|
|
|||||
| advising informationWelcome and Introduction to Computer Animation at Missouri State | ||||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Courses - Computer Animation Curriculum |
|
|||||||||
| The animation curriculum begins with a 200 level class that emphasizes 2-D animation. We start with that class because we teach the fundamentals of communication/aesthetics in the time-based realm of animation, referencing mostly 2-D design and beginning film studies concepts, including narrative development. Because the 2-D animation software tends to be "simpler" because it relates to drawing and painting skills that most students are familiar with, we can cover the concepts more easily without interference of the higher learning curve that 3-D animation software poses. Assignments include vector-based animations to stop-motion and claymation. Adobe AfterEffects is the primary software used in this class. | ||||||||||
At the 300 level, we focus on developing 3-D computer animation modeling, surfacing and lighting skills. Because of the learning curve that the software presents, we spend the semester developing and honing these basic skills which gives all students time to acclimate to the new software environment. Students who already have skills in this area, as more are entering our program do, will not be bored in this class, but challenged to improve their skills. The aesthetic side of this class focuses on developing the power of the narrative in a single frame: increasing awareness of camera point-of-view, composition, and how lighting informs composition and storytelling. We are using NewTek LightWave for this class. |
Examples of the images created in the Intro to 3D class
|
|||||||||
| At
the 400 level, we focus on applying the skills learned from the last class
to 3-D animated short films. Cinematography, along with teaching expressive
/ appropriate movement for the narrative is stressed. And we continue to
develop the aesthetic/communicative aspects of the animations. After a student
has completed the 400-level course, he/she will repeat it as an independent
study student, presenting a semester plan of projects that develops their
own interests in animation, whether in 2 or 3-D. We offer a Professional Practices class that helps to prepare students' portfolio for graduate school application, independent animation production, or employment. The focus of that class addresses research and presentation skills, though work on the portfolio continues as well. Also, a new advanced 2-D animation class is being planned with some additional shifts in other classes. Changes are in the works all the time - just one of the reasons to stay in touch with your academic advisor! There are a limited number of internships available here in Springfield, but any student would not be limited to internships here. A number of students work at internships in other cities during the summers. internships are not a requirement for the program, just a question we are often asked. There happens to be a video game company in town, Black Lantern Studios, that provides employment opportunities and internships to many students. Also professional opportunities often present themselves and are folded into class projects. The animation students have been involved with many organizations including the city of Springfield in the visualization of a civic park and the production of public awareness campaigns designed for television. For example, recently a student created animations that were a part of a Public Transportation Awareness campaign which are currently airing nationally. back to top |
Short clips of student work created in the upper level animation classes. |
|||||||||
|
Degrees
- "coherent" pathways through the curriculum to a desired
end . . . BFA in Art, emphasis
in Computer Animation |
||||||||||
| Animation Faculty Rebecca Xu teaches animation and electronic arts. She has worked professionally in the fields of special effects for film, animation and web design. Her creative work has won awards in both the US and abroad. Vonda Yarberry has been coordinating the animation program here at Missouri State since 1989, developing curriculum, programming and overseeing the development of the computing resources. Her creative work in experimental animation and video has won numerous awards. She founded Guerilla Television in the late 80's in New York City and continues to show her experimental animation work nationally and internationally. back to top |
||||||||||
| Computer
Animation Facilities While in class, every student works on an individual computer station. At this current moment, animation students work on Windows XP, 2.53 GHz, 2 GB RAM, dual monitor workstations. Students all have individual hard drive storage space. We have 3 nonlinear, HD video editing stations in the Animation Lab. We also have 2 digitizing stations with video cameras, as well as flatbed and transparency scanners, DVD writers on all of the workstations and an audio station for collaborative work outside the dedicated audio and video lab facilities. All stations are connected via a 100 mbs network. Facilities are upgraded in an ongoing and proactive fashion: internal components and peripherals are upgraded yearly, and workstations are completely replaced every three years. The facilities are typically open to students anytime there are no classes between the following hours: 8am-11pm M-TH, 8-7 F, 12-5pm Sat, 12-11pm Sun. The campus transit system runs a shuttle to the front door of the building approximately every 10 minutes during the weekdays. There is limited free, evening and weekend parking nearby. Student Success Missouri State animation students have had work from their senior exhibitions included in many international and national film festivals and have won impressive awards. Even as students, their work is published in a wide variety of professional venues, it's part of their preparation. Alumni We have a number of successful graduates working in animation fields such as video gaming, special effects, advertising, education, software development, architectural and product visualization and television. The university's Art & Design Department began teaching computer animation in 1985. Our alumni have gone on to work for many major networks (ESPN, TNT, CBS, SCIFI), and companies such as Disney, Industrial Light and Magic, LucasArts, Midway, Hasbro, Alias, Electronic Arts - to name just a few. As students graduate, we have an e-mail mailing list that they become a member of for updates on past graduates and possible job opportunities that arise. Many alumni have gained employment from contacts they have made through this network and exceptional advice from professionals working in their field. Last, but not least, they get to stay in touch with their friends from when they were in school. back to top |
||||||||||
