Animation & Visual Effects (MFA)

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
• Demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis project
• Produce a professional-standard project, with relevant content for the industry, showcasing technical and artistic ability

Technical Skills

• Demonstrate facility with animation / visual effects technology and software

Presentation Skills

• Clearly demonstrate project  and workflow plan
• Effectively pitch ideas to the review committee
• Create a compelling designed and well-composed review materials

Preproduction Skills (Project Development)

• Develop projects that demonstrate attention to: research, analytical thinking, detail, flexibility in problem solving, and revision

Professional Readiness

• Present a comprehensive demo reel / portfolio demonstrating professional-level achievement of specialty skills

Specialty Skills: Traditional Animation

• Demonstrate strong draftsmanship skills
• Create pieces that showcase expression and emotion
• Stage stories through effective camera placement choices
• Apply the major principles of animation

Specialty Skills: Storyboarding

• Demonstrate strong drawing, perspective, composition, and cinematic storytelling
• Demonstrate continuity in visual storytelling through effective camera placement choices

Specialty Skills: 3D Animation

• Apply the major principles of animation
• Create pieces that showcase expression and emotion
• Stage stories through effective camera placement choices

Specialty Skills: Modeling

• Convincingly model forms in 3-dimensions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of anatomy and sculptural form
• Display a range of modeling skill sets including hard surfaces and organic
• Create textures that will be applied to the surface of models
• Produce industry-standard turnarounds and wireframes

Specialty Skills: Visual Effects

• Create shots or assets appropriate to the project aesthetic
• Develop shots or assets for narrative power

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.