Instructor: Moshe Mahler (mmahler@andrew.cmu.edu)
Office hours: bit.ly/mmahler
TAs: Sandra Xintong Liu (xintong4@andrew.cmu.edu)
Office hours: 4:30 - 6:00 PM (EST) Thursday in 140A/ Schedule appointments
https://cmu.zoom.us/j/2622089282
Yukti Gupte (ygupte@andrew.cmu.edu)
Office hours: 4:30 - 6:00 PM (EST) Thursdays in 140A/ Schedule appointments
General Information
Time: Tuesday/Thursday 2:30 pm- 4:20pm
Location: Baker-Porter Hall 140A
Course Number: 60-125
Term: Spring 2022
Class Overview
This class will explore computer animation as it pertains to a professional animation production pipeline. The course is designed to give students exposure to key job descriptions that align to the animation industry. Topics covered include: character design, world building, storyboarding, digital sculpture, look development, rigging, layout, animation, cinematography, lighting, and rendering. These topics are taught in 2-4 week sprints that allow a student to learn the fundamentals of each craft. In a mixture of class lectures, critiques, and training workshops, students will become acquainted with the necessary skills needed to create their own characters and animations. By completion of the course, students will be familiar with industry-standard best practices and ready to take advanced courses related to animation, vfx, and video game related pipelines. This course specifically offers insight on how the craft of animation is always evolving at top studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and Industrial Light and Magic.
Learning Objectives
This course offers students a practical introduction to the principles of animation. Students will explore craft and workflow of 3D computer animation production, gaining hands-on experience in the fundamentals. Students will develop foundational skill sets across a wide variety of processes, including basics in modeling, retopologizing, UV mapping and texturing, rigging, animation, look development, lighting, and rendering.
Upon completion of the course, students will understand how animated films are made and demonstrate ability to create their own character driven animations. Students will exhibit knowledge of production techniques and processes; ability to effectively utilize software in the creation of computer animation; awareness of various computer animation industry standards; ability to critically assess production practices; and preparation to pursue intermediate and advanced level classes in topics such as Technical Character Animation or Character Rigging for Production.
Class Policy
Attendance: Tardy or absent days require permission from the instructor. Class attendance and participation are important parts of the learning in this course. To account for this, a portion of the final grade is based on your regular attendance and active participation (see grading section). That said, I also recognize that students may need to miss class for a variety of reasons (religious observance, job interview, university-sanctioned event, or illness). For that reason, all students are permitted two class absences without any impact on the final grade.
The School of Art recognizes the diversity of racial identities, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities that is fundamental to our culture. All classes and studios in the School of Art are safe spaces for self-identification, self-expression, and inclusivity.
Grading
Grades will be determined from the overall quality of the assignments, student professionalism, dedication/willingness to learn, ability to meet deadlines, participation, and the quality of the final assignment. A letter grade will be given at the mid semester and end of semester.
Assignments: Full assignments will be posted under the assignments tab of this website. See for more details and submission guidelines. Shorter descriptions are also posted in the syllabus schedule below.
Participation: It is important for everyone to participate during class discussions and ask questions whenever needed. Participation is part of the overall grading, and students are expected to focus on the topic at hand instead of on the internet or texting.
Late work: Assignments are given on a weekly basis and are due the night before each class at 11:59 pm. Late submission of an assignment will be noted and result in the loss of a point for each day the assignment is late. Consideration will be given to waive this penalty if a student receives permission from the instructor before the assignment is due.
*Plagiarism/Copying work from others will result in an automatic failing grade for the course
Important Links (Please bookmark)
Course Webpage: cmuanimation.weebly.com
Course Piazza: piazza.com/cmu/fall2021/60125
Course Box**: https://cmu.app.box.com/folder/130757009554
Zoom link: see Piazza post or contact course instructor
**you must use your CMU email to access the Box
Student wellness:
As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance abuse, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. CMU services are available. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on campus at: http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Support is always available (24/7) from Counseling and Psychological Services: 412-268-2922.
Academic Integrity and Collaboration:
This course asks you to think and produce creatively, and output should be your own. Plagiarism is serious and can lead to disciplinary action, so please respect yourself and your peers by ensuring that your work is your own original creation. Plagiarism/Copying work from others will result in an automatic failing grade for the course.
Assessment Structure
There is an assignment for each week for a total of 15 assignments. Each assignment will build towards the final assignment.
Mid Semester Project 25%
Final Project 50%
Participation 25%
The purpose of class projects is to introduce fundamental techniques and conceptual parameters for making creative work with animation tools. Each individual project will build towards a final project. Projects are opportunities for exploration of concept and craft through innovative and idiomatic means. Projects will be evaluated according to the following considerations:
‣ Creative Inquiry — thoughtful research and consideration of conceptual prompts that guides and informs creative production.
‣ Execution — purposeful craft with care, attention to detail, and the incorporation of class lessons into the project.
‣ Resourcefulness — an ability to identify problems and effectively seek solutions beyond the convenient and readymade.
‣ Resilience — forging through challenges to identify and arrive at creative solutions. Learning from experience and not hesitating to redo work.
‣ Inventiveness — innovative approaches and unique methodologies that challenge or extend existing paradigms beyond the obvious.
‣ Fulfillment — meeting all project criteria (providing requested supporting materials, submission specifications, properly naming/ labeling work, etc.)
Projects will be submitted on the class learning management system (Box) and will be graded on a 0-5 point scale:
0 — No credit, no work submitted.
1 — Incomplete work, or work that demonstrates considerable lack of effort and poor execution; late work, submitted two sessions after initial due date or later.
2 — Below average execution and problem-solving, lacking in multiple areas of evaluation.
3 — Satisfactory; meets basic requirements for all evaluation areas, demonstrating average approaches in the execution of form and content.
4 — Above average; this grade typically represents a good concept with excellent formal execution, or an excellent concept with a good formal execution.
5 — Exceptional work in both concept and form; exceeds standards in all evaluation areas
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS NOTED IN BOLD
Week 1 - 2D Exploration, Concept art, and Character design
Week 2 - Intro to Modeling
Week 3 - Digital Sculpture
Week 4 - Sculpt Character Model
Week 5 - Refine Character Model
Week 6 - UV Mapping and Texturing
Week 7 - Materials, Lighting and Rendering 1
Week 8 - Spring Break: No class
Week 9 - Layout
Week 10 - Rigging 1
Week 11 - Rigging 2
Week 12 - Rigging 3
Week 14 - Animation 2
Week 15 - Final Project
Final Crit: ⭐ May 5th / Baker Hall 140A ⭐
Special Circumstances
If you have a disability and are registered with the Office of Disability Resources, I encourage you to use their online system to notify me of your accommodations and discuss your needs with me as early in the semester as possible. I will work with you to ensure that accommodations are provided as appropriate. If you suspect that you may have a disability and would benefit from accommodations but are not yet registered with the Office of Disability Resources, I encourage you to contact them at access@andrew.cmu.edu.
Zoom
Some classes will be available on Zoom at the designated class time.
We will primarily use Zoom for synchronous (same time) sessions. The links will be shared by the project instructor and TAs.
Please make sure that your Internet connection and equipment are set up to use Zoom and able to share audio and video during class meetings. Let us know if there is a gap in your technology set-up as soon as possible, and we can see about finding solutions.
Audio/Video: During class, please keep your mic muted unless you are sharing. Students are encouraged to share video to help with communication. We completely understand there may be reasons students would not want to have their cameras on. If you have any concerns about sharing your video, please email us as soon as possible and we can discuss possible adjustments. Note: You may use a background image in your video if you wish; just check in advance that this works with your device(s) and internet bandwidth.
In-Person
In order to attend class in person, you are expected to abide by all behaviors indicated in The Tartan’s Responsibility (https://www.cmu.edu/coronavirus/students/tartans-responsibility.html), including any timely updates based on the current conditions. In terms of specific expectations for in-person students, this includes:
Entering the rooms via the designated ingress route with appropriate physical distancing,
Wearing a facial covering throughout sessions,
Sitting in the seats with appropriate spacing (and not moving furniture),
Exit rooms at our direction, following the designated egress route and maintaining proper distancing.
Facial coverings
If you do not wear a facial covering when you are in the building, you will asked to put one on (and if you don’t have one with you, you will be directed to a distribution location in the building). If you do not comply, please remember that you will be subject to student conduct proceedings, up to and including removal from CMU. Accordingly, we will be obliged to take other measures for the safety of the whole project team.
Take care of yourself
This semester is unlike any other. We are all under a lot of stress and uncertainty at this time. Attending classes all day can take its toll on our mental health. Make sure to move regularly, eat well, and reach out to your support system or us if you need to. We can all benefit from support in times of stress, and this semester is no exception.
Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle this semester by eating well, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep and taking some time to relax. This will help you achieve your goals and cope with stress.
If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is here to help: call 412-268-2922 and visit http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Consider reaching out to a friend, faculty or family member you trust for help getting connected to the support that can help.
Student wellness:
As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance abuse, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. CMU services are available. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on campus at: http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Support is always available (24/7) from Counseling and Psychological Services: 412-268-2922.
Academic Integrity and Collaboration:
This course asks you to think and produce creatively, and output should be your own. Plagiarism is serious and can lead to disciplinary action, so please respect yourself and your peers by ensuring that your work is your own original creation. Plagiarism/Copying work from others will result in an automatic failing grade for the course.
Assessment Structure
There is an assignment for each week for a total of 15 assignments. Each assignment will build towards the final assignment.
Mid Semester Project 25%
Final Project 50%
Participation 25%
The purpose of class projects is to introduce fundamental techniques and conceptual parameters for making creative work with animation tools. Each individual project will build towards a final project. Projects are opportunities for exploration of concept and craft through innovative and idiomatic means. Projects will be evaluated according to the following considerations:
‣ Creative Inquiry — thoughtful research and consideration of conceptual prompts that guides and informs creative production.
‣ Execution — purposeful craft with care, attention to detail, and the incorporation of class lessons into the project.
‣ Resourcefulness — an ability to identify problems and effectively seek solutions beyond the convenient and readymade.
‣ Resilience — forging through challenges to identify and arrive at creative solutions. Learning from experience and not hesitating to redo work.
‣ Inventiveness — innovative approaches and unique methodologies that challenge or extend existing paradigms beyond the obvious.
‣ Fulfillment — meeting all project criteria (providing requested supporting materials, submission specifications, properly naming/ labeling work, etc.)
Projects will be submitted on the class learning management system (Box) and will be graded on a 0-5 point scale:
0 — No credit, no work submitted.
1 — Incomplete work, or work that demonstrates considerable lack of effort and poor execution; late work, submitted two sessions after initial due date or later.
2 — Below average execution and problem-solving, lacking in multiple areas of evaluation.
3 — Satisfactory; meets basic requirements for all evaluation areas, demonstrating average approaches in the execution of form and content.
4 — Above average; this grade typically represents a good concept with excellent formal execution, or an excellent concept with a good formal execution.
5 — Exceptional work in both concept and form; exceeds standards in all evaluation areas
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS NOTED IN BOLD
Week 1 - 2D Exploration, Concept art, and Character design
- Tuesday Jan 18: Introductions, Class Overview, General Pipeline Overview
- Thursday Jan 20 : Intro to Maya
Week 2 - Intro to Modeling
- Tuesday Jan 25: Box Modeling Demo (CHARACTER DESIGN DUE)
- Thursday Jan 27: Work Time
Week 3 - Digital Sculpture
- Tuesday Feb 1: ZBrush Demo -- digital sculpture workflows, dynamesh, anatomy
- Thursday Feb 3: Work Time
Week 4 - Sculpt Character Model
- Tuesday Feb 8: Remeshing and Anatomy
- Thursday Feb 10: Refine Character Model - Work Time
Week 5 - Refine Character Model
- Tuesday Feb 15: Work Time
- Thursday Feb 17: Work Time (FINAL MODEL DUE NEXT MONDAY)
Week 6 - UV Mapping and Texturing
- Tuesday Feb 22: UV Mapping Demo
- Thursday Feb 24: Texture Application Demos -- ZBrush polypaint, Photoshop, Substance Painter
Week 7 - Materials, Lighting and Rendering 1
- Tuesday Mar 1: Materials Demo -- creating normal maps and bump maps
- Thursday Mar 3: History of Lighting
Week 8 - Spring Break: No class
Week 9 - Layout
- Tuesday Mar 15: Cinematography Lecture
- Thursday Mar 17: Work Time
Week 10 - Rigging 1
- Tuesday Mar 22: Skeleton and Control Creation Demo
- Thursday Mar 24: Weight Painting Demo
Week 11 - Rigging 2
- Tuesday Mar 29: Face Animation, Work Time
- Thursday Mar 31: IK Setup Demo, Local space & Global space
Week 12 - Rigging 3
- Tuesday Apr 5: Blendshapes Demo
- Thursday Apr 7: No class - CMU carnival
- Tuesday Apr 12: Work Time
- Thursday Apr 14: History of Animation Lecture -- style, from art to science
Week 14 - Animation 2
- Tuesday Apr 19: Block, Spline, Polish Workflow
- Thursday Apr 21: Work Time
Week 15 - Final Project
- Tuesday Apr 26: Work Time
- Thursday Apr 28: Work Time
Final Crit: ⭐ May 5th / Baker Hall 140A ⭐
Special Circumstances
If you have a disability and are registered with the Office of Disability Resources, I encourage you to use their online system to notify me of your accommodations and discuss your needs with me as early in the semester as possible. I will work with you to ensure that accommodations are provided as appropriate. If you suspect that you may have a disability and would benefit from accommodations but are not yet registered with the Office of Disability Resources, I encourage you to contact them at access@andrew.cmu.edu.
Zoom
Some classes will be available on Zoom at the designated class time.
We will primarily use Zoom for synchronous (same time) sessions. The links will be shared by the project instructor and TAs.
Please make sure that your Internet connection and equipment are set up to use Zoom and able to share audio and video during class meetings. Let us know if there is a gap in your technology set-up as soon as possible, and we can see about finding solutions.
Audio/Video: During class, please keep your mic muted unless you are sharing. Students are encouraged to share video to help with communication. We completely understand there may be reasons students would not want to have their cameras on. If you have any concerns about sharing your video, please email us as soon as possible and we can discuss possible adjustments. Note: You may use a background image in your video if you wish; just check in advance that this works with your device(s) and internet bandwidth.
In-Person
In order to attend class in person, you are expected to abide by all behaviors indicated in The Tartan’s Responsibility (https://www.cmu.edu/coronavirus/students/tartans-responsibility.html), including any timely updates based on the current conditions. In terms of specific expectations for in-person students, this includes:
Entering the rooms via the designated ingress route with appropriate physical distancing,
Wearing a facial covering throughout sessions,
Sitting in the seats with appropriate spacing (and not moving furniture),
Exit rooms at our direction, following the designated egress route and maintaining proper distancing.
Facial coverings
If you do not wear a facial covering when you are in the building, you will asked to put one on (and if you don’t have one with you, you will be directed to a distribution location in the building). If you do not comply, please remember that you will be subject to student conduct proceedings, up to and including removal from CMU. Accordingly, we will be obliged to take other measures for the safety of the whole project team.
Take care of yourself
This semester is unlike any other. We are all under a lot of stress and uncertainty at this time. Attending classes all day can take its toll on our mental health. Make sure to move regularly, eat well, and reach out to your support system or us if you need to. We can all benefit from support in times of stress, and this semester is no exception.
Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle this semester by eating well, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep and taking some time to relax. This will help you achieve your goals and cope with stress.
If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is here to help: call 412-268-2922 and visit http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Consider reaching out to a friend, faculty or family member you trust for help getting connected to the support that can help.
