Art Degrees Online

Course overview
Illustration and Animation looks to the interaction between the two disciplines to develop a strong authorial voice. At the heart of both disciplines is visual communication, and this is underpinned by the development of a personal visual language. Experimentation is seen as paramount in achieving this. A keen interest in the visual world should inform this experimentation and there is a strong emphasis on drawing as a means of exploring the visual environment. The development of sequential narratives through animation allows students to use structure and composition as a key ingredients and this feeds back into illustration work, while elements of autographic mark-making and the use of text and image developed through illustration practice feed into the visual language of animation.
Course Structure
In the First Year, students spend around one third of their studio time on animation projects and two thirds on illustration. In the Second Year this ratio is reversed, while in the third year students are expected to negotiate their practice. The illustration modules in first and second years are run jointly with students form the B.A. (hons) Illustration course. Throughout the programme a number of contextual studies modules are run culminating in a Research Seminar in Third Year

Level 1 (Year 1)
llustration Practice 1 (both semesters)

Illustration in the round (first semester)
This module examines the possibilities of using sequential images to create the illusion of a 3D space. Ideas of movement, parallax, on and off screen space, and timing are at the heart of this module. Students are expected to develop a reduced visual vocabulary to develop drawn animation.

Texture, Light and Surface (second semester)
This module introduces students to 3D animation software. In particular it looks at how sequential lighting, camera movement and framing can be used to create atmosphere and meaning. Students are expected to draw from the work of cinema and theatre direction to inform their own work.

Level 2 (Year 2)
Animation Practice (both semesters)
Students are expected to build on their previous animation experience to develop more complex and challenging films. The module runs over the whole academic year allowing students to create a number of animated pieces. Teamwork is a vital part of the animation industry and one of the briefs in this module will be a group project.

Drawing Studies (first semester)

Ideas Through Design (second semester)

Level 3 (Year 3)
Depending on the direction their work and career aspirations take them, students are expected to decide whether to concentrate more on illustration or animation in their final year. In Semester 1, students can chose between Showreel and Portfolio Presentation modules, while in Semester 2, the Major Project is self driven in negotiation with the teaching staff.

Showreel Preparation (first semester)
The third year sees the student consolidating practice within a professional framework. The Showreel Preparation module allows students the space to think holistically about animation and illustration and develop the means of presenting their work for different audiences.

Portfolio Preparation (first semester)

Major Project (second semester)
Students are expected to negotiate a programme of study in accordance with their career aspirations

Module guide
Year one core modules:
Illustration Practice 1
Illustration in the Round
Texture, Light and Surface
Illustration:Contextual Studies
Modern and Contemporary Illustration
Anglia Language Programme Module
Year two core modules:
Animation Practice
Ideas Through Design
Drawing Studies
Censorship in Text and Image
Contemporary Film and Video
Forms and Themes in Artists? Film and Video
Identities
Islamic Visual Culture
Issues in Contemporary Design
Traditions of Art
Visual Theories
Writing for Images
Anglia Language Programme Module
Year three core modules:
Showreel Preparation
Portfolio Preparation
Major Project
Research Seminar
Associated careers

There is a growing demand for illustrators, fine artists and graphic designers who have exposure to both 3D design and animation. Graduates from this course should certainly have the right skills to help meet that demand.
Assessment

Through written work and practice.
Links with industry

This course was written with the kind assistance of personnel from Nexus Productions, StudioAKA and Th1ng.
Other areas of interest

Each year our second year and third year students enter the D & AD awards. Students will be encouraged to take part in 3D animation and motion graphics events such as Resfest and OneDotZero, and both the London and Norwich International Animation Festivals.

Year one modules
• introduction to technologies and equipment • animation techniques • development and delivery of digital content • cultural and ethical impact of digital technologies • contemporary animation and media practice • animation and moving image • specialism

Year two modules
• theories of creative practice • new media • film/video theory • critical methods • drawing, rendering and creative realisation

Year three modules
• creative practice • dissertation • professional placement (subject to availability) • animation/film making workshops • collaborative projects

“Animation” is derived from the verb “to animate” — to bring to life.
Unlike a documentary film, which simply reflects the physical world, an animation is a completely constructed reality. In this new world, all kinds of characters, situations and space can be created simply from imagination.
KSU’s Animation course will provide the opportunity for students to dedicate themselves to serious study in this field. Faculty members include experienced animation experts whose work helped Japanese anime to gain world-wide recognition. Our objective is to foster the next generation of leaders creating animations that will bring dreams and inspiration to the world.

Department profile (May 2007):
Undergrad students (first intake 2006): 129
(M: 49; F: 80)
Overseas undergrad students: 8

Curriculum
1st year: Practical training and lectures forming the basis of the four-year course. Students will learn to see animation from the artist’s point of view, gaining knowledge of various processes.
Principles of animation 1 & 2, practical animation 1 & 2, CG animation 1 & 2, animation modeling (basic practice) 1 & 2, theory of animation media, theory of animation industry, history of Japanese animation, history of world animation, research on animation works and artists 1 & 2, history of media
2nd year: Contents of courses will be expanded, with more practical study of techniques, and improvement of skills by pursuing the real nature of animation.
Theory of animation direction 1 & 2, analysis of animation 1 & 2, CG animation 3 & 4, animation modeling expression 1 & 2, stop motion animation 1 & 2, modeling practice 1 & 2, theory of cinema 1 & 2
3rd year: Preparation period for major production (in 4th year)
Animation creation 1 & 2, sound effect practice 1 & 2, CG practical animation 1 & 2, practical animation modeling 1 & 2, theory of scenarios 1 & 2, theory of CG 1 & 2, animation production 1 & 2
4th year: Students express what they have learned in 4 years in their major graduation works.

Key features
The countries only purely Stop Motion Animation course

Strong industry ties at every stage of the animation process

At the front of the development of new technologies for the Stop Motion industry

What our students say

“Just to keep you informed as of the start of April i will be a full time paid member of the Cosgrove Hall costume dept……..got told today i was being offered a 3 month contract! i know its mad, working on Fifi and the Flower Tots.”

Lucy sturley Graduated 2005 Currently employed at Cosgrove Hall Manchester

What it’s about

The course aims to develop you as a creative Stop Motion animator or articulated puppet maker. This animation route offers the opportunity for you to specialise in modelling, animation and composite based applications in the creation of stop motion character film-making.

What you do

We offer a series of specialist lectures, demonstrations and seminars, introducing students to professional stop-frame animation, puppetry, camera, lighting and editing. Built on core animation principles you will develop a series of pilots and shorts for television.

Level 1 provides a structure for learning the major principles of animation. You will explore a range of techniques developing how to create puppets, armatures and sets for physical animation. Core visual skills such as sculpture, life drawing and materials development are integral to your practice and development.

Level 2 involves the development of Stop Motion Characters in greater depth. This includes advanced replacement puppet parts to enhance audio dialogue and body gesture, introduction to professional level blue screen composite and effects for live action integration and advanced lighting and camera work for greater shot composition. There are also options to study CGI or experimental animation as well as fine metal fabrication.

In Level 3 you will be expected to produce a series of short films which display excellent performance based animation. Personal tutorials support you through a negotiated programme of study, culminating in the exhibition of your work in the graduate presentation. Emphasis is placed on professional practice in preparation for graduation and greater employment prospects through Stop Motion Futures module and Stop Motion External brief.

Where next

Our animation graduates have gone onto internships at Aardman and a wide range of other companies within the animation industry in the UK and Europe.