Portfolio Preparation for a BFA Interest

This class is developed with the intent of shaping understanding (through vocabulary and exercises), formulating portfolio content and encouraging application and acceptance for a 4-year BFA program.  

Scholarship is typically based on a combination of factors: portfolio submission, GPA (7th semester) and Standardized Test Scores allowing for Competitive (top scholarships) and Merit (standard scholarships) for students who have been initially accepted (as graduating seniors who are anticipating graduation).  I would encourage before scholarships are considered students first need to complete an application and application folder (includes Letters of Recommendation and Statements of Purpose).

• Understanding of various types of Visual Arts degrees and programs available
  
• Understanding of application (folder) requirements for acceptance
  
• Review lessons (formative evaluations) to improve content and direction
  
• Online resources for searching and submitting to a BFA
  
• Scholarship opportunities and financial aid (Always file the FAFSA)
  
• Conceptual ideas and Skill development for each class/projects by days
  

I am placing the following link (and applicable login/password) to a previously developed website: Click Here

Animation Class(Be sure to post your replies and comments following this article)

This is a 'basic' survey course in software , hardware and computer animation vocabulary.  It is preferred that students possess some 'basic' understanding of animation terminology and have 'some' Photoshop to provide personal experience for contribution as a team of learners.  Major content is listed below and feel free to comment on each item listed (as bullet points).

• In class lessons/examples/labs and exercises (4 projects total)
  
• Online and 'Help' tutorials (answering your original ideas/directions)
  
• Research and classroom contribution (provide opportunity to formulate a direction)
  
• Understanding of various courses of study and potential careers (skills necessary)
  

We'll cover the following softwares and exercises over the course of the next 7 weeks.

Photoshop:

Image editing software for producing layers for animation purposes.

We plan to cover:

• Resolution, File Size, File Types (.psd/native, .jpg/compressed and .gif/for web)
• Layers and basic tools for drawing and color addition
  
• Scanning / Resolution 
• Layers / Building depth and allowing for control (manipulation) of objects

Flash:

Simple animation software along with providing expert tools for website interaction

• Benefits: Toolbox, 'Tweening', Layers, Exporting (movies and interactive websites)
• Drawbacks: Complicated aspects for ActionScript (for interaction)

We plan to cover: 

• Shapes vs. Objects (basic painting tools)
• Vector files, Bezier Curves (and the pen tool) and Motion Paths
• Keyframes (inserting keyframes, position, rotation, color and opacity)
• Motion 'Tweens' (=vid0124 tutorial)
• Importing to Libraries (various file types)
  
• Testing your .swf (Command + Return) and 'fps' (frames per second)
• Easing in and out

AfterEffects:

Simple animation software allows for importing of various files (eg. .psd/image file layers, .ill/graphic and logo layers).

• Benefits: Puppet tool, Direct Insert into software, Style Filters similar to Photoshop
  
• Drawbacks: Poor paintbox, Export is only for Quicktime (.mov)

We plan to cover:

• Layers and file types
  
• Puppet Tool
  
• Adding sound, music and sound effects using GarageBand
  
• Publishing to the web (requires use of YouTube/online email account necessary)
  
• May additionally utilize I-Movie for 'downsizing' .mov files for effective broadcast.

Two animations shown in class (using After Effects, Photoshop, and GarageBand):

Animation 1: "The Slide" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUYruRmCMWc

Animation 2: "Alien vs. Pyro" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hkw7cZ1Is8&feature=related