Visual Communication, Digital and Media Arts (VCDMA) Animation & Motion Graphics Concentration, BS

The Animation & Motion Graphics concentrations includes additional coursework in animation, communications (television/video production) and English (film studies and screenwriting), and provide students with an overview of the business of animation and motion graphics design. The concentration under the Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts, (BS) Major, allows students the opportunity to focus on a highly competitive and successful career option. The objectives of the concentration are as to prepare graduates to enter a career in animation (2D or 3D), motion graphics, compositing, special effects and new media. They will also be empowered to continue their success and studies at the graduate level and beyond. Students will focus primarily on animation, sequential and time based art; including the integration of video and film production. The Animation & Motion Graphics concentration prepares students for careers in (but not limited to): 2D/3D animation, compositing, special effects, broadcast and motion graphics industries. Students also merge skills in illustration, art/design, new media and digital video/film production.

Expected student learning outcomes
After successful completion of coursework, portfolio reviews, exhibitions/screenings, internships and senior thesis projects, students will be able to:

• Organize the advanced elements and principles of art, design and animation

• Demonstrate the organizational principles that underline the effective manipulation of the optical elements in 2D/3D space with animation and video; character                                    and text/typographic-based  animation

• Demonstrate a full command of a variety of design/animation and digital video, audio editing, compositing software packages and develop creative and effective problem-solving      skills

• Utilize animation, motion graphics and compositing software to create 2D and 3D animation and graphics

• Apply successful usage of principles of animation; physics, motion

• Examine and use vocabulary of animation terms and techniques

• Design and produce scripts, treatments, animatics & storyboards

• Develop concepts and narratives for animation

• Assemble an entry-level portfolio of short animation projects and examples

• Develop advertising and visual marketing campaigns using animation, motion graphics and other time-based media (film/video)