Course Overview
New for 2021! Starting with the basics of character and scene development, Fundamentals of Animation will introduce high school students to the visual story-telling process with emphasis on developing the physical and conceptional skills necessary to build a portfolio which addresses the entertainment industry.
This course will provide a broad range of information on careers in animation and gaming from pre-production to production and post-production. Each aspect in these pipelines requires a unique group of skills built upon focused development.
Most people only understand the animation and gaming industry as it related to character design. Think of the scroll at the end of a feature-length animation film and the thousands of people listed there, each representing a part of the whole. There is a place for anyone with the desire to be a part of this industry and the drive to apply their energies to achieve their goals. While focusing on basic drawing and conceptualizing skills, we will touch on other aspects of the industry that develop from these basics.
Note that this course is open to Syracuse University undergrads.
This course is part of Summer College Studio Art Academy, an enrichment and community-building program offered through Syracuse University’s School of Art, part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
Students enrolled in this course, Art and Activism, The Graphic Novel & Storytelling, and Painting Studio, will all meet together virtually outside of class to take part in group discussions, artist lectures, live virtual field trips, and Open Studio hours.
Course Objectives
- Basic figure drawing skills
- Understanding of story structure
- Understanding of the language of composition
- Basic understanding of color, value and light
- Basic knowledge of careers in animation and gaming
This course will cover:
- Figure drawing for weight and movement
- Value structures for depicting the impact of light and shadow
- Compositional considerations for powerful scenes
- Color’s role in story-telling
- The role of storyboarding in setting the direction of a film
- Feature-length, tv and gaming considerations in visual development
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: ILL 300
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2021 high school graduate. Students have taken observational drawing courses and earned at least a B.
Credit: 3 credits
Grading: A-F
Cost: $2,985
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.
“This year was my first year attending a pre-college program and I am glad I chose Syracuse University Summer College Online. From the orientation to the classes, I was well-informed and assured that I would have a positive experience. I was slightly nervous for the first class; however, the environment was very welcoming. All the students got along, and I felt supported.”
— Ciarra V., Summer College Online Student, 2020
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College Online | 3-Week Session I: July 19 – August 6, 2021 | TWThF 1PM – 2:30PM | 3 credits | Closed |
Course Requirements
Technology Requirements
- Laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and mouse
- Reliable internet access
- A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)
Required Supplies
Students should budget for required textbooks and supplies. A supply and textbook listing will be sent to students before the start of the program.
Expectations
Students should:
- Come to class on time prepared to learn with respect for yourself and your colleagues
- Take notes and ask relevant questions
- Spend at least 10 hours/week working on assignments outside of class
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Students must attend live synchronous online sessions Tuesday – Friday, 1:00pm – 2:30pm EDT.
- Students in all Studio Art Academy courses will meet 15 minutes prior to the start of their classes for an Art in Context discussion
- Artist lectures will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.
- Open studio hours (through Zoom) will be Mondays – Thursdays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
- At least one TA will be available during Open Studio hours to answer questions and provide feedback.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bios
Bob Dacey, School of Art, Professor, Illustration
Bob Dacey is an internationally renowned illustrator, artist, and educator whose work has been commissioned by clients such as Sony, Air Japan, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, RCA, Mobil Oil, American Airlines, Rockefeller Center and the U.S. Post Office.
He has been awarded gold and silver medals, as well as three dozen Certificates of Merit, from the Society of Illustrators in New York City. Bob is also featured in Walt Reed’s book The Illustrator in America 1860-2000.
Bob and his wife, Debra Bandelin, have illustrated over two dozen Children’s books for publishers including Scholastic, Quarto, Smithsonian, Simon and Schuster, McMillan, Penguin, and Harper Collins. They are currently producing storyboards for documentaries and feature-length films.
Education:
B.F.A., Illustration, Art Center College, Los Angeles
B.A., Advertising Design and Public Relations, Florida State University.