Animation Essentials

The 12 credit Introduction to Digital Animation Certificate is comprised of 4 courses for those who wish to gain the foundational skills and knowledge to enter the burgeoning digital arts and design fields. This Digital Arts Certificate is set as a stand-alone credential to gain entry into the Digital Animation industry.  

What are the Required Courses? 

What will I learn?

• DD 621 - Character and Facial Modeling for Animators - (core course) This course will introduce students to the language and conventions of manipulating tools and techniques to develop and create 3 dimensional character design.
• DD 622 - Visual Storytelling and Storyboarding - (core course) Storyboarding is the preparation of a conceptual and thematic graphic plan to tell a story using animations, video games, interactive media and experiences, advertisements, music videos, or graphic novels. This course will cover the fundamentals of visual storytelling and the various applications possible in a visual narrative. Techniques for art direction are covered including the use of storyboards, concept art, and animatics to communicate. Students will translate a written narrative into a visual experience in this project-based class with the use of camera framing, camera angles, gesture, and expression. Issues of lighting, color, and mood will be included resulting in a student developed full-story pitch.
• DD 623 - Acting for Animators - (elective) - Introduction to the historical contexts of acting. Survey of acting techniques and principles and their relationship to successful visual storytelling. Topics covered include movement, empathy and dialogue. Application of acting to two-and three-dimensional animation. Students will study examples from animation as well as film and theater. Required projects include both in-class acting exercises as well as storyboard creation and directed computer graphics character animation.
• DD 624 - Digital Audio - (elective) - A studio class that provides a baseline understanding of sound design within an animated video and video game environment. Course includes an introduction to sampling, field recording, sound effects, production techniques, mixing, and general sound design for the purpose of integrating and managing the integration of audio in motion pictures, television, video games, and any other sound-supported media. Analytical and creative projects are required.
• DD 625 - Environment Design - (elective) - The course will introduce students to the language and conventions of manipulating tools and techniques to develop and create simulated environments.

In what job titles might a holder of this Certificate fit?

Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects; Game and Interactive Media Design; Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia; and Digital Arts.

In what industries might a holder of this Graduate Certificate find employment?

As digital media continue to proliferate, locally, regionally, nationally, and globally, there is increasing need for qualified professionals able to fill positions in digital content creation, management, and distribution. This certificate program prepares those with introductory knowledge to fill entry level positions in the NY metro area and beyond.

Into which MS degree will this Graduate Certificate convert?

This is being proposed as a stand-alone certificate, however is planned to stack along with a second graduate certificate in this area, or with relevant coursework, to lead into a forthcoming eventual MS or MFA in Digital Design.

Take Note

Check the course descriptions for more information. Some courses have prerequisites and must be taken in order.

Faculty Advisor: John Cays