2D Character Animation
Unit code: HDMMD122
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 Hours per Semester |
| Campus | Prahran, Sarawak |
| Prerequisites | Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Flash. |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) (DDIG10), the Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) / Bachelor of Business (DBDIG10) and in the Digital Media Design Co-Major and the Digital Media Design Minor for Design students.
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to introduce students to the basic principles of character design and story telling, and emphasises the value of extensive research in formulating and developing a believable character. The unit will also explore lip-synching, walk cycles and other animation techniques that may be used to enhance character personality.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Explore the basic principles of designing an original character;
- Use digital tools to develop the basic principles of synchronised dialogue for talking characters;
- Apply the planning process required to develop and execute a concept as a short animation;
- Develop writing techniques for a short animated sequence;
- Explore pacing, editing and sound within the context of a story;
- Articulate the importance of research to aid generation of ideas.
Teaching methods
This unit is delivered through studio based learning focussing on project work and assessment tasks. Delivery may include:
• Classroom lectures;
• Presentations;
• Demonstrations;
• Screenings of animations;
• Individual consultations.
• Classroom lectures;
• Presentations;
• Demonstrations;
• Screenings of animations;
• Individual consultations.
Assessment
Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.
Project 1 (50%)
Plan and animate an original character.
Project 2 (50%)
Develop a short animated movie.
Project 1 (50%)
Plan and animate an original character.
Project 2 (50%)
Develop a short animated movie.
Generic skills outcomes
Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context, HDMMD122 2D Character Animation aims to provide students with the following attributes:
- Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- Are aware of local and international environment in which they will be contributing.
Content
Students will develop a number of animated projects from design development to presentation. Areas for discussion may include:
- Observation, drawing and visualisation skills;
- Character development;
- Animation techniques;
- Synchronising dialogue;
- Storytelling and narrative;
- Production skills – script story boards, production time lines;
- Animation as a form of expression and communication;
- Dramatic pacing and editing in time-based media.
Students will take part in a range of activities that support project and technical development, these may include:
• Class discussions;
• Peer critiques: group and individual;
• Class exercises in animation techniques;
• Individual project development.
Preparation requirements
Students will be requested to view specific films or animations prior to attending class. Throughout the unit, students will be required to prepare project work for discussion and presentation.
Reading materials
Laybourne, K 1998 The Animation Book: A Complete Guide to Animated Film Making – From Flip-Books to Sound Cartoons, New Digital Edn, Crown Publishing.
Muybridge, E 1957 Animals in motion, Dover Publications, New York.
Muybridge, E 1955 The human figure in motion, Dover Publications, New York.
Blair, P 1986 Cartooning: Animation 1 with Preston Blair, Walter Foster.
Muybridge, E 1957 Animals in motion, Dover Publications, New York.
Muybridge, E 1955 The human figure in motion, Dover Publications, New York.
Blair, P 1986 Cartooning: Animation 1 with Preston Blair, Walter Foster.
