FAQ for prospective students in MART 583 (Animation)
- When and where does it meet?
- Here is a link to the USC Master Schedule. All up to date info is there.
- What experience in animation should I have if I want to take it?
- None is necessary. Though it is an advanced art filmmaking class, you do not need to have made animation in the past to be able to succeed.
- What kind of art skills should I have to be able to take animation?
- There are many different types of animation, so almost any skills can apply. Most often people are afraid that if they can't draw or paint well, then they won't be able to animate. This is not true. Conversely, if you are fantastic at, say, figure drawing, it does not necessarily follow that you will automatically be able to animate.
- What are the prerequisites for MART 583?
- The listed prerequisiste courses are MART 210 (Digital Art Fundamentals) and MART 371 (The Moving Image).
- I haven't had one or both of the prereq courses? Can I take it anyway?
- The registration system at USC does allow people to sign up for classes that they are not prepared for. This can be a problem. I will not remove students from the class if they have registered. However, I am teaching the class with the assumption that you have had those classes. You are responsible for the background information.
- This includes the technical information presented in MART 210 and 371 which is the necessary basis for the techniques we will use.
- It also includes the fundamentals of art, design, and cinema that animatin concepts will be built upon. I will not remediate.
- The class is full. Will you override me into the class?
- No. My suggestion is that you
- Keep watching the registration and see if someone drops (likely).
- Show up the first day or two and see if someone freaks out and quits when they see how much work it is (even more liekly).
- No. My suggestion is that you
- I'm not a MART major or minor. Can I take it anyway?
- Sure!
- What sorts of projects will there be?
- By the end of the class, you will have made several films: an object based animation, a walk cycle, a 2D digital composite, and a final project of your own choosing.
- What software will I learn?
- I don't like to answer that question because it fosters the impression that the class is about software. The most important parts of the class are software-independent, focusing on writing and producing compelling animations that will get into festivals, and mastering the physics of different kinds of animated movements.
- Seriously, what software.
- You'll be spending time with Adobe Flash and AfterEffects, as well as many other supporting programs.
- Will there be 3D? I want to master Maya!
- We will not focus on 3D. We will focus on motion, and primarily on 2D motion. Those skills are directly translatable to any 3D package should you desire to go further.
- Do I have to buy software?
- No. We have everything you need in the lab.
- I want to use my own computer, do I HAVE to use the lab ?
- No, you can use your own. Many of the projects can be completed using free open source software, or fully functional demos. Understand, however that even if something goes wrong with your computer, you are still resposible for the work gtting done.
- Any other unsolicited advice?
- Always!
- If you think you need glasses, get them.
- If you have not yet learned how to manage your time, learn now.
- You will need to practice at least 2-3 hours a week in addition to the work you'll need to do for the assignments, just to become proficient on the software. If you are not willing or able to do this, you should probably not take the class.
- You will not be able to complete the films for this course in class. The class meets in a computer lab for one hour each week, and you will need many many more hours than that. If you are not willing or able to put the time into the films, you should definitely not take the course.
- Always!
Please feel free to email me at the address below should you have more questions!