Art IS 408: Computer Animation and
Visualization
Steven Herrnstadt Office: Design 580 294-3928 zoe@iastate.edu
Course Goal: This course will explore the potential of computer-assisted
animation in communication of concepts and data. The semester long project will be created as part of a team.
In this course we will strive for a balance between technical, perceptual, and
conceptual considerations.
Objectives:
·
Develop a solid foundation
in the digital work flow.
·
Learn to express abstract
ideas or processes in a visual format for clarity.
·
Gain ability to express
ideas critically about your own work and others work in a critique setting.
·
Demonstrate an
understanding of basic digital capture processes (use of flatbed and film
scanners, as well as using digital and analog input);
·
Demonstrate the use of
soundtrack information when necessary.
·
Finish an animated piece communicating
the concepts of the sound track provided.
·
To be able to create and
keep current a meaningful project book including design documents and
timelines.
Responsibilities:
·
It is assumed that you are
familiar with 3D modeling and animation techniques. There will be review in
class as to some of the basics. You are to take advantage of tutorials and
texts.
·
Never miss a critique.
If you miss class, it will be your responsibility to catch up—make
sure you have another student’s contact information. Demos will not be repeated, and missed classes may affect your
evaluation.
·
Participation in class
discussions and critiques, which include asking questions, bringing up topics
of interest and sharing work, as well as keeping up to date with readings;
·
Assignments must be turned
in on time; if work is not completed, bring work in progress. All material turned in must be
typed as appropriate and turned in on CDR. Turn in a COPY ONLY, you are to keep
originals!!!
·
Be prepared and show weekly
progress as part of project meetings held with the class
·
You and your team will keep
an up to date project document.
·
You will turn keep and turn
in individual project books and documentation in addition to the team project
documents. These may be requested at any time.
Grading: Grades will be based on the quality (technical, perceptual,
and conceptual elements), timely completion of each assignment, the technical
exercises, and the final portfolio.
I grade on individual effort, how well the requirements have been
fulfilled, and the level of creativity.
Course Website TBA.
Required text: TBA as appropriate
Recommended text:
Instant Maya, The Cinema
4D R8 Handbook Adam Watkins.
Expenses:
·
Your time. Plan to spend a lot
of time outside class. Digital inkjet printing via 4th floor copy
center.
Supplies:
Humour and patience, sketch books,
pencils, tracing paper, CDRs for archiving and back ups.
Suppliers: University Bookstore, Best Buy,
Staples, etc.
·
Assignments: I expect assignments and readings to be
done on time. All papers to be turned in to me must
be typed. We will be
looking at and talking about work on a weekly basis. If you are unable to finish work, I expect you to bring in
“work in progress”. I expect everyone to be in class regardless of the status
of their own work or hangover
Be prepared to work on your
images during every class.
Critiques: Criticism is to your advantage, that
includes “nice” comments as well as “harsh” comments. It is designed to help you see and learn how to better your
art. Do not be afraid to speak
your mind during critiques; however, no personal attacks will be
tolerated. All opinions are
welcome and have merit, but I retain ultimate control of the direction and
management of the class. If for some reason you are offended please let me
know. However, realize that there is a difference between being offended and
harassed especially when it pertains to the arts and opinion. You are free to
leave the class if you find the subject matter too offensive for your tastes.
Bear in mind that this is a university and, as such, all types of inquiry and
opinion, short of harassment, are welcome. Racial, religious, etc. slurs will NOT be tolerated for any
reason.
When in doubt, ask the question! Do not worry about making
mistakes and feel free to play. It is the fastest way to learn.
Calendar
(approximate and due to change)
Week One January
12
Intro
to class.
What
is the difference between art and visualization?
14
Assignment
1:
Find, explain and crit and
example of technical/scientific visualization to the class. Presentation of 5
to 7 minutes.
Week Two January
19
Presentation
of assignment 1.
21
Discuss
semester project
Split
into teams
Week Three January
26
Discussion of work flow and
documentation needs
Team meeting prepare ideas
28
Team
meeting prepare ideas
Sketch
out concepts
Discuss
two to three concepts with class as teams.
Story
boarding/sound track
Week Four February
2
Finish story boards
4
Storyboards
and pitch presented to class (perhaps visiting panel)
Week Five February
9/11
Exercise 2 due!
Discuss Organic Studies articles.
Video: American Photo Part 2
Read Adobe Photoshop Master Class: Chapter Excerpt: Soft
Proofing
Week Six February
16/18
Week Seven February
23/25
Begin
reading Tufte
Week Eight March
1/3
Week Nine March
8
Midterm crit /presentation
Midterm crit /presentation
Assignment
2 given. In depth analysis of visualization
10
Team
meetings
Spring
Break! March
15 thru 19
Week Ten March
22/24
Week Eleven March
29/31
Week Twelve April
5/7
Week Thirteen April
12/14
Week Fourteen April
19/21
Week Fifteen April
26/28
FINAL SCREENING and Crit.
Final Exams March
3-7
Study for other classes.
Wrap up loose ends.