Principles of Animation

Objectives

The Fundamentals of Animation subject introduces the basic concepts and principles of 2D vector animation. The basic animation procedures are worked through specific software.

The aim of the subject is to equip the student with creativity and art techniques while creating small audiovisual pieces following professional procedures.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrates creative spatial vision for graphic and artistic expression.
• Properly uses digital tools to model and animate 2D and 3D environments.
• Moves with ease in contexts of virtual interaction through the use of ICT.
• He coordinates and works in a team and prepares, in a rigorous manner, documentation and presentations that he exhibits and defends in public.

Skills

General skills

• Desire to take part in lifelong learning, innovate, create value and acquire new knowledge.

Specific skills

• Apply techniques and tools of artistic expression and graphic representation with creative spatial awareness through digital technology.
• Design, model and animate 2D and 3D characters and environments through the use of digital tools.

Basic skills

• Students can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialists and non-specialists.

Core skills

• Display professional skills in complex multidisciplinary contexts, working in networked teams, whether face-to-face or online, through use of information and communication technology.

Content

1. Presentation of the subject. Introduction to animation
2. Composition in Photoshop
3. Introduction to Adobe After Effects
4. Masks
5. animation
6. FX
7. Introduction to Adobe Animate
8. Rig of characters
9. walking cycle
10. lip synch
11. jump cycle

Evaluation

The subject is assessed continuously, mainly through face-to-face exercises and tutoring. Deliveries are scheduled in the Virtual Campus classroom.

The final assessment is obtained from the weighted average of the various activities planned during the course. All activities are individual. The weighting is as follows:

• Practical projects (project 1: 25%, project 2: 30%): 55%
• Assessment test: 30%
• Participation and monitoring (class exercises): 15%

30% of the subject corresponding to the assessment test can be recovered through a specific test with the same characteristics as the assessment test.

Methodology

Sessions are hands-on and dynamic, with classroom exercises applying concepts and methods to get the most out of animation. Teaching tools include online research, use of digital apps and platforms, product analysis, creativity techniques, and classroom exhibits.

On the other hand, the teacher monitors each practice as the course progresses.

Bibliography

Key references

• Amid Amidi (2011). The Art of Pixar: 25th Anniv.: The Complete Color Scripts and Select Art from 25 Years of Animation. Chronicle Books.
• Kramer, Andrew (2001). Videocopilot.net. Retrieved from https://www.videocopilot.net
• Richard Williams (2012). The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators. New York, United States.

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.