Motion Design

Majors & Minors

Courses

MDES 204: 2D Figure in Motion

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Introductory study of 2D figurative, or "character" animation, including the animation of humans, animals, and/or abstracted figurative characters. Emphasis will be on anatomy and the physics and physiology of figurative movement. Students will employ the "12 principles" of animation to create accurate and expressive interpretations of figurative movement in their work.

Prerequisite Courses

MDES 210: Concept Development I

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3
Exploration of the pictorial language through the parallels between the graphic design and the cinematic languages. Concepts are developed through storyboards, board-o-matics, videos, soundscapes, and other sequence-based projects, incorporating the elements of time and sequence to strengthen communication.
Prerequisites

None.

MDES 211: 2D Animation

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Digital 2D animation techniques with an emphasis on using animation principles to create expressive and communicative movement. Students will experiment with various styles of 2D computer animation and gain a deeper understanding of 2D animation techniques and software.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 220: Concept Development II

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Concept generation and development through the exploration and application of the cinematic language as used in animation pre-visualization. Students are introduced to various storytelling approaches, persuasive messaging, and the use rhetorical devices to develop creative concepts.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 221: 3D Animation

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Introduction to 3D computer animation, language, object creation, f-curve editor, computer animation, modeling, and texturing techniques through the creation of multiple short animations.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 222: Design in Sequence for Motion

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Introduction to the practical applications of typography as used within the field of Motion Design. Through composition, hierarchy, and nuance, students will explore the use of type to promote effective communication across various mediums, including transition to print and screen.

Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 240: Introduction to Visual and Special Effects

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3
Exploration of contemporary and historical approaches to Visual Effects as used in film and client based production. Digital and traditional methodologies will be examined, identifying and analyzing the artistry of Visual Effects, with a concentration on the processes, history and milestones of the industry and art form. Introduction to the vocabulary and the technical terminology used in VFX production.
Prerequisites

None.

MDES 300: Topics in Motion Design

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Exploration of various topics and current issues impacting the motion design industry. Topics might include emerging technological developments, research and integration of new technologies, and advance innovative design practices. This course is repeatable under different topics.

Prerequisite Courses

MDES 310: Persuasive Messaging in Motion

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Analysis, evaluation, and creation of persuasive messages, as employed within the Motion Design industry. Students will explore the various rhetorical approaches based in advertising used to persuade the viewer. Including concept development for the use of new media such as projection mapping and Augmented Reality.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 311: Advanced 3D Animation

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Exploration of advanced 3D computer animation, modeling, texturing, and lighting techniques through the creation of multiple short animations. Emphasis placed on animation, seamless integration of various image sources, and graphic elements.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 313: Projection Mapping

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Introduction to video projection mapping and installation techniques and concepts. Non-traditional surface viewing will be explored such as exteriors of buildings, interior architecture, and sculptural forms. Review and analysis of current creative projection work from contemporary artists and designers. Collaborative projects using projection mapping software.

Prerequisite Courses

MDES 320: Experimentation in Motion

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Experimental animation and various motion design topics are presented and discussed to initiate the development of numerous motion design concepts. Students assemble a collection of concept statements, sketches and style frames, GIFs, and proof of concept animations for potential use in the senior project course.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 321: Advanced 2D Animation

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Continued study of 2D animation techniques with an emphasis on utilizing animation principles to create expressive and communicative movement. Students will experiment with various styles of 2D animation and gain a deeper understanding of 2D animation techniques & software.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 322: Branding and Visual Systems

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Exploring visual identity and systems through historic, formal, and conceptual perspectives. Students will develop original logos and identity systems. They will practice working within constraints and develop their strongest project into motion.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 323: Styleframe Development for Motion

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Application of analog and digital illustrative techniques for the creation of styleframes and animatics used within the preproduction stage of motion design projects. Based in visual analysis and research, students will use both assemblage and Illustrative approaches to develop images that determine the style and mood of animated sequences.

MDES 350: Advanced Animation Techniques

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Advanced exploration of traditional animation techniques including 2D and 3D stop motion, hand drawn animation, and other experimental processes. Emphasis will be on creating expressive, communicative movement utilizing the 12 Principles of Animation.

Prerequisite Courses

MDES 410: Senior Project: Production Studio

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Application of advanced production techniques and principles to complete multiple animation projects that replicate professional expectations of a motion design production studio. Student projects are chosen from various client-inspired briefs. Students document the entire animation process from concept to final product.

Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 411: Adv. Motion Design Techniques I

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3
Advanced topics in animation. Explore problem-solving for technical challenges that arise during production of a motion design project. Individual senior projects serve as basis for relevant topics.
Prerequisites

None.

MDES 420: Senior Project: Experimental

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Production of senior thesis project, demonstrating the culmination of the student’s technical experience and artistic development. Students will present final proposals and style frames of their self-directed animation project. This project emphasizes experimentation, self-expression, and pursuit of an individual aesthetic.

Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 421: Adv. Motion Design Techniques II

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Advanced topics in motion design. Topics chosen to provide problem-solving strategies for technical challenges arising during project production. Instruction in advanced motion design production techniques. Individual senior projects provide basis for relevant topics.

Prerequisites

Minimum C- grade required. 

MDES 430: Digital Compositing for 2D

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Overview of the technical and artistic nature of 2D digital compositing, covering topics such as basic image creation, representation and manipulation, color correction processes, chroma keying, planar tracking technologies, and visual cues necessary to create a believable composite.

Prerequisites

None.

MDES 431: Digital Compositing for 3D

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Advanced Visual Effects compositing incorporating 3D synthetic assets into the compositing workflow. Topics such as camera animation, camera tracking, image stabilization, advanced 3D animation, shaders, lights and materials will be discussed. Creation of matte paintings and compositing digital set extensions.

MDES 499: Motion Design Internship

Department
Credits 3

Workplace experience, internship agreement negotiated between intern and site supervisor, approval of faculty, Registrar, and AVPAA/Dean of Undergraduate Studies required. Duties should be challenging, productive, and develop higher-level skills and knowledge. Documentation of performed work, weekly check-ins, and oral presentation required. Grading: Credit/No Credit

Prerequisites

And 3.0 GPA.