Program Overview

Program Overview

The BFA Animation & Illustration program is a professional degree that prepares students for careers in feature film animation, games, television, and other media that utilize animation and storytelling as a core communication tool. The curriculum combines traditional and innovative educational strategies, including color theory, design, perspective, and conventional and digital painting.

Curriculum Details

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Color theory
• Design
• Perspective
• Conventional and digital painting
• Principles of traditional and 3D animation
• Physics of motion
• Modeling
• Storyboarding
• Character design
• Visual development
  • Upper-division classes offer students the opportunity to specialize in their area of choice

Program Requirements

• All students must pass a milestone portfolio review to remain in the BFA program
  • Students who do not pass the review will be changed to the BA-Design Studies major
• BFA Animation & Illustration students are recommended to complete a professional internship

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Understand the principles of color, design, optics, perspective, and the physics of motion
• Develop proficiency in life drawing
• Have knowledge in both digital and traditional painting
• Be familiar with principles of sequential narrative
• Be able to create and develop original narrative, sequential projectsshort films and tests that incorporate visual development, modeling, storyboarding, and animation
• Have the ability to work cooperatively in a team
• Apply professional standards and practices, including proficiency in visual development, modeling, animation, or storyboarding
• Understand art, film, and animation history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives, including those of art historians, animators, and filmmakers