Character and Performance Animation module (DJ22008)

You will be introduced to both traditional and digital animation tools for 2D and 3D animation production. This will develop your understanding of industry-based animation techniques.

You will learn about the principles of animation. You will learn through research, creative exploration, practice and demonstration. You will also develop and enhance your creative and technical skills for animation.

You will be provided with several project briefs. Each of these is tailored to introduce you to elements of design principles. They will also allow you to expand on your understanding of animation principles through practice.

You will attend weekly lectures and tutorials. In these, you will be provided with content on the briefs along with additional information.

You will also attend weekly life drawing sessions. These are an integral element in the development of drawing skills for animation. In addition to this, you will also have movement workshops. These will develop your understanding of anatomy, acting, and movement for animation.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• develop specialist knowledge of animation skills, principles, and techniques using professional-level tools
• critically analyse and reflect on primary and secondary research material as it applies to each project brief
• apply visual techniques as part of your research and development process. This will include techniques such as drawing and sketchbook work
• learn to use appropriate strategies and methods to create and design visual materials. These will include methods such as software applications and digital hardware tools
• learn to exercise autonomy and initiative through research and project development. You will learn to show effective problem solving and critical thinking on complex subjects
• Develop transferable software application knowledge and skills. This will give you the ability to adapt to changing workflows. This is expected in the animation industry

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• develop final outputs. You will be able to show the practical ability to organise visual or textual material. This will show an understanding of the principles of design as it applies to animation
• show methodical knowledge, production skills, application and understanding of design decisions. You will also be able to show an understanding of materials and methods to inform creative practice
• present work and communicate processes using industry standard terminology. You will be able to do this in written, visual, and oral form

Assignments / assessment

• 10-minute self-narrated video

This will go through the progress and development of each brief. You will also highlight key areas. This will give you an opportunity to show effective research, practice, problem-solving, and final outcomes.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• software application tutorials
• critiques
• workshops
• in group and individual sessions