Animation Programs College
Obtain a foundation in the fundamentals of 3D Animation at NYFA's 4-Week 3D Animation Summer Camp for Teens. 4-Week 3D Animation. Programs for college.
Digital Art & Animation If your passion is animation, concept art for video games, or 3D modeling for blockbuster films, this is the program for you! Bring vivid characters, worlds and creatures to life in our digital art and animation college programs. You’ll work from start to finish on animation projects that are ready to hit the big and small screens — and kick off your career in computer animation. Your first three terms begin by building a strong foundation in traditional art which enables you to create realistic pieces when transitioning into the digital environment. Upper-level production opportunities equip graduates with an extensive portfolio of work, an ingrained instinct to collaborate on a team, and the creative and technical skills required to work in a wide variety of digital art careers. Students have access to top-of-the-line facilities unlike anything else at other digital art and animation schools, including access to virtual reality and augmented reality equipment and a rendering manager built just for Cogswell. With each brushstroke in Photoshop, composition in Maya, or digital sculpture in ZBrush, you will be designing with tools that the art and animation pros are looking for from job candidates.
Prior student work has hit the festival circuit, like the acclaimed short film produced by students in our Project X capstone course. In, all aspects of a complete animated short film are produced by students under the guidance of faculty and industry experts. The alumni from our digital art and animation programs work at places like Pixar and DreamWorks, and have developed characters in blockbuster animation films like Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Deadpool.
SKETCHING Introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Perceptual skills and the use of line, shade, perspective, ad composition. Students learn and practice these skills by working independently three hours per week. May be repeated once for credit with recommendation from the Instructor. FIGURE DRAWING I Life drawing from unclothed models. Students study proportion, volumes, light and shade, simple anatomy of the human form, and develop a basic understanding of the figure in motion. Students learn and practice these skills by working independently three hours per week.
FIGURE DRAWING II A continuation of Figure Drawing 1. Life Drawing from unclothed models.
Study of proportion, volumes, light and shade, and simple anatomy of the human form. May be repeated once for credit with recommendation from the instructor. PERSPECTIVE AND RENDERING In-depth study of perspective and the application of light and dark values to geometric forms to convey a sense of form. Students learn to create core shadows and shadow projections to achieve believable grounding in space and they examine the color of shadow and light. Rapid visualization techniques are used to create the desired shape and material finish. ANIMAL DRAWING AND MOTION This class takes the basics of core animation and illustration courses and applies them to the practice of drawing animals through zoo trip and in class lesson and projects. Topics include emphasis on gesture, constructive drawing and proportion of selected animal as well as stride and motion patterns.
Students will complete 10 to 30 second traditional animation final or illustrated book involving their chosen animal. DRAWING ANIMATION I Introduces the principles of animation drawing: gesture, simplified geometric construction for anatomy, technique to capture movement and weight.
Students develop the graphic language to maximize expression and movement for animation and learn methods for using line to convey overlap, form, torque/compression, and the line of action. INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE Explores three-dimensional form. Emphasizes concept development, expression, spatial concepts, and comprehension of 3D space. Students learn techniques and tools used to create 3D artworks. Students work in traditional clay media.
FIGURE SCULPTURE This course is designed to develop the student's understanding of the gestural, constructive and anatomical structures of the figure- applying the knowledge to unique character and figural sculpture in traditional sculpting mediums. May be repeated once with recommendation from the instructor. Students will demonstrate advanced skills in classical clay modeling techniques by building clay figures. PORTRAIT SCULPTURE Explores portrait sculpture for character development. Emotive qualities of human expression using plastine. Students focus on the anatomy of the head and neck as critical to the development of emotionally convincing characters.
DIGITAL SCULPTING Students will utilize fast and simple modeling techniques for creating meshes without UVs. Students will design in 3D quickly as possible to aid in concept design. Students will cover various lighting, texturing and painting techniques. Discussion of UV unwrapping and retopologizing the models built with Dynamesh and Shadowbox for production will also be covered.
DRAWING ANIMATION I Introduces the principles of animation drawing: gesture, simplified geometric construction for anatomy, technique to capture movement and weight. Students develop the graphic language to maximize expression and movement for animation and learn methods for using line to convey overlap, form, torque/compression, and the line of action. DRAWING ANIMATION II A continuation of Drawing Animation 1. Further life studies of human figures and animals emphasizing anatomical simplification, clarity, and motion. Introduction to facial construction and expression. Students learn to incorporate layout, perspective, and backgrounds into character drawing. 2D ANIMATION Introduction to the basic principles of traditional, hand-drawn animation: squash and stretch, anticipation, secondary action, staging, easing in and out, arcs, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing and character appeal.
The study of motion to understand mass, movement through space, and reaction to external forces. Concepts of keys, in-betweens and breakdowns, along with methods for recording drawings for playback, pegging, and using exposure sheets to record/adjust timing. The process for creating moving and sequential imagery from a bouncing ball thru a basic walk cycle.
Students produce an animated scene that demonstrates mastery of principles. 2D ANIMATION II Continuation of 2D Animation 1. Students design and develop characters which they animate in a scene. Advanced study of facial animation and expression with introduction to animal characters and animation. Pantomime, silhouette, strong acting and posing are emphasized along with careful timing to maximize expression and personality. Analysis of what makes a character look like it is thinking and what makes an expressive pose. Students produce an animated scene using their character in a layout.
STORYBOARDING I This class focuses on principles of Storytelling in a visual medium and concentrates on film or editorial boards used to pre-visualize animation or live action film. Topics include scale and camera angle, camera movement, character staging, composition and basic editing processes. Students pitch their ides in class and get feedback on projects that include dialogue and action sequences from selected scripts as well as building animatics and story reels. STORYBOARDING II This class is a continuation of Storyboarding 1. Students will continue to board and pitch to pre-selected scripts as well as create boards for advertising, in-game progressions and work with other students to build a solid pre-visualized script short.
Topics include developing quality emotion boards, value and color scripts and their implied meanings. Students must have a solid foundation in drawing skill and film and editorial methodology. 2D DESIGN An introduction to the principles of two-dimensional image making with an emphasis on visual communication. Traditional and digital production techniques are covered. Students will learn about the form and function of graphic design various principles of perception and Gestalt theory, and how they relate to graphic design. The course also serves as an introduction to image editing software. COLOR THEORY Introduction to color theory.
Subtractive color principles are addressed through exercises using traditional pigments. Additive color principles are addresses through exercises using computers and image editing software.
DIGITAL IMAGING CONCEPTS Explores advanced image processing using the computer. Additive color principles are introduced through exercises using computers and image editing software. Coursework includes image creation, compositing, manipulation, creating backgrounds, textures, patterns, tiling, texture mapping and matte paintings using image-editing software. Students practice graphics principles by applying them to the web, CG, and other art forms. INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY An introduction to traditional photographic image making with the addition of a digital perspective. Students learn the technical issues of photography and learn to control the photographic medium.
Studio lighting techniques and working ambient situational lighting is explored. Students examine various photographic approaches and philosophies to explore how photographic imagery can be used for personal artistic perception. ACTING Basic concepts of acting for stage and screen. Students explore the actor's relationship to other players as well as to the camera.
Aspects of performance as they relate to different modes of production are investigated, including acting for the effects-heavy production and non-linear media. BETA BUSINESS FROM THE GROUND UP 1 Initial survey course exploring aspects of digital media industries through a hands-on, interactive exploration of the company business model building process. Perfect for students looking to build their own animation studio, independent game company, recording studio or software company. Students create their business models for their own team based businesses which explores: feasibility, markets, costs, revenues, finance, operations, marketing, channels, team recruitment, execution and pitching among other topics. COMMUNICATING FOR SUCCESS Students are taught the essential techniques for communicating effectively in the digital media industry as well as portfolio management. This course walks students through thinking critically as well as the application of about communication theory to gain key management skills such as communicating with constituencies, writing memos and emails, communicating ethically, listening and giving feedback, introduction to negotiation and working in groups, and giving presentations.
COVER YOUR ASSETS Basic understanding of U.S. Intellectual property law as it applies to current business as well as legal issues connected to digital media and entertainment. This course aims to provide students with a fundamental framework for analyzing and understanding issues connected to intellectual property, notably copyright, patent and trademark law.
In addition, this course covers appropriate legal structures, initial branding, insurance protections, basic contract review and when to contact an attorney. DIGITAL MEDIA CREATIVITY Course explores the inspiration behind digital media creation, how new ideas are generated, how concepts are iterated upon, and different creative processes that can be utilized to think outside the box. Students collaborate in work teams to create brand new ideas and improve them in a limited span of time.
TRADITIONAL PAINTING The course in painting emphasizes perception development through specific painting exercises to develop an orderly approach and disciplined perception. Students learn about painting materials and their specific uses, and increase their understanding of color theory. May be repeated once for credit with recommendation from the instructor. TEXTURING This course involves the use of layering color maps on digital surfaces to create specific material shaders. Texture map painting in 2D is covered extensively. Analysis through physical observation on the light gathering of surfaces teaches students how to digitally reproduce any material. Students learn UV texture layout and projection techniques for shader creation.
Procedural versus painted shader maps are explored along with complex layering. Emphasis is spent on specular, diffuse, color, bump, displacement and normal mapping to achieve the desired result. ILLUSTRATION I This course is designed to present the student with the fundamentals of traditional illustration for professional application.
Primarily, traditional painting media are used. The course will cover illustration theory but will emphasize studio practice and skill development. DIGITAL PAINTING The course in painting emphasizes perception development through specific digital painting exercises to develop an orderly approach. Students learn about painting textures for shaders and fully realized scenes. Students increase their understanding of color theory through visual development and matte painting. CONCEPT DESIGN This course focuses on development and design practices used by concept designers.
Students apply professional marker and/or CG techniques and media as an approach to concept drawings and renderings. ILLUSTRATION II Students explore personal style in illustration.
Course focuses on development of a cohesive body of work. Symbolic and narrative concept development is central. Various traditional media and digital applications will be used. VIDEO EDITING Basic concepts of digital video editing, theory and techniques of motion picture editing, post-production methods, media file management, sound editing, titling, and effects. Students are introduced to graphic matching, rhythmic editing, coverage, continuity, and montage editing. Uses video editing software. LIGHTING AND LAYOUT 1 Storytelling and mood are emphasized by the use of light on digital scenes.
Six point lighting techniques are demonstrated in cinematic terms through their digital equivalents. Color, mood, and time of day are expressed through lighting and scene composition. Blocking is utilized to set the actors and sets to convey the desired intent. Camera knowledge, lens choice and exposure are applied to shot composition.
Various rendering styles and engines will be used. DYNAMICS Introduction to particle systems, sprites, soft and rigid bodies. Dynamic techniques for hair, cloth and fluids. Dynamics for games. Students will create professional grade particle simulation effects for CG production and game. COMPOSITING AND SPECIAL EFFECTS Explores the digital motion picture production environment as 'illusion factory'. Both naturalistic/realistic and experimental modes of digital effects will be examined.
The course will focus on the role played by storyboarding, scripting, and how these relate to the combination of live action with computer- generated images (CGI). Students work in teams to create video projects using special effects, match/moving lighting, blue/green screen compositing, color correction, and motion graphics. The relationship of 'pre-visualization' to a finished work will also be explored, and how these techniques are affecting the traditional working approach to movie making. ADVANCED LIGHTING AND LAYOUT Advanced lighting techniques are mastered to convey storytelling through light. Students apply techniques attained in Lighting and Layout further mastering their artistic expression. Cinematography in the digital realm is used to convey dramatic storytelling through shot composition. Advanced camera usage along with lighting are combined into unified sequences of shots to tell a story that connects with audiences.
INTRODUCTION TO 3D MODELING Creation of 3D organic and industrial models using one or more software modeling packages. Topics include modeling construction using polygon and/or spline-based techniques, texture mapping, lighting, shading, and rendering. Students apply these techniques to the creation of 3D models. DIGITAL SCULPTING Students will utilize fast and simple modeling techniques for creating meshes without UVs.
Students will design in 3D quickly as possible to aid in concept design. Students will cover various lighting, texturing and painting techniques. Discussion of UV unwrapping and retopologizing the models built with Dynamesh and Shadowbox for production will also be covered.
MODELING I Introduces hard and organic surface modeling pertaining to control and refinement of form. Reproduction of machine made forms and detailed organic shapes. Advanced texturing for enhancement of models. Students apply these techniques to develop 3D models. MODELING II Explores the modeling of man-made forms for sets and props in cinematic work and interactive applications such as games.
Includes transferring maquettes and other analog representations to digital form while maintaining fidelity in the reproduction of artwork and real objects. Texturing and lighting, reproduction of logotypes and molded textures. Students practice parameterization for animation and digital transfer.
MODELING III Explores modeling of creatures and humans for interactive applications including games and cinematic work. Maintaining fidelity to reproduction of artwork and observed subjects, texturing and lighting. Students learn to parameterize for animation and muscular flow. CHARACTER RIGGING Introduction to animation software modules with emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation, forward and inverse kinematics (FK and IK), and hierarchical node structures. Students apply these techniques to develop 3D characters. Includes a summary of the animation software module, graph editor, setting key frames, and tangents for basic animation.
ADVANCED CHARACTER RIGGING Advanced class in animation software modules with emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation, forward and inverse kinematics (FK and IK), and hierarchical node structures. Students apply these techniques to develop 3D characters. Includes a summary of the animation software module, graph editor, setting key frames, and tangents for basic animation. ANIMATED FILM PRODUCTION Students work in teams to create a short animated film. Focus is on working as effective team while delivering individual specialized skills, the animation pipeline, project management, and communication skills are covered in depth. Students may enter as any of the following, concept artist, modeler, rigger, animator, technical director, and compositor. Training in all of these fields is comprehensive and will prepare student for entry into the job market.
ANIMATED FILM PRODUCTION Students work in teams to create a short animated film. Focus is on working as effective team while delivering individual specialized skills, the animation pipeline, project management, and communication skills are covered in depth. Students may enter as any of the following, concept artist, modeler, rigger, animator, technical director, and compositor. Training in all of these fields is comprehensive and will prepare student for entry into the job market. ANIMATION PORTFOLIO I Students write a project proposal and production schedule as they develop an animated short film that will be completed in Animation Portfolio 2. Students proceed through the film making process: concept develoment, storyboards, animatics, layouts, audio, and production scheduling. Students assemble a rough demo reel that demonstrates competency in the discipline.
ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN PORTFOLIO I Portfolio 1 is the preparatory class for Portfolio 2, the final element in the DAA program. Students will use their skills in traditional and digital painting, texturing and lighting of 3D models, and portfolio preparation to scope and design a finished portfolio that demonstrates their abilities in Entertainment Design. The portfolio will have a recognizable aesthetic and professional presentation quality.
MODELING PORTFOLIO I Students produce a demo reel to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of modeling and proficiency in its techniques. ANIMATION PORTFOLIO II Continuation of Animation Portfolio 1. Production of animated short film begun in Animation Portfolio 1. Final animated film along with expanded final proposal is completed. Students present their project to the DAA faculty and discuss the production process and their challenges. Students assemble a finished demo reel that demonstrates competency in the discipline. ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN PORTFOLIO II Portfolio 2 is the final element in the DAA program.
Ai A Hope On The Concrete Rarity here. Students will use their skills in traditional and digital painting, tecturing and lighting of 3D models, and portfolio preparation to create a finished portfolio that demonstrated their abilities in Entertainment Design. The portfolio will have a recognizable aesthetic and professional presentation quality. MODELING PORTFOLIO II Continuation of Portfolio 1 to complete the Modeling capstone project. Students learn to demonstrate their competency through the development of a demo reel.
Digital Art and Animation Concentrations Create the environments, creatures and heroes that form the backbone of animation by learning rigging, modeling, texture mapping and rendering. Bring out every detail and facet of objects by first reproducing existing objects in 3D, then designing your own. You’ll learn how to texture man-made and organic surfaces, master digital sculpting techniques like UV unwrapping 3D models. Transform analog concepts like maquettes into digital art.
You’ll also learn how to maintain the fidelity of 3D animated characters in order to integrate them in interactive projects. Ready to get started? INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTING: PYTHON This class is a practical introduction to programming, using Python. Topics include declarative and imperative knowledge (“what” vs. “how”), problem breakdowns, and examples of declarative and imperative systems of computation. Students will implement several small programming projects in areas chosen by the class.
By the end of the course, students will be able to implement their own programming projects, either independently or in collaboration with others. SCRIPTING FOR CG Introduction to workflow automation technologies for digital artists. Overview of Linux. Navigating a Linux shell. Standard file system organization. Regular expressions.
Introduction to PERL. Revision control. Server farms.
Lab assignments will be progressive, with each assignment building on previous work. This course does not fulfill any requirement for the Engineering degree programs. SCRIPTING LANGUAGES This course discusses multiple scripting langauges, and emphasizes similarities and differences between them.
Some of the languages used are Lua, Perl, JavaScript and Python as scripting languages. Applications of scripting languages in data structures and algorithms, animation and games.
TOOLS PROGRAMING Advanced scripting, mel scripting and C++ plug-ins. ANIMATION PROGRAMMING This class will focus on sprite animation, frame animation, and the theory and practice of anti-aliasing techniques. Rendering techniques will include shadow algorithms, texture mapping, volume rendering and visualization techniques. The Best Of Thelonious Monk Free Download. Global illumination and motion control will also be studied.
Students will apply computer graphics scripting in animation. INTRODUCTION TO 3D ANIMATION PRINCIPLES Principles of 3D animation using the latest 3D software applications. Topics include using the user interface, basics of motion, and basic kinematic set-up. Student will learn how to create and manage files in a production pipeline environment.
QUADRUPED ANIMATION An introduction to animating four legged creatures. Basic approach to animating a quadruped animal will be studied in a simplified step by step format. Students will study anatomy and locomotion of quadrupeds, and learn to apply animation principles in achieving different Gaits on a quadruped animal. Animal behavior will be studied, and students will learn to pair behavior patterns with locomotion.
Students will also learn to animate transitions between Gaits. Feature & Game animations will be routinely examined to study style and aesthetics. 3D ANIMATION Introduction to the principles of animation as applied to 3D computer graphics.
Uses provided 3D models to focus on the principles of motion: physics, easing weight, timing, and blocking using the animation software module. Serves as the base for students interested in studying character/creature animation. Covers a bouncing ball, physical animation of tops, principles of jump, flour sack, pantomime, basic posing fundamentals and walk cycles. 3D ANIMATION II Continuation of 3D Animation 1. Explores the creation of character walks, acting and posing using the animation software module. Introduction to character development, scene blocking, and animating using dialogue tracks, and quadruped walks.
Uses provided 3D models for pantomime animation, staging, silhouette, performance, weight and overlap exercises that emphasize character. 3D ANIMATION III Continuation of 3D Animation 2 with an emphasis on acting and performance. Advanced scene blocking for dialogue and introduction to facial animation and expression.
Focus on refining animation, breaking joints for overlap, subtle movement and settling. Analysis of phonemes for speech and expression in eyes and mouth to maximize expression. Students will produce original animation with the option of using their own models. ANIMATED FILM PRODUCTION Students work in teams to create a short animated film. Focus is on working as effective team while delivering individual specialized skills, the animation pipeline, project management, and communication skills are covered in depth.
Students may enter as any of the following, concept artist, modeler, rigger, animator, technical director, and compositor. Training in all of these fields is comprehensive and will prepare student for entry into the job market. Bring out the most in animated sequences by mastering animation and character rigging in our 3D animation college programs. From defining a character’s joints to setting key frames for motion, you’ll build your way to developing 3D characters and eventually working on short film projects at our 3D animation college programs.
This includes learning how to animate different four-legged animals, or animation principles of inanimate objects like buildings that move or tables that can talk. Courses in art and animation also cover motion in people, such as expressions and mouth movement as well as 2D animation. Ready to take the next step? Guide an entertainment design project from the page to the screen as you conquer every step to make a winning product. Layering color maps and shading will form the foundation of your entertainment and graphic design skills as you work toward texturing and digital painting. You’ll apply 3D techniques to drawings and renderings as you develop your own personal style in entertainment design projects. You’ll also combine traditional and digital media in elements for design and marketing firms, video games or animations. Ready to get things rolling?
The Technical Art concentration combines the student’s artistic abilities along with the technical toolkit of the CG world. Traditional courses like drawing, painting, and sculpting help the student develop an artistic eye.
Industry standard software programs are used in 3D Modeling, 3D Animation, Texturing and Lighting courses. Coursework includes computer programing courses which enable the student to customize tools in CG software programs. The concentration allows the student to focus on Lighting and Compositing or Rigging and scripting. Students can complete their program of study by working on one many of the large projects on campus. Ready to take the first step? MISSION AND VISION Cogswell College uses project-based learning to educate students in technology, digital art and entrepreneurship to prepare them for careers in the creative arts industry. We provide a safe learning environment for challenging the status quo and fostering creative collaboration across disciplines.
Our faculty have extensive experience in their given industries to provide relevant and vital counsel to students. Upon graduation, alumni will be armed with a high-quality portfolio and effective communication skills to impress hiring managers and make a difference on future professional teams.