Animation & Visual Effects (BFA)
Animation & Visual Effects (BFA)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
Available Online & On Campus
Core Classes
ANM 101
Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation
Core/3
ANM 105
Introduction to 3D Production A
Core/3
ANM 108
Cinematics for Animation and VFX
Core/3
ANM 180
Introduction to Animation Principles and Techniques
Core/3
ANM 190
Traditional Animation 1
Core/3
ANM 202
Introduction to 3D Production B
Core/3
ANM 205
Careers in Animation and VFX
Core/3
ANM 251
Fundamentals of Texturing, Lookdev, and Lighting
Core/3
ANM 270
Storyboarding 1: Basics of Storyboarding
Core/3
ANM 342
VFX 3: Node-Based Compositing 1
Core/3
ANM 405
Senior Portfolio for Animation and VFX
Core/3
FND 108
Digital Drawing for Entertainment
Core/3
FND 110
Analysis of Form
Core/3
FND 112
Figure Drawing
Core/3
FND 116
Perspective
Core/3
FND 122
Color Fundamentals
Core/3
GAM 107
Game Engines
Core/3
ILL 120
Clothed Figure Drawing 1
Core/3
Unit Requirements
| Major Coursework | Units |
|---|---|
| Core | 36 |
| Major | 33 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Liberal Arts | 42 |
| Total | 120 |
Degree Requirements
BFA ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or LA 108 Composition for the Artist.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
4 Art Historical Awareness courses
1 Written Communication: Composition course
1 Written Communication: Context & Style course
1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
1 Historical Awareness course
1 Quantitative Literacy course
1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
1 Employment Communications and Practices course
After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Additional Information
Program Learning Outcomes
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Visual Communication and Problem Solving
- Make effective design choices to support narrative, character, and/or mood
- Demonstrate the ability to research for inspiration, reference, accuracy, and incorporate findings into design solutions
- Design and generate digital elements or effects that meet the needs of imagery
- Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic continuity through sequential imagery
- Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters
- Successfully convey motion and interaction of character and/or object kinesis
Technical Skills
- Demonstrate facility and flexibility with animation and/or VFX digital media, technology, and software
Professional Readiness
- Assemble a professional digital or portfolio demonstrating an understanding of the target market
- Demonstrate an understanding of the production pipeline through successful participation in the collaborative/pipeline process
Specialty Skills: Storyboarding
- Create and pitch stories and concepts through the use of sequential imagery
- Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic continuity by creating sequential imagery that supports narrative, character, and/or mood
- Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters
Specialty Skills: Traditional Animation and Stop Motion
- Successfully convey motion and interaction of character and/or object kinesis
- Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters
Specialty Skills: Modeling
- Model with appropriate use of form, proportion, and anatomy
- Create and apply look development consistent with the overall style of the project
Specialty Skills: 3D Animation
- Convey motion (biped and quadruped) and interaction of moving objects
- Apply principles of animation to effectively communicate character action, emotion, and mood
Specialty Skills: Visual Effects
- Exhibit an understanding of how VFX pipeline skills and tools support all the different departments from pre through post-production
- Create shots or assets appropriate to the project aesthetic
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
- Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.
*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu
