Animation & Visual Effects (BFA)

Animation & Visual Effects (BFA)

The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology. Students choose one primary area of emphasis between visual effects, 3D modeling, 3D animation, 2D animation and stop motion, and storyboarding.

AA MFA MA CERT

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree

Available Online & On Campus

Core Classes

ANM 101 Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation Core/3
ANM 105 Introduction to 3D Production A Core/3
ANM 108 Cinematics for Animation and VFX Core/3
ANM 180 Introduction to Animation Principles and Techniques Core/3
ANM 190 Traditional Animation 1 Core/3
ANM 202 Introduction to 3D Production B Core/3
ANM 205 Careers in Animation and VFX Core/3
ANM 251 Fundamentals of Texturing, Lookdev, and Lighting Core/3
ANM 270 Storyboarding 1: Basics of Storyboarding Core/3
ANM 342 VFX 3: Node-Based Compositing 1 Core/3
ANM 405 Senior Portfolio for Animation and VFX Core/3
FND 108 Digital Drawing for Entertainment Core/3
FND 110 Analysis of Form Core/3
FND 112 Figure Drawing Core/3
FND 116 Perspective Core/3
FND 122 Color Fundamentals Core/3
GAM 107 Game Engines Core/3
ILL 120 Clothed Figure Drawing 1 Core/3

FOR YOUR INDIVIDUALIZED ENROLLMENT PLAN, CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR

Unit Requirements

Major Coursework Units
Core 36
Major 33
Electives 9
Liberal Arts 42
Total 120

Degree Requirements

BFA ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or LA 108 Composition for the Artist.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    4 Art Historical Awareness courses
    1 Written Communication: Composition course
    1 Written Communication: Context & Style course
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Historical Awareness course
    1 Quantitative Literacy course
    1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
    1 Employment Communications and Practices course
     

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Visual Communication and Problem Solving

  • Make effective design choices to support narrative, character, and/or mood
  • Demonstrate the ability to research for inspiration, reference, accuracy, and incorporate findings into design solutions
  • Design and generate digital elements or effects that meet the needs of imagery
  • Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic continuity through sequential imagery
  • Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters
  • Successfully convey motion and interaction of character and/or object kinesis

Technical Skills

  • Demonstrate facility and flexibility with animation and/or VFX digital media, technology, and software

Professional Readiness

  • Assemble a professional digital or portfolio demonstrating an understanding of the target market
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the production pipeline through successful participation in the collaborative/pipeline process

Specialty Skills: Storyboarding

  • Create and pitch stories and concepts through the use of sequential imagery
  • Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic continuity by creating sequential imagery that supports narrative, character, and/or mood
  • Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters

Specialty Skills: Traditional Animation and Stop Motion

  • Successfully convey motion and interaction of character and/or object kinesis
  • Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters

Specialty Skills: Modeling

  • Model with appropriate use of form, proportion, and anatomy
  • Create and apply look development consistent with the overall style of the project

Specialty Skills: 3D Animation

  • Convey motion (biped and quadruped) and interaction of moving objects
  • Apply principles of animation to effectively communicate character action, emotion, and mood

Specialty Skills: Visual Effects

  • Exhibit an understanding of how VFX pipeline skills and tools support all the different departments from pre through post-production
  • Create shots or assets appropriate to the project aesthetic

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
  3. knowledge.
  4. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skillsrelevant to their field.
  5. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
  6. Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
  7. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
  8. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design
  9. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.

*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu

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