Syllabus
Digital Painting and Background Design

Digital Painting and Background Design

ARTV-1379

Credit Spring 2021
01/19/2021 - 05/16/2021

Course Information

Section 002
Distance Learning
TTh 18:15 - 19:10
DLS DIL
Linda Smarzik

Section 002
Laboratory
TTh 19:10 - 20:55
DLS DIL
Linda Smarzik

Office Hours

  • T Th
    5:45 - 6:15
    Online
    Please email for an appointment outside of office hours at lsmarzik@austincc.edu

Course Requirements

Course Details 

Digital Painting and Background Design is A study of design principles and digital techniques for designing and painting backgrounds for animation. Students will practice implementing these techniques across a variety of projects.

Credit Hours: 3

•  Online Classroom Contact Hours per week: 1 hour and 50 minutes

                Lecture/Demonstration/Discussion on Tuesday’s.

One-on-one 15 minute meetings every Thursday for clarification, assistance, and check-ins. 

•  Online Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

                Students will work during lab hours with video on.

Course Corequisites/Prerequisites

ARTV 1373 Drawing for Animation or ARTV 1473 Drawing for Animation

Course Rationale/Objectives

Digital Painting and Background Design is an introduction to designing and painting backgrounds for animation. This course provides students skills and knowledge required to compose effective and visually interesting spaces for characters to inhabit. Students can apply skills learned in this class in other areas including storyboarding, matte painting, and concept art.

Instructional Methodology

To help you meet course objectives, the teaching methods in this class are based on professional experience and best practices in the area of 2D animation. These methods might include: lecture, demonstration, critiques in group and one-on-one settings, group activities and student presentations. At this time, the class will be held online using Blackboard. 

Distance Education

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Technology Support Services

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm.  Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester.  You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

Grading System

Each assignment in this course will be graded individually on a 100-point scale with all grades being averaged into 1 final grade at the end of the semester. Point values for letter grades are as follows:

90-100     =A

89-80       =B

79-70       =C

69-60       =D

50-0         = F

Projects are involved assignments that typically take place over a longer period and require more ingenuity and creativity. Students are expected to comprehend, retain, build and expand on the skills that are taught leading up to the start of work and working outside of class at home or in open labs may be required to stay on pace with the class. Grading will be more specific than in Exercises and will directly assess the objectives associated with that project.

Each assignment will have its own specific criteria. There will be a variety of projects assessed and graded during the semester. Projects will also be taught through lecture and demonstration and may have an associated Project Sheet with essential requirements such as specifications, objectives, grading Rubrics, required techniques, premise, and due date.

Class Participation is a combination of participation in class critiques, questions during lectures and work time, and helpfulness towards the instructor and other students.

Effective September 2005, D’s are not accepted as a passing grade within the Creative Design Technologies courses. Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to progress to the next level course. Students who made a D prior to September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course.

Attendance/Participation

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Please be online five minutes before class starts. Be prepared to keep your video on throughout the class, as if we are in a real classroom, unless you have extenuating circumstances that have been discussed with your instructor.  

If for any reason you’re unable to come to class, you will be counted as absent. You are allowed 3 absences. There is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence, so use your absences meaningfully and sparingly. You are counted absent if:

•  you are not logged into class

•  you leave the class early or turn off your video

•  you get to class extremely late (more than 15 minutes)

At your fourth absence, you will fail the class and should withdraw from the course. If your fourth absence happens past the final withdrawal date of the semester, then your final grade will be lowered one letter grade for each subsequent absence. If you decide to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw yourself from the class through admissions and records. If you do not withdraw from the class, you will receive an F.

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Withdrawal

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Missed or Late Work

Assignments are due at the beginning of class periods. If turned in after that, the project is late. The assignment will have 11 points deducted for the first week it is late (1 to 7 days) , 22 points deducted for the second week it is late (8 to 14 days), 33 points deducted for the third week it is late (15 to 21 days). After the fourth week, the assignment will receive a zero for the grade.  

Incomplete

Approval for an incomplete would require extenuating circumstances that did not allow the student to complete the course requirements during the extended completion time.  

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.  

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 
 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Copyright

The software programs that you in the labs are licensed to the college as the original purchaser and as such are not available for students to duplicate for their personal use. Do not use college equipment to duplicate software for other students or to produce work-for-profit. Do not download, copy or scan copyrighted material for use in your projects.

Tutoring

Students taking Game, Animation & Motion Graphics courses may receive tutoring at the following locations post-Covid:

Northridge Campus                     Highland Campus

Building 3000,                             Rm. 3133, Accelerator

11928 Stonehollow Dr.               6101 Airport Blvd

Austin, TX 78758                         Austin, TX 78752

Students taking Game, Animation & Motion Graphics courses may receive tutoring online and will send out that link in an announcement. 

College Policies

Health and Safety Protocols

All ACC campuses and centers have one entrance for students and employees. The college is limiting facility access to faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses.  Each person is required to take the following steps: 

1. Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms using the ACC Health Screening App. There are three secure ways to use the app — 1) download it on your phone (recommended), 2) download the web link, or 3) you may use an iPad that is available at the door. It is easy to download and use. Answer a series of quick questions and the app will give you results. Save the results to show at the door upon entry. Get the app here at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/acc-health-screening-app
 

2. ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry. Employees and students must display their I.D. at all times. 

3. Temperature checks will be conducted with a no-touch thermometer. If you have a fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, you will not be admitted to the building. 
 

4. ACC Health Screen App results will be requested at the door. If you are unable to download the app, an iPad will be provided at the door so that you may answer a series of questions to determine if you have COVID-19 symptoms which include:

      Cough

      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

      Chills

      Repeated shaking with chills 

      Muscle pain

      Headache

      Sore throat

      Loss of taste or smell

      Diarrhea

      Fever

      Have you come into contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 with 14 days? 

If you do not pass the pre-screening, you will receive specific information on healthcare procedures and instructions for what you need to know to be able to return to campus.
 

5. Facial coverings/masks are required for anyone entering an ACC building. You must wear a facial covering/mask at all times. In private spaces such as an individual office, your facial covering may be removed if you are alone. These guidelines are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes clear that facial coverings and social distancing are among the most effective measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19. 
 

TIP—Students should arrive to campus early to ensure enough time to get through the screening line. 

On-Campus Protocols

•   Wash and sanitize your hands prior to entering a classroom, office, or facility. Hand sanitizing stations, disinfecting wipes, soap, and water are readily available.

•   Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds.

•   Practice social distancing with all individuals by maintaining at least six feet of separation.

•   Follow floor stickers that are placed throughout the campus to help guide social distancing in high traffic areas.

•   A maximum of two people at a time will be allowed in elevators.

•   Facial coverings/masks must remain on at all times. A facial covering may only be removed as allowed by the course safety plan (i.e., when alone in private spaces such as an individual office).

•   For the safety of all who are on-campus, water fountains will be turned off, vending machines will have limited services, all food services will be suspended, and common area furniture will be removed. Please plan accordingly.

Classroom Protocols

•   Schedules are staggered and courses have been divided into smaller sections to minimize contact with individuals.

•   Seating for standard classrooms is limited to nine students and one instructor unless the classroom is deemed large enough to handle more by the Safety & Operations Office.

•   Faculty will assign seats to students to keep them at a safe distance from one another. It's imperative that students follow seat assignments in order to track any contamination or the possible spread of COVID-19.

•   Plexiguards are installed on faculty desks if there is not at least nine-feet between the desk and the first row of students.

•   Once inside the classroom, facial coverings must continue to be worn.

•   ACC encourages students to wipe down their desks before class begins. Supplies will be provided in each classroom.

 

Deep Cleaning Protocols

•   ACC's Campus Operations Quality Control staff will regularly and frequently disinfect any and all high touch surfaces such as door knobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.

•   Staff will disinfect classrooms as soon as classes are over.

•   Students and employees will be reminded to disinfect personal electronics on a regular basis.

•   Hand sanitizer will be available in or near every classroom.

•   Sufficient disinfecting supplies are available to maintain hygienic standards throughout the day.

•   These disinfectant procedures will occur after each class and at the end of every day.

 

Illness & Travel Protocols

•   If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus or office.

•   You will need to get tested for COVID-19 and report the results (positive or negative) to ACC's COVID-19 Liaison (see below). 

•   If you become ill in the classroom or inside an ACC facility, you will be asked to go into an isolation room to take the state's online self-assessment.

•   Isolation rooms are available on each campus and center with resources and information to help you learn about the next steps and where to go for a COVID-19 test. 

•   All areas used by anyone who is sick or tests positive for COVID-19 will be immediately closed, waiting for the appropriate period of time before it is thoroughly deep cleaned, disinfected, and deemed safe to reopen. 

•   If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you must self-report. ACC's Self-Report form is available online.

•   ACC has identified a primary COVID-19 Liaison responsible for communicating and coordinating with local health departments. Our liaison is Michael Garcia, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, sem-helpdesk@austincc.edu. 

A training video is available here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/health-and-safety-protocols

 

College Policies

These are statements of which all students should be aware and which are consistent across the institution.  The wording of these statements should not be changed by instructors.
 

Campus Operations

To limit the spread of COVID-19, ACC campuses remain closed to all but faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in certain Career and Technical Education courses.   Face-to-face classes and services are limited.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student. Class grades will be posted in Blackboard.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform. Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.   

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

All testing is currently online.  While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing.

All assignments will be uploaded on Blackboard and graded on Blackboard.

Student Support Services

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians.  ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat “live.”  Faculty librarians are also available via email and phone seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

•  Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

•  Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

•  Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

•  Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students (made available by Student Affairs) to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

•  Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

•  Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.

•  The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

•  Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

•  The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers

•  Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)

•  The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255

•  Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755

•  Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660

•  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

•  Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741

o  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)

•  National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask questions, but such a page is optional.

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form:  

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

 

 

 

 

 

Readings

Required Texts/Materials
Layout and Composition for Animation by Ed Ghertner ISBN – 978-0-240-81441-4

Suggested Text

Layout and Design Made Amazingly Simple by Brian Lemay ISBN-13: 9780969941903

ISBN-10: 0969941900

Vision – Color and Composition for Film by Hans P Bacher and Sanatan Suryavanshi ISBN – 978-1-78627-220-1

 

Course Subjects

 

Week 1:
Tuesday, January 19,  Introductions, Syllabus, Blackboard, Book, Wacom Cintiq.
 
Thursday, January 21,  Photoshop Basics - First Assignment. Learn the essential tools needed to navigate Photoshop. Practice using the Wacom pen to draw precise strokes with the Brush tool. 
 
Week 2: 
Tuesday, January 26, Photoshop Techniques -  Second Assignment. Learn multiple ways to blend colors in Photoshop, as well as other advanced painting techniques. Practice blending 2 tones, then apply blending techniques to 3D volumes such as a cone, cube, and cylinder, and sphere. 
 
Thursday, January 28Photoshop Techniques -  Second Assignment. Learn multiple ways to blend colors in Photoshop, as well as other advanced painting techniques. Practice blending 2 tones, then apply blending techniques to 3D volumes such as a cone, cube, and cylinder, and sphere. 
 
Week 3: 
Tuesday, February 2, Composition - Third Assignment.  Discuss and identify the following: Focal Point, Guiding Lines, Framing, Rule of Thirds, The Golden Mean, Foreground / Middle Ground / Background, Triangular Composition, (film)Up Angle / Down Angle, Dutch Angle (or Dutch Tilt), Wide/Establishing Shot (or Extreme Long Shot), Full Shot / Long Shot, Medium Shot, Closeup, Extreme Closeup. Practice two exercises followed by the assignment. 
 
Thursday, February 4Composition - Third Assignment. reate thumbnails for backgrounds to match mood and story points of provided prompts with the following focus: story accuracy, focal points, guiding lines/framing, mood/emotion, effective thumbnail drawing. 
 
Week 4: 
Tuesday, February 9, Perspective - Fourth Assignment. Create a perspective for 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point perspective using low and high angles with organic and geometric shapes. 
 
Thursday, February 11Perspective - Fourth Assignment. Create a perspective for 1-point, 2-point, and three-point perspective using low and high angles with organic and geometric shapes. 
 
Week 5: 
Tuesday, February 16, -  Perspective - Fourth Assignment. Create a perspective for 1-point, 2-point, and three-point perspective using low and high angles with organic and geometric shapes. 
 
Thursday, February 18, - Perspective - Fourth Assignment. Complete a perspective for 1-point, 2-point, and three-point perspective using low and high angles with organic and geometric shapes.
 
Week 6: 
Tuesday, February 23,  Research & Design Fifth Assignment.  Prop Design Exercise/Research & Design Project.
 
Thursday, February 25Research & Design Fifth Assignment.  Prop Design Exercise/Research & Design Project. 
 
Week 7: 
Tuesday, March 2, - Research & Design  Fifth Assignment.  Refine layout for two perspective's.   
 
Thursday, March 4,  Research & Design  Fifth Assignment.  Refine layout for two perspective's.
 
Week 8: 
Tuesday, March 9,  - Layout Project  Sixth Assignment.  Line Confidence, pulling it all together.
 
Thursday, March 11, Layout Project  Sixth Assignment.  Line Confidence, pulling it all together.
 
Week 9: 
Tuesday, March 23,  - Color Theory Seventh Assignment. Color Theory/The House
 
Thursday, March 25- Color Theory - Seventh Assignment. Color Theory/The House
 
Week 10: 
 Tuesday, March 30,  Color Theory Eighth Assignment. Color Theory/Day Night 
 
Thursday, April 1, - Color Theory - Eighth Assignment. Color Theory/Day Night 
 
Week 11: 
Tuesday, April 6, Color Theory - Eighth Assignment. Color Theory/Day Night 
 
Thursday, April 8, -  Color Theory - Eighth Assignment. Color Theory/Day Night 
 
Week 12: 
Tuesday, April 13,  Shadows  Ninth Assignment. Applying shadows to your background (graded with eighth assignment)
 
Thursday, April 15, - Textures - Tenth Assignment. Applying textures to your background (graded with eighth assignment)
 
Week 13: 
Tuesday, April 20, -  Characters  - Eleventh Assignment. Working with characters.
 
Thursday, April 22, - Final Project - Eleventh Assignment. Final Assignment.
 
Week 14: 
April 27, - Final Project  -  Eleventh  Assignment. Pulling it all together. 
 
April 29, - Final Project  -  Eleventh  Assignment. Pulling it all together. 
 
Week 15: 
Tuesday, May 4, -  Final Project 
 
Thursday, May 6,  Final Project 
 
Week 16: 
Tuesday, May 11, -  Final Project 
 
Thursday, May 13, -  Final Project Presentations

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes/Course Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

•  Design effective layouts

•  Use color theory to create appealing color compositions

•  Develop storytelling and character animation through background design

•  Create a variety of textures and surfaces through digital painting

•  Describe characteristics of well-designed and painted backgrounds

•  Implement characters in a scene & paint them digitally

•  Use perspective to draw 3-dimensional backgrounds on a 2D plane

•  Use industry standard digital painting software

 

Discipline/Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Define and apply design principles and theories to animation production.

2. Identify and apply the 12 Principles of Animation

3. Demonstrate skills in the use of industry standard tools for animation.

4. Create traditional and computer generated animation based on current industry trends and practices.

 

SCANS competencies (for workforce courses)

This course satisfies:

1.1           Manages time effectively

1.3           Manage material and facility effectively

2.1           Participates as a member of a team

2.3           Serve client/customers

2.5           Negotiate to arrive at a decision

2.6           Work with cultural diversity

3.1           Acquire and evaluate information

3.2           Organize and maintain information

3.3           Interpret and communicate information

5.1           Select appropriate technology

5.2           Apply technology to tasks

5.3           Maintain and troubleshoot technology

7.1           Generate new ideas using creative thinking

7.2           Make decisions

7.3           Apply problem solving skills appropriate to the situation

7.4           See things in the mind’s eye

7.5           Apply learning strategies to support life-long learning

8.1           Act responsibly

8.2           Exhibit effective self-esteem

8.3           Employ appropriate social skills

8.4           Manage self

8.5           Apply integrity and honesty to all matters 

 

WHAT ARE SCANS?
In 1989 President Bush and the nation’s governors agreed to achieve education goals by the year 2000 that brought about the effort led by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to form the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) in 1990. The Commission was to determine skills students needed to succeed in the world of work. A preliminary report of the Commission was issued in the spring of 1991, and the final report in April of 1992. The commission argued that a high-performance work place requires workers who have a solid foundation in the basic literacy and computational skills, in the thinking skills necessary to put knowledge to work, and in the personal qualities that make workers dedicated and trustworthy. The Commission also argued that a solid foundation is not enough. The high performance workplace requires competencies - the abilities to manage resources, to work amicably and productively with others, to acquire and use information, to master complex systems, and to work with a variety of technologies.