Foundation Degree Animation Arts at Plymouth College of Art

(Norman McLaren)

We are the magicians, masters of the art of illusion. Our craft was born as we played with shadows and light. We honed our skills breathing life into the drawn line and now, with the revolution of the digital age, the possibilities for the animation artist are limitless. 

Animation Arts at PCA encourages innovation not imitation, and will enable you to find your creative voice and expand beyond current trends. Animation Arts bridges the gap between fine art, illustration, graphic art and film practice, and we welcome students who have an interest in all areas of creative practice.

We will prepare you for the challenges of the creative market place with a thorough grounding in craft based skills, digital production methods, sound design and creative entrepreneurship, as well as offering you the confidence building and presentation skills needed to succeed in your chosen field.

Animation Arts will allow you the opportunity to develop your skills and portfolio beyond the realm of the animation entertainment sector into areas perhaps less widely known such as visualization for architecture, forensic science or projection for live entertainment.

During your time here you will be challenged with developing a portfolio of visual, literary and critical thinking skills that will allow you to communicate your originality and personality. You will experiment with drawing, performance, sound and digital tools, and realistically plan projects and meet deadlines.

To be considered for a place on the course you will need to show us a portfolio that demonstrates that you have an interest in animation and moving image, and be able to conceptualise and contextualise this interest in interview, but above all you will need to demonstrate your passion for creative practice.

Animation Arts Course structure

During the first year of the Animation Arts Foundation Degree you will study the fundamentals of animation, the technologies, practices and contexts, in addition to developing a wide range of critical and analytical skills, in both practically and theoretically-focused modules.

Level 1: Modules will introduce students to the following elements.

·         Pencil to pixel: a foundation in the skills of observation using traditional, contemporary and digital techniques.

·         Animation craft skills: traditional and digital techniques of pacing, timing and performance

·         Digital production tools: 3D and 2D CGI Compositing skills as well as sound design and editing

·         Narrative and non-narrative conceptual structures: creating content for single screen, projection, installation and multiplatform environments

·         Critical and contextual studies: developing critical inquiry and dissemination

·         Research: content and visual development through experimentation and observation

·         Entrepreneurial skills: visual and verbal presentation skills

During the second year of the Animation Arts Foundation Degree you will consolidate and extend this knowledge base with a greater emphasis on production and entrepreneurial skills, identifying opportunities for career development or progression to Level 3, BA(Hons).

Level 2: Modules provide the opportunity to:

·         Specialise and develop more sophisticated technical skills in CGI and traditional techniques

·         Further develop entrepreneurial skills, self-confidence, and financial awareness for employment and freelance careers

·         Produce an online showreel and portfolio

·         Further develop specific lines of critical inquiry and presentation of theoretical ideas to underpin creative practice.

·         The major production module enables you to develop projects ready to pitch as freelancer to the market place or to gain employment in the creative industries.

Students will be encouraged to take part in animation and film festivals, on a local, national and international level.

Software taught:

Editing: Adobe Premiere / Final Cut Pro

Compositing: After Effects/ Motion Photoshop

Digital drawing: Flash / Toon Boom / Illustrator

3D: Maya

Sound: Logic