San José State University
Department of Design - Animation/Illustration
ANI 114, Animation
Section 01 and 02, Fall 2014
Instructor:
Jeff Jackson
Office Location:
ART 219
Telephone:
TBA
Email:
sonjebasa@gmail.com (preferred) OR Jeffrey.Jackson@sjsu.edu
Office Hours:
By email appointment
Class Days/Time:
Section 1 TR 1500 - 1750 / Section 2 TR 1830 - 2120
Classroom:
ART 218
Prerequisites:
ANI 113A and BFA Status in Animation/Illustration
Campus Police:
911
Escort:
42222
Class Web Pages
Class Web Page: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ANI114_Spring2014/info
Department Updates: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SJSU_Animation_Illustration
Course Description
Fundamental of animation involving the completion of a series of basic exercises in
motion, action analysis and kinetics.
Students are required to complete a series of exercises in kinetics, motion studies, and
action analysis. ANI 114 introduces the professional skill set necessary for a career in the
expanding industry of images for film, video, internet, software, gaming, and in print.
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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Course Description (cntd.)
ANI 114 incorporates learning and classroom strategies not used in most academic environments.
Successful students will find it necessary to be self motivated and fully engaged in the material
as well as demonstrate competent drawing skills, understand action analysis, and grasp the
fundamental principles of physics and animation. Students will be expected to meet criteria
established by the instructor, both their class peers and by industry professionals.
Course Goals





Develop understanding of and sensitivity to the principles of animation
Introduce the rigorous work schedule that the industry will demand.
Encourage peer communication and criticism.
Familiarize the student with the industry, the art form and its history.
Encourage the student to explore and pursue art outside the scope of the class.
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
 Identify the principles/elements of animation; Squash & Stretch, Anticipation,
Staging, Follow Through & Overlapping Action, Secondary Action,
Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, Appeal, Slowing In & Out, Arcs, Paths of Action,
Volumes, Twinning, Strobing, and Silhouetting
 Incorporate the principles of animation into their animation projects
 Begin to convey convincing weight, timing, and attitude in their performances
 Put the process of key pose, straight ahead, and inbetween animation into
application
Required Texts/Readings
Required Texts
The Animator's Survival Kit, Richard Williams, ISBN: 0-571-20228-4
Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson ISBN 0-7868-6070-7
Suggested Readings
(and by no means complete- this is only a starting point)
Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes: Volume 1&2 by Walt Stanchfield
Character Animation Crash Course! Eric Goldberg ISBN - 1879505975
Layout and Design, Brian Lemay
Advanced Layout and Design, Brian Lemay
How to Draw Cartoon Animation, Preston Blair
The Animator’s Workbook, Tony White
Edward Muyerbridge Complete Human and Animal Locomotion, Vol I, II, III
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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Timing For Animation, Harold Whitaker and John Halas
That’s All Folks, The Art of Warner Bros., Steve Schneider
50 Greatest Cartoons, Jerry Beck
Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist, Steven Rogers Peck
Sketching on Location, Glenn Vilppu
Vilppu Drawing Manual, Glen Vilppu, ISBN 1-892053-03-9 http://vilppu.com
Acting for Animators, Ed Hooks, ISBN 0-325-00580-x
Suppliers/Resources
Animation Links
http://www.awn.com
http://www.animationmeat.com
www.animationmagazine.net
http://www.animationarchive.org
http://www.frederator.com
http://cartoonmodern.blogsome.com
http://www.cartoonbrew.com
Animation Supplies
http://www.cartooncolor.com
www.cartoonsupplies.com
http://www.chromacolour.com
http://www.lightfootltd.com
Spartan Book Store
Required Course Fees
Students are required to create animation tests, portfolios, and reels in our
Animation/Illustration computer labs. Course fees go towards maintaining software
licenses, upgrade fees, and necessary maintenance to animation lab equipment.
Other Equipment / Material Requirements
Expect to pay approximately $150. Special animation materials [including a light box] are
necessary for this class. We will discuss materials and costs during class. Drawing materials
needed other than the animation supplies may include but are not limited to:
- 3 ring, 8 1/2 x 11, paper and notebook
- a stop watch (though some wrist watches have this function, many are clumsy/difficult to use)
- USB device for file transfer
- Peg Bar and 12 field animation paper (11x17 copy paper cut to 11x12.5),
- pencils [a range from col-erase, charcoal, to china markers] NO MECHANICAL PENCILS!
- eraser, clear tape and dispenser, paper clips, scissors, and x-acto knives, ruler, sketchbooks,
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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notebook, drawing paper and pads for life drawing
- Quicktime Pro (optional)
Download Free Player http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
Upgrade to Quicktime Pro for $29.99
Cut, paste, and deleting of frames; Export in various file formats
Import numbered still sequence
Other costs include providing photocopies of drawings for class critique and submission
to the instructor.
Classroom Protocol
The class will meet at promptly at 3:00PM or 6:30PM in Art 218. Every class will require the
students to bring materials for working and/or will be required to present their progress for
review. The instructors will discuss this in class. Students are required to keep a class notebook
that is separate from an ongoing sketchbook.
A series of animation exercises will be assigned. These exercises are the learning foundation of
all animation. At the end of the semester, students are expected to demonstrate a complete
understanding and execution of these fundamentals before enrolling in Art 115.
Rules of Conduct
Classes
1. Be on time. Late arrivals disrupt the class.
2. Turn off your cell phone.
3. Private conversations during lectures and class discussions are not permitted.
4. No aromatic foods are allowed in any of the classrooms.
5. Classes are crowded. Please be attentive to your personal hygiene.
6. Fill the front seats first.
7. No headphones during class.
8. No checking email or using laptops for activities unrelated to the class.
9. No spray mount or fixative spraying in the class.
10. Use the trashcans in the rooms, hallways, and restrooms.
11. Do not dump toxic wastes in restroom sinks. Use the recycling drums upstairs.
12. Clean the sinks if you use them for your project clean ups. Do not discard paper
towels on the floor.
13. Do not use the table tops as a cutting surface.
14. Do not leave valuable items unattended.
15. Do not leave the classroom without cleaning your area.
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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Rules of Conduct (cntd.)
Pencil Test Lab: break the rules and lose your access
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
When you leave the lab, take your supplies with you. Leave ‘em and lose’em.
No traditional painting.
Ask a lab monitor if you have a question about equipment.
Do not change the connections on the equipment.
Do not move any equipment in the lab.
Do not prop the door open.
Do not leave valuable items unattended.
This is a work space and not for socializing.
Leave the lab cleaner than when you came in.
Digital Lab: break the rules and lose your access
1. No food. Water only. Your instructor will address this.
2. Traditional drawing and painting not permitted.
3. Do not use the lab computers to check email, download material not related to
class.
4. Ask a lab monitor or tech if you have a question about equipment.
5. Do not change the connections on the equipment.
6. Do not move any equipment in the lab.
7. Do not leave the classroom without cleaning your area.
Email & Group Contact
Students will be responsible for joining a class yahoo group, listed on page one. Class
correspondences will be conducted through email.
Click on “Join this Group”. If you haven’t already done so, please Sign in with Yahoo and
then join the group. This will be the forum through which we will establish email contact,
post assignment forms, and have access to a calendar of due dates.
Only usernames with your REAL first and last name will be allowed to join.
Dropping and Adding
Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop,
grade forgiveness, etc. Refer to the current semester’s Catalog Policies section at
http://info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/policies.html. Add/drop deadlines can be found on the
current academic calendar web page located at
http://www.sjsu.edu/academic_programs/calendars/academic_calendar/. The Late Drop
Policy is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/policy/. Students should
be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for dropping classes.
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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Information about the latest changes and news is available at the Advising Hub at
http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/.
Assignments and Grading Policy
Grades and class status can be checked at any time during the semester by making
an appointment during office hours.
ANIMATION EXERCISES will be assigned and graded for the first half of the semester. The
grades will not apply however until they are collected at the midterm. Students will have the
opportunity to revise submitted tests for an improved grade at midterm submission.
A series of animation exercises will be assigned throughout the semester. A “B” grade will be
awarded to submissions successfully exhibiting the assigned animation principles or criteria for
the given project.
All animation exercises must be posted to the class server for grading. All work must be drawn
dark and recorded in sharp focus with good lighting. Out of focus images or work that has been
drawn too light to see clearly will not be accepted. Students must preview the animation file
before posting to the server.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS WILL RESULT IN NO CREDIT
Animation Tests
Formatted “Last name_Test Name” ex. Smith_Brick
Quicktime, H264 compression, 640 x 480
Animation must be drawn & shot dark enough to see clearly
Grading reviews must be on the grading sheet; no stapled/taped forms, no handwritten forms
When required, reference (Quicktime, H264 compression) & planning must be posted
Drawing Submissions
Must have name
Must be from life
Must meet minimum number of studies
Must be 8.5” x 11” photocopies/printouts, no originals
Must be printed dark enough to read well
COURSE GRADE: The final grade will be based on:
30% - Midterm: Animation Exercises
40% - Final Animation Submissions &
10% - Drawing Portfolio
10% - Meeting Semester Deadlines
10% - Class Participation
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Final animation submissions must be posted to the server in accepted class formats (details in
“Flipbook Pencil Testing” guide sheet).
The Portfolio: the portfolio size will be demonstrated in class and it must contain:
- a resume
- minimum of 2 spreads (4 pages) of life drawings
- minimum of 1 spread (2 pages) of animal drawings
- minimum of 2 spreads (4 pages) of sketchbook drawings
- minimum of 2 spreads (4 pages) of other work (illustration, visual development, independent
work)
Grades will be assigned according to University policy from A through F as outlined in the SJSU
catalog. All work must be finished and turned in according to ascribed deadlines. In keeping
with established professional standards any work missing the deadline will receive a failing
grade. Students wishing to receive an A grade must turn in all assignments on time and be
excellent work. Students wishing to receive a B grade must turn in all assignments on time and
be above average work. Students wishing to receive a C grade must turn in all assignments on
time and be average work, etc.
LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Arrangements must be made in advance with the instructor for deadline extensions or none shall
be granted. Students unable to complete an assignment or who will be absent from an ACME
transmission lecture must email 24 hours in advance. All emergencies will be dealt with on an
individual basis. Students with an unforeseen emergency must be prepared to furnish the
appropriate paperwork justifying the absence from the class.
Course Requirements
Students are required to keep a class notebook, which is separate from an ongoing sketchbook.
The distance learning transmissions require 3 ring 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. It is required that you
use this as your note taking format. These binders will be collected at the end of the
semester and count as a full submission grade. Class notes must be kept in three-ring
binders with separate dividers for the following sections:
In class notes
Notes on assigned reading
Guest presentations
Transmission notes
Each set of notes must contain:
The date
Name of the guest (if applicable)
Name of the book for reading assignments
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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All animation exercises must be posted to the class server for grading. All work must be drawn
dark, recorded in sharp focus with good lighting, and composed within a field guide. Out of focus
images or work that has been drawn too light to see clearly will not be accepted and receive a
failing submission grade. Students must preview the animation file before posting to the server.
Students are required to complete additional drawing or animation projects other than the foundation
animation exercises or the distance learning work. These assignments may be, but are not limited to,
figure drawing, sketching on site, animal studies anatomy studies, and perspective exercises. All of which
may have unannounced testing during the semester. Drawings are expected to exhibit gesture,
construction, anatomy, weight, perspective, economy of line, a strong pose, and attitude. This will be
discussed in class.
To receive credit, all figure and animal drawing exercises must be photo copied onto clean, 8 1/2 x 11
paper with no cut lines, spiral rings, or torn edges showing. Drawings must be stapled in the upper left
hand corner. No original drawings will be accepted. Additional drawing assignments requiring different
presentation formats will be discussed with each assignment.
THIS CLASS IS EXTREMELY TIME CONSUMING AND NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.
University Policies
Academic integrity
Your commitment as a student to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose
State University. The University’s Academic Integrity policy, located at
http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/S07-2.htm, requires you to be honest in all your academic
course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of
Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical
Development website is available at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.
Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism
(presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without
giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For
this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise
specified. If you would like to include your assignment or any material you have
submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy
S07-2 requires approval of instructors.
Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need
to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an
appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential
Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must
register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/ to
establish a record of their disability.
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Counseling Services
Counseling Services are available on campus. Services include Personal Counseling,
Educational Counseling, Psychiatric Services, and Workshops and Groups. Counseling
Services are located in the Administration Bldg. Room 201. More information is
available online at:
http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/counseling/index.html
Course Assignment Schedules
Class deadlines will be assigned in class throughout the semester. Students will be
responsible for keeping track of assignments and deadlines.
The final exam time and date for both sections:
Wednesday May 21
1445-1700
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Sample Schedule (subject to change)
Tue
8/26
First day of class
Assign joining Yahoo Group
Assign time management sheet
Assign 25 gesture studies for THU
Go get reference and supplies!
Thurs
8/28
Lecture: Ball Bounce
Lecture: Keys, breakdowns, inbetweens
Assign ball bounce for TUE
9/2
Ball Bounce Due
Assign brick drop
Lecture: Keys
9/4
DUE: 25 Gesture drawings (Freshmen)
Assign person to study
Quiz - Following directions
In Class Flipping and Rolling Exercise
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 7 Principles of Animation
9/9
Brick Drop Due
Assign sack drop
DUE: Reading: IOL 47-69 Principles of
Animation
9/11
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Animals (variety is ok),
25 Gesture (People at the Zoo)
Work in class
Assign 5 drawings from reference of the animal they
select, breaking down volumes and focusing on
proportion
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 1 Go for the Truth
9/16
Flour Sack Due
Assign revisions
Lecture: Principles
DUE: Reading: ASK 78-79 Ones vs.
Twos
DUE: Reading: ASK 41-45 Lesson One
DUE: Reading: ASK 11-34 Drawing in
time & Time to Draw
9/18
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Animals, 5 animal
studies, & 25 Gesture (Eating)
Work in class
DUE: Reading: Ch 2 The Animator's Sketchbook
9/23
Final Revisions Due; ball, brick,
sack
Assign leaf or paper drop
DUE: Reading: ASK 46-57 Chart &
Inbetween
DUE: Reading: ASK 61-68 Three ways
to animate
Leaf or paper Drop Due
Assign water balloon
DUE: Reading: ASK Flexibility 217245
9/25
DUE: 25 Animals, 3 skeletons, & 25 Gesture
(Waiting)
In class exercize: Human Bending Down, drag and
flexibility
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 3 Visual Vocabulary (big
chapter)
10/2
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Animals, 25 Gesture
(Working)
Work in class on balloons
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 4 The First Impression
10/7
Water Balloon Due
Lecture/demo: Walks
Assign Mechanical Walk
DUE: Reading: ASK 212-216 Jumps,
273-284 Anticipation
10/9
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Animals, 25 Gesture
(Walking)
Work in class
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 5 Elements of the Pose (big
chapter)
10/14
Mechanical Walk Due
Discuss: Reference, character, attitude
Assign walk w/ character
Reading: ASK 102 -117 Walks
10/16
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Figures, 25 Gesture
(People at Play) & One animal drawing spread (2
pages)
Work in class
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 6 Pushing the Gesture
10/21
DUE: 1st pass Walk w/ character,
story, attitude
Assign ANIMATION TEST reference
and thumbs
10/23
DUE: Reference and thumbnails
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Figures, 25 Gesture
(Marketplace)
Work in class on toss
DUE: Reading: WS Ch 9 Final Words
10/28
Midterms due: any revisions from
drop or walk tests posted to server
10/30
9/30
Animation, ANI 114, Fall 2014
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11/4
DUE: Secret ANIMATION TEST
Assign Sack Pantomime, discuss
brainstorming
11/6
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Figures, 25 Gesture
(People in line)
Group Pantomime idea reviews
11/11
DUE: Walk w/ character, story,
attitude COMPETITION
Due sack pantomime ideas +
planning sheets
Review ideas in class
Due sack reference and thumbnail
studies
Work in class on keys and BDs
11/13
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Figures, 25 Gesture
(Exercising)
Review ideas in class
Discuss reference and thumbs
11/20
DUE: weekly drawings 25 Figures, 25 Gesture
(Relationships), 1 figure drawing spread (2 pages)
Work in class on keys and BDs
11/25
Sack Pantomime keys and BD shot
to time
Review progress in class
11/27
Thanksgiving Break
12/2
Sack Pantomime Keys and BDs
revised, inbetweens if approved last
week
Review progress in class
12/4
Acting discussion, moving holds
Review progress in class
12/9
DUE:Sack Pantomime rough
Inbetween
12/11
LAST CLASS
DUE: PORTFOLIOS and CLASS NOTES DUE
Work in class
12/16
LAST CLASS
DUE: PORTFOLIOS and CLASS
NOTES DUE
Work in class
12/19
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday 5/21
1445-1700
11/18
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