Animation
Learning Outcomes
Character Animation
Create convincing, feature-quality animation of original characters that allows personality and emotion to dictate unique acting choices, expressions and movement.
Pitch Stories
Pitch stories clearly and succinctly, showing an understanding of structure and character and the ability to elevate the material by incorporating group critique.
Effective Communication
Demonstrate effective communication skills necessary for collaboration in group productions.
Film-Making Disciplines
Demonstrate competence in filmmaking disciplines such as directing, screenwriting, editing, sound design and cinematography.
Analyzing narrative
Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing narrative structure to synthesize visual storytelling techniques.
character design
Demonstrate proficiency in creating character designs that meet independent and industry standards.
multimedia animation
Synthesize through practice, proficiency in 2D, 3D, Stop Motion, and Multimedia-based animation principles.
best practices
Articulate an understanding of independent and industry practices of professional artists creating, pitching, and producing animated art.
creating compelling work
Create emotional and compelling art, including but not limited to short films, pitches, music videos, and combinations of multimedia.
course listing
Coursework designed to create a solid foundation, with unique and specialized skills.
FD151 - Figure Drawing
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to drawing the human form that explores observational and imaginative drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.
FD157 - Fundamentals of Animation
Credits: 3.0
This introductory course covers the principles of classical, full animation technique on paper, dimensional constructive drawing techniques as well as the analysis of action and movement in the natural world. Students explore these concepts through exercises which isolate the core principles being taught. Students will learn the fundamentals common to all animation techniques.
FD172 - Dynamic Sketching
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the fundamentals of sketching and drawing for communication and design, with a focus on the entertainment industry. Students will develop skills in observational drawing and perspective to bring their ideas to life. Emphasis is placed on constructive drawing techniques.
Students sketch from life, work with references, and create original designs based on research and an understanding of form and function.
Topics include one, two, and three-point perspective, composition, and techniques for translating 3D forms into 2D space. Students will explore line weight, textures, and foundational design principles using both traditional media—graphite, ink, and pens—and digital tools.
Through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques, students will create a sketchbook of observational studies, technical exercises, and original designs, building the visual library needed to effectively communicate ideas in the entertainment industry.
FD155 - Fundamentals of Story
Credits: 3.0
This course is an exploration in story structure and the incorporation of classic storytelling techniques/archetypes in the medium of film.
FD158 - Fundamentals of Maya
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the students to the complex interface of Maya, one of the leading software programs in animation and graphic design industries. Students will learn how to navigate Maya’s interface exploring basic modeling, rigging, lighting, texture, and camera set-up.
AN209 - Animation 1
Credits: 3.0
This course expands on the fundamentals, applying the basic concepts to further develop skills in locomotion and acting for animation. Students will progress their understanding of motion, weight, and balance, develop pantomime character performance skills, and have their first introduction to animating dialogue. Students will gain a deeper grasp of traditional animation principles and character animation techniques.
AN215 - Character Design 1
Credits: 3.0
This course offers an intense investigation of character design. The objective of this course is to design model sheets of unique and imaginative animated characters. Students begin with preliminary sketches and construction drawing, and continue to develop numerous rotation drawings (turnarounds) of facial expressions and a variety of action poses that are refined and which eventually lead to more finished drawings. A variety of styles are explored. Emphasis is on working from imagination and strengthening drawing skills.
AN217 - Figure Drawing for Animators 1
Credits: 3.0
This is a figure drawing course for animators that focuses on gesture and how to capture the essentials of movement, dynamic expression, and the individual model’s attitude. A variety of drawing media will be introduced.
AN310 - Layout
Credits: 3.0
Students learn the role of layout in the film making process. The course covers basics of film cinematography, planning camera mechanics, the use of creative perspective, and lighting and visual storytelling. The student has the opportunity to plan and create a layout workbook and develop key layouts. Emphasis is on creative solutions to staging and designing the worlds that animated characters inhabit. The principles taught may be applied to traditional animation, 3D animation or gaming.
AN323 - Digital Animation Skills
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces students to digital approaches to feature-quality animation techniques, focusing primarily on industry-standard software: Toon Boom Harmony, TV Paint, and post-production through Adobe Suite (After Effects and Premiere). The course brings together traditional animation learning and the digital tools utilized in modern animation practices. By integrating these key tools, students will be better prepared for success in their animation studies and creative careers.
AN218 - Storyboarding 1
Credits: 3.0
This course covers how to effectively portray the essence of a story by means of quick and accurate sketches. Students learn to develop and create a sequential series of staged drawings (the visual script of each scene in a film). A brief overview of script writing is included. The script’s plot, situations, and conflict are developed from rough sketches to finished presentations. This course also examines staging, cinematography, drama, action notes, dialogue, pacing, timing, and sequencing the story’s action.
AN250 - CG Animation 1
Credits: 3.0
This introductory CG animation course focuses on the tools of industry-leading Autodesk Maya specifically for creating high-performance animation. Students build upon their foundational knowledge of animation tools and processes, progressing from introductory mechanics with simple rigs, and advancing to pantomime acting utilizing a full-character rig. Students will learn to apply animation principles to CG techniques, with instruction emphasizing a traditional approach to 3D character animation for achieving strong personalities and acting.
AN309 - Animation 2
Credits: 3.0
This intermediate course builds on foundational animation principles, with an emphasis on developing more complex animation skills. Students will refine their acting skills of conveying emotion with their characters and exploring different character types and personalities in various ways. This course will focus on enhancing the students’ animation techniques with nuanced and detailed character animation performance.
AN301 - CG Animation 2
Credits: 3.0
This course is designed to teach students advanced CG animation techniques by applying traditional character animation principles to CG animation. Students will enhance their approach and workflow while deepening their understanding of Maya animation tools. The course focuses on advancing CG skills in performance and locomotion, progressing to dialogue and character interaction. By the end, students will have produced a polished demo reel showcasing their advanced CG animation capabilities.
AN317 - Figure Drawing for Animators 2
Credits: 3.0
This advanced-level figure drawing course for animators that deepens the focuses on gesture and capturing essentials of movement, dynamic expression, and the individual model’s attitude. A variety of drawing media are introduced.
AN325 - Directing for Animators
Credits: 3.0
The purpose of this course is to finalize a short film idea that will be executed in the senior year. This course will provide experience in the process of choosing a short-film idea and developing it into a story that is clear, compelling, and entertaining. Students learn storytelling and filmmaking techniques and explore several ideas before choosing a final film. Students in this class will be evaluated on their scripts, designs and animatics with sound.
AN409 - Animation 3
Credits: 3.0
The most advanced of the animation courses, this class builds on complex concepts of full animation technique. Students will also learn collaboration skills, culminating in a group film created from concept to final color film.
AN220 - Animal Drawing 1
Credits: 3.0
This course emphasizes 3-dimensional form analysis: proportion, scale, foreshortening, and weight. Using an economy of line and value, students will strive to capture emotion and expression of animal forms by depicting gesture, manner, attitude, and rhythm. Comparative studies of animal and human anatomy will empower students with strong, imaginative drawing skills. A variety of domestic and zoo animals will be studied and drawn in the studio and on location.
AN313 - Visual Development for Animators 1
Credits: 3.0
This advanced course is designed to push the student’s ability to give vision to a concept and to visually convey emotional story beats. Emphasis is placed on visual communication with the use of value, design, color, and composition. Artistic growth is encouraged through a series of critiques and demonstrations.
AN418 - Thesis Film 1
Credits: 6.0
Thesis 1 begins animation production of the students’ animation films developed in Directing for Animators, concentrating on creating and completing 50% of their film animation. The course focuses on communication, character personality, acting, storytelling, and entertainment. Students will be required to participate in weekly dailies, presenting their work and incorporating instructor feedback. Emphasis is placed on developing industry-standard production skills, high-quality animation, meeting deadlines, and managing production schedules. Active engagement and effective problem-solving are crucial for advancing through this intensive course.
AN419 - Thesis Film 2
Credits: 6.0
Thesis 2 continues the animation production process begun in Thesis 1, with students completing the remaining 50% of their film animation. The course emphasizes finalizing animation sequences and refining the overall flow of the film, while adhering to production management. Students are required to meet their final goals, demonstrating an advanced level of craft and technique.
AN311 - Background Painting
Credits: 3.0
Background Painting teaches students to take their drawn environments and background layouts to full color. The course emphasizes the skills and tools needed to emulate traditional painting techniques using Adobe Photoshop.
AN420 - Thesis Film 3
Credits: 3.0
This course is taken in the last senior semester and teaches the techniques necessary to bring a film to final color and sound. Principles include digital ink & paint, backgrounds, compositing, and high-quality presentation polishing. All students will complete soundtracks for their films with Foley, sound design, and final mixing. Finished films will be encoded to theatrical DCP (Digital Cinema Package) standards and each class member will prepare the necessary publicity materials for submission to online festival platforms.
ARTHISM303 - History of Animation
Credits: 3.0
The course examines the development of animation from its inception through present-day manifestations in television, films, and the Internet. Major animators and key works are analyzed and discussed. Required for Animation majors.
PS303 - Professional Studies for Animators
Credits: 3.0
This course concentrates on preparing students to enter team-based creative environments with emphasis on digital portfolio and reel development, communication skills, industry networking opportunities and success strategies for collaborative projects.
LANG251 - Acting for Animators
Credits: 3.0
The challenge for the animator is to create the illusion of life in animated images. This course involves the animator in theoretical considerations of performance, analyses of animated films, and studio experiences aimed at realizing the animator’s goal of creating the illusion of life in animated images. (Required for All Animation and Experimental Animation Students. Satisfies Language Arts. Required for all Animation and Experimental Animation students)
EX201 - CG Modeling 1
Credits: 3.0
This is an introductory-level course designed for students to develop or enhance their 3D modeling skills. Instruction will focus on the artistry needed to create compelling, “feature-length-quality” characters, while showing how to design and implement geometry best suited for rigging and animation. Students may focus on character or background geometry for their projects. Students will be introduced to new software tools and techniques based upon professional practices utilized by top studios in the industry.
EX284 - 2D Paperless Animation
Credits: 3.0
This course utilizes tablet-monitor technology to create a full-animation 2D pipeline that bypasses traditional paper in favor of digital drawing. Traditional full-animation 2D methods are adapted for the digital 2D animation environment, including hybrid digital enhancements of 2D full animation techniques. Digital keyframes, visual effects and lighting applied early in the pipeline redefine the scope of the animator’s role in production.
EX286 - 3D Character Animation 1
Credits: 3.0
This intermediate level course builds off Fundamentals of Maya and CG Modeling, focusing on CG-based 3D character animation. Based in character performance and storytelling, students utilize keyframe animation while exploring the basics of 3D motion, body mechanics, motion-graph editing, and cycles via projects for tv, multimedia and game animation. Students produce individual and collaborative projects while investigating methods to create compelling character staging utilizing the 12 principles of animation, thumbnails, and personal video reference.
EX291 - Experimental Blender
Credits: 3.0
This 15-week course introduces students to the powerful combination of Blender’s Grease Pencil and Substance Painter, focusing on the integration of 2D and 3D elements in digital illustration, animation, and texturing.
Students will begin with Blender’s Grease Pencil, learning how to create 2D illustrations, 2.5D environments, and animation inside Blender’s 3D workspace.
Midway, the course shifts to 3D modeling, introducing both hard surface and organic sculpting techniques before diving into Substance Painter for professional texturing workflows.
The final weeks focus on assembling a hybrid 2D/3D scene, applying advanced shading techniques, rendering, and compositing.
By the end of the course, students will have explored and developed skills for illustration, animation, 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering to express their personal stories and projects.
EX350 - Art Direction for TV + New Media
Credits: 3.0
This advanced course draws on the practical knowledge developed in EX282 and EX284 focusing on art direction as applied to episodic, limited animation production pipelines. Stylization, set/prop design, character asset strategies and color/lighting design will be explored. Both TV and streaming media needs will be highlighted as students create show-design portfolio projects.
EX360 - Animation for New Media
Credits: 3.0
This advanced course builds on previous knowledge and skills as students conceive, plan, design and produce their own series of web-shorts suitable for weekly uploads on streaming media platforms such as YouTube. Students will also be introduced to uses of 2D and 2D animation assets in mobile games, 360-degree filmmaking, virtual reality and augmented reality platforms.
EX370 - Original Series Development
Credits: 3.0
This advanced class will require students to conceive, develop, present and pitch a concept for an original episodic animated series. Students will produce a comprehensive portfolio of show sample assets including character models, set mock-ups, synopsis of episodes and backstory for all major and supporting characters. EX 350 is a required prerequisite for this course.
EX380 - Experimental Stop Motion Techniques
Credits: 3.0
This course focuses on stop motion techniques outside the normal realm of character rigs and clay armature-based techniques. Experimental approaches including motion design, and other stop-motion based visual effects will be explored. Students will produce stop motion animation elements for chroma-key compositing into analog and 3D digital environments.
EX384 - Compositing for Animators
Credits: 3.0
This course requires that students have proficiency in prior 2D or 3D tools. Students will use their animation skills to create work they will import into their compositing workspace. Students will work to enhance their animation production using a wide array of video filters, effects and strategies.
Digital keying, chroma-keying, 3D space, virtual lighting and camera moves will be explored. Students will bring together animated elements from a variety of digital and analog sources using compositing strategies.
EX390 - Directing for Limited + Experimental Ani
Credits: 3.0
This course will prepare students in the Experimental animation track for their final sequence of Experimental Thesis Film 1 & Experimental Thesis Film 2 where they will make their senior thesis project. Using linear and non-linear narrative approaches, students will design and storyboard their original concept for the film component of their thesis project. Students will also create a final story-reel of the film component of their thesis project, with final sound. Projects will proceed through a clear sequence of pre-production stages and be designed specifically for limited animation, stop-motion animation and experimental approaches to filmmaking.
MD200 - Portrait + Life Painting
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the fundamentals of figure painting, focusing on both head studies and
full-figure compositions to build a strong foundation for character design. Students will explore facial structure, proportions, and likeness, as well as the figure in the context of light and shadow, gesture, anatomy, and foreshortening.
Using gouache and acrylic, students will practice quick sketch and long-pose techniques while developing skills in composition, color theory, and color harmony. The course also examines how light, color temperature, proximity, and reflected light affect the figure in space. Emphasis is placed on making visual and artistic decisions informed by historical and contemporary figure drawing and painting styles.
MD201 - Character Design 1
Credits: 3.0
“This course provides an in-depth exploration of character design principles, focusing on creating unique and imaginative characters for the game and entertainment industry. Students will begin with preliminary sketches and construction drawings, progressing to refined character concepts that include turnarounds, facial expressions, action poses, and detailed callouts.
A variety of styles will be explored, with an emphasis on working from imagination, expanding visual libraries, and strengthening both drawing and presentation skills. By the end of the course, students will have developed polished character designs that demonstrate versatility and creativity, preparing them for professional work in animation, games, and beyond.”
MD202 - Environment Design 1
Credits: 3.0
This course offers an introduction to the conceptual process of environment design for video games. Environment concept artists for the game industry skillfully combine real world logic and design techniques to create unique and compelling environments, interiors, exteriors, props, and vehicles for a variety of stories and historical eras. This requires a dynamic understanding of industrial design and illustration skills to cohesively understand how things are built, and to visually communicate proper design elements through drawing, and show narrative aspects of the design. Students will create original design solutions through silhouettes, thumbnail sketches, and renderings to support a comprehensive visual narrative. Students will obtain a solid understanding of how to create original environments utilizing traditional methods, available technology, and 3D visualization techniques to create layouts.
MD203 - Emerging Media Strategies
Credits: 3.0
This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third party tools for design and content management.
MD204 - 3D Modeling + Sculpting
Credits: 3.0
This is an introductory-level course designed for students to develop or enhance their 3D modeling skills. Instruction will focus on the artistry needed to create compelling, “feature-length-quality” characters, while showing how to design and implement geometry best suited for rigging and animation. Students may focus on character or background geometry for their projects. Students will be introduced to new software tools and techniques based upon professional practices utilized by top studios in the industry.
MD205 - Intro to Digital Sculpting
Credits: 3.0
This introductory course provides students from all majors with the essential skills and workflows of digital sculpting. Using ZBrush students will explore both organic and hard surface sculpting techniques. The course empowers artists to integrate digital sculpting into their creative workflows, whether for 2D concept art, high-resolution 3D models, or rapid prototyping. Key areas of focus include fast iteration, file management, rendering, and preparing models for 3D printing.
MD210 - Collage
Credits: 3.0
This course investigates the history, practice, and visual language of collage. Utilizing varied sources to gather images and found objects, students will investigate and research interpersonal connections to images and objects they feel connected too. This course is structured around three main projects that seek to expand the creative, technical, and conceptual possibilities, all while aspiring to push the boundaries within the media of collage.
MD221 - Fabrication
Credits: 3.0
Experimental Animation’s “Fabrication” class offers students a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses essential skills in Real-World mold making, casting, character and prop sculpting, and miniature set construction. These skills are frequently encountered in fields such as Stop Motion, Visual Effects Animation, and Environment Design. Throughout the course, students will develop proficiency in both traditional and digital mediums. The curriculum combines traditional craftsmanship with hands-on experience in woodworking and foam cutting tools, as well as painting and airbrushing techniques to realistically simulate a variety of real-world textures and materials. Additionally, students will be required to explore modern technology through an introduction to 3D-CAD, 3D-Sculpting, and 3D-Printing. The culmination of students’ learning journey involves designing and creating a captivating set and a compelling character for their final project. This project serves as a platform for students to showcase their creative and technical abilities, demonstrating the skills they have acquired throughout the course.
MD300 - Plein Air to Concept
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the fundamentals of landscape painting and environment design, focusing on concepts and skills essential for creating outdoor scenes for professional projects. Students will learn to study light, simplify complex organic forms into manageable designs, and apply limited value systems and color theory to create compelling compositions.
Students will work both on-site from life and in a studio setting using references, including photography and online resources such as MapCrunch and Pinterest. Techniques will be explored through traditional media like markers and gouache, as well as digital tools, with Photoshop as the primary software. Other digital painting software may also be introduced.
MD301 - Costume Design 1
Credits: 3.0
TThis studio course explores the art of costume design, focusing on the intersection of character silhouette, costume, and the draped figure as they relate to the entertainment industry. Students will examine the aesthetic, cultural, and historical context of clothing, costume accessories, and armor, studying their evolution across millennia and their application in character design for theater, film, games, and fashion.
Through sketching and rendering, students will develop a strong understanding of how costume design enhances storytelling and supports character development. The course emphasizes design skills specific to the entertainment industry, providing a foundation for creating visually compelling and contextually rich costumes for a variety of creative fields.
MD308 - Watercolor 1
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to water-based media with an emphasis on transparent watercolor. Students learn the techniques of flat washes, graduated washes, and wet-into-wet applications. Stretching paper, transparent glazes, dry brush, and experimental techniques are also explored. Subjects include still life, landscape, portrait and interior environments.
MD321 - Fabrication 2
Credits: 3.0
“Fabrication 2 propels students into the thrilling realm of intermediate fabrication, bridging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools to bring imaginative worlds to life in stop-motion animation, visual effects (VFX), and entertainment design.
Building on the foundational skills of Fabrication:1, this hands-on studio course immerses students in advanced analog and digital techniques, including intricate mold-making and casting, expressive character sculpting, detailed prop fabrication, and miniature set construction. Participants will refine their skillsets through intensive practice with woodworking and foam-cutting tools, creative airbrushing, oil-based clays, silicones, and sophisticated 3D CAD modeling, digital sculpting, and 3D printing workflows. To foster personalized growth, the course may incorporate student-directed explorations—such as sewing, costume design, or basic animation of physical objects—while emphasizing essential professional practices like project planning, budgeting, and rigorous process documentation.
Culminating in a final project, students will conceive and realize a polished 3D character or immersive environment utilizing various scales that captivates and innovates. This final endeavor serves as a dynamic showcase of technical prowess and creative vision, synthesizing the expertise gained across both courses and empowering students to push the boundaries of tangible storytelling in a physical medium. “
MD342 - Ideation Lab: Pitch in Practice
Credits: 3.0
A junior level course that challenges students to amplify their unique identity and artistic vision as it relates to their portfolio. The process and skill for professionally pitching and selling self – generated illustration projects is covered. Students will edit and refine individually crafted creative works in a group setting from ideation and brainstorming to final art. Furthermore, Illustration Ideation Lab: Pitch in Practice will activate students to explore methods and techniques related to their practice that enhance and refine their professional portfolios.
Coursework designed to create a solid foundation, with unique and specialized skills.
FD151 - Figure Drawing
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to drawing the human form that explores observational and imaginative drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.
FD157 - Fundamentals of Animation
Credits: 3.0
This introductory course covers the principles of classical, full animation technique on paper, dimensional constructive drawing techniques as well as the analysis of action and movement in the natural world. Students explore these concepts through exercises which isolate the core principles being taught. Students will learn the fundamentals common to all animation techniques.
FD172 - Dynamic Sketching
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the fundamentals of sketching and drawing for communication and design, with a focus on the entertainment industry. Students will develop skills in observational drawing and perspective to bring their ideas to life. Emphasis is placed on constructive drawing techniques.
Students sketch from life, work with references, and create original designs based on research and an understanding of form and function.
Topics include one, two, and three-point perspective, composition, and techniques for translating 3D forms into 2D space. Students will explore line weight, textures, and foundational design principles using both traditional media—graphite, ink, and pens—and digital tools.
Through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques, students will create a sketchbook of observational studies, technical exercises, and original designs, building the visual library needed to effectively communicate ideas in the entertainment industry.
FD155 - Fundamentals of Story
Credits: 3.0
This course is an exploration in story structure and the incorporation of classic storytelling techniques/archetypes in the medium of film.
FD158 - Fundamentals of Maya
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the students to the complex interface of Maya, one of the leading software programs in animation and graphic design industries. Students will learn how to navigate Maya’s interface exploring basic modeling, rigging, lighting, texture, and camera set-up.
AN209 - Animation 1
Credits: 3.0
This course expands on the fundamentals, applying the basic concepts to further develop skills in locomotion and acting for animation. Students will progress their understanding of motion, weight, and balance, develop pantomime character performance skills, and have their first introduction to animating dialogue. Students will gain a deeper grasp of traditional animation principles and character animation techniques.
AN215 - Character Design 1
Credits: 3.0
This course offers an intense investigation of character design. The objective of this course is to design model sheets of unique and imaginative animated characters. Students begin with preliminary sketches and construction drawing, and continue to develop numerous rotation drawings (turnarounds) of facial expressions and a variety of action poses that are refined and which eventually lead to more finished drawings. A variety of styles are explored. Emphasis is on working from imagination and strengthening drawing skills.
AN217 - Figure Drawing for Animators 1
Credits: 3.0
This is a figure drawing course for animators that focuses on gesture and how to capture the essentials of movement, dynamic expression, and the individual model’s attitude. A variety of drawing media will be introduced.
AN310 - Layout
Credits: 3.0
Students learn the role of layout in the film making process. The course covers basics of film cinematography, planning camera mechanics, the use of creative perspective, and lighting and visual storytelling. The student has the opportunity to plan and create a layout workbook and develop key layouts. Emphasis is on creative solutions to staging and designing the worlds that animated characters inhabit. The principles taught may be applied to traditional animation, 3D animation or gaming.
AN323 - Digital Animation Skills
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces students to digital approaches to feature-quality animation techniques, focusing primarily on industry-standard software: Toon Boom Harmony, TV Paint, and post-production through Adobe Suite (After Effects and Premiere). The course brings together traditional animation learning and the digital tools utilized in modern animation practices. By integrating these key tools, students will be better prepared for success in their animation studies and creative careers.
AN218 - Storyboarding 1
Credits: 3.0
This course covers how to effectively portray the essence of a story by means of quick and accurate sketches. Students learn to develop and create a sequential series of staged drawings (the visual script of each scene in a film). A brief overview of script writing is included. The script’s plot, situations, and conflict are developed from rough sketches to finished presentations. This course also examines staging, cinematography, drama, action notes, dialogue, pacing, timing, and sequencing the story’s action.
AN250 - CG Animation 1
Credits: 3.0
This introductory CG animation course focuses on the tools of industry-leading Autodesk Maya specifically for creating high-performance animation. Students build upon their foundational knowledge of animation tools and processes, progressing from introductory mechanics with simple rigs, and advancing to pantomime acting utilizing a full-character rig. Students will learn to apply animation principles to CG techniques, with instruction emphasizing a traditional approach to 3D character animation for achieving strong personalities and acting.
AN309 - Animation 2
Credits: 3.0
This intermediate course builds on foundational animation principles, with an emphasis on developing more complex animation skills. Students will refine their acting skills of conveying emotion with their characters and exploring different character types and personalities in various ways. This course will focus on enhancing the students’ animation techniques with nuanced and detailed character animation performance.
AN301 - CG Animation 2
Credits: 3.0
This course is designed to teach students advanced CG animation techniques by applying traditional character animation principles to CG animation. Students will enhance their approach and workflow while deepening their understanding of Maya animation tools. The course focuses on advancing CG skills in performance and locomotion, progressing to dialogue and character interaction. By the end, students will have produced a polished demo reel showcasing their advanced CG animation capabilities.
AN317 - Figure Drawing for Animators 2
Credits: 3.0
This advanced-level figure drawing course for animators that deepens the focuses on gesture and capturing essentials of movement, dynamic expression, and the individual model’s attitude. A variety of drawing media are introduced.
AN325 - Directing for Animators
Credits: 3.0
The purpose of this course is to finalize a short film idea that will be executed in the senior year. This course will provide experience in the process of choosing a short-film idea and developing it into a story that is clear, compelling, and entertaining. Students learn storytelling and filmmaking techniques and explore several ideas before choosing a final film. Students in this class will be evaluated on their scripts, designs and animatics with sound.
AN409 - Animation 3
Credits: 3.0
The most advanced of the animation courses, this class builds on complex concepts of full animation technique. Students will also learn collaboration skills, culminating in a group film created from concept to final color film.
AN220 - Animal Drawing 1
Credits: 3.0
This course emphasizes 3-dimensional form analysis: proportion, scale, foreshortening, and weight. Using an economy of line and value, students will strive to capture emotion and expression of animal forms by depicting gesture, manner, attitude, and rhythm. Comparative studies of animal and human anatomy will empower students with strong, imaginative drawing skills. A variety of domestic and zoo animals will be studied and drawn in the studio and on location.
AN313 - Visual Development for Animators 1
Credits: 3.0
This advanced course is designed to push the student’s ability to give vision to a concept and to visually convey emotional story beats. Emphasis is placed on visual communication with the use of value, design, color, and composition. Artistic growth is encouraged through a series of critiques and demonstrations.
AN311 - Background Painting
Credits: 3.0
Background Painting teaches students to take their drawn environments and background layouts to full color. The course emphasizes the skills and tools needed to emulate traditional painting techniques using Adobe Photoshop.
AN420 - Thesis Film 3
Credits: 3.0
This course is taken in the last senior semester and teaches the techniques necessary to bring a film to final color and sound. Principles include digital ink & paint, backgrounds, compositing, and high-quality presentation polishing. All students will complete soundtracks for their films with Foley, sound design, and final mixing. Finished films will be encoded to theatrical DCP (Digital Cinema Package) standards and each class member will prepare the necessary publicity materials for submission to online festival platforms.
ARTHISM303 - History of Animation
Credits: 3.0
The course examines the development of animation from its inception through present-day manifestations in television, films, and the Internet. Major animators and key works are analyzed and discussed. Required for Animation majors.
PS303 - Professional Studies for Animators
Credits: 3.0
This course concentrates on preparing students to enter team-based creative environments with emphasis on digital portfolio and reel development, communication skills, industry networking opportunities and success strategies for collaborative projects.
LANG251 - Acting for Animators
Credits: 3.0
The challenge for the animator is to create the illusion of life in animated images. This course involves the animator in theoretical considerations of performance, analyses of animated films, and studio experiences aimed at realizing the animator’s goal of creating the illusion of life in animated images. (Required for All Animation and Experimental Animation Students. Satisfies Language Arts. Required for all Animation and Experimental Animation students)
EX201 - CG Modeling 1
Credits: 3.0
This is an introductory-level course designed for students to develop or enhance their 3D modeling skills. Instruction will focus on the artistry needed to create compelling, “feature-length-quality” characters, while showing how to design and implement geometry best suited for rigging and animation. Students may focus on character or background geometry for their projects. Students will be introduced to new software tools and techniques based upon professional practices utilized by top studios in the industry.
EX284 - 2D Paperless Animation
Credits: 3.0
This course utilizes tablet-monitor technology to create a full-animation 2D pipeline that bypasses traditional paper in favor of digital drawing. Traditional full-animation 2D methods are adapted for the digital 2D animation environment, including hybrid digital enhancements of 2D full animation techniques. Digital keyframes, visual effects and lighting applied early in the pipeline redefine the scope of the animator’s role in production.
EX286 - 3D Character Animation 1
Credits: 3.0
This intermediate level course builds off Fundamentals of Maya and CG Modeling, focusing on CG-based 3D character animation. Based in character performance and storytelling, students utilize keyframe animation while exploring the basics of 3D motion, body mechanics, motion-graph editing, and cycles via projects for tv, multimedia and game animation. Students produce individual and collaborative projects while investigating methods to create compelling character staging utilizing the 12 principles of animation, thumbnails, and personal video reference.
EX291 - Experimental Blender
Credits: 3.0
This 15-week course introduces students to the powerful combination of Blender’s Grease Pencil and Substance Painter, focusing on the integration of 2D and 3D elements in digital illustration, animation, and texturing.
Students will begin with Blender’s Grease Pencil, learning how to create 2D illustrations, 2.5D environments, and animation inside Blender’s 3D workspace.
Midway, the course shifts to 3D modeling, introducing both hard surface and organic sculpting techniques before diving into Substance Painter for professional texturing workflows.
The final weeks focus on assembling a hybrid 2D/3D scene, applying advanced shading techniques, rendering, and compositing.
By the end of the course, students will have explored and developed skills for illustration, animation, 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering to express their personal stories and projects.
EX350 - Art Direction for TV + New Media
Credits: 3.0
This advanced course draws on the practical knowledge developed in EX282 and EX284 focusing on art direction as applied to episodic, limited animation production pipelines. Stylization, set/prop design, character asset strategies and color/lighting design will be explored. Both TV and streaming media needs will be highlighted as students create show-design portfolio projects.
EX360 - Animation for New Media
Credits: 3.0
This advanced course builds on previous knowledge and skills as students conceive, plan, design and produce their own series of web-shorts suitable for weekly uploads on streaming media platforms such as YouTube. Students will also be introduced to uses of 2D and 2D animation assets in mobile games, 360-degree filmmaking, virtual reality and augmented reality platforms.
EX370 - Original Series Development
Credits: 3.0
This advanced class will require students to conceive, develop, present and pitch a concept for an original episodic animated series. Students will produce a comprehensive portfolio of show sample assets including character models, set mock-ups, synopsis of episodes and backstory for all major and supporting characters. EX 350 is a required prerequisite for this course.
EX380 - Experimental Stop Motion Techniques
Credits: 3.0
This course focuses on stop motion techniques outside the normal realm of character rigs and clay armature-based techniques. Experimental approaches including motion design, and other stop-motion based visual effects will be explored. Students will produce stop motion animation elements for chroma-key compositing into analog and 3D digital environments.
EX384 - Compositing for Animators
Credits: 3.0
This course requires that students have proficiency in prior 2D or 3D tools. Students will use their animation skills to create work they will import into their compositing workspace. Students will work to enhance their animation production using a wide array of video filters, effects and strategies.
Digital keying, chroma-keying, 3D space, virtual lighting and camera moves will be explored. Students will bring together animated elements from a variety of digital and analog sources using compositing strategies.
EX390 - Directing for Limited + Experimental Ani
Credits: 3.0
This course will prepare students in the Experimental animation track for their final sequence of Experimental Thesis Film 1 & Experimental Thesis Film 2 where they will make their senior thesis project. Using linear and non-linear narrative approaches, students will design and storyboard their original concept for the film component of their thesis project. Students will also create a final story-reel of the film component of their thesis project, with final sound. Projects will proceed through a clear sequence of pre-production stages and be designed specifically for limited animation, stop-motion animation and experimental approaches to filmmaking.
MD200 - Portrait + Life Painting
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the fundamentals of figure painting, focusing on both head studies and
full-figure compositions to build a strong foundation for character design. Students will explore facial structure, proportions, and likeness, as well as the figure in the context of light and shadow, gesture, anatomy, and foreshortening.
Using gouache and acrylic, students will practice quick sketch and long-pose techniques while developing skills in composition, color theory, and color harmony. The course also examines how light, color temperature, proximity, and reflected light affect the figure in space. Emphasis is placed on making visual and artistic decisions informed by historical and contemporary figure drawing and painting styles.
MD201 - Character Design 1
Credits: 3.0
“This course provides an in-depth exploration of character design principles, focusing on creating unique and imaginative characters for the game and entertainment industry. Students will begin with preliminary sketches and construction drawings, progressing to refined character concepts that include turnarounds, facial expressions, action poses, and detailed callouts.
A variety of styles will be explored, with an emphasis on working from imagination, expanding visual libraries, and strengthening both drawing and presentation skills. By the end of the course, students will have developed polished character designs that demonstrate versatility and creativity, preparing them for professional work in animation, games, and beyond.”
MD202 - Environment Design 1
Credits: 3.0
This course offers an introduction to the conceptual process of environment design for video games. Environment concept artists for the game industry skillfully combine real world logic and design techniques to create unique and compelling environments, interiors, exteriors, props, and vehicles for a variety of stories and historical eras. This requires a dynamic understanding of industrial design and illustration skills to cohesively understand how things are built, and to visually communicate proper design elements through drawing, and show narrative aspects of the design. Students will create original design solutions through silhouettes, thumbnail sketches, and renderings to support a comprehensive visual narrative. Students will obtain a solid understanding of how to create original environments utilizing traditional methods, available technology, and 3D visualization techniques to create layouts.
MD203 - Emerging Media Strategies
Credits: 3.0
This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third party tools for design and content management.
MD204 - 3D Modeling + Sculpting
Credits: 3.0
This is an introductory-level course designed for students to develop or enhance their 3D modeling skills. Instruction will focus on the artistry needed to create compelling, “feature-length-quality” characters, while showing how to design and implement geometry best suited for rigging and animation. Students may focus on character or background geometry for their projects. Students will be introduced to new software tools and techniques based upon professional practices utilized by top studios in the industry.
MD205 - Intro to Digital Sculpting
Credits: 3.0
This introductory course provides students from all majors with the essential skills and workflows of digital sculpting. Using ZBrush students will explore both organic and hard surface sculpting techniques. The course empowers artists to integrate digital sculpting into their creative workflows, whether for 2D concept art, high-resolution 3D models, or rapid prototyping. Key areas of focus include fast iteration, file management, rendering, and preparing models for 3D printing.
MD210 - Collage
Credits: 3.0
This course investigates the history, practice, and visual language of collage. Utilizing varied sources to gather images and found objects, students will investigate and research interpersonal connections to images and objects they feel connected too. This course is structured around three main projects that seek to expand the creative, technical, and conceptual possibilities, all while aspiring to push the boundaries within the media of collage.
MD221 - Fabrication
Credits: 3.0
Experimental Animation’s “Fabrication” class offers students a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses essential skills in Real-World mold making, casting, character and prop sculpting, and miniature set construction. These skills are frequently encountered in fields such as Stop Motion, Visual Effects Animation, and Environment Design. Throughout the course, students will develop proficiency in both traditional and digital mediums. The curriculum combines traditional craftsmanship with hands-on experience in woodworking and foam cutting tools, as well as painting and airbrushing techniques to realistically simulate a variety of real-world textures and materials. Additionally, students will be required to explore modern technology through an introduction to 3D-CAD, 3D-Sculpting, and 3D-Printing. The culmination of students’ learning journey involves designing and creating a captivating set and a compelling character for their final project. This project serves as a platform for students to showcase their creative and technical abilities, demonstrating the skills they have acquired throughout the course.
MD300 - Plein Air to Concept
Credits: 3.0
This course introduces the fundamentals of landscape painting and environment design, focusing on concepts and skills essential for creating outdoor scenes for professional projects. Students will learn to study light, simplify complex organic forms into manageable designs, and apply limited value systems and color theory to create compelling compositions.
Students will work both on-site from life and in a studio setting using references, including photography and online resources such as MapCrunch and Pinterest. Techniques will be explored through traditional media like markers and gouache, as well as digital tools, with Photoshop as the primary software. Other digital painting software may also be introduced.
MD301 - Costume Design 1
Credits: 3.0
TThis studio course explores the art of costume design, focusing on the intersection of character silhouette, costume, and the draped figure as they relate to the entertainment industry. Students will examine the aesthetic, cultural, and historical context of clothing, costume accessories, and armor, studying their evolution across millennia and their application in character design for theater, film, games, and fashion.
Through sketching and rendering, students will develop a strong understanding of how costume design enhances storytelling and supports character development. The course emphasizes design skills specific to the entertainment industry, providing a foundation for creating visually compelling and contextually rich costumes for a variety of creative fields.
MD308 - Watercolor 1
Credits: 3.0
This course is an introduction to water-based media with an emphasis on transparent watercolor. Students learn the techniques of flat washes, graduated washes, and wet-into-wet applications. Stretching paper, transparent glazes, dry brush, and experimental techniques are also explored. Subjects include still life, landscape, portrait and interior environments.
MD321 - Fabrication 2
Credits: 3.0
“Fabrication 2 propels students into the thrilling realm of intermediate fabrication, bridging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools to bring imaginative worlds to life in stop-motion animation, visual effects (VFX), and entertainment design.
Building on the foundational skills of Fabrication:1, this hands-on studio course immerses students in advanced analog and digital techniques, including intricate mold-making and casting, expressive character sculpting, detailed prop fabrication, and miniature set construction. Participants will refine their skillsets through intensive practice with woodworking and foam-cutting tools, creative airbrushing, oil-based clays, silicones, and sophisticated 3D CAD modeling, digital sculpting, and 3D printing workflows. To foster personalized growth, the course may incorporate student-directed explorations—such as sewing, costume design, or basic animation of physical objects—while emphasizing essential professional practices like project planning, budgeting, and rigorous process documentation.
Culminating in a final project, students will conceive and realize a polished 3D character or immersive environment utilizing various scales that captivates and innovates. This final endeavor serves as a dynamic showcase of technical prowess and creative vision, synthesizing the expertise gained across both courses and empowering students to push the boundaries of tangible storytelling in a physical medium. “
MD342 - Ideation Lab: Pitch in Practice
Credits: 3.0
A junior level course that challenges students to amplify their unique identity and artistic vision as it relates to their portfolio. The process and skill for professionally pitching and selling self – generated illustration projects is covered. Students will edit and refine individually crafted creative works in a group setting from ideation and brainstorming to final art. Furthermore, Illustration Ideation Lab: Pitch in Practice will activate students to explore methods and techniques related to their practice that enhance and refine their professional portfolios.
EX418 - Experimental Thesis Film 1
Credits: 3.0
This course will be the first semester of the student’s year-long Thesis Project effort. Storyreels and preproduction work prepared in EX390 will be utilized as students create the animation, effects and other visual strategies necessary to bring their plan to life. By the end of this course students will complete 50% of their overall film project or students will produce a show bible of the episodic animated concept. All films in the Experimental Thesis Film track will be taken to a finished color state with final sound. In this senior-level course the instructor will act as a facilitator, guiding students through the production of their films or show bibles. A mastery of techniques learned earlier in the Experimental BFA program will be necessary before taking EX480, therefore a successful completion of the Advancement Review process (EX001) in all relevant categories is necessary.
EX419 - Experimental Thesis Film 2
Credits: 3.0
This course is a continuation of EX418. By the end of the course students will have completed their experimental animated film they storyboarded in AN390 and took to 50% completion in EX418 or students will complete the finished first episode of their series concept developed in the show bible. Students projects may be limited animation, stop motion animation or experimental CG in their approach. Mixed techniques and post-production processing of animation footage will be encouraged. The instructor acts as facilitator in this advanced course which is the final studio class in the Experimental Animation BFA program.
LANG258 - Story Structure, Screenwriting + Visuals
Credits: 3.0
Storytelling is the essence of life. It deeply influences every aspect of our existence, especially for those tasked with captivating us through film, tv, games, and animation. Storytelling is more than mere entertainment; storytelling is a vital part of being human, shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. “Story Structure, Screenwriting and Visuals for Artists” is a course born from the collaborative efforts of the Experimental Animation and Liberal Arts departments. Developed in response to the evolving needs of visual artists, animators, and student requests, this course is timely in today’s media-rich landscape. The ability to craft compelling stories that complement visual content is increasingly vital. The lessons in this course will enrich the artist’s toolbox, providing methods to ensure their visual communication aligns with the linked narrative outlines and screenplays. It aims to enhance the creative tool set of visual artists by introducing them to diverse story structure tools, written character development, and the essential techniques and nuances of creating and refining screenplays for animated series, short films, and multi-act screenplays. Students will engage in exercises to craft emotional and impactful outlines, beat sheets and stories drawn from their own lives and the real and imagined worlds inspiring them. Overall, students will work to harmonize their written and visual storytelling skills, ensuring their visual creations resonate with their intended messages and emotions desired by contemporary audiences. By bridging the gap between visual and written storytelling, we strive to empower artists to express their intended messages with enhanced clarity and impact, ensuring character development, narrative payoff, and a deeper exploration of what it means to be human.”