2D Digital Animation and Design Production

Animation endures as one of the truest forms of creative expression. It is a vessel for humour, a voice for social or political commentary and an evergreen form of entertainment. It has the liberty to go anywhere, in any style and tell any story, which remains one of the reasons it is still so loved; it challenges narrative limits.
Digital animators are enviably positioned within the creative world; our skills are used for character design/concepts, environments, pre-visualisation/animatic within 2D, 3D, stop motion and hybrid work. We understand timing, nuance, style, representation and above all, story.
Animators are found within film, games and of course animation itself as standalone work. This is the cultural space of the creators, the dreamers, the outsiders and the storytellers. Our own sensibilities and skills allow us to work in concept, production and post-production comfortably across all areas of media. We have the opportunity to both embrace technology but also retain character and humanity of voice.

What you will study
We aim to give students the knowledge, skill, support and environment in which to explore animation. We will look at various areas which can include...

• life drawing

• 2D/digital design and illustration

• Stop motion and model making

• character design/expression/acting/movement

• writing for animation

• storyboarding/shot and camera

• animatic work

• environment/asset design, colour and lighting (2D, 2.5D and 3D)

• post production, effects, colour grading

• pitching your idea

• working independently and within a team as an animator

• workflow and roles

You will attend lectures and seminars delivered by a passionate and engaging team, in a positive environment. The course aims to equip students with a thorough knowledge of the processes and skills expected for a professional animator. You will build a portfolio demonstrating these aspects of animation which will be further underpinned by more established creative sector skills such as pre and post production, editing, working with sound and so on.

By the end of the course you will be able to...

• Work confidently on all stages of an animation production.

• Work independently as an animator or as part of a production team.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the medium and its storytelling potential.

• Work at a higher academic level, managing your own future learning and development.

• Take a strong portfolio of your work forward.

Course modules
This course is subject to approval but the modules are expected to be...
Year 1:

• Animation Fundamentals

• Practical Skills and Techniques 1

• FMP 1: Proof of Concept (individual)

Year 2:

• Professional Case Study

• Practical Skills and Techniques 1

• Individual Pitch/Proposal

• FMP 2: Proof of Concept (group)

All students who successfully achieve the FdA Digital Animation Design and Production will have guaranteed progression to the BA(Hons) Digital Animation Design and Production top-up degree. This enables all students to achieve the BA(Hons) degree with 3 years study. Please note that the FdA and BA(Hons) are subject to approval - due to be completed by Easter 2024.