Motion Design (BFA)

Statement of Purpose

Mission. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Design exists to provide professional preparation for entry into the motion design industry or studies at the graduate level, and to prepare students for evolving roles in the visual information and communication environments.

Purpose. Motion Design exists anywhere there is a screen. Incorporating video, motion, text and sound, the screen’s ubiquitous presence has become society’s preferred method of communication. By its very definition, Motion Design is media in motion through the integration of a variety of animation and film techniques including traditional animation, digital animation, video and/or film combined within a single work. The Department of Motion Design at Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to providing students with an educational experience that allows them to function at a professional level as motion design artists—able to engage in research, concept development, design development, execution and presentation for clients, as well as to determine their own artistic direction. These two ideas, encouraging creativity in communicating ideas, along with developing fluency with a variety of moving media is at the heart of the department’s philosophy to teach students how to deliver creative design solutions through animation. Using exploration and innovation as a common theme, the program uses both tightly integrated and highly interdisciplinary practices, a specialized faculty, and technological resources to provide students the knowledge, skills and aptitudes to understand their creative efforts in the context of contemporary visual culture. Students graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Motion Design from Ringling College of Art and Design will be able to realize their educational and career goals by demonstrating preparedness for graduate school and professional creative enterprises.

Goals. The goal of the program is to ensure that students successfully completing the Motion Design program at Ringling College of Art and Design are able to present and talk about their creative process and deliver conceptually strong, well-designed work. They will be prepared for the motion design industry or studies at the graduate level, and to prepare students for evolving roles in the visual information and communication environments. The goal for faculty members in the program is to become facilitators, mentors and eventual colleagues of the professional designers they are developing. The goal of the Department of Motion Design is to cultivate a creative and collaborative environment that becomes recognized as a resource and a hub of expertise for those who are committed to remaining connected to the practice and scholarship of professionals in the industry. Consistent with this, the department embraces nascent technologies into the program to ensure the department stays relevant with this rapidly evolving industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Concept Communication. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate multiple creative concepts through words, text, and images utilizing diverse image-making techniques.
   1. Critical Thinking / Problem Solving 
   2. Ideation
   3. Written and Verbal Communication
   4. Drawing
   5. Diverse Image-Making Techniques
2. Design. Demonstrate the ability to effectively implement graphic design principles, typography, color theory, cinegraphic design, and audio design.
   1. Typography
   2. The Principles of 2D Design
   3. The Principles of 3D Design
   4. Visual Communication
3. Animation. Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of animation in creating expressive motion that brings design concepts to life.
   1. The Principles of Animation
4. Technology. Demonstrate technical proficiency through the execution of various image creation, animation, and compositing techniques; with an ability to solve technical problems as they arise throughout the animation production workflow.
   1. Relevant Technologies (2D animation software, 3D animation software, compositing software, cameras)
   2. Basic Audio Production
5. Industry and Professional Practices. Demonstrate an understanding of the profession through the presentation of a professional body of work.
   1. Professional Practices (creating and curating a body of work, knowledge of industry practices and work expectations)
   2. History of Motion Design / Motion Design Literacy