Animation and Visual Effects (AA)

Explore the different disciplines that collectively contribute to computer graphics production. You'll learn the basic concepts and terminology of computer graphics used in film, visual effects, games, and animation.

In part one of this two-part course, you'll learn to navigate the complex 3D software and its many tools and workflows as they are used in major animation and VFX studios, preparing you for specialized study in the track of your choice.

Cinematics is the language and techniques of filmmaking. To learn Cinematics Animation and VFX, you'll board, shoot, and edit a film, critically analyzing examples of film content and production to understand why choices in filmmaking are made.

Gain technical skills practicing experimental and stop motion animation. Building a firm foundation for future animation work, you'll gain hands-on experience with media of clay, paper cutouts, found objects, pixilation, and stop motion puppets.

Step back and survey your body of work. Working with faculty, you'll identify strengths, weaknesses, and interests to determine your emphasis and begin developing your portfolio to meet industry standards.

Motion design is essential across media, industries, and visual arts. You will be introduced to basic tools, software, and creative concepts to incorporate motion design into future projects. Topics include opening titles, lower-thirds, moving logos, and 3D motion graphics.

Speak the language of animators, story artists, and game developers. You'll learn the standard professional note taking techniques they use to communicate ideas to coworkers.

In-depth study of classical drawing principles on achieving heightened realism in imagery. Learn how to incorporate accurate geometrical construction and use the five-value system to analyze light and shadow on forms. Gaining skills in perspective, composition, and rendering of various textures and materials.

Color is a powerful tool. Discover how color psychology, simultaneous contrast, proportion, desaturation, atmospheric depth, light temperature, composition, and harmony can greatly enhance imagery. You will utilize various color schemes to explore color harmony using digital media.