Tasks and Duties
Objective: In this task, you will create a unique 2D character and develop a smooth walk cycle animation. This exercise is designed to help you master fundamental character design and animation techniques by engaging in practical, hands-on work using industry-standard software.
Task Description: Start by conceptualizing a character, defining its personality, and sketching initial ideas. Develop a detailed character design, including front, side, and back views. Once your design is finalized, create a walk cycle animation that demonstrates fluid, natural movement. Your animation should consist of a minimum of 24 frames per second and include keyframes for the primary positions, along with breakdown frames. Utilize traditional timing techniques and in-betweening skills to achieve a seamless cycle.
Key Steps: (1) Conduct research on various animation styles and character archetypes from publicly available sources. (2) Sketch and finalize a unique character design. (3) Develop a storyboard to plan your animation. (4) Animate a walk cycle using your chosen 2D animation software (e.g., Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony). (5) Render the final animation and compile your project files.
Expected Deliverables: Submit a project file containing your character design, storyboard, and the final rendered animation file (in a common video format such as MP4).
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated based on creativity, technical accuracy in the walk cycle, attention to detail in character design, adherence to the storyboard, and overall presentation quality.
This task should take approximately 30 to 35 hours to complete, allowing you to refine your design and animation skills in practice.
Objective: The goal of this task is to develop a detailed storyboard and corresponding animatic for a short animated narrative. This exercise focuses on the critical pre-production phase of animation, requiring you to plan and sequence your ideas effectively.
Task Description: You will create an original short story concept and break it down into visual scenes. First, develop a written narrative explaining the plot, characters, and key messages. Then, convert your script into a comprehensive storyboard with panels that outline camera angles, character positions, and actions. Following the storyboard, produce an animatic—a rough animated version of the storyboard that uses timing and transitions to simulate real motion. Use simple animations, such as pans and transitions, and include placeholder audio if necessary to enhance your storytelling.
Key Steps: (1) Develop a short narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. (2) Create a detailed storyboard with annotations for each scene. (3) Produce an animatic from your storyboard using animation software like Adobe Premiere or After Effects. (4) Review and refine timing, transitions, and narrative flow.
Expected Deliverables: Provide your storyboard as a PDF or image file along with an animatic video file (e.g., MP4) that represents your narrative sequence.
Evaluation Criteria: Your work will be judged on narrative clarity, visual composition, effective use of timing, and overall creativity. Attention to detail and logical sequencing of scenes are critical in this project.
This project is expected to require approximately 30 to 35 hours of focused work.
Objective: The aim of this task is to explore the world of 3D animation by creating and rigging a character model, then animating a simple action sequence. This task is essential for developing technical skills in rigging and understanding the principles of movement in a 3D space.
Task Description: Using a 3D modeling and animation tool (such as Blender), start by designing a basic 3D character model. Once your model is complete, construct a rig that allows for realistic movement and articulation of the character's body parts. With your rig in place, animate a simple action sequence, such as a character reaching for an object or performing a basic gesture. Emphasis should be placed on smooth transitions between poses and clear articulation of key body parts.
Key Steps: (1) Conceptualize and model a simple 3D character. (2) Develop a functional rig with proper bone structure and control handles. (3) Create key poses and work on timing for the chosen action sequence. (4) Test and refine the animation until it appears natural and consistent.
Expected Deliverables: Submit the complete 3D project file (including model, rig, and animation timeline) and a rendered video file showcasing your animated sequence.
Evaluation Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality of the character model, effectiveness of the rigging, clarity of the animation, and overall technical execution. Creativity and adherence to the project guidelines will also be assessed.
This exercise is designed to be challenging and immersive, requiring approximately 30 to 35 hours of dedicated work.
Objective: In this task, your goal is to design and produce a dynamic motion graphics piece that serves as a title sequence for an imagined animated series or film. This project will enhance your skills in composition, typography, and special effects within a digital environment.
Task Description: Develop an engaging title sequence that introduces the theme, style, and tone of an animated project. Begin by crafting a creative brief that explains your concept and artistic vision. Next, work on visualizing the sequence through sketching initial ideas and planning out key frames. Use motion graphics software (such as After Effects) to build your sequence incorporating animated typography, layered graphics, and special effects that align with your narrative vision. Pay close attention to timing, transitions, and the balance between visual elements to ensure a polished final product.
Key Steps: (1) Write a creative brief outlining the concept of your title sequence. (2) Create initial sketches and a rough storyboard for layout and timing. (3) Develop your motion graphics piece using keyframe animation techniques. (4) Fine-tune the sequence by addressing transitions, effects, and visual coherence.
Expected Deliverables: Provide the final project file (or a packaged project directory) along with a rendered video file (MP4 or similar) of your title sequence.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated on creativity, technical proficiency in motion graphics, visual composition, effective use of typography, and overall engagement of the title sequence. The final deliverable should reflect a well-thought-out artistic concept and meticulous execution.
This task should require approximately 30 to 35 hours to complete, offering you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of digital motion design.
Objective: This final task challenges you to integrate both 2D and 3D animation techniques into a cohesive animated short. The purpose is to demonstrate your ability to combine multiple modalities of animation to tell a compelling story while showcasing your technical and creative skills.
Task Description: Develop a short animated sequence that incorporates both 2D elements (e.g., hand-drawn or digitally created characters/backgrounds) and 3D elements (e.g., 3D models, environments, or effects). Begin by conceptualizing a narrative that lends itself well to the integration of these styles. Prepare a detailed storyboard and plan your workflow to determine which portions of the sequence will use 2D animation and which will employ 3D techniques. Use appropriate software tools such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony for 2D components and Blender or Maya for 3D elements. Ensure that transitions between 2D and 3D are seamless, creating a unified visual experience.
Key Steps: (1) Brainstorm and script a short narrative that effectively merges 2D and 3D animation. (2) Create a comprehensive storyboard detailing both animation styles. (3) Produce individual animation sequences for both the 2D and 3D parts. (4) Integrate the sequences in a post-production tool, aligning transitions and sound design for harmony. (5) Render the final integrated animation.
Expected Deliverables: Submit your complete project files including storyboards, source files from both 2D and 3D software, and a final rendered video file (in MP4 or similar format) of your integrated animation.
Evaluation Criteria: Your project will be assessed on the innovative integration of 2D and 3D elements, narrative coherence, technical execution in both animation types, and overall visual quality. The fluidity of transitions and the consistency of artistic style across the animation will be key aspects of the evaluation.
This comprehensive task is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours, serving as a capstone project to demonstrate your animation skills and creative vision.