Animation 1

Teacher Email Classroom & Hours

Gloria Idabel Torres [email protected] Room E-203
Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
2023-2024

Description
In Animation 1, we learn the basics for various software programs, design elements, character design,
flip books, stop motion, editing, and creation of animation projects with storyline. We explore both 2D
and 3D modeling/animation while using animation films as a point of reference.

Expectations and Goals

At the end of this course, you will be able to communicate a story line through storyboards, design
your own characters, work with a team in developing an animation short, and have basic knowledge of
various design and animation software. Our goal is to get you started with the tools you need to
become a great animator & digital designer!

Course Materials
Required Materials

• Pencil

Optional Materials

• Earphones (either wired or Bluetooth)

Course Schedule

Quarter 1
Week Topic Film / Resources Assignment / Project
1 Introductions ● Classroom ● About Me (Google Slides)
Procedures
● Google Classroom
● Computer Logins
● Mac System
Preferences and
Dock
1 Copyright Laws ● Copyright ● Copyright Limitations
Infringement Assignment
● Fair Use, Creative
Commons,
Permissions

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 ● Finding Creative
Work
● Fair Use
2 12 Principles ● Video Examples ● Vocab. Slides Assignment
of Animation
2 Flip Books ● How To 01 - Flip Book Project
(Squash & Stretch, Anticipation, or
● Line Challenge Exaggeration)
3-4 Storyboarding ● Terminology ● Vocabulary Assignment
● Storyboard Videos 02 – Storyboard Project
● Storyboard
Templates
● Script
5-7 Stop Motion ● Terry Gillian ● Stop Motion Apps
Animation ● Pingu 03 – Stop Motion Project
● Angela Anaconda
● Stop Motion Basics (include storyboard)
● Paper Craft Animation
8 Critique ● Stop Motion Animation Critique
critique
● Self Evaluate based on
feedback
● Partner Assessment

Quarter 2
1-2 Sound Design ● Record Sounds for 04 - Sound Design Project
previous Stop Motion (2 Parts)
project (using Bandlab)
● Audio Effects
○ Pitch Shift
○ Reverb
3 Script Writing ● Log Lines 05 - Script
● Log Line Generator
● Prompt Ideas
● Story Dice
4-5 Animatics ● Use story from 06 – Animatic Project
previous script.
● Create drawing stills
and upload to
Premiere.
6 Toon Boom Harmony ● Harmony Interface &
Preferences ● Dots Animation Assignment
Intro
● Keyframes 07 – Name Animation Project
○ Ones
(Timing)
○ Twos
○ Threes
7-8 Harmony Basics ● Drawing Tools ● Drawing Tools Assignment

Semester 1 Final Critique

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 Quarter 3
1 Storyboarding ● Winter Break Storyboard

1-2 Character Design ● Color Palettes ● Create character backstory

● Creating Color 08 - Character Project
Palettes in Harmony (Appeal)

3-4 Setting the Scene ● Camera Staging in 09 - Staging Project

Harmony (Staging)
● Animation Layers
● Tutorial 1
● Tutorial 2
● Tutorial 3
5 3D Modeling ● Maya Basic ● Maya Intro
Navigation 10 – Object Stack Project
● Tutorial
● Animation keyframes

6-7 3D Modeling ● Film Example: 11 – Robot Project

Robots (solid drawing)
● Project Tutorial
8 3D Animation ● Maya Animating 1 ● Grouping & Parenting
● Maya Animating 2 ● Maya 3D Animating Into
12 – Robot Animation Project
(follow through & overlapping
action)
Quarter 4
1-2 Pre-Production Pixar Shorts 13 - Final Project
Choose: ● Role Selections
● Brainstorming
● 2D Animation
● Stop Motion
● 3D Animation
Must include sound
3-6 Production Studio Time
7-8 Post-Production Editing and sound
Semester 2 Final Critique
Critique of Animated Short

*Please note that the syllabus is designed as a guideline and is subject to change based on the pace of
the class and the specific needs of the students. The course will also include lectures, demonstrations,
critiques, and discussions to support the learning objectives and projects.

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Exam Schedule
Date Subject
Dec. 18-21 Semester 1 Final
May 20-24 Semester 2 Final

Additional Information and Resources

Grading
60% - Major Grades – (Projects & Critiques)
40% - Minor Grades – (Plot Diagrams, Participation, Other Assignments)

Online Resources
Color Schemes: https://coolors.co/

Free Software
Photopea (web based)
https://www.photopea.com/

Piskel (web based)

https://www.piskelapp.com/

Krita
https://krita.org/en/

Fire Alpaca
http://firealpaca.com/

Autodesk Maya
https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1

Blender
https://www.blender.org/download/

Studio Days
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30-5:30 pm
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30-9:00 am

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