MBI Graduate program: ME:120.723

2D Animation

Offered: 4th Quarter, 1st Year

Instructors: Jennifer E. Fairman, Associate Professor, Lead Instructor
Jeff Day, Assistant Professor

Credits: 3 credit hours

summary

Principles of 2D animation for video production. Fundamentals of script-writing, storyboard creation, asset and scene production, motion, 2D animated rendering techniques, special effects and post-production processing.

Course Description

Objectives

  • Secure a working knowledge of the animation production process, including, outline and script, storyboard, audio and image production and implementation using Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Audition.
  • Create didactic animation sequence for electronic publication.
  • Understand the principles of raster-based animation and authoring application Adobe After Effects.
  • Recognize factors involved in creating dynamic file types such as frame rate, data rate, bit depth, and how these factors affect playback.
  • Understand considerations for preparing artwork for various broadcast media.
  • Render and publish animation on removable device or online. Explore Adobe Media Encoder.

Assignments

Students will further develop their skills through class lectures/teaching demonstrations, and class exercises, including:

  • Researching the assigned topic
  • Creating an outline, storyboard and script
  • Recording, editing and implementing digital sound files
  • Creating base-art in Adobe Photoshop and if needed, Adobe Illustrator and/or Cinema4D/Zbrush.
  • Choreographing animation in After Effects
  • Rendering animation for publication or broadcast

Resources

Course syllabus, Macintosh or PC computer hardware and software, specifically Adobe After Effects CC, removable media, scanners, Ethernet/internet connectivity, stylus-based input devices, thumb drives, laser and color printers.  Software manuals, tutorials, and third-party books and handouts on various computer topics will also be made available.

Student Evaluations

  • 1:1 faculty-student interactions
  • Successful completion of above-mentioned assignments

Schedule

Refer to 1st year calendars and syllabi.

Student Artwork

Gallery of 2D Animations

The health and wellness of students are of utmost importance to us here at Johns Hopkins. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or other wellbeing-related concerns, please consider contacting Mental Health Services at 410-955-1892 or one of the other wellness resources within Student Health and Well-Being. If you are concerned about a friend, please encourage that person to seek out support. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance for a mental health concern, please call the Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team at 410-516-9355.

Students who would like to request disability-based accommodations should contact the Disabilities Service Coordinator, Ellen Kaplan, at [email protected] or complete the online accommodations application. Documentation guidelines are provided on the application.