General Course Listing

AND-2010

Animation Workshop I

3 studio credits

This course will introduce the animation production pipeline from preproduction through postproduction. Students will research and develop stories with well-rounded characters and environments and then build upon their drawing skills by animating characters and creating believable worlds. Screenings, discussions and in-class exercises are planned throughout the semester and students will prepare to make their own animated shorts.

AND-2015

Animation Workshop II

3 studio credits

Building upon the materials covered in AND-2010, Animation Workshop I, this course will focus on the development of advanced animation techniques and apply them to increasingly challenging assignments. Animating within digital formats, as well as proficiency in visual storytelling, timing and craftsmanship will be emphasized. Students will produce, develop and complete a short, animated film.

AND-2090

Perspective Drawing

3 studio credits

Perspective drawing skills are essential for creating depth in images. Through lectures, demonstrations and assignments, this course will give students a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of perspective and their creative applications. Topics will include: methods of measurement, inclines, ellipses, plastic forms, shadows and reflections. Works-in-progress will be critiqued throughout the semester.

AND-2112

Gesture Drawing

3 studio credits

This course will strengthen each student’s drawing skills by combining observation with action sketches of people and animals in motion and repose. Such quick sketching of figure and action helps to master drawing skills that include flexibility, anatomy, silhouetting and foreshortening. The goal of gesture drawing is to create active poses that emphasize variety and personality, and pave the way to lively representations, all of which are important elements to enhancing the overall storytelling.

AND-2114

Sonic Storytelling

3 studio credits

This course explores the foundations of sound in animation through practical and theoretical applications, examining how audio and visuals complement one another to reinforce the magic of storytelling. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, guest speakers, in-class critiques and exercises, students will examine the foundations of audio techniques and how to apply them to animation projects. Students will complete this course with an appreciation of the critical function of sound and a familiarity with the tools necessary to execute an animated story.

FID-2120

Anatomy I

3 studio credits

This course will begin with the skeleton, and students will learn about and internalize the structure, form and movement of the body in an effort toward making more informed drawings of the live model. A portion of the course will focus on the comparative anatomy of animals.

AND-2167

Storyboarding for Animation

3 studio credits

Story is one of the most important aspects of a film. It is the backbone and structure that carry the entire flow of a film, as well as connecting all the characters into one plot. In this course students will create storyboards for animated films as they explore continuity, composition, camera placement and framing choices along with basic story structure and character delineation. In storyboard form, plots, situations and conflicts will be developed. The entire process, from rough sketches to a finished presentation, will be covered by using Toon Boom Storyboard Pro.

AND-2168

Pitching Commercial Storyboards

3 studio credits

Storyboarding your idea is one thing; professionally and competitively selling your concept through a pitch presentation is entirely different—and inevitable necessary to your future careers. In this course storyboard development is created through personally selling the story, rather than just storyboarding it. Workshop exercises will include presenting pitch boards for a range of industries, such as animation and TV advertising. In addition, students will get a thorough education in storyboarding methods, terms and patterns using Toon Boom Storyboard Pro.

AND-2169

Straight to Series: New Media and TV Writing

3 studio credits

The foundations of writing serialized narrative scripts for new media and television will be examined in this course. Through ideation and peer-reviewed collaboration, students will explore how to develop complex characters, stories and compelling dialogue, as well as proper script formatting, the importance of deadlines, and the art of giving and receiving feedback. Each student will develop and write a short-form pilot (7 to 11 minutes in length), along with the first draft of a half-hour pilot for an original TV series. The course is specifically designed to teach students all the tools they’ll need to write dynamic scripts.

AND-2173

Experimental Animation

3 studio credits

In this course students will explore the concepts and techniques of experimental animation, as well as study its history. Visual techniques, image-capturing, compositing, editing, sound design and storytelling will be addressed through curated screenings, demos, studio work and critiques. Students are encouraged to engage in their own artistic exploration through independent research, process- focused experimentation, personal mythologies and topics of interest. Coursework will include short- term technical exercises in preparation for a self-directed final project.

AND-2177

Stop Motion

3 studio credits

The basic principles of stop-motion animation, timing techniques, lip syncing and acting for animation will be covered in this course. Students will create professional animation models from scratch using various materials, and practice stop-motion animation through assignments.

AND-2184

Animation with Comics

3 studio credits

Every animator’s craft can benefit from learning the principles of the comic arts. In this course students will produce a series of short-form comics that they will then adapt to animation. Our goal will be to develop a personal voice in storytelling, create original work tailored for social media and enhance static comic work with Adobe Animate, Photoshop and After Effects.

AND-2186

Background Design and Paint

3 studio credits

Layout and design skills are essential for creating compelling images that will engage an audience. Through lectures, demonstrations and individual projects, students will examine the principles of composition, camera dynamics and staging guidelines, roughs and finished layouts, value arrangement and color fundamentals, and perspective. Most importantly, students will understand the role of a designer within the animation industry. Projects are designed to replicate actual job assignments and will include developing exterior and interior locations with character placement.

AND-2213

Color Theory

3 studio credits

Color theory is essential for creating compelling images that will engage the audience with the story. Through lectures, demonstrations and individual projects, this course will expand each student’s ability to use color and light for animated projects. Topics include light describing form, color wheels, hue, saturation and value, local color, color relationships, lighting and dynamic color to enhance the narrative. Projects include developing color for characters and environments.

AND-2219

Toon Boom Animation

3 studio credits

The basics of Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro will be introduced in this course. Students will begin with an exploration of Harmony’s traditional, paperless animation tool kit and then dive into keyframe-based animation techniques to build simple puppets utilizing Harmony’s parenting system and deformation effects. Midway through the course Storyboard Pro will be introduced where its UI and output options will be examined, and how best to use both applications in a production capacity. Finally, the last leg of the course will bring all of these parts together as students build more complex scenes using Harmony’s 2D/2.5D compositing tools and visual effects.

AND-2247

Adobe Animate

3 studio credits

In this course students will explore how to navigate and expertly use Adobe Animate as a tool to create digital 2D animated content. The tools and procedures utilized at the industry-standard level to produce beautiful digital media ready for various platforms will be covered. How to use the drawing tools, motion editing, effects, and export options that Adobe Animate has to offer will be addressed, as well as how these apply these techniques to the medium of animation. Film and television examples, actual studio test and tour, and handouts will be provided.

AND-2316

After Effects

3 studio credits In this course students will gain a solid understanding of basic compositing and animation techniques with Adobe After Effects. The text animation tool, rendering and compression options, importing and compositing image sequences, color correction and basic image manipulation, masks and alpha channels, basic 3D cameras and lighting will all be explored.

AND-2321

Drawing Animals in Motion

3 studio credits

Many animated films center around characters drawn from the animal kingdom. This course will explore how to capture the intricacies of anatomy and the fluidity of movement. Using pencils, charcoal and watercolors, students will practice the art of drawing animals in motion and on location. Various strategies will be employed to assist the artist to stay within the immediacy of the field situation. Weather permitting, sessions will be held at various New York City zoos, museums and parks.

AND-2333

Dimensional Storytelling in Blender

3 studio credits

The potential for storytelling across multiple dimensions is limitless. In this course we’ll explore this potential through Blender, an all-in-one, open-source 3D computer graphics tool kit. Coursework will cover the various features of Blender: building and animating three-dimensional models and environments; two-dimensional drawing, storyboarding, and animating in 3D; compositing and video editing. Fundamental concepts such as mise-en-scène, cinematography and editing will be emphasized throughout the course as students develop their skill sets and explore the possibilities where 2D and 3D imaging meet.

AND-3010 / AND-3015

Advanced Animation Workshop I and II

3 studio credits per course

In these courses students will expand their horizons through collaboration. Students will continue to build upon their skills in animation and storytelling, and apply them to the process of filmmaking through group effort. The goal is to give students the opportunity to see where they best fit in the production pipeline and to think about a variety of specializations in future career paths. In the spring semester each student will work on developing, producing and completing an animated short film.

AND-3040

Life Drawing: Figure, Form and Function

3 studio credits

The ability to draw the figure and analogous ways to depict the body is essential to any artist. This course is rooted in an organically systematic way to draw, and is based on the anatomical forms and functions of the human body. Students will explore multidisciplinary concepts of structure, design and action through line drawing. A series of anatomically based lectures and demonstrations will be followed by succinct exercises and practices designed to improve observational, analytical and intuitive drawing skills in order to achieve clear 3D ideas in the 2D realm of pencil and paper. By gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the human form and its functions, students will strengthen their ability to invent forms in movement from memory.

AND-3120

Visual Development

3 studio credits

Visual development skills are essential for creating compelling images that will engage an audience. Through lectures, demonstrations and individual projects, this course will expand students’ visual vocabulary and sharpen their analytical skills. Topics will include principles of compositions; camera dynamics and staging guidelines for thumbnail sketching, storyboarding and finished concept art; understanding value arrangement and color fundamentals; perspective as an expressive tool; and character design analysis. Projects are designed to replicate professional assignments, such as developing exterior and interior environments with character placement. Works-in-progress will be shown throughout the semester for critique.

AND-3125

Career Strategies

3 studio credits

This course is designed to help students identify career goals through discussions on contemporary studios, the production pipeline and reviewing the types of work currently being produced. An overview of the animation industry will be given to offer students practical methods of building an application package, including logo, business cards, portfolio, demo reels, résumé and cover letter. Guest lecturers from the industry will discuss the exciting opportunities in the field of animation.

AND-3137

Creating Unforgettable Characters

3 studio credits

In all forms of entertainment, whether TV, video games, novels, or D&D, characters are created, destroyed and reborn from the wellspring of our imaginations. In this course, students will study and design characters that can work in every kind of medium with a strong reliance on drawing skills. We will also be delving into the deep waters of why a character works, what makes them a “person,” and how we can find the root of what makes our favorite character so appealing.

AND-3143

Advanced Story Development and Design

3 studio credits

This course is intended for students interested in expanding their command of visual language as it applies to cinematic storytelling through adapting material sourced in literature, comics, illustration and film. Students will look at the history of production design for animation, exploring how timing, design, color and camera angles can be used to enhance the narrative. Projects will include developing storyboards, creating palettes, designing characters, creating environments and building style frames as well as creating a thorough deck. The goal of the course is to broaden each student’s understanding of narrative traditions, as well as increase confidence and versatility in determining elements for eﬀective storytelling.

AND-3172

Developing the Animated Series

3 studio credits

The fundamentals of developing, pitching and producing an animated series will be the focus of this course, which will culminate in the creation of a complete, ready-to-pitch series bible. Students will develop their own original concept, building upon the lessons presented through weekly lectures. In addition to the creative development process, we will also address the media landscape, audiences and demographics, the art of pitching, digital and merchandising extensions, deal-making and the basics of series production management. The course will be a combination of lectures, discussions, guest speakers, and in-class critiques and exercises.

AND-3254

Effects Animation

3 studio credits

Effects animators supply motion to things that are not characters. This course explores applying principles of force and motion to natural phenomena, such as fire, water and atmospheric conditions. The movement of props, vehicles, and other mechanical devices will also be discussed. Students will execute concepts using both traditional and digital techniques in cartoon and realistic designs.

AND-4013

Advanced Life Drawing

3 studio credits

This course is designed to strengthen and reinforce both basic and advanced life-drawing techniques. The art form of animation is based on strong drawing skills and this course strengthens our eye-hand coordination by keeping us sharp. Students will discover how to speed up the production of their projects and provide techniques that reinforce drawing from one’s imagination. An emphasis will be placed on short-duration gesture drawing.

AND-4940 / AND-4945

Thesis I and II

3 studio credits per course

The thesis project is a demonstration of original creativity through each student’s own vision and artistic style. By examining their existing body of creative work and knowledge, students will be encouraged to further explore their personal interests in concepts, context, aesthetics and practices. Students will discuss, present and critique each other’s work.

AND-4950 / AND-4951

Thesis Presentations I and II

3 studio credits per course

Discussions on special topics and thesis requirements will be the focus of these courses, and students will present their works-in-process to the department chair twice a semester. Visiting artists and technical workshops will complement our discussions throughout the senior year. Independent Study 3 studio credits Junior and senior students who wish to pursue a special project not covered by the parameters of their department’s curriculum are eligible to apply for an independent study course. Students must have earned a grade point average above 3.00 at SVA and must submit their study goals as a detailed proposal for approval by the department chair. Proposals for an independent study must be made prior to the course adjustment period for that semester. Please contact the department advisor for specifics.

Internship

3 studio credits

Students can gain valuable experience and broaden their professional network through an internship with an employer. Internships-for-credit are available to juniors and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better. To receive credit, students must apply online during the designated application period, be approved by the Career Development Office, and registered for the internship by their academic advisor. Students need to work 150 hours during the semester (usually 10 to 15 hours per week), participate in a weekly online course with other SVA interns, and complete midterm and final self-evaluations. Elective studio credit is awarded for the successful completion of an internship. For more information go to sva.edu/career.

Curriculum