This class is an introduction to the foundational principles of visual narrative, emphasizing its connections to illustration, animation, and sequential art. Core topics encompass basic story structure, film terminology, character archetypes, and theme analysis.

This class will begin the student¿s journey as an image-based storyteller. They will build the foundational skills needed to visually communicate through assignments structured to develop perceptual and conceptual literacy.

Introductory studio course explores animation history and practice, with a strong emphasis on practice. Students will learn important animation techniques and modalities and build a foundation for further coursework or personal exploration of animation.

The first course in this three course series focuses on concepts, aesthetics, and practice of 3D animation and visual effects. This course is an introduction to modeling, texturing, digital-sculpting and shading.

The fundamentals for making art with computers in consideration of time and interactivity. The fundamentals of using programming and software applications for multimedia and the internet.

This course is designed to introduce students to the art of storyboarding, focusing on its connection to narrative structure. Students will explore the storyboard workflow, from initial sketches to final panels. The curriculum introduces techniques used across television and film production.

The second course in this three course series focuses on concepts, aesthetics, and practice of 3D animation and visual effects. This course will be an introduction to keyframe, procedural and character animation.

An introductory course that combines the programming/scripting of digital art projects with thinking about software, interactive digital art, and digital culture.

Animation is everywhere! From television, film, and advertising to gaming, motion graphics, and gifs, animation is everywhere and more accessible to creators than ever. This class is an introduction to the principles of 2D Animation. It will survey the various animation techniques such as straight-ahead animation, in-betweens, layout, lip synch, acting, and design along with concepts such as timing, exaggeration, and anticipation.

Exploring computer gaming topics assigned at the outset of the semester. Topics may include mobile gaming, pervasive gaming, self-made alternative game controllers for existing games, or 3D gaming.

Survey of American illustration integrated with studio assignments for developing perceptual and conceptual literacy. Second semester: visual interpretation of manuscripts in various media. Camera as a research tool.

Survey of American illustration integrated with studio assignments for developing perceptual and conceptual literacy. Second semester: visual interpretation of manuscripts in various media. Camera as a research tool.

Introduction to materials, techniques, equipment, and processes used by designers and illustrators.

Illustration skills and techniques. Practical application of color. Exploration of three-dimensional communication.

The history of American illustration since the mid 1800s to present. Impact on and reflection of American history in both cultural and visual forms.

Exploration and use of vector and bitmap computer applications to solve visual communication problems and create illustrations.

Exploration of traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing for illustrators and designers including comprehensive sketches and storyboards. Proportion and draped figure drawing emphasized.

The third course in this three course series focuses on concepts, aesthetics, and practice of 3D animation and visual effects. This course will be an introduction to lighting, rendering, and effects (hair, cloth, and dynamics).

This course will get you inside your animation and game characters. Who are they? Where did they come from? Why are they holding that chainsaw?

This course focuses on the implementation of various concepts in digital production and provides students with advanced techniques in 3D animation. Students will produce portfolio-quality graphics that deliver advanced aesthetics. Emphasis will be placed on visual expression/communication of digital creation.

This course focuses on ambitious gaming projects in a collaborative environment. Students will work in groups to design, develop, and implement a computer game. Platform and delivery format will vary

Visual interpretation of reproduction, development of conceptual elements, composition, and color.

Principles of visual communication: choice of subject, procedures, and the practice of illustration. Studio class assignments.

Design and development of graphic projects. Information gathering methods using photography, library, and archival research.

Starting with cave paintings, people have always told stories visually. We will follow comics¿ humble beginnings from etchings and engravings to four-color printing and beyond, exploring comics¿ influence on and reflection of American culture. Additional work required for graduate students.

Integrate skills and knowledge gained in the first three animation courses into full-on, industry-style production. You will work collaboratively on ambitious projects, participating in every aspect of production of an animated short film.

A focus on the prospect of integrating the 2D and 3D worlds within the context of contemporary visual effects, while developing clear professional based workflows to be implemented in future creative art practice.

Viewing, discussing, writing and reading about examples from many periods foster a context for contemporary practice in this dynamic medium.

The first course in this two-course series focuses best creative and intellectual resources in the realization of the senior project and portfolio. Students pursue areas of personal interest and explore new ideas in the fulfillment of artistic goals.

The second course in this two-course series focused on best creative and intellectual resources in the realization of the senior project and portfolio. Students pursue areas of personal interest and explore new ideas in the fulfillment of artistic goals.

Building on the collaborative animation experience from the first semester of the animation workshop, students step into supervisor roles helping to manage all aspects of the production of an animated short film.

Building on the collaborative VFX experience from the first semester of the VFX workshop, students step into supervisor roles helping to manage all aspects of the production team(s) workflow.

Various topics in digital art are explored through research, creative activity, and theoretical discussion. Topics address historical as well as contemporary issues that bridge art and technology.