Syllabus

Students will learn traditional animation movement fundamentals and apply them utilizing digital processes to create 2D character-based animation involving full motion with synchronized voice.

Course Outcomes:

The student will:

Recognize current animation genres, understand the related copyright issues, and discuss possible distribution channels
Communicate an animation project concept in concise verbal, visual, and written formats
Demonstrate effective character design and incorporate it into an animation congruent with current industry standards
Demonstrate proficiency in animation techniques that cover movement, acting/posing, lip-synching, design, and timing
Critique and receive critique for projects, relative to the stated objectives, as a member of a review group, and then advance them accordingly

Grading will be based on:

You will receive a mid-term and a final grade. You may ask how you are doing throughout the semester. You can also see your attendance grade on Canvas.

On-time delivery

was work turned in on the due date?
were you present at the scheduled reviews?

File submitted correctly

is the file(s) in your Google Drive, named correctly, with the permissions set for me to edit?

Followed assignment directions

are all of the components listed completed?

Understood & implemented assignment concepts

this is a measure of the quality of the work based on the goals given.

Iterated based on feedback (if feedback was given)

revisions have been made to the previous week's assignment based on the feedback you received.

Course Content

We will have one main animation project that will cover all of the course outcomes.

The course outcomes are listed in the Checklist.

We will go through the 2D Character Animation process congruent with the Animation industry.

Process:

Animation Plan
Script Writing
Storyboarding
Sound Design and recording
Background Design
Character Design
Animation Blocking
Character Rigging
Anticipation > Action > Settle
Head Turn
Walk Cycle
Lip Synching
Animation Refinement
Credits and Title
Exporting

I will teach animation principles, techniques, and sequences throughout the course. These are required to be applied to your project. In your storyboard, you will make detailed notes about where you will be doing each animation requirement.

The timeline for all of these assignments are laid out on the Canvas Calendar. The date listed on the calendar is the due date not the start date.

Digital Guidelines

Software Requirements

DAD Tech Requirements: current requirements
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Animate
Adobe Media Encoder
Sound Software

Materials:

Backup plan: an *external hard drive

DAD Majors:

**Tablet - see the technology requirements for the school recommendation:

Tech Requirements 2023

Students who are not DAD majors may have a computer that will not be as fast and should consider using a lab computer.

KCAD DAD Open Labs:

The Cintiq and Audio Visual classrooms on the 7th floor will be converted to Open Labs, so students can have access to internet, computers, and Cintiqs if necessary as long as the building is open.

You are not required to use the labs and may work from home.

Remote Work:

In the Digital Art and Design program we aim to prepare students for remote work moving forward. Remote work is not new for professional artists and designers, but its prevalence has accelerated, and it will become the new normal to varying degrees, after the pandemic is over. It’s a skill that we will continue to promote and instruct, even after we eventually return to on-campus instruction.

Zoom Etiquette

Turning on your camera is optional but helpful when presenting.
Using a profile picture is optional, but encouraged. A photograph is the preferred professional method for creating a digital presence on Zoom in most scenarios.
Listing your pronouns in your profile name is optional, but encouraged. Every student has the right, in my course, to be referred to by whichever first name and pronoun they identify with.

In Class:

I will perform demonstrations on the software and the technical and conceptual demonstrations. You will work on assignments during class and obtain individualized and group instruction.

There are online tutorials that I post for you to work at your own pace, however, you will still need to follow the deadline for each assignment. When an assignment is listed as due on a day, by the time I meet with you it will be due.

Class critiques:

We will have group critiques at intervals throughout the semester, some may be small groups, some may be with the full group. You are expected to participate fully in every critique you join. Skipping critiques will negatively affect your grade. You will be critiqued considering the assignment's reflection on your major and meeting the needs of your portfolio. Your peers will join the critique, some may volunteer to join and others will be assigned. Your instructor will make effort to open communication lines between all students in the course.

Outside of class time:

You will be performing research and gathering information for your assignments. You are expected to put in extra time completing or reworking some assignments.

Half of your time for the class will be spent with virtual attendance - following videos, reading, submitting your assignments, creating your work, and participating in the classroom online community.

Attendance:

Engagement and work ethic are factors of your grade. Virtual and InPerson attendance will affect your midterm and final grade.

Calendar:

The calendar is where your project's final and interim deadlines will be listed. I reserve the right to change due dates and project interim deadlines based on the needs of the class.

You can see the calendar on Canvas online or through the Canvas Student App which is available on Google Play Store or iTunes.

Getting the Canvas App:

You can download the Canvas App on iOS or Android. Just search for Instructure Canvas. Get the Student App on Google Play.

See the calendar with deadlines
View grades and course content
Keep track of coursework with to-do list and calendar
Send and receive messages
Post to discussions
Receive push notifications for new grades and course announcements.

KCAD Student Artwork Usage Policy:

As a condition of enrollment, students and/or parents of minor students consent to the following usage rights, for purposes which may include, but are not limited to: display, educational assessment, accreditation, archiving, and publicity/promotions for the college. The college reserves the right to edit materials as needed for best use in context without specific written permission.

1. Use of any works produced by students while attending Kendall College of Art and Design, Ferris State University.

2. Use of photographs, video, audio or other recordings of any artworks, designs or other coursework produced while a student at KCAD.

3. Use of photographic, video, audio, written or other recordings/documentation in college or KCAD sponsored/affiliated classes or activities, on or off campus, while a student at KCAD. Usage may be in any medium. Materials may be used without further notification, compensation or credit, though whenever possible, credit will be included for students enrolled in a KCAD degree program. Materials produced by or for KCAD are the sole property of KCAD.

All other copy and reproduction rights to original artwork, designs or coursework remain the sole property of the student. KCAD students may request that their name and other public information be kept confidential by submitting a completed Directory Non-Disclosure form to the office of the Registrar.

Susan Bonner's Additional Policy:

I will honor any requests to not publish, record, or share your work if notification is given.
You may contact the Chair of the DAD program if you prefer to not contact me.

Syllabus Supplement

Syllabus Supplement Fall 2022.pdf

KCAD Syllabus Supplement containing important information about the college.

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