2070 - Animation and Interactive Design Survey

Sophomore Survey Course

This course introduces animation and interactive design through individual production and lessons in media history and theory. Using traditional and digital media to solve visual problems and exploring the process of creating motion and shape change illusion as well as the art of applying design and aesthetics for animation and game development. This course facilitates the creative and deliberate use of traditional and new media to represent thoughts, issues, and messages to various audiences and explores how animation/interactive design and digital imaging can complement experiences in multiple disciplines.

Objectives:

Develop an understanding of the 12 principles of animation and apply them to drawing and 3D modeling for animated films and video games.
Develop characters as visual personalities in 2D and 3D for film and games.
Become familiar with the idea generation and development process, component steps, software, and production techniques to build animations, images, and games in 2D and 3D.
Draw every day for animation, idea generation, concept development, and professional growth. Build short animated, digital, and analog films. Learn the basics of interactivity for game design.

Flour Sack Animation

Project Overview: Students will create a polished, expressive animation featuring a flour sack character, focusing on the principles of animation. This exercise emphasizes creativity in storytelling, camera work, and emotional expressiveness, challenging students to bring a simple object to life using dynamic motion, angles, and visual appeal.

Project Objectives:

Develop Emotional Expression: Animate five distinct emotions using body language and timing, focusing on clarity and impact without facial expressions.
Master Camera Variety and Composition: Use different camera angles to enhance storytelling and add visual variety, applying dynamic shot choices that highlight the flour sack’s actions.
Polish Animation Techniques: Apply the 12 principles of animation, including squash and stretch, timing, and anticipation, to create a smooth, technically sound animation.

Creepy Character 3D Model & Character Design

Project Overview: In this project, students will create a detailed 3D sculpt of a creature inspired by both animal and machine elements. The module guides students through a three-part character design and modeling process, culminating in a unique 3D character inspired by elements of nature and machinery. Participants will start with initial design sketches, progress to a detailed character sheet, and finish with a fully realized 3D model. Each project builds on the last, helping participants develop both their creative vision and technical 3D modeling skills to bring an unsettling, original character concept to life

Project Objectives:

Cultivate Original Character Concepts: Develop a distinct, creepy character by combining animal behavior and mechanical elements through sketches and concept exploration.
Refine Visual Storytelling Skills: Create a detailed character sheet that captures the character from multiple perspectives, with descriptions of key behaviors, traits, and unique attributes.
Enhance 3D Modeling Proficiency: Transition from 2D to 3D by sculpting and texturing the character in ZBrush, paying close attention to anatomical details, textures, and consistency with the character sheet.