http://digitalarts.bgsu.edu/faculty/bonniem/Fall17/artc3100_1/assignments.html
ARTC 3100 Animation Principles & TechniquesBowling Green State University School of Art, Digital Arts
Syllabus Schedule Class Notes Assignments Readings Resources Students
Assignments
[01] [02] [03] [04] [05] [06] [07] [08] [09] [10] [11] [12] [13]
Assignment 1ASSIGNED: Create a Zoetrope strip showing an action or transformation that loopsDUE: Wed. Aug 26
To do:
1. Create 12 drawings that depicts an action or transforms from one object to another and then back to the original drawing
If you want to purchase a zoetrope, this seems to be the lowest price:
http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/eye_think_inc/zoetrope.cfm
Assignment 2ASSIGNED: Draw one picture on two 4 x 6" cards (the picture must be identical on both)
ASSIGNED: Create a 50 card hand-drawn metamorphosisPart 1 - 2 cards - DUE: Wed. Aug 26
Part 2 - 50 card morph - DUE: Wed. Sept 2
Part 3 - scanned and made into movie: DUE: Wed. Sept 9
Part 4 - REDO the morph animation to fix timing issues (add more drawings) - Due Oct 5
To buy:
1. Purchase one or two packs of blank index cards 4 x 6"
2. Purchase 1 Micon 08 #1 Archival Ink Pen (0.50 mm line width)
You will need:
2 Medium sized Binder clips (some will be available in class)
Part 1:
1. Draw a simple (but creative) image of the type of object/character you were assigned on a 4" x 6" blank note card. Use pencil. No shading, textures or color please.
2. Use the Micon 08 #1 Pen and trace over the pencil marks.
3. Using a light table, trace the image using the Micon Pen onto another card to make an exact copy of it.
Order of Animation:
Give your extra card to the person below you on the student list.
Part 2:
Create a 3.3 second (50 cards at 15 fps) metamorphosis animation starting with your own drawingand ending at the drawing on the card that was given to you.
Your image should gradually change into the other person's image but it must do something before it changes into the other image. For instance, if it is a human, the human could take a few steps then change to the other image.
Think about creative ways of changing from one object into the other:
For instance, you could turn the head inside out by opening the mouth real wide, or you could have one part of the object start to morph into the other object while the rest of the object is shocked and tries to avoid changing and finally it is overcome and transforms.
Part 3:
Scan the cards one at a time, making sure the alignment is perfect. Use After Effects to align them and make a movie using Quicktime - H.264 compression at 15 frames per second.
This assignment will require:
1. Using pencil and a light table to draw the cards
2. Inking in your cards using a waterbased thin markers (Micon)
3. Scanning in the cards
4. Importing them into After Effects and testing it
5. Drawing more cards to correct timing issues until it is perfect
6. Exporting the final movie as Quicktime H.264 compression at 15 fps
Part 4: We will assemble all the animations to make one complete class animation. If you do your part wrong, you will be required to redo it. MAKE SURE you use the Micon pen specified and you scan exactly as shown in class.
Assignment 3ASSIGNED: Create a Zoetrope strip depicting a transformation or action over timeDUE: Mon. Aug 31
To do:
Create 12 drawings of an action cycle or transformation on the zoetrope strip provided. The drawing must smoothly evolve from the last frame to the first frame. It must be an action loop.
When you are done, you will have 2 zoetrope strips - one action and one transformation.
Assignment 4ASSIGNED: Create hand-drawn animation on paper - depict weightDUE: Wed. Sept 9
Part 1. Using the index cards or Photoshop, draw a simple character lifting something very heavy.
Options:
1. The character can fall, throw it, drop it, or do something else with the object (eat it?)
Part 2. Scan the cards in (if you used cards) and make a movie using Apple Quicktime H.264
Assignment 5ASSIGNED: Final AssignmentExpanded Premise Due: Sept 14
Storyboard/Visual Layout: Sept 30
Checkup 1: Nov 4 - one third done
Checkup 2: Nov 18 - one half done
Checkup 3: Dec 2 - nine tenths done with audio
Final Due: Dec 7 - done
Proposal:
Create an expanded premise statement (one page) describing what you want to do
Final Project:
Create an animation that is creative and completed by Dec. The goal is to submit it to festivals so quality and creativity are the TOP priorities - not length
Criteria:
1. You can work independently or with a partner
2. You can use any medium you want (make sure it is feasible to complete)
3. Your animation can be narrative (experimental, metaphoric, standard), poetic, abstract, or any other type.
Grading:
Your animation will be graded on the following:
1. Creative idea and concept: if it is a story, is it unique; if it is abstract, is it an interesting approach; metaphoric or poetic, does it offer intriquing experiences
2. Visual Look: use of art and design elements, aesthetic approach
3. Animation principles employed: use of timing, arcs, secondary action, and other principles
4. Technical skill: both the artwork and the output should show mastery of the technical aspects
Assignment 6ASSIGNED: Hand drawn animation - walk sequenceDUE: Sept 14
Part 1. Using the index cards or Photoshop, draw a simple character walking from one side of the card to the other.
Specifications:
1. The character can enter the frame from either direction and leave the frame
2. You can start in the frame and get a complete walk cycle then repeat the drawings.
3. You need to determine the mood of the person to figure out if it is a happy or sad walk.
Part 2. Scan the cards in (if you used cards) and make a movie using Apple Quicktime H.264
References:
1. Angry Animator
2. Micheal Sporn's Animation site
3. Preston Blair's Walk Cycle
Assignment 7ASSIGNED: Build a puppet to animate later - design and material list by 9-21, built by 9-28DUE: Part 1: Design and material list, Sept 21
DUE: Part 2: Built, Sept 28
Part 1. Draw a picture of the puppet you will make. This drawing needs to be turned in digitally so either use Photoshop or scan in your drawing. Be VERY creative but make sure you will actually be able to make this puppet. Make a list of the materials you will need to build this puppet.
Part 2. Create an armature that is bendable and will last for the duration of your animation (20 - 30 seconds) and then put some sort of surface on the puppet (the wires should not show through).
The surface can be nuts and bolts, cloth, clay, paper, or any other materials.
Specifications:
1. Designs should be 1 page and scanned or created on a computer.
2. Material list should include the wire and all parts needed. Look at Hobby Lobby and Ben Franklin for craft materials like eyes, etc. You may also use just about any material on the surface of the puppet but the interior armature should be wire.
Assignment 8ASSIGNED: Object AnimationDUE: Wed. Sept 30
Description: Create a 10-15 second short animation that uses small objects as the animated elements.
Pick from the following concepts:
Abstraction: geometric patterns / transformation and flow
Representational: small objects should represent something else / surprise ending
Specifications: Use the following:
Speed change - objects should ease in and out or alter their speed over time
Replacement - change the objects each frame in at least some of the animation to create a rhythm or change in scale, or other attribute.
Grading will be based on the following criteria:
- Timing of the animation (speed change over time)
- Effective use of Replacement Technique
- Creative Idea
Assignment 9ASSIGNED: Puppet AnimationPart 1 due: Sept 21 Puppet Design and Material List
Part 2 due: Sept 28 Puppet Built
Part 3 due: Oct 7 Two shots done (more than 1/2 of the animation)
Part 4 due: Mon Oct 19 Completed puppet animation with sound.
Description:
Create a short narrative animation that is 20-30 seconds using your puppet. You must be able to resolve the story quickly so do not choose a complex narrative.
Specifications:
- You may have props but not include a second character. You must have some sort of environment or set.
- You must have 3-5 different shots. These can use the same set but you are not allowed to cut from one angle of the character to another angle of the character. You must cut to a close up of them or a cut away to another element in the story.
Pick from the following prompts or make up your own:
- A funny thing happened to me on the way to the school/store/home
- Trying to solve a problem and a very unexpected thing happens
- Or use the Forty Four Short Story Ideas to help you.
Grading will be based on the following:
- Timing of the animation
- Creative idea and story
- Artistic design of the set and other elements in the animation
- Effective cinematics (the various angles and camera shots)
Assignment 10ASSIGNED: Ball Bounce AnimationsDUE: Oct 5th
Description:
Part 1: Simple Ball Bounce - Bouncy Ball - normal weight (no squash and stretch)
Part 2: heavy ball - bowling ball
With trajectory chart
Part 3: very light ball - balloon
Comparison of heavy, light and balloon
Part 4: Squishy ball - use exaggerated squash and stretch
Richard Williams talking about Squash and Stretch
Part 5: Personified ball - should have intention added
BGSU Student Work
Assignment 11ASSIGNED: Revised Expanded Premise and Visual Outline or StoryboardDUE: Oct 14th
Part 1:
Revise the Expanded Premise to update it to match your new or revised idea
Part 2:
Create a Visual Outline or Storyboard
1. Figure out exactly how many scenes and shots you will have and visually indicate that.
2. Sometimes a shot or scene might need more than one rectangle in the storyboard.
2. In each rectangle, sketch the imagery that will be in that scene.
Guidelines:
1. Avoid placing things in the center of the screen unless necessary
2. Don't have the character look at the audience (if applicable)
3. No cuts less than 4 seconds unless your aesthetic is fast paced changes
4. If there is a character, no cuts from the character to the same character unless you keep the same camera angle and it is a dramatic change. Long shot to close up, etc.
5. Abstract and experimental animation can be represented by images to show the ideas at various stages.
6. Color or Black and White is optional
7. Sometimes it is helpful to include concept art (optional)
Template:
Use the storyboard template
Examples:
Megan Dunn, BGSU
David Kirk (second year animation student in the UK)
Michel Levy, Israel
Assignment 12To do: Create a short animation using sand or paint on glass.
Specifications:
You may use under-lit or both under-lit and over-lighting to light your scene. You can work with abstract, figurative or other recognizable objects as you animate the sand or paint.
Artistic direction: In your animation include at least one metamorphosis.
Minimum Length: 20 seconds or longer
Frames per second: 15 fps
Format:
Save as a H.264 movie as an HD 720 or 1080 format
Assignment 13To do: Animation Portfolio Setup
Due: Mon. Nov 16th
Go to blogs.bgsu.edu
1. Login with your BGSU username
2. Click My Sites on the top left menu
3. Create a New Site
Specs for new site:
1. Site Name:
artc3100username
Replace username with YOUR username. It is IMPORTANT to use this naming scheme.
2. Blog Title:
Your Name’s Animation Portfolio
3. Privacy: It does not matter if you want your blog to appear in the search engine.
Login to the new site you just created (Make sure you are in the Dashboard).
1. Set up theme:
On the menu at the left, Click the Appearance - Themes:
Search for the Mandigo theme and click Activate "Mandigo"
2. Click Customize to add a relevant tagline, like “Fall 2015”- SAVE and Publish
***USE the Photoshop template to add an image of your artwork. Hold Option down to download it to the Downloads folder. Make an image that is 800 wide x 250 high JPG and place it in the template. The Blog template chops off a part of your image and this template file compensates for that. Make sure you turn off the "Turn off before Saving" folder in the Photoshop Layers. Flatten image and save as JPG.
3. Add your picture to your site:
Dashboard - Appearance section select Header
(You need to have an image ready to go that you created with the template above! )
Click Header Image and add New Image. SAVE
Upload To see it, click the title of the Blog – Visit Site on top
Customize your side bar in the following way:
Click Appearance - Widgets then
Sidebar 1 should contain:
Calendar
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
To Remove items:
Click Archives in the Sidebar 1 column and Delete
Click Categories in the Sidebar 1 column and Delete
Change Posts:
Click Posts and Change “Hello World” to "Welcome"and make a new post
Set Discussion specs:
Click Settings – Discussion:
UNCHECK- A comment is held for moderation
UNCHECK - Comment author must have a previously approved comment
Save Changes
Adding content to your blog:
1. To add something to your blog use the POSTS - Add New - Don't forget to click Publish
2. To change a posting, use the Edit - Don't forget to click Update Post
3. To add images to a blog page, use the Media - Add New link. Use the Browser Uploader if you have any problems.
4. To add video, you need to have a Youtube or Vimeo account and past your animation there.
Post the following items in this order:
(you should write in each entry, what the assignment is and comments about your piece)
1. Morph animation
2. Handdrawn walk animation
3. Handdrawn weight animation
4. Ball bounce assignments
5. Rollercoaster
6. Object animation
7. Puppet Animation
8. Sand or Paint animaiton
9. Optional: Pixilation or Zoetrope
10. Final Expanded Premise
11. Image showing the visual look of the final animation
12. Video of the progress so far of the final animation
You will be making entries each week with the updates to the final animation
ARTC 3100 Animation Principles & TechniquesBowling Green State University School of Art, Digital Arts
Syllabus Schedule Class Notes Assignments Readings Resources Students
Assignments
[01] [02] [03] [04] [05] [06] [07] [08] [09] [10] [11] [12] [13]
Assignment 1ASSIGNED: Create a Zoetrope strip showing an action or transformation that loopsDUE: Wed. Aug 26
To do:
1. Create 12 drawings that depicts an action or transforms from one object to another and then back to the original drawing
If you want to purchase a zoetrope, this seems to be the lowest price:
http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/eye_think_inc/zoetrope.cfm
Assignment 2ASSIGNED: Draw one picture on two 4 x 6" cards (the picture must be identical on both)
ASSIGNED: Create a 50 card hand-drawn metamorphosisPart 1 - 2 cards - DUE: Wed. Aug 26
Part 2 - 50 card morph - DUE: Wed. Sept 2
Part 3 - scanned and made into movie: DUE: Wed. Sept 9
Part 4 - REDO the morph animation to fix timing issues (add more drawings) - Due Oct 5
To buy:
1. Purchase one or two packs of blank index cards 4 x 6"
2. Purchase 1 Micon 08 #1 Archival Ink Pen (0.50 mm line width)
You will need:
2 Medium sized Binder clips (some will be available in class)
Part 1:
1. Draw a simple (but creative) image of the type of object/character you were assigned on a 4" x 6" blank note card. Use pencil. No shading, textures or color please.
2. Use the Micon 08 #1 Pen and trace over the pencil marks.
3. Using a light table, trace the image using the Micon Pen onto another card to make an exact copy of it.
Order of Animation:
Give your extra card to the person below you on the student list.
Part 2:
Create a 3.3 second (50 cards at 15 fps) metamorphosis animation starting with your own drawingand ending at the drawing on the card that was given to you.
Your image should gradually change into the other person's image but it must do something before it changes into the other image. For instance, if it is a human, the human could take a few steps then change to the other image.
Think about creative ways of changing from one object into the other:
For instance, you could turn the head inside out by opening the mouth real wide, or you could have one part of the object start to morph into the other object while the rest of the object is shocked and tries to avoid changing and finally it is overcome and transforms.
Part 3:
Scan the cards one at a time, making sure the alignment is perfect. Use After Effects to align them and make a movie using Quicktime - H.264 compression at 15 frames per second.
This assignment will require:
1. Using pencil and a light table to draw the cards
2. Inking in your cards using a waterbased thin markers (Micon)
3. Scanning in the cards
4. Importing them into After Effects and testing it
5. Drawing more cards to correct timing issues until it is perfect
6. Exporting the final movie as Quicktime H.264 compression at 15 fps
Part 4: We will assemble all the animations to make one complete class animation. If you do your part wrong, you will be required to redo it. MAKE SURE you use the Micon pen specified and you scan exactly as shown in class.
Assignment 3ASSIGNED: Create a Zoetrope strip depicting a transformation or action over timeDUE: Mon. Aug 31
To do:
Create 12 drawings of an action cycle or transformation on the zoetrope strip provided. The drawing must smoothly evolve from the last frame to the first frame. It must be an action loop.
When you are done, you will have 2 zoetrope strips - one action and one transformation.
Assignment 4ASSIGNED: Create hand-drawn animation on paper - depict weightDUE: Wed. Sept 9
Part 1. Using the index cards or Photoshop, draw a simple character lifting something very heavy.
Options:
1. The character can fall, throw it, drop it, or do something else with the object (eat it?)
Part 2. Scan the cards in (if you used cards) and make a movie using Apple Quicktime H.264
Assignment 5ASSIGNED: Final AssignmentExpanded Premise Due: Sept 14
Storyboard/Visual Layout: Sept 30
Checkup 1: Nov 4 - one third done
Checkup 2: Nov 18 - one half done
Checkup 3: Dec 2 - nine tenths done with audio
Final Due: Dec 7 - done
Proposal:
Create an expanded premise statement (one page) describing what you want to do
Final Project:
Create an animation that is creative and completed by Dec. The goal is to submit it to festivals so quality and creativity are the TOP priorities - not length
Criteria:
1. You can work independently or with a partner
2. You can use any medium you want (make sure it is feasible to complete)
3. Your animation can be narrative (experimental, metaphoric, standard), poetic, abstract, or any other type.
Grading:
Your animation will be graded on the following:
1. Creative idea and concept: if it is a story, is it unique; if it is abstract, is it an interesting approach; metaphoric or poetic, does it offer intriquing experiences
2. Visual Look: use of art and design elements, aesthetic approach
3. Animation principles employed: use of timing, arcs, secondary action, and other principles
4. Technical skill: both the artwork and the output should show mastery of the technical aspects
Assignment 6ASSIGNED: Hand drawn animation - walk sequenceDUE: Sept 14
Part 1. Using the index cards or Photoshop, draw a simple character walking from one side of the card to the other.
Specifications:
1. The character can enter the frame from either direction and leave the frame
2. You can start in the frame and get a complete walk cycle then repeat the drawings.
3. You need to determine the mood of the person to figure out if it is a happy or sad walk.
Part 2. Scan the cards in (if you used cards) and make a movie using Apple Quicktime H.264
References:
1. Angry Animator
2. Micheal Sporn's Animation site
3. Preston Blair's Walk Cycle
Assignment 7ASSIGNED: Build a puppet to animate later - design and material list by 9-21, built by 9-28DUE: Part 1: Design and material list, Sept 21
DUE: Part 2: Built, Sept 28
Part 1. Draw a picture of the puppet you will make. This drawing needs to be turned in digitally so either use Photoshop or scan in your drawing. Be VERY creative but make sure you will actually be able to make this puppet. Make a list of the materials you will need to build this puppet.
Part 2. Create an armature that is bendable and will last for the duration of your animation (20 - 30 seconds) and then put some sort of surface on the puppet (the wires should not show through).
The surface can be nuts and bolts, cloth, clay, paper, or any other materials.
Specifications:
1. Designs should be 1 page and scanned or created on a computer.
2. Material list should include the wire and all parts needed. Look at Hobby Lobby and Ben Franklin for craft materials like eyes, etc. You may also use just about any material on the surface of the puppet but the interior armature should be wire.
Assignment 8ASSIGNED: Object AnimationDUE: Wed. Sept 30
Description: Create a 10-15 second short animation that uses small objects as the animated elements.
Pick from the following concepts:
Abstraction: geometric patterns / transformation and flow
Representational: small objects should represent something else / surprise ending
Specifications: Use the following:
Speed change - objects should ease in and out or alter their speed over time
Replacement - change the objects each frame in at least some of the animation to create a rhythm or change in scale, or other attribute.
Grading will be based on the following criteria:
- Timing of the animation (speed change over time)
- Effective use of Replacement Technique
- Creative Idea
Assignment 9ASSIGNED: Puppet AnimationPart 1 due: Sept 21 Puppet Design and Material List
Part 2 due: Sept 28 Puppet Built
Part 3 due: Oct 7 Two shots done (more than 1/2 of the animation)
Part 4 due: Mon Oct 19 Completed puppet animation with sound.
Description:
Create a short narrative animation that is 20-30 seconds using your puppet. You must be able to resolve the story quickly so do not choose a complex narrative.
Specifications:
- You may have props but not include a second character. You must have some sort of environment or set.
- You must have 3-5 different shots. These can use the same set but you are not allowed to cut from one angle of the character to another angle of the character. You must cut to a close up of them or a cut away to another element in the story.
Pick from the following prompts or make up your own:
- A funny thing happened to me on the way to the school/store/home
- Trying to solve a problem and a very unexpected thing happens
- Or use the Forty Four Short Story Ideas to help you.
Grading will be based on the following:
- Timing of the animation
- Creative idea and story
- Artistic design of the set and other elements in the animation
- Effective cinematics (the various angles and camera shots)
Assignment 10ASSIGNED: Ball Bounce AnimationsDUE: Oct 5th
Description:
Part 1: Simple Ball Bounce - Bouncy Ball - normal weight (no squash and stretch)
Part 2: heavy ball - bowling ball
With trajectory chart
Part 3: very light ball - balloon
Comparison of heavy, light and balloon
Part 4: Squishy ball - use exaggerated squash and stretch
Richard Williams talking about Squash and Stretch
Part 5: Personified ball - should have intention added
BGSU Student Work
Assignment 11ASSIGNED: Revised Expanded Premise and Visual Outline or StoryboardDUE: Oct 14th
Part 1:
Revise the Expanded Premise to update it to match your new or revised idea
Part 2:
Create a Visual Outline or Storyboard
1. Figure out exactly how many scenes and shots you will have and visually indicate that.
2. Sometimes a shot or scene might need more than one rectangle in the storyboard.
2. In each rectangle, sketch the imagery that will be in that scene.
Guidelines:
1. Avoid placing things in the center of the screen unless necessary
2. Don't have the character look at the audience (if applicable)
3. No cuts less than 4 seconds unless your aesthetic is fast paced changes
4. If there is a character, no cuts from the character to the same character unless you keep the same camera angle and it is a dramatic change. Long shot to close up, etc.
5. Abstract and experimental animation can be represented by images to show the ideas at various stages.
6. Color or Black and White is optional
7. Sometimes it is helpful to include concept art (optional)
Template:
Use the storyboard template
Examples:
Megan Dunn, BGSU
David Kirk (second year animation student in the UK)
Michel Levy, Israel
Assignment 12To do: Create a short animation using sand or paint on glass.
Specifications:
You may use under-lit or both under-lit and over-lighting to light your scene. You can work with abstract, figurative or other recognizable objects as you animate the sand or paint.
Artistic direction: In your animation include at least one metamorphosis.
Minimum Length: 20 seconds or longer
Frames per second: 15 fps
Format:
Save as a H.264 movie as an HD 720 or 1080 format
Assignment 13To do: Animation Portfolio Setup
Due: Mon. Nov 16th
Go to blogs.bgsu.edu
1. Login with your BGSU username
2. Click My Sites on the top left menu
3. Create a New Site
Specs for new site:
1. Site Name:
artc3100username
Replace username with YOUR username. It is IMPORTANT to use this naming scheme.
2. Blog Title:
Your Name’s Animation Portfolio
3. Privacy: It does not matter if you want your blog to appear in the search engine.
Login to the new site you just created (Make sure you are in the Dashboard).
1. Set up theme:
On the menu at the left, Click the Appearance - Themes:
Search for the Mandigo theme and click Activate "Mandigo"
2. Click Customize to add a relevant tagline, like “Fall 2015”- SAVE and Publish
***USE the Photoshop template to add an image of your artwork. Hold Option down to download it to the Downloads folder. Make an image that is 800 wide x 250 high JPG and place it in the template. The Blog template chops off a part of your image and this template file compensates for that. Make sure you turn off the "Turn off before Saving" folder in the Photoshop Layers. Flatten image and save as JPG.
3. Add your picture to your site:
Dashboard - Appearance section select Header
(You need to have an image ready to go that you created with the template above! )
Click Header Image and add New Image. SAVE
Upload To see it, click the title of the Blog – Visit Site on top
Customize your side bar in the following way:
Click Appearance - Widgets then
Sidebar 1 should contain:
Calendar
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
To Remove items:
Click Archives in the Sidebar 1 column and Delete
Click Categories in the Sidebar 1 column and Delete
Change Posts:
Click Posts and Change “Hello World” to "Welcome"and make a new post
Set Discussion specs:
Click Settings – Discussion:
UNCHECK- A comment is held for moderation
UNCHECK - Comment author must have a previously approved comment
Save Changes
Adding content to your blog:
1. To add something to your blog use the POSTS - Add New - Don't forget to click Publish
2. To change a posting, use the Edit - Don't forget to click Update Post
3. To add images to a blog page, use the Media - Add New link. Use the Browser Uploader if you have any problems.
4. To add video, you need to have a Youtube or Vimeo account and past your animation there.
Post the following items in this order:
(you should write in each entry, what the assignment is and comments about your piece)
1. Morph animation
2. Handdrawn walk animation
3. Handdrawn weight animation
4. Ball bounce assignments
5. Rollercoaster
6. Object animation
7. Puppet Animation
8. Sand or Paint animaiton
9. Optional: Pixilation or Zoetrope
10. Final Expanded Premise
11. Image showing the visual look of the final animation
12. Video of the progress so far of the final animation
You will be making entries each week with the updates to the final animation