AA231

The first in a two-semester sequence, this studio course delves into the fundamentals of frame-by-frame animation, offering students a comprehensive perspective on the art form. Designed for those with diverse interests across various mediums, this course incorporates drawing, experimental stop motion, and a conceptual understanding of animation principles, cinematic vocabulary, and experimental structures. Students will explore animation through hands-on projects, lectures, screenings of historical and contemporary works, and visits from guest artists. Weekly collaborative feedback sessions and discussions will further enhance their learning experience. Throughout the semester, students will experiment with various production methods and materials using software like RoughAnimator, Dragonframe, OpenToonz, and Toon Boom Harmony for capturing. The course emphasizes an exploration of the animation principles, from subtle nuances to the complexities inherent in the animation profession. By the end of this first semester, students will have gained a broad understanding of animation techniques and workflows, preparing them for more advanced explorations in the subsequent semester.