Art Modules

This module explores the nature of drawing as a language skill and the use of drawing by production artists and animators. Topics include applied drawing goals, critical thinking skills, and best practices in drawing practice, drill, and play. Design principles, reference research, and the design process are applied to a series of practical problems. This module also explores drawing materials, drawing strategy, drawing sequence, and linear drawing methodology, practice, and theory.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of art history, tracing the development of artistic expression from the Paleolithic era to the present Emphasizing the dynamic relationship between art and technology, students will explore how innovations'97from ancient pigments and printmaking to photography and digital media'97have shaped artistic practices and cultural narratives across civilizations. In addition to examining historical materials, methods, and movements, this course will encourage critical discussions on contemporary advancements, including AI'92s role in the creative process. While students will engage with AI tools as a means of inspiration and prototyping, equal attention will be given to the ethical considerations of AI-generated art, including questions of authorship, originality, and artistic intent. With a global perspective, this course highlights the evolving intersections of tradition, technology, and artistic innovation, preparing students to navigate both historical and emerging creative landscapes.

This module introduces construction drawing as a method to create the sensation of depth and volume in art. Particular attention is paid to planar- and value-based strategies to add a convincing sense of legitimacy and consistency in 2D art and animation.

This module introduces various methods for activating the picture plane, manipulating the viewer'92s visual experience, and visually communicating complex ideas and moods. These methods are reinforced through the study and application of light, darkness, value, color-harmony systems, and compositional strategies.

This module builds upon the theories, techniques, and practices introduced in DAA 1125 while introducing the concepts of analysis and extrapolation in the creation of a visual reference library for implementation in subsequent module work.

This module explores the skeletal and muscular structures of the human body. Skeletal and muscular forms are identified from both live models and anatomical references. Topics include terminology, structural arrangement, and kinetic function. The module gives special emphasis to adapting this knowledge to the needs of artists and animators.

This module introduces the challenges of drawing the human form and applying lessons in anatomy to the figure. Life drawing for animation is examined in this module by studying the skeletal structure, muscle form, gesture, and emotion when drawing a live model.

This module explores the animation pre-production skills of background and layout art. It emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality. Students are guided through classical depth cue and perspective systems as they apply this knowledge to the creation of animation backgrounds and layouts. Additionally, students explore means of using drawing to create elements such as camera lens illusions, architectural space, theatrical sets, game visual design, matte painting, and surface texture.

This module emphasizes drawing the human form from a structural perspective. Strategies for visualizing anatomy are explored. These include identifying bony landmarks and constructing the form through primitives and value. Additional topics include drawing the clothed figure and foreshortening.

This module introduces the major skeletal and muscular structures of animals. Topics include terminology, structural arrangement, and kinetic function. The module also considers standard locomotion cycles and the relationship between humans and various animals. This module gives special emphasis to adapting this knowledge to the needs of artists and animators.

This module explores the animation pre-production skills of storyboard art. Emphasis is placed on storytelling and cinematography to create both production and presentation storyboards. Drawing is applied as a means to create storyflow, character development, mood, time, and place.

This module introduces the traditions of character design and the basic structural strategies for creating animated characters. The module explores simplification gradients relative to human, animal, and inanimate object-based characters. It also considers issues of costume, personality, and story interaction. The module emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality. The work completed in this module may serve as pre-production design for DAA 3400, DAA 3450, or DAA 3200.

This module focuses on the art of 2D visual development, guiding students through the process of conceptualizing and designing compelling worlds and characters. Emphasizing world-building, storytelling, and the creative process, students will develop a self-directed project throughout the course, creating a portfolio showcase of professional work that highlights their skills in visual storytelling and concept art, be it characters, creatures, buildings, vehicles, or environments. The course incorporates traditional research, sketching, iteration, and refinement techniques, while also integrating AI-assisted tools for ideation, experimentation, and finalizing concepts.

This module explores elements of personal branding and professional portfolio development. Emphasis is placed on visual continuity in the creation of traditional and digital art portfolios, web sites, demo reels, and promotional items. The module also covers strategies for job interviews, contract negotiations, understanding business documents, and exhibiting at trade shows.

This module provides a basic working knowledge of the processes used in making art. Topics include the origins and techniques involving drawing, tone, color, composition and artistic process as well as a simple overview of art history.