This module explores digital literacy in the context of 3D computer graphics, linking theory and terminology to the studio practice modules.
3D art, whether for animation, real-time applications, architectural visualisation, illustrations, or 3D printing, are becoming an essential part in a wide variety of industry pipelines. The methods for designing and making 3D art are ever changing and adapting to suit artists.
This presents an array of opportunities for the development of new visual narratives and design challenges. Introducing students to different methods for researching and contextualising design and making of 3D art to promote informed discussion. This approach to discussion with the appropriate level of 3D digital literacy is key to developing students informed self-reflection and constructively critical approach to their own practice.
The module will help students explore the creative and technical requirements to work collaboratively towards 3D art design, processes and outcomes within the contemporary contexts of the discipline. This will require sustained and careful observation of a wide range of visual & contextual research towards 3D art and design, developing and deploying strategies and creative problem solving that also involves a level of risk-taking and experimentation.
Module is weighed at 30 credits to reflect the equal importance and workload to the DES131 Animation Studio module which runs alonside this module in semester 1. Both these modules are practical focused studio modules.
- Teacher: Brian Morris
This module introduces the key historical and contemporary movements, theoretical frameworks and research methodologies associated with animation.
The lecture series will focus on introducing historical, contemporary and theoretical themes, which will inform student's awareness of key research themes and questions, and the development of their creative practice.
Seminars will develop students' study skills, including effective learning, active learning and idea development, organising and planning creative work, research, writing and presentation skills. Individual and group tutorials will facilitate debate and the articulation of the relationship between theory and practice.
- Teacher: Brian Morris
DES131 Animation Studio - This module introduces students from diverse backgrounds to a range of concepts and skills required to gain an understanding of the universal principles surrounding both design and animation fundamentals. Students will work both independently and together in small groups exploring core themes such as: animation principles, character development, concept art, perspective, tone, colour, cinematography, audio, interactivity, graphic design, groupwork, timing and spacing. This module aims to give students an overview of the required design skills and principles to create a successful animation while allowing them to expand, explore and apply their technical and creative skills within an animation context.
This module is 30 credits as to be equal in importance and weighting to DES132 3D Digital Literacy which runs alongside in semester 1, both of which are practical studio modules
It will provide the opportunity to experiment and pursue individual lines of enquiry and artist exploration in the medium of animation and it will provide an integral introduction to key concepts of animation production.
This module is 40 credits to reflect the studio based practical elements of the module which require intensive time, independent study and tutorials and cover both technical and creative aspects of animation and vfx pipelines.
- Teacher: Brian Morris
This module introduces students to the impact of narrative and visualisation on animated outcomes. Exploring the tools employed within that process, creative strategies for idea generation and problem solving, and provides an overview of the key issues and drivers that inform the design and process of animation.
Using static imagery as a starting point we move toward imagery in sequence, introducing storytelling and developing the students' understanding of linear and non-linear narrative through the development of storyboards, and pre-visualisations (animatics & 3D Previs). Moving through narrative and the design process the module will signpost the wide range of animation practice areas and how those practice areas have evolved historically and will examine how these roles will develop in the future.
Students will engage with small team projects to help inform their understanding of the topics covered and introduce them to team and project management methodologies.
On completion, students will have a built upon their grasp of the technical foundations of animation, while developing their understanding of narrative and its impact on decisionmaking and production processes.
- Teacher: Brian Morris
- Teacher: Yannis Texis
Finally, we will go through and work on the pre-production steps, preparing you for the development of your idea.
- Teacher: Aspasia Kazeli
- Teacher: Brian Morris
2nd Semester
This course is the continuation of AND141 Sketching and Drawing for Animation.
You have leveled up since you practiced intensively on the previous semester.
So for the second round of Sketching and Drawing for animation, we will keep working with space, light and shadow, and forms, but we will also return to the body. An extra step will be taken as we will also introduce color and some different mediums.
- Teacher: Aspasia Kazeli
- Teacher: Brian Morris
In this course, we will do as the title states. We will draw, experiment with materials, observe and sketch the form of the body and the space.
Our focus will be directed on the body, its posture and movement, facial and hand gestures, shadow/light, perspective, exhaggeration and distortion. No matter what your aesthetics and style are, this is your turn to explore and experiment further with them. Finally, sharing our artworks and giving each other feedback is an essential part of this course.
- Teacher: Aspasia Kazeli
- Teacher: Brian Morris
This course guides you towards a career in the animation and games industries and in this module you will have the opportunity to work on exciting collaborations and explore both traditional creative techniques as well as learning new digital applications.
You will have the opportunity to build on the fundamentals learnt last semester while learning a variety of animation techniques and processes – both traditional and digital.
Teamwork is a key skill for employability – crucial to employment in our industry. Being able to show that you can work effectively and creatively with others is a strong skill to have for any job and core to the Creative Industries.
You will also be encouraged to experiment and play with colour, texture/media and mark-making in order to expand and explore your own creativity.
- Teacher: Brian Morris
Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects are three helpful tools that can prove extremely useful in creating visual artwork, either still images or moving visuals.
So first, we will start by exploring Adobe Photoshop and its possibilities. Then, we will move on to Adobe Illustrator, where we will see how this vector based software is working. And last, but not least, we will learn to move things, compose and animate in After Effects.
During this course there will be weekly homework and tasks given to you, as part of the training and learning process.
And for the final piece, you will be asked to compose a showreel that will demonstrate your work and represent your aesthetics and skills.
- Teacher: Aspasia Kazeli
- Teacher: Brian Morris