SYLLABUS: Art 443 Animation Drawing
Fall 2015, Section 01, 11176 TuTh 7:00PM-9:45PM
Classroom AC 402 Animation Lab
Instructor: J. Michael Spooner
Office hrs: TuTh 6:30PM-7:00PM Classrm AC 402 Animation Lab
Email: Michael.spooner @csun.edu
Course Description:
Exploration of the various forms of drawing related to the field of animation. Direct drawing of the human
figure from models, drawing a variety of animals form live observation, and development of layout drawing
used for background painting, Emphasis on volume, mass, weight, movement/gesture, conveying attitude,
dramatic expression, action poses, acting, anatomy, consistent perspective and economy of line. 3-3) This
course may be taken twice for credit. Prereq: Art 224A Anatomy.
Additional Course Details:
Focus will be on the Construction and Design of characters for animation.
Art Department Student Learning Objectives Addressed In This Course:
SLO 1: Acquire a basic knowledge, theories, and concepts about art; develop a foundation of art skills and a
high level of craftsmanship; communicate ideas and concepts through writing, speaking and art making;
acquire a competency with the tools and technologies associated with the visual arts.
SLO 3: Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art; analyze, interpret and question traditional
methodologies and preconceived notions of art and art making.
SLO 5: Develop appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art, culture, teaching/learning.
SLO 7: Develop a career path for an art profession or an art-related field; develop an understanding of the
demands and expectations of that area of art profession or art field.
Course Student Learning Objectives:
1. Learn and practice Animation Character Design.
2. Learn and use course specific software technology, such as drawing on the digital wacom tablet.
3. Practice creative development process of design for characters that can later be animated in 2D traditional,
2D Digital Flash, or 3D Computer Animation.
4. Apply drawing knowledge learned previously: 3-D structure, volume, weight, perspective, action, attitude.
5. Produce original Character design work that demonstrate successful integration of principles of animation,
technology & student’s own personal aesthetic in conceptually rich & skillfully executed work.
6. Critically analyze peers work in critiques. Analyze own development and comfortably receive criticism and
feedback. Apply problem-solving skills and make revisions to improve work.
7. Become aware of and learn to critically analyze Character Design from both History and the current
Animation field of 3D CG and 2D Features and Games.
8. Produced work for portfolio/reel for internship/job application in Animation Industry.
9. Participate in Animation Industry events, lectures, seminars and Field trips to Industry studios if provided.
Evaluation/Attendance/behavior:
Assignments are specific and evaluated accordingly for both the process and the product. Sufficient evidence of
an ongoing creative process and development over time with corrected revisions is expected. Attendance is
required, as well as homework outside of class-time. In the classroom students are expected to practice
professional behavior and treat other students, lab techs and faculty with respect and cooperation.
Student Evaluation & Grade Breakdown:
Assignments are specific and evaluated accordingly for both the process and the product. Sufficient evidence of
an ongoing creative process and development over time with corrected revisions is expected.
70%: Exercises and Projects
20%: Creative process stages of technical & design, references, research, reading, lectures and critical
analysis.
10%: Participation in class critiques, discussions and screenings
LATE WORK:
Meeting deadlines is essential in Animation production. Assignment deadlines will be posted on Moodle. Students are
responsible for monitoring Moodle on a regular basis, to ensure they are hitting the deadlines. Assignments that fail to meet
the established deadline will be subject to a full letter downgrade. Additionally, each subsequent week that a student fails to
turn in their work, the assignment will be subject to an additional full letter downgrade. So, for example, whereas an
assignment late by one week is subject to a full letter downgrade, assignments late by two weeks are subject to an
additional full letter downgrade, an assignment late by 3 or 4 weeks is subject to a third and forth full letter downgrade, etc.,
until a student reaches an “F”.
A student may avoid a drop in an assignment grade on the condition that the student make prior arrangements with the
instructor, and that the instructor approves of the arrangement prior to assignment due dates.
ASSIGNMENT DELIVERY:
This is not an on-line course. All assignments must be submitted through Moodle for grade consideration. It is not
appropriate for students to email instructor their assignments. Students are responsible to seek feedback on their work in class
or during office hours. It is not acceptable for students to expect feedback outside of class or office hours without advanced
permission granted by the instructor.
END OF TERM:
A digital copy of all assignments must be submitted at the end of the semester and in formats specified by the Instructor
and/or Animation Area Coordinator for Assessment purposes. Failure to deliver a complete DVD can negatively impact final
grade. DVD’s will not be returned to the student.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
This studio course requires attendance, actual work in class and at least 3 hours of homework/lab time
outside of class time each week. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students who are
not present when roll is called are responsible for informing the instructor of their presence and will be
marked as tardy. Please see the CSUN student handbook for allowable class tardiness and absences.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR/PROFESSIONAL DEPORTMENT:
In the classroom/lab, students are expected to practice professional behavior and treat other students, lab techs and faculty
with respect and cooperation. Please see the CSUN student code of conduct online at
http://www.csun.edu/studentaffairs/pdfs/standards_student_conduct.pdf.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
Students with disabilities must register with the Center on Disabilities and complete a service agreement each
semester. Staff with in the Center will verify the existence of a disability based on the documentation provided
and approved accommodations. Students who are approved for test-taking accommodations must provide an
Alternative Testing Form to their faculty member signed by a counselor in the Center on Disabilities prior to
making testing arrangements. The Center on Disabilities is located in Bayramian Hall, room 110. Staff can be
reached at 818 677-2684.
Recommended Books:
“Drawing: The Head and Hands”- Andrew Loomis ISBN-10: 0857680978
“How To Draw – Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments From Your Imagination”- Scott Robinson
ISBN: 978-193349273-5
“Digital Painting Techniques – Volume 5”- ISBN- 978-1-90941401-3
Required Art Supplies: USB Flashdrive; Col-erase Pencils, Tombow Pencils (B or 2B), Kneaded Eraser, Drawing paper,
Tracing Paper. Specific supply requirements will be discussed during the first class. Supplies available at Continental Art,
7041 Reseda Blvd. A blank DVR – Students will use this to burn all finished assignments issued throughout the entire
semester.
Please Note:
This syllabus is subject to change due to overall student progress, or judgment calls from the Instructor.