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2D Animation

Unit Code: HDMMD111




Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 Semester

36 Hours per Semester

Prahran, Sarawak

 Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the

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Aims & Objectives:

This unit aims to introduce students to the fundamental principals and basic techniques of 2D animation. Students will be given the opportunity to explore various animation techniques using digital tools and encouraged to develop independent study, research and development skills.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
  • Use observation, visualisation and drawing skills in the context of digital media;
  • Explore the history of animation and its influence on contemporary design and communication;
  • Explore a range of animation techniques, principles and options;
  • Apply concept development, design principles, sound and editing skills to animations;
  • Explore meaning and mood through animated abstract graphic elements and sound;
  • Use frame by frame and rotoscope techniques effectively
  • Present visual ideas in a professional manner.

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Teaching Methods:

Studio based learning through project work and assessment tasks centres on:
• Classroom lectures;
• Presentations;
• Demonstrations;
• Screen animations;
• Individual consultation.
. 

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Assessment:

Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.

Project 1 (50%)
Develop a frame by frame animation that loops using a defined theme.

Project 2 (50%)
Movie loop and soundtrack.


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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, HDMMD111 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.

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Content:

Areas for discussion may include:
  • Observation skills;
  • Drawing and visualisation skills;
  • Animation techniques eg frame by frame and rotoscoping;
  • Metamorphosis and abstraction;
  • Spatial dynamics and scene-to-scene transitions;
  • Sound as a vehicle to convey meaning, mood and motion;
  • Design aesthetics.

Students may expect to take part in a wide range of activities that support project development, such as:
• Class discussions;
• Peer critiques;
• Class exercises in animation techniques;
• Individual project work.

Preparation requirements
Students are required to keep a daily drawing journal based on weekly themes. Students will be required to keep this journal current, and to bring to each class for weekly appraisal. 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 class based discussion and presentation.



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Reading Materials:

Blair, P 1986 Cartooning: Animation 1 with Preston Blair, Walter Foster.
de Haan, J 2004 Animation and Effects with Macromedia Flash MX 2004, Macromedia Press.
Laybourne, K 1998 The animation book: A complete guide to animated film making – from flip-books to sound cartoons, New Digital Edn, Crown Publishing.
Michael, A 2002 Animating with Flash MX: Professional Creative Animation Techniques, Focal Press.
Muybridge, E 1957 Animals in motion, Dover Publications, New York.
Muybridge, E 1955 The human figure in motion, Dover Publications, New York.
Selected websites are updated each semester.

 

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