Fall 2023
email: stlarson@nmu.edu
phone: x1488 (227-1488)
Office: 84 ART
"Development of concepts and practices of computer art with an emphasis on digital forms of animation. Creative and commercial applications of animation will be explored while developing pre-professional production workflows."
The course is all about motion - the technical aspects of creating motion with software, the design aspects of manipulating motion in an effective manner, and the conceptual aspects of motion that involve emotion, interpretation, and communication. Recurring topics will emphasize the design of 2D and 3D animation. The course includes technique, design, and concepts of the medium with a focus on student production. All assignments and the evaluation of projects will place emphasis on quality over quantity, with the goal of creating short, thoughtful, tightly edited pieces.
This is a studio course. The course will involve problem solving, discussion, and project development pertaining to motion: keyframes, speed graphs and f-curves, 2D space and 3D space, effects, postproduction, simulations, and rendering. Lectures will include demonstrations, discussions, technical exploration, and aesthetic inquiry. Ability to meet project deadlines is stressed. As with any art/design studio course, some success in the course will be dictated by the ability to play and explore, the process of trial/error, an investment of time and brainspace, and careful observation.
Maxon Cinema4D and Adobe After Effects will be the primary tools for the duration of the semester, but Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator will be used for components of the semester in addition to numerous optional applications for image generation, video editing, and audio manipulation.
This course is about becoming a better animator. We will romp between Cinema4D and After Effects frequently, play with character design and character animation, make some zingy logos, and continue to develop production workflows (work smarter, not harder).
A primary goal of the course is to understand that animation is pretty much the same regardless of software - you just have to find the right buttons. Ultimately, your ideas should dictate the final product, not a bias or comfort with one application.
Technical Outcomes
1. Apply knowledge of animation control with keyframes and motion curves.
2. Apply knowledge of working in 2D and 3D animation environments.
Design Outcomes
1. Analyze animation for effective control of design including animation principles (acceleration/deceleration, squash/stretch, etc.).
2. Develop animation with effective design that includes both physical and theatrical timing.
3. Apply knowledge of light, shadow, and depth cues in the creation of animation
Concept Outcomes
1. Analyze animation for narrative and/or metaphorical representation.
2. Synthesize ideas, processes, decision-making, and final output in a variety of methodologies.
Consideration in grading is given to the following:
* TECHNIQUE - Technical control and craftsmanship
* DESIGN - Visual thought process; composition and framing, overall design, lighting, texturing, quality of motion
* CONCEPT - Creativity and imaginative use of the medium; serious engagement with ideas and issues to communicate an idea to the viewer
* SCOPE/AMBITION - The amount of work produced and pushing beyond project minimums
All projects have a grading rubric with the specific criteria for project evaluation. The rubrics are linked to each project webpage.
The semester points grade scale is approximately as follows (max 2,500 pts):
A: 2,300+
B: 1,775
C: 1,250
D: 725
The grade weighting of the various projects is approximately as follows:
"Sketchbook": 5%
Physical vs Theatrical: 12%
The Machine: 14%
Character Stroll: 11%
History in 2.5D: 14%
Compositing Muckabout: 14%
Stingers: 25%
Engagement: 5%
As a reminder, if you are a Computer Art major, you must maintain a 2.7 GPA average (B-) across your computer art courses and you must achieve a C- or better grade in all Foundations courses -- 101, 102, 2D Foundation, 3D Foundation, Digital Foundation, 270 -- to be eligible for Individual Art Review and Senior Capstone Project.
Students are expected to complete all assignments for the specified date; late assignments will be penalized 25% (approximately one letter grade) automatically and no assignment will be accepted more than one week late. Failure to complete all Assignments results in automatic failure of the course. If you do not complete all of the assignments, you have not completed the minimum course requirements.
Attendance is essential. The course is comprised of lectures, demonstrations,
class discussions, critiques, visual presentations, and working in class,
all of which cannot be repeated so it is in your best interest to conscientiously
attend class... but there is no formal attendance policy - it is just assumed you will attend class.
Active participation in discussions and critiques, asking questions, and making comments are encouraged and expected. Students will be expected to verbally present their work and talk about the process as well as their interests and ideas. Student engagement (participation, critique productivity, willingness to explore course material, completion of projects/challenges, etc.) contributes to the semester grade.
There is no participation grade but there is an engagement grade. Why? Because you can participate by saying words but not actually be engaged in the material. Engagement includes participation but it also requires that the participation is actively related to the class - in discussion, in critique, in informal settings, in studio production.
* A second storage system for files/backups: USB drive at least 16GB size, external hard drive, or regular access to Google Drive.
* Assuming your laptop is a primary production tool, the required software is Adobe After Effects and Maxon Cinema 4D. If your hard drive is getting quite full, consider migrating some things to external drives to make room for the software.
* Use of the computer studio is encouraged - the ability to work faster (faster computers, larger screens, all plugins available, superfast server connection, etc.) combined with interaction with your peers should more than compensate for the inconvenience.
* COVID might still be a thing. We will adapt to any changes that come along.
* Projects are mandatory. It shows that you understand how to apply the concepts learned in class. Projects must be completed before class starts on the day it is due. Some projects will include class critique and others will simply be turned in. Some projects will require a revision, some projects will have the option for a revision, and some projects will not be revised.
* Any project (except the final project) may be revised one additional time after the final submission. The optional revision is due one week after the intial project deadline.
* There will be no food or drink in the computer lab.
* Please wash your hands before and after using the lab.
* If you have a cell phone - answer it in the hallway, NOT in the lab (and never during class).
* The computer studio will have open lab hours. It is assumed that projects cannot be completed during regular class meetings.
* Computers are to be utilized for coursework and activities related to coursework. Do not use computers for entertainment during class meetings.
* Do not display material on screen which may be distracting or offensive to your neighbor.
* Informal discussion about projects and techniques can be a HUGE benefit. Find that discussion. It can happen before/after class or through a host of other methods -- but have that discussion. Your peers are one of your best learning assets in a studio course.
* Make multiple backups. "My computer crashed" is not an acceptable excuse for not handing in your assignment. Keep a copy on your laptop, your flash drive, the server, etc.
* Version your work. Save different versions of your project whenever you make a significant change so that you can easily go back to an earlier version if things go wrong. (e.g. save files animation01.c4d, animation02.c4d, animation03.c4d, etc.) There is a built-in Save Incremental function in both After Effects and Cinema4D.
* Try things on a test scene, not your main work. Everything can be copy/pasted together. This is paticularly relevant when trying to fix a problem... sometimes it is easier to go back to an earlier version of the project (you did see the previous suggestion, right?).
* Understand a problem before you try to fix it. Randomly trying a bunch of things in Cinema4D will often make the problem worse. Try things on a test scene, not your main work.
* Get familiar with the Cinema4D help system. It can save you a lot of time.
* Follow project guidelines carefully.
* Assignments WILL take more time than you expect. Work on them early. Do not start a two-week long project two days before it is due.
AI can do some really good stuff it can save a lot of time. But this course is about developing technical skills, design proficiency, kinesthetic/motion awarenss, and critical thinking - key competencies for virutally professional endeavor. Using AI circumvents many of these objectives - the best solutions for projects in this course are your solutions. AI may be used to brainstorm projects only - it can be a useful tool to break through creative block. All project production should be exclusively your own. AI-generated projects or elements of projects are not permitted and will be treated as plagiarism. Violation of this policy may lead to academic integrity violations and consequent disciplinary action as per NMU’s Academic Dishonesty policy. (https://nmu.edu/policies/1070)
My classroom is a place where you will be treated with respect. In this course, each voice has something of value to contribute. Please take care to respect the different experiences, beliefs, and values expressed by students, faculty and staff. Each member of this class is expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of the class.
The instructor may duplicate your artwork from this semester for instructional and/or promotional uses that relate to the educational mission of the instructor, department, or university. If you are unwilling to allow your portfolio to be copied for these specific purposes, please inform the instructor.
Procures materials and supplies in large quantities, minus any overhead, to achieve the lowest possible price as a savings and service to students. As a student in this course you are entitled to purchase materials and supplies through the coop, but participation is not mandatory. However, the materials and supplies for this course as listed in this syllabus are required and would be your responsibility to obtain.
If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock Building (227-1737 or disserv@nmu.edu). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
It is the responsibility of the student to safeguard his or her personal property, including any personal property that is required for any course. Northern Michigan University, the School of Art and Design, faculty and staff, are not responsible for loss or damage to personal property of students.
If you are a veteran and need assistance with your benefits or are experiencing complications with your education due to military service-connected issues, contact the Veteran Resource Representative in 2101 Hedgcock (227-1402 or mrutledg@nmu.edu). The Veteran Resource Representative can advocate for you before the Veterans Administration and can also help you solve any veteran-specific issues you may have.
