Diploma of 2D Animation

This practical subject introduces the primary skills required to create drawings for animation. It will focus on exploring a variety of theories, styles, elements and practices of drawing and applying them to different genres, themes and mediums. During the subject, the principles of animation will be covered, as well as the sequencing of art for telling a story. Additionally, students will develop key professional skills like responding to feedback, iterative design, reflection and concept communication.

In this subject, students will be introduced to film and digital language through an exploration of the fundamental themes, concepts and principles that apply to film and animation. During the subject, students focus on film history, genre, style, mood and context, and will also learn about foundational animation techniques, like stop motion and illustration with movement. Additionally, reflection and research skills will be developed, as well as the impact of technology on the moving image.

In this subject students will apply visual storytelling design and composition methods such as script writing, drawing, storyboard, animatic and camera composition conventions to visualise and prepare stories for production. Scene structures and character development will be introduced and application of planning principles to several forms of media such as animation and film will be considered. This subject will assist students to develop organisational and creative skills while utilising presentation techniques and responding to feedback.

In this subject, students will develop the skills involved in the creation of characters and environments for animation worlds. The backgrounds and objects that provide the setting for animated action require careful artistic treatment and have a significant influence on the look and feel of animated films. Character design also requires specific skills in creating expression, implying the history and culture of characters and suggesting traits and attributes. Students will design and refine environments and characters, costumes and props as they explore the finer details of animated worlds. This subject will also develop skills related to creative thinking, professional communication, research, plot analysis and the ability to communicate stories through concepts.

In this subject students will acquire the skills for creating both simple and sophisticated animations. The principles of animation will be examined in greater detail, and the methods used to develop animation through keyframing, tweening and frame-by-frame animation will be used in the creation of short animations. Animation development software will be implemented and students will encounter animation on paths, walk cycles and sound for animation. Additional skills covered will include responding to a brief, integration of processes into the production cycle, and advanced time management. The 2D animation process requires animators to continually seek feedback and adapt and refine their work in response, which will be applied over the duration of this subject.

This subject provides an introduction to script and screenwriting for film and animation. During the subject, students will explore the theories and principles of narrative construction and expand the ability to produce sequential art, develop characters, subtext, scenes and screenplays. There will be a focus on plot development, creative writing and visual illustration, as well as how to apply film language in the creation of mood, tension, pacing and drama. Additionally, students will learn how to seek feedback, reflect and adapt during the screenwriting process.

Animation requires an understanding of acting technique for the effective application of gesture, posture, facial expressions and voice intonation. This subject introduces performance concepts and provides guidance in applying acting techniques to animated characters. Students will research and analyse animated characters in terms of movement, unique characteristics, vocal and visual style. They will study advanced 2D character design and develop a character through the production cycle to completion. This will include advanced storyboard and animatic production. The character will be developed according to a series of briefs, requiring students to respond with variations of style and genre, and modifications in response to peer and professional feedback. Mood, environment and context will also be considered when developing the character design. The subject will also involve aspects of planning, professional communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and self-reflection.