School of Visual Development

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

BFA graduates of the School of Visual Development will meet the following student performance criteria:

The BFA degree programs provides students with the skills needed create a unique portfolio that demonstrates not only a personal style but also a wide range of styles to satisfy the needs of a professional production.  Emphasis is placed on creating projects that demonstrates functionality of all design elements, perspective, composition, figure drawing, background and environment design, concept and storytelling, effective use of color to convey feeling and mood, and mastery of technique, both traditional and digital. Industry standards, marketability and professional presentation are also stressed and will be evident in graduate’s portfolios.

• Visual Development

  • Generate functional designs for entertainment media (2D or 3D), following an industry-standard process from thumbnails through final render
  • Effectively communicate narrative, theme and character through design choices
  • Maintain a consistent ’language’ or ’signature style’ in art directing a scene with the requisite continuity in visual storytelling
  • Demonstrate the ability to research for inspiration, reference, and accuracy
  • Demonstrate flexibility in illustrative style by showing both a unique personal style and the ability to accommodate style to project needs

• Artistic Ability

  • Draw and paint convincing poses, expressions, character designs, thumbnails, storyboards and production paintings
  • Demonstrate facility creating perspective and conveying anatomy and proportion in human and animal figures.
  • Master the use of a focal point, with value, color, detail and composition.

• Technical Skills

  • Demonstrate proficient skills with relevant animation technology and software.

• Presentation Skills

  • Create visually compelling and cohesive presentations
  • Discuss work clearly and professionally

• Collaboration

  • Collaborate effectively on creative projects

• Professional Readiness

  • Produce a comprehensive portfolio (digital and print) which meets industry standards
  • Manage workload to meet deadlines

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

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