Instructor: Moshe Mahler ([email protected])
Office hours: bit.ly/mmahler
TAs: Jean Cho ([email protected])
Office hours: Fri 12-:30-3:30 CFA 317 or email me for appointment
Jamie Tseng ([email protected])
Online Office hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 8-9 pm https://cmu.zoom.us/j/5758342194
Or schedule by appointments
General Information
Time: Tuesday & Thursday 12:30PM to 1:50PM
Location: CFA 317
Course Number: 60-125
Term: Spring 2024
Class Overview
An introductory course that explores the techniques and processes of computer animation production. This course exposes students to workflows and methodologies, animation industry standards, and the basic tools for making expressive animation. The course provides a foundational survey of character design, environment modeling, storyboarding, digital sculpture, look development, rigging, layout, animation, cinematography, lighting, and rendering. Topics are taught in 2-4 week modules that provide fundamental exposure to 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 have familiarity with industry-standards and ability to identify best practices in a variety of production scenarios. As an animation portal, students will leave the class well equipped for intermediate and advanced topic courses in animation, vfx, and video game design.
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, texturing, rigging, animation, look development, lighting, and rendering.
Upon completion of the course, students will understand how animated films are made and demonstrate the 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.
Office hours: bit.ly/mmahler
TAs: Jean Cho ([email protected])
Office hours: Fri 12-:30-3:30 CFA 317 or email me for appointment
Jamie Tseng ([email protected])
Online Office hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 8-9 pm https://cmu.zoom.us/j/5758342194
Or schedule by appointments
General Information
Time: Tuesday & Thursday 12:30PM to 1:50PM
Location: CFA 317
Course Number: 60-125
Term: Spring 2024
Class Overview
An introductory course that explores the techniques and processes of computer animation production. This course exposes students to workflows and methodologies, animation industry standards, and the basic tools for making expressive animation. The course provides a foundational survey of character design, environment modeling, storyboarding, digital sculpture, look development, rigging, layout, animation, cinematography, lighting, and rendering. Topics are taught in 2-4 week modules that provide fundamental exposure to 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 have familiarity with industry-standards and ability to identify best practices in a variety of production scenarios. As an animation portal, students will leave the class well equipped for intermediate and advanced topic courses in animation, vfx, and video game design.
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, texturing, rigging, animation, look development, lighting, and rendering.
Upon completion of the course, students will understand how animated films are made and demonstrate the 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.
IDeATe
IDeATe Common Learning Goals
- Demonstrate an appreciation for and ability to participate in critique of one’s own work and the work of others.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of reflection in learning and designing (begin to become a reflective practitioner).
- Demonstrate an ability to articulate the story (visually, orally, verbally, aurally, etc.) of one’s own work and one’s own learning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history, cultural context and social implications of course content.
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Demonstrate technical and creative skills in procedural animation.
Information about IDeATe
Facilities:
Most IDeATe facilities are located in Hunt Library. Lending, Physical Computing Lab, Media Lab, the laser cutters, 3D printers, wood- shop, and CNC router are on the lower level. Some of the equipment requires special training which you will receive either in the class that requires it or in a micro course. If you are unsure of how to operate any of the equipment or are unsure how to use the equipment safely and effectively, please send email to [email protected].
Safety:
Report all fires and emergencies immediately to University Police at 412-268-2323. Emergency response: University Police — 412-268-2323. Building maintenance: Facilities Management & Campus Services (FMCS) — 412-268-2910. IDeATe-related inquiries — [email protected]
IDeATe Lending:
Once you are enrolled in an IDeATe course, you will have access to IDeATe Lending. You will maintain your access through the rest of your time at Carnegie Mellon. You must present your CMU ID each time you borrow an item. You will also be able to purchase a limited number of consumable items (such as plywood and acrylic) for projects. Please visit https:// resources.ideate.cmu.edu/lending/ for more detailed information on available resources, to review the IDeATe Lending Borrower Policy, and to find hours of operation.
Classroom and Lending Access:
If you are enrolled in an IDeATe class at least a week before the start of the course, you will have access to IDeATe
Lending and (if applicable) have keycard access to the classroom door on the first day of class. If you add a course
during the Add Period, you may need to wait a few business days to receive access while the lists are updated. If
you add a course after the last day of the Add Period, email [email protected] with your name, Andrew ID,
and course number so we can add you to our systems.
Laser Cutter Access:
If you are required to use the laser cutters for this class, you have provisional access for the duration of the class. Until you have been trained on the use of the Rabbit laser cutters and have completed the fire safety requirements, you may only use the laser cutters under the continuous supervision of your instructor, TA, or other qualified person. To maintain access to the laser cutters after your class is over, you must complete Environmental Health & Safety training on Fire Extinguisher Use, Parts 1 and 2, available at https://
cmu.bioraft.com/.
IDeATe Advising:
If you have questions or need advice about IDeATe minors or courses, please get in touch with Kelly Delaney, the Assistant Director of IDeATe. Her office is in Hunt 246 and her email is [email protected].
Class Policies
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. When you must miss class, please notify me (at least 24 hours in advance except for illness/emergency), so that we can discuss alternative arrangements for catching up on class and associated work. If you encounter extenuating circumstances and must miss more than two classes, please come and discuss the issue with me; I would like to find a way to support you.
AI Policy
AI tools are allowed for use as a tool to aid in process only, eg, mood boards or visual development. Output from AI cannot be used as a final deliverable. Students must always give credit for any use or consultation on an assignment. Using generative AI tools at any point in your process (for code, writing, images, or anything else) without giving credit is considered to fall under “unauthorized assistance” in the Academic Integrity Policy and will be treated as plagiarism.
Asset Libraries
To meet our learning objectives, it is important that each student create their own assets. This includes learning to properly scope your project. Online 3d asset libraries should not be used without the instructor’s authorization and it is largely preferred to not use these outside resources.
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 11pm. 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.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
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. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact Catherine Getchell, Director of Disability Resources, 412-268-6121, [email protected]. If you have an accommodation letter from the Disability Resources office, I encourage you to discuss your accommodations and needs with me as early in the semester as possible. I will work with you to ensure that accommodations are appropriately provided.
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
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.
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 after the 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.
Important Links (Please bookmark)
Course Webpage: cmuanimation.weebly.com
Course Piazza: piazza.com/cmu/spring2024/60125
Course Box: coming soon
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
MIDTERMS DUE MARCH 8!
Week 9 - Layout
Week 10 - Rigging 1
Week 11 - Rigging 2
Week 12 - Rigging 3
Week 13- Animation 1
Week 14 - Animation 2
Week 15 - Final Project
Final Crit: Monday April 29th, 5:30-8:30pm in POS 151
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 [email protected].
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.
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.
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 after the 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.
Important Links (Please bookmark)
Course Webpage: cmuanimation.weebly.com
Course Piazza: piazza.com/cmu/spring2024/60125
Course Box: coming soon
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS NOTED IN BOLD
Week 1 - 2D Exploration, Concept art, and Character design
- Tuesday Jan 16: Introductions, Class Overview, General Pipeline Overview
- Thursday Jan 18 : Intro to Maya
Week 2 - Intro to Modeling
- Tuesday Jan 23: Box Modeling Demo
- Thursday Jan 25: Work Time
Week 3 - Digital Sculpture
- Tuesday Jan 30: ZBrush Demo -- digital sculpture workflows, dynamesh, anatomy
- Thursday Feb 1 : Work Time
Week 4 - Sculpt Character Model
- Tuesday Feb 6: Remeshing and Anatomy
- Thursday Feb 8: Refine Character Model - Work Time
Week 5 - Refine Character Model
- Tuesday Feb 13: Work Time
- Thursday Feb 15: Work Time (FINAL MODEL DUE NEXT MONDAY)
Week 6 - UV Mapping and Texturing
- Tuesday Feb 20: UV Mapping Demo
- Thursday Feb 22: Texture Application Demos -- ZBrush polypaint, Photoshop, Substance Painter
Week 7 - Materials, Lighting and Rendering 1
- Tuesday Feb 27: Materials Demo -- creating normal maps and bump maps
- Thursday Feb 29: History of Lighting
Week 8 - Spring Break: 🎈No class
MIDTERMS DUE MARCH 8!
Week 9 - Layout
- Tuesday Mar 12: Cinematography Lecture
- Thursday Mar 14: Work Time
Week 10 - Rigging 1
- Tuesday Mar 19 : Skeleton and Control Creation Demo
- Thursday Mar 21: Weight Painting Demo
Week 11 - Rigging 2
- Tuesday Mar 26: Face Animation, Work Time
- Thursday Mar 28: IK Setup Demo, Local space & Global space
Week 12 - Rigging 3
- Tuesday Apr 2: Blendshapes Demo
- Thursday Apr 4: Work Time
Week 13- Animation 1
- Tuesday Apr 9: Work Time
- Thursday Apr 11: 🎈Spring Carnival - NO CLASS
Week 14 - Animation 2
- Tuesday Apr 16: History of Animation Lecture -- style, from art to science
- Thursday Apr 18: Ball Bouncing Demo, Block, Spline, Polish Workflow
Week 15 - Final Project
- Tuesday Apr 23: Work time
- Thursday Apr 25: Work time
Final Crit: Monday April 29th, 5:30-8:30pm in POS 151
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 [email protected].
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.