Animation (AS Degree) - Cranfield Unive

The Animation program at Mt. San Antonio College offers an Associate of Science degree that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in animation and gaming. The program combines studio art techniques with digital media technologies, providing a comprehensive curriculum that covers the fundamentals of animation, character development, storyboarding, 3D modeling and animation, and motion graphics. Students can choose a specialization in either animation or gaming, allowing them to refine their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. The program culminates with the creation of a demo reel showcasing the student's best work, which can be used to apply for internships, jobs, or transfer to a four-year institution.

Program Outline

Animation (AS Degree S1006)

Degree Overview:

This Associate of Science degree provides expertise leading to employment opportunities as junior animators, character designers, storyboard artists, 3D modelers and game designers. The program offers an integrated/interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for current and future job market demands, providing them with a balanced blend of art and technology-based skills essential for careers in animation or transfer to higher education institutions.

Program Objectives:

Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in animation and gaming careers.
Offer a comprehensive and in-demand curriculum aligned with industry trends and technology.
Provide opportunities for students to develop their individual artistic styles and technical expertise.
Foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
Prepare students for seamless transfer to four-year institutions for continued studies in animation or related fields.

Program Description:

The Animation program at Mt. San Antonio College combines studio art techniques with digital media technologies, equipping students with the technical and artistic skills necessary for a successful career in animation and gaming. The program curriculum consists of core courses covering the fundamentals of animation, character development, storyboarding, 3D modeling and animation, and motion graphics. Students also have the opportunity to choose a specialization in either animation or gaming, allowing them to refine their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. The program culminates with the creation of a demo reel showcasing the student's best work, which can be used to apply for internships, jobs, or transfer to a four-year institution.

Outline:

The Animation program comprises both core courses and elective courses, providing students with a solid foundation in animation principles while allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests.

Core Courses:

Digital Paint and Ink (ANIM 100): Introduces students to fundamental techniques and tools for digital painting and inking, essential for both 2D and 3D animation workflows.
Drawing - Gesture and Figure (ANIM 101A): Enhances students' drawing skills through gesture drawing, anatomy studies, and figure drawing exercises.
Principles of Animation (ANIM 108): Explores the fundamental principles of animation, including timing, spacing, anticipation, exaggeration, and character expression.
Animal Drawing (ANIM 110): Develops students' abilities to observe, analyze, and portray animals through observation drawing, anatomical studies, and gesture sketching.
Storyboarding (ANIM 115): Introduces the art of storyboarding, teaching students to visually translate scripts and narratives into a series of sequential drawings.
Character Development (ANIM 116): Guides students in creating compelling and dynamic characters, focusing on character design, personality, and storytelling potential.

Electives:

Animation Specialization:

Introduction to 3D Modeling (ANIM 130): Introduces the fundamental principles of 3D modeling using industry-standard software.
Intermediate 3D Modeling (ANIM 132): Further develops 3D modeling skills, covering advanced techniques and workflows.
Introduction to 3D Animation (ANIM 140): Introduces the basics of 3D animation principles and techniques.
Intermediate 3D Animation (ANIM 146): Builds upon animation principles, focusing on complex animation techniques and character rigging.
Demo Reel (ANIM 148): Guides students in creating a professional demo reel showcasing their strongest animation skills and projects.
Motion Graphics, Compositing and Visual Effects (ANIM 172): Introduces motion graphics principles, compositing techniques, and visual effects creation for video production.
Digital Animation (ANIM 175): Provides advanced instruction in 2D animation, focusing on creating animated sequences with storytelling elements.

Gaming Specialization:

Introduction to Virtual Reality Design and Technology (ANIM 122): Introduces students to emerging VR/AR technologies, their applications, and design principles.
Introduction to Game Design (ANIM 131): Provides an introduction to the principles and process of game design, covering game mechanics, levels, and storytelling.
Game Level Design (ANIM 141): Focuses on designing and building engaging and challenging game levels, incorporating creative problem-solving and narrative techniques.
Game Art Development (ANIM 151): Involves creating 2D and 3D game assets, including characters, environments, and props.
Building Worlds in Virtual Reality (ANIM 210): Immerses students in VR world building, combining modeling, texturing, lighting, and scripting techniques for interactive experiences.

Assessment:

Student progress in the Animation program is assessed through a variety of methods, including:

Studio work: Students' creative work, such as sketches, storyboards, 3D models, and animations, is evaluated based on technique, composition, originality, and adherence to project specifications.
Presentations: Students regularly present their work and receive feedback from both peers and instructors, enhancing their communication and critical analysis skills.
Exhibitions: Students have opportunities to showcase their best work in departmental exhibitions and public events, gaining valuable exposure and experience.
Exams and quizzes: Exams and quizzes assess students' theoretical knowledge and understanding of animation principles, software tools, and industry practices.
Participation and engagement: Active participation in class discussions, critiques, and group projects contributes to the overall assessment of a student's performance and commitment to the program.
Demo reel: As a culmination of their studies, students create a professional demo reel showcasing their animation or gaming skills.

Teaching:

The Animation program at Mt. San Antonio College features a dedicated team of experienced faculty, industry professionals, and guest artists who are passionate about animation and gaming. The program utilizes a dynamic and interactive teaching approach that combines lectures, demonstrations, hands-on projects, and peer feedback to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience. Additionally, the program embraces a supportive learning environment where students can collaborate and develop their artistic voices, receiving personalized指导 from instructors who are invested in their success.

Careers:

The Animation program at Mt. San Antonio College prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the animation and gaming industries, as well as in related fields. Potential career paths include:

Junior animator
Character designer
Storyboard artist
3D modeler
Game designer
Visual effects artist
Motion graphics artist
Animation instructor
Freelancer/entrepreneur in animation or gaming

Other:

In addition to its academic curriculum, the Animation program provides students with various opportunities to enhance their learning and career prospects, such as:

Guest speaker presentations by industry professionals
Portfolio reviews with experienced animation artists
Internships at animation studios and gaming companies
Participation in national student animation and gaming competitions
Networking events with industry professionals
Field trips to animation studios and gaming conventions

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