2D Computer Animation (393-0-20)
Instructors
Eric Adrian Patrick
847/491-4229
AMS 214
Office Hours: Mondays 1:00PM-3:00PM, Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm
Meeting Info
Louis Hall 118: Tues 10:00AM - 12:50PM
Overview of class
Our goal is to give you a basic understanding of the principles involved in animation with a specific focus on character animation. By the completion of this course, you should have a cursory understanding of the processes involved in making an animated film (character design, backgrounds, storyboards, production), as well as a solid understanding of how character animation is constructed (locomotion, acting, lip sync). All of our work will be done in Adobe After Effects and Photoshop, so you should have a fair understanding of this software by the end of the course as well.
Teaching Method
Each week, our class will meet and talk about animation principles. We will review completed assignments from the previous week and preview the following week's assignment. We will also watch animated films that illustrate principles we're studying, or in some cases, films that are so good we just have to watch them. There will also be weekly labs, during which David Lynch will demonstrate ways of utilizing the software to accomplish the assignments, and be available to assist students with specific technical questions.
Aside from attendance and participation, students will complete weekly assignments that are geared towards developing their understanding of basic character animation principles and Adobe After Effects. Throughout the quarter, students will create a short animation project from beginning to end.
Class Materials (Required)
Textbook
There is no required textbook for the class, but there are many great books for animation. I'll mention several of these for you to see during the first class.
Supplies
It's a good idea to have a journal/sketchbook. Depending on the nature of your final project, you may need specific supplies and mediums. I also highly encourage you to have a method for backing up your work, at the very least on a firewire drive, but perhaps also on a USB key drive or cloud backup.
Associated Classes
LAB - Louis Hall 118: Thurs 10:00AM - 12:50PM