School of Visual Development

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

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

The MFA in Visual Development curriculum provides rigor and depth that allows graduate students to achieve mastery of industry principles and to achieve a signature thesis book showcasing design for a project based on a story.

In addition to achieving a professional portfolio following industry standards, the signature thesis book will demonstrate the look and feel of a project as well as ensuring the functionality of all design elements.  Skill sets will include drawing and an understanding of the figure, designing backgrounds and environments, storytelling, the use of color to convey feeling and mood, perspective and composition, mastery of technique in both traditional and digital media, marketability and presentation.

Graduate students will develop a high level of professional skills enabling them to enter the job market at an advanced level.  Upon graduation the student is ready to succeed in the Visual Development industry in a number of roles including character and environment designer, concept and storyboard artist and background painter.

• MFA Thesis Project

  • Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
  • Demonstrate the feasibility of their thesis project
  • Produce a professional-standard project, with topical content for the industry, showcasing artistic ability

• Artistic Ability

  • Demonstrate strong drawing and compositional skills
  • Create value studies that demonstrate an understanding of lighting, composition, and space

• Research and Critical Thinking

  • Apply visual research to design solutions
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the production pipeline by presenting an effective timeline at the Midpoint Review (MPR only)

• Collaboration

  • Collaborate effectively to produce creative projects

• Visual Development

  • Apply color and design elements consistent with the overall look of the film.
  • Design elements to support the narrative
  • Demonstrate continuity in visual storytelling

• Presentation Skills

  • Create visually compelling, professional-quality presentation materials
  • Pitch ideas clearly and professionally

• Professional Readiness

  • Produce a professional-level digital and print portfolio suitable for seeking employment within the industry
  • Demonstrate accountability for planning complex projects, prioritizing tasks and meeting project milestones.

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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