio
- Voice-over and ADR recording
- Soundtrack editing and mixing
- Audio exporting and synching with animation visuals
Publishing and Distribution
- Licensing and copyright issues
- Film festival and publication/distribution mediums