Syllabus

Class Information

  • CRN 41480
  • TTh 2pm – 4:50pm
  • Rm 101

Instructor

Prerequisite

Major status

Class Description

This course is an introduction to motion design. Students will explore principles of motion, narrative structure, cinematic concepts, and sequential design methodology, while learning how to communicate ideas using various time-based methods and mediums in industry standard software. Students will also gain an understanding and appreciation for contemporary and historic examples of motion design. Lecture/lab.

Objectives

  1. Understand the concepts, principles, and vocabulary associated with motion design
  2. Learn narrative structure and various methods of storytelling
  3. Practice animation principles and keyframe interpolation
  4. Apply cinematic concepts to compositions and narratives
  5. Understand the importance of storyboarding and pre-visualization
  6. Understand and appreciate the current and historic landscape of motion design
  7. Integrate various media including graphics, type, illustration, photo, video, and sound
  8. Gain various technical skills in industry standard software
  9. Focus on time-based principles such as transitioning, pacing, rhythm, duration, timing, and sequence
  10. Review and integrate the elements and principles of design and typography
  11. Design visually effective and dynamic compositions
  12. Strengthen the skills of organization, communication, presentation and time management

Software and Supplies

After Effects, Premiere, Illustrator, Photoshop

Sketchbook, Headphones, External Hard Drive

Recommended Books

After Effects Apprentice: Real World Skills for the Aspiring Motion Graphics Artist, Trish & Chris Meyer, Focal Press, 2016.

Design For Motion, Austin Shaw, Routledge, 2019.

Graphic Design: The New Basics, Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips, Princeton Architectural Press, 2015.

Motion Design: Moving Graphics for Television, Music Video, Cinema, and Digital Interfaces, Matt Woolman, Rotovision, 2004. (great book but out of print. have to buy used)

* Since a syllabus is developed by the faculty member before the semester begins, it is considered a plan and is subject to revisions based on the judgement of the instructor. It is the responsibility of a student to fully understand the requirements of the course after such information is presented by the instructor.