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Intro to Animation : A Hands-on Workshop
Taught by Ken Kimura
email: ken_kimura at lsrhs dot net,
telephone: (978)443-9961 XT2221

Intro to Animation: Course Description

Goals and Content

In this course you will be exposed to a variety of forms of animation. Through hands on projects, you will experience the production of different forms and techniques of animation, including:

  • Early animation toys (Flipbooks)
  • Traditional Animation (pencil tests - with an emphasis on the basic principles of animation)
  • 2d computer software animation
    • Adobe Flash
    • Toon Boom Studio
  • Cut out and mixed media animation
  • Stop Motion/Claymation
  • Rotoscoping

We will also be looking at an overview of the technical and historical evolution of animation to help you understand and appreciate the art.

Through this course, you will be challenged to:

  • Learn basic drawing techniques
  • Use math concepts to translate timing into frames
  • Think in terms of physics, form volume and space
  • Use animation to artistically express themselves
  • Effectively tell a concise story through animation
Equipment Used In Class
You will use a variety of equipment, much of which will be supplied. This includes pencils, erasers, paper, index cards, computers and digital video equipment.

Attendance, Participation & Behavior
Because of the group nature of this class, it is very important that you are present for every class meeting and that you come to class on time. It is expected that everyone actively participate in group efforts as well as provide feedback to classmates' work. Students are expected to behave in a way that is conducive to being productive, and to treat each other, the teacher, the equipment and property with respect. Conduct, participation and attendance will be weighed as part of the final grade.

If a student misses a class, they must make up the work on their own time outside of class, borrow notes from a classmate or view a missed video. It is the students responsibility to make up missed work. Quizzes and assignments missed due to cuts (unexcused absences) cannot be made up.

Grading
Your final grade will be based on a combination of your quiz grades, project grades, your class participation and attendance. Excessive tardiness will lower your grade and may lead to a loss of credit.

Meeting Format, Credits, Graduation Requirement
This course will meet on the regular FATA meeting format (5 times per two week cycle) and will be a half year 2 credit course. This course meets the FATA department Arts Graduation Requirement.

About Ken Kimura
I have been on staff at LS since 1998. I am a professional graphic designer specializing in new media. I also teach Flash, Digital Imaging, and Video Production. My undergraduate degree is in Music Composition / Film Scoring, from Berklee College; and I am finishing a Masters program in Visual Media Arts: New Media, at Emerson College.