title
motion

Course Objectives


The aim of ART376: Motion Graphics is to learn the technology, processes and fundamental principles needed to develop content from beginning concept to a sophisticated finished animated graphic.


Upon completion of this course, students will have developed more specific and critical problem solving skills when approaching visual communication involving motion graphics, whether it be for educational, navigational (web), documentary, independent video, or commercial applications. The course emphasizes an understanding of historical uses, distinctive sequences, and key designers working in motion graphics in order to gain a broader understanding of the historical context of motion graphics and its influence on culture.




  • Create storyboards to communicate concepts for motion graphics
  • Discuss your own animations and the animations of others in group critiques with sophistication
  • Demonstrate knowledge of animation vocabulary, timing and principles of movement
  • Apply principles of formal design aesthetics to motion graphic projects to create effective visual communications
  • Implement animated graphic concepts using Adobe Aftereffects, Photoshop and Procreate
  • Incorporate audio into completed animations
  • Strengthen creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Learn to analyze and discuss your design concepts and the work of peers and professionals

    • This course meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 - 6:15 in room AAB 204

JAN - FEB 2023

Mo Jan 23

Introduction to course

ASSESSMENT

Ball Bounce exercise

Introduce timing, Spacing and paths of actions

Assignment for next class: Ball bounce

We Jan 25

Handdrawn Animation Exercise in class

Brief History of Film

Morph in class, due next class

Mo Jan 30

Review Morphs

Introduce Project one

Finalize Ball Bounces (where applicable)

Begin sketching Storyboards and Style Frame

We Feb 01

Review Storyboard Bounce/Morph Concepts and Style Frames

Begin Animating Bounce/Morphs

Mo Feb 06

Review Progress with Animations

We Feb 08

Draft critique of animations

Mo Feb 13

Project 1 Due

Critique Project 1

Introduce Project 2: Rotoscope

Sketch Concepts for next class

We Feb 15

Bring footage

Import footage into Photoshop/Procreate

Create 1 style frame

FEB - MAR 2023

Mo Feb 20

Review Animation Progress

We Feb 22

Guest Speaker Saiman Chow, meet on Zoom

Mo Feb 27

Introduce Aftereffects

Draft critique for Rotoscope Progress

We Mar 01

Rotoscope Due: Critique

Bring Popcorn

Introduce Project 3: Animated Landscape

Style frame Due next class

Begin building comp in PS or AI or Procreate

Mo Mar 06

Review Aftereffects comps

In Class Exercise: Pan Animation

We Mar 08

Review Play and Pans

More Aftereffects Demo

Review Sketches

Build Landscapes

Import into FTRFX and begin animating

Mar 13 - 17

Spring Break

Mar 13 - 17

Spring Break

Mar 13 - 17

Spring Break

Mar 13 - 17

Spring Break

MAR - APR 2023

Mo Mar 20

Review Landscape Animations

We Mar 22

Individual Reviews of Progress

More Aftereffects Demos

Mo Mar 27

Individual Draft Crit

We Mar 29

Project 3 Due: Critique

Bring logo ideas to next class/style frame

Logo Examples 1

Logo Examples 2

Logo Examples 3

Mo Apr 03

Aftereffects Demo

Logo Draft for next class

We Apr 05

Review drafts

Aftereffects demo

Mo Apr 10

Logo due/add sound

Garage Band and Foley Sound

We Apr 12

Critique Final Logos

Introduce Kinetic type

Style frames

KINETIC TYPE EAXMPLES

APR - MAY 2023

Mo Apr 17

Review Concepts and style frames

Sound scripting and adding markers

Revise and begin animating

More Aftereffects Demo: Transitions

We Apr 19

Review Storyboards

SOund sync-ed in FTRFX

Mo Apr 24

Review Kinetic Type Progress

James' Animation

We Apr 26

Kinetic Type

Mo May 01

Reel Demo

Kinetic Type

We May 03

Last Day of Class

Review Reel Content

Mo May 08

FINALS WEEK BEGINS

Tu May 09

FINAL 2:45 - 4:45

Fr May 12

FINALS WEEK ENDS

PROJECTS


All Projects are due in the dropbox before class begins on the due date, always


All files must be properly labeled: 0_Project Number_YOUR FIRST NAME
example: 01_James.pdf

No Projects are accepted after deadline. You have remote access from any computer anywhere to the dropbox through:

remote access
youtube logo

Each of these projects encompasses different Photoshop or Aftereffects tools, as well as fundamentals of animation, conceptual development and critical thinking approaches.


These projects are all exercises in creativity, focus on creative problem solving and technical understanding of the tools.


Projects begin with thumbnail drawings in a sketchbook to develop concepts, and then these concept drawings are presented to small groups to brain storm ideas in order to optimize the concept and image.

Computer Labs on Campus can be found at:

CLICK HERE FOR COMPUTER LABS ON CAMPUS

MATERIALS

There is no text for this class, notes and reading material will be uploaded to this site and students will be informed when assignments are on the site. You will be required to back-up your projects with an external harddrive of USB stick. Additionally, you will need a sketchbook no smaller that 5 x 7 and no larger than 11 x 14 and a pencil or pen each class to work out ideas. We will use your free www.lynda.com/linkedin-learning subscription for at home tutorials, the link can be found on your student homepage on the Bloomu site or

HERE

Procreate is a leading software application used by professionals in the motion graphics and animation industry and should be used for planning and/or production on all projects in this course. The Procreate app is available ONLY on Apple iPads.

EVALUATION


Attendance

Attendance is mandatory and crucial to be successful. Please make sure to look over the academic calendar to schedule any appointments or travel arrangements during breaks or outside of class meeting times. Students enrolled in studio courses are expected to attend all class sessions, as interaction and class participation are important aspects of the total learning process and should be valued as such. Students are responsible for all material presented in class and should contact the instructor for any information they may have missed. Additionally, there will be no makeup critiques, lectures, demos, or exams for unexcused absences.

If circumstances occur that cause excessive absences, the student will need to meet with the professor outside of class to discuss the situation. It will be the responsibility of the student to withdraw from class if it becomes necessary. Failure to do so could result in a poor academic standing and financial obligations.


Students are allowed two absences without penalty. After two absences, students will receive one final letter grade reduction for each additional absence. Student will not receive a passing grade after a total of Five absences. In addition, Students need to arrive to class on time and stay the whole class. Students arriving late or leaving early three times will equal an absence. Being an hour or more late or leaving an hour or more before class ends will result in an absence.

Grading

For each project you will be sent a Google form that details the individual requirements for that project (see first day calendar for example), and you will answer either "yes" or "no" questions regarding the tasks and knowledge you are expected to learn and be able to implement at each interval. For each question you earn a "1" for "yes" and "0" for "No" answers. Accurate self-assessment is a key factor in working successfully, so be honest with your answers. I will be there to help with answering those questions if needed, and will potentially ask you for justification for your assessment if I see a discrepancy. Your assessment involves four criteria: Technical, Formal, Professional/Craftsmanship, and Critical Thinking. These criteria are explained further above:


Evaluation Criteria


(1) Technical proficiency - use of software applications

(2) Formal - Use of accepted practices and a visible understanding of concepts and principles

(3) Craftsmanship, presentation, deadlines and participation in critique

(4) Concept, critical thinking and revision


You can earn 5 points per criteria for each project, for a total pf 20 possible points per project. You will know when the project is assigned exactly what is expected of you for that project. Each overall rating is given a grade equivalent based on the standard 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% grading percentages.


  • 20-19 points = A
  • 18 points = A-
  • 17 points = B
  • 16 points = B-
  • 15 points = C
  • 14 points = C-
  • 13 points = D
  • 12 points = D-

Art majors at the sophomore, junior, and senior level are required to participate in the departmental annual review. Specific details including portfolio requirements and review dates will be provided during the semester. Non-participation will lower your final grade by 1/3.


ASSESSMENTS


ASSESSMENT 1: BOUNCE & MORPH

ASSESSMENT 2: ROTOSCOPE

ASSESSMENT 3: ANIMATED LANDSCAPE

ASSESSMENT 4: LOGO OR TEXT

ASSESSMENT 5: KINETIC TYPOGRAPHY

ASSESSMENT 6: FINAL REEL

BFA ASSESSMENTS

ASSESSMENT 1

ASSESSMENT 2

ASSESSMENT 3

POLICIES


Health and Safety Plan for Spring 2023 and the Student Code of Conduct

Commonwealth University’s Student Code of Conduct prohibits the violation of any University policy as well as local, state, or federal laws. Expressly included in this expectation are any federal, state, regional, or local emergency orders or declarations, mandatory policies, or mandatory health advisory requirements, including those made by the University President. Commonwealth’s Health and Safety Guide for Spring 2023 recommends that members of our community comply with certain measures, including social distancing and the wearing face coverings, to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Adherence to the isolation and quarantine guidance for exposure or if an individual tests positive for the COVID virus is expected of the entire campus community. Social distancing and the wearing of face coverings guidance are based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in all buildings and classrooms. Face coverings must cover both the nose and mouth and be of a multi-layer design. KN95 and surgical masks provide the best protection. Neck gators are not acceptable for face covering and should not be used. Students who do not conform any specified university mandate of mitigation actions are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and subject to the appropriate sanctions. Violations of the student Code of Conduct will be reported to the Dean of Students Offices at DeanofStudents@bloomu.edu For more information, please see the university's Health and Safety Plan at:

Bloomsburg

Lock Haven

Mansfield


It is important to recognize the critical nature that full compliance with these policies will play in the success of this semester. It must be understood that non-compliance with these policies by just a few could jeopardize the health and safety of the entire community as well as our ability to continue offering in-person instruction during Fall 2022, and therefore violations will be treated accordingly. As such, repeated violations shall result in the appropriate sanctions based upon the circumstances involved. Please note: Students who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing face coverings or complying with other risk-mitigating mandates must contact the following offices based on home campus: Bloomsburg - Warren Student Services Room 043, or call 570-389-4491 for an appointment to discuss your requests Lock Haven - 205 Ulmer Hall, or call 570-484-2665 Mansfield - 570-484-2665 or 570-389-4491


Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected and is the foundation for academic success. When class work is missed due to extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control, the student communicates the need for special arrangements as soon as the need is known. Official documentation is provided to verify the reason for the absence if requested by the instructor. Legitimate excuses may include illness, serious mitigating circumstances, official military service, or official university representation. In these cases, faculty members will permit students to make up all graded course components without penalty in a reasonable manner at a time agreeable to the instructor and student. Students must provide documentation before absences can be excused. All instructors are expected to make their class participation and attendance policies clear in the course syllabi. Policies stated in syllabi must be consistent with the university's attendance policy. Faculty will accept notification from the Dean of Students or Health Services offices as verification of excused absence for students who are unable to notify faculty through no fault of their own.


Students Requesting Academic and/or Access Accommodations

Commonwealth University at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield is committed to providing equitable access to educational experiences, campus facilities, and university related opportunities for all students. Disability Services supports these requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you have or believe that you have a disability, please contact the following offices based on home campus: Bloomsburg - Warren Student Services Room 043, or call 570-389-4491 for an appointment to discuss your requests Lock Haven - 205 Ulmer Hall, or call 570-484-2665 Mansfield - 570-484-2665 or 570-389-4491 It is recommended that students contact the Disability Services office during the first two weeks of classes or immediately upon diagnosis to ensure accommodations are met in an efficient, appropriate, and timely manner for the best student learning outcome.  Upon qualification, the disability professional will arrange to provide an accommodation letter to the professor for the identification of academic or accessibility adjustments.  You must contact the Disability Services office to renew accommodation letters at the start of each semester. 



Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

At Commonwealth University of PA we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University of PA strives to cultivate a climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond our time at Bloomsburg Lock Haven, and Mansfield. We uphold our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion throughout each campus community by: • Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom. • Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community. • Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals


Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity refers to the adherence to agree upon moral and ethical principles when engaging in academic and scholarly pursuits. An act of academic dishonesty involves fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in attempting to obtain academic credit or influence the grading process by means unauthorized by the course instructor or inconsistent with university policy. Academic honesty is breached when a student willfully gives or receives assistance not authorized in course work, and/or intentionally fails to adhere to, or assists others in failing to adhere to, the university policy on academic honesty. The university's academic integrity policy is part of an effort to nurture a community where trust, honesty, and personal integrity guide all of our dealings with one another. Personal integrity is vital to our pursuit of educating and becoming educated. Faculty are expected to instruct students in ways of avoiding these forms of academic dishonesty.



Copyright

Commonwealth University fully supports and adheres to the Copyright laws of the United States and other nations. Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to any original work in any tangible medium of expression. Images displayable on computer screens, computer software, music, books, magazines, journals, photographs, and articles are among items subject to copyright. A work need not be explicitly labeled with a copyright notice to be afforded copyright protection. For more information on Copyright please consult the library guides:

Bloomsburg


Student Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) was enacted in 2008 and reauthorized the amended Higher Education Act of 1965.  HEOA requires postsecondary educational institutions to distribute or make publicly available a broad range of information collectively known as Student Consumer Information.  Topics covered under HEOA include student financial aid, campus health and safety, student outcomes, as well as general institutional information. 

Bloomsburg Student Consumer Information website


Title IX and Protection of Minors Legislation: Reporting Obligations

Commonwealth University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environment for all students.

Sexual Discrimination or Misconduct and Title IX Requirements

In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, all University officials, volunteers and employees (including student employees) are obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct of which they become aware to the Title IX Coordinator/designee, unless: 1) they serve in a role that makes such reports privileged or are recognized as providing a confidential resource; or 2) they are a faculty member and learn of the report from a student during a classroom discussion, in a writing assignment for a class, or as part of a University-approved research project. These reporting exceptions do not apply to report of sexual misconduct involving an individual who was, or is, a child (a person under 18 years of age) when the abuse allegedly occurred.  When a report involved suspected abuse of a child (an individual under the age of 18 at the time of the incident(s) as reported), all University employees, officials and volunteers are required to notify the University police and the Child Line run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Reports regarding Title IX and sexual misconduct should be directed to Title IX Coordinator titleixcoord@bloomu.edu or by completing an online form on the Title IX webpage. Additional information regarding the reporting of sexual violence and the resources that are available to victims of sexual assault and/or harassment can be found at the links below.

Bloomsburg


Title IX and Protection of Minors Legislation: Reporting Obligations

Commonwealth University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environment for all students.

Protection of Minors Requirements

Faculty members are obligated to report sexual violence or any other abuse of a student who was, or is, a child (a person under 18 years of age) when the abuse allegedly occurred. Mandated reporters must immediately make an oral report of suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services (DHS) by calling 800-932-0313. Immediately following the report to DHS, the mandated reporter must notify Officer in Charge at Bloomsburg by calling 570-389-2211 or 570-389-4168, as designated in the University’s protection of minor’s policy.  No exceptions apply to this reporting obligation.   Detailed information is available at:

Bloomsburg


CONTACT


James Dunlap

jdunlap@commonwealthu.edu

Office: A&A 260

LINK TO ZOOM OFFICE HOURS

Office Hours:

Mon 2:45 - 3:45

Wed 1:45 - 3:45

Tues/Thurs 6:15 - 7:15

or by appointment

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