Animation and Graphics

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International

Program Overview

Who doesn't love a great story? From humankind's earliest carvings on stone walls to today's multimedia experiences, storytelling is one of our most engaging forms of expression. Animators and graphics professionals are creative artists that bring ideas and images to life in media sectors from entertainment to education. We work far beyond just the world of cartoons, putting our skills to work in video game studios, web design, marketing and advertising agencies, publishing, and more. Do you love to draw or sketch? Do you dream up wonderful stories or characters in your head? Turn your creativity into a dream career in animation and graphics.
 
In our Animation and Graphics program, you'll learn the technical skills to produce quality 2D showreels and story reels that will highlight your talent to future employers, particularly in animation keys, in-betweens, and clean-up. You'll receive training in industry-standard computer animation software in a professional studio environment, and you'll be taught and mentored by knowledgeable instructors who have work experience with iconic industry leaders, including Disney and Nelvana. Enroll today in our Animation and Graphics program and put your imagination in motion.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    Animation and Graphics is a multi-billion-dollar industry with related career opportunities ranging from graphic arts technicians who design page make-up, layout and lettering, and prepare production materials for press, electronic, or multimedia publishing to 2 and 3D animators and visual effects specialists and supervisors who work on content for the web, TV, movies and video games.
     
    Part of the reward of working in our industry is developing your own signature style and working on projects that suit that style best. From pop music videos to killer websites and games, if you're good at what you do, you'll be able to find opportunities to make your creative mark in the industry.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



    Specific Considerations

    It is highly recommended that applicants of this program have a strong interest in traditional drawing skills. Still drawing, life drawing, and character design are major components of this program and critical to student success.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Traditional and 2D Digital Animation Tools and Techniques
    • Software Tools (i.e.: Toon Boom Harmony)
    • Life Drawing
    • Character and Prop Design
    • Location and Background Design
    • Animation Layout, In-Betweeens, and Clean-Up
    • Colour Theory, Styles, and Background Painting
    • Acting for Animation
    • Storytelling
    • Script Writing and Storyboarding
    • Special Effects
    • Compositing
    • Story Reel, Show Reel, and Portfolio Development
    • Career Planning


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course provides students with the knowledge and skill to produce animated scenes of inanimate objects through the application of animation principles, tools, and methods. Students are introduced to the history of animation and the industry-standard production pipeline process. With a focus on the properties of matter and the impact of forces on them, students analyze and replicate objects in motion.
     

    This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in the Animation I: Timing course. Here, students apply traditional animation principles and formulas to characters with internal, thought driven action. They learn the techniques to graphically record human and animal primary and secondary locomotion including walk cycles, run cycles, and natural movements. 

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1043A

    This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in the Animation II: Character Basics course. Here, students progress to the nuances of body language, facial animation, and lip syncing to develop characters conveying attitude and expression.  These are synchronized to audio to enhance the character personality and performance. 

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1044A

    This course is designed to give students the knowledge and skill to plan and construct layouts suitable for an animation production. 

    Prerequisites:

    • DRDE1079A

    This course provides students with the knowledge and skill to further design and enhance the layouts and backgrounds for an independent story reel. Here students utilize the storyboards created in the Story Reel I: Pre-Production course and the preliminary assets created in the Story Reel Asset Development course to further refine their designs. They also enhance their knowledge of the digital tools used to create them. Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual demo reel.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1046A
    • AVTA1135B
    • ANIT1063A

    This course is designed to create appealing and believable characters that are suitable for animation.

    This course provides students with the knowledge and skill to further design and enhance appealing and believable characters and supporting model sheets/packs for an independent story reel. Here students utilize preliminary assets created in the Story Reel Asset Development course. Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual demo reel.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1049B
    • DRDE1077A
    • ANIT1063A

    This course is designed to give students the knowledge and skill to produce, animate, and clean-up a series of key poses for the team story reel.  Here students utilize their characters and backgrounds created and refined in their "Asset Development", “Posing”, and “Background Design” courses. They also enhance their knowledge of the digital tools used to animate and clean them.  Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual demo reel.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1050B
    • ANIT1047B

    This course is designed to give students the knowledge and skill to refine keys and produce in-betweens for an independent story reel. Here students utilize the characters and backgrounds created in their Keys course. They also enhance their knowledge of the digital tools used to produce, refine, and animate the in-betweens. Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual demo reel.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1052B

    This course is designed to give students the knowledge and skill to enhance the believability of an animation through the application of character, environmental, and film effects. Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual demo reel.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1052B

    This course is designed to introduce students to the world of 3-dimensional (3D) animation using 3D software. Here, students explore the basics of constructing 3D characters and/or props.

    This course is designed to give students the opportunity to build their animation skills and prepare them for the real-world environment. Students are provided with all the necessary components to create a variety of animations coupled with clearly defined Director notes and instructions from which to create the animation. Students are expected to submit their animations by the deadlines indicated and are provided with feedback in order to refine their submissions. Assessment is based not only on the draftsmanship and quality of the animation but, equally importantly, the degree to which students follow instruction and meet tight timelines.  

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1053A

    This course is designed to develop preliminary assets for an independent story reel inclusive of stylized conceptual artwork for layouts/locations, characters, and props. It is intended to support the Story Reel I: Pre-Production course where students execute pre-production steps ranging from assets to storyboarding, staging, audio and sound recordings as well as production schedules and timelines. These assets are refined in relevant future courses as story reel development progresses.

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1044A
    • ANIT1046A
    • AVTA1135B

    This course is the first in a sequence of Story Reel development courses where students work to create an independent story reel.  Attention throughout the sequence is given to film-production components such as audio/video principles, production, and editing while also using animation elements created in other courses (e.g.: characters, backgrounds, special effects, etc.) to compile the completed animation production by the final Story Reel course. Students will learn and apply the use of sound editing, storyboarding, and video editing software throughout, where most applicable.

    In this course, students will form their teams and implement elements of the pre-production phase of the animation production pipeline.

    NOTE: Mature students who can demonstrate prior learning through previous work experience and/or post-secondary education may opt to complete a smaller independent film alone. This request must be made in writing to the instructors and is at the discretion of the department head.

    Prerequisites:

    • ANIT1063A

    This course is the second in a sequence of Story Reel development courses where students work to create an independent story reel. Attention throughout the sequence is given to the film-production components such as audio/video principles, production, and editing while also using animation elements created in other courses (e.g.: characters, backgrounds, special effects etc.) to compile the completed animation production by the final Story Reel course. Students will learn and apply the use of sound editing, storyboarding, and video editing software throughout, where most applicable.
     
    In this second course, students create a quality animatic using refined storyboards and audio files. Timing is of vital importance in this animatic production and should be reflective of what will be seen in the final animation production. Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual portfolio/show reel.

    NOTE:   Mature students who can demonstrate prior learning through previous work experience and/or post- secondary education may opt to complete a smaller independent film alone. This request must be made in writing to the instructors and is at the discretion of the department head.

    Prerequisites:

    • AVTA1135B

    This course is the third in a sequence of Story Reel development courses where students work to create an independent story reel.  Attention throughout the sequence is given to the film-production components such as audio/video principles, production, and editing while also using animation elements created in other courses (e.g.: characters, backgrounds, special effects etc.) to compile the completed animation production by the final Story Reel course. Students will learn and apply the use of sound editing, storyboarding, and video editing software throughout, where most applicable.
     
    In this third course, students firstly create a working prototype of one scene in their animation production.  The intention is to troubleshoot and debug any production issues to ensure the remainder of the development can proceed smoothly.  Students then go on to assemble the remaining scenes for their productions, incorporating the in-betweens and effects created in those respective courses.  Focus is given to team story reel efforts but students are also expected to undertake these same tasks for the production of an individual portfolio/show reel.

    NOTE:   Mature students who can demonstrate prior learning through previous work experience and/or post- secondary education may opt to complete a smaller independent film alone. This request must be made in writing to the instructors and is at the discretion of the department head.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • AVTA1136A

    This course is the last in a sequence of Story Reel development courses where students work to create an independent story reel.  Attention throughout the sequence is given to the film-production components such as audio/video principles, production, and editing while also using animation elements created in other courses (e.g.: characters, backgrounds, special effects etc.) to compile the completed animation production by the final Story Reel course. Students learn and apply the use of sound editing, storyboarding, and video editing software throughout, where most applicable. They conduct the final render and scene check for their animation productions, ensuring quality synchronization with the final audio recordings.

    NOTE:   Mature students who can demonstrate prior learning through previous work experience and/or post- secondary education may opt to complete a smaller independent film alone. This request must be made in writing to the instructors and is at the discretion of the department head.

    Prerequisites:

    • AVTA1137A

    This course is designed to develop fundamental skills in life drawing. Students are taught fundamental principles and techniques to draw the human figure and apply these hands-on in a lab setting using live models. Students learn to build upon simplified basic structures & to give these a sense of gesture & movement. They create an understanding of visual relationships to accurately depict proportion, scale, perspective, weight, & balance etc. They build upon this knowledge by studying the human skeletal structure & its relationships

    This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in the Life Drawing I: Principles course. Students do in-depth study of human and animal skeletal and muscle systems. They analyze body structure and facial features as well as locomotion mechanics to accurately construct human and animal forms.  Hands-on application is carried out in a lab setting using live models as well as on location, whenever possible
     

    Prerequisites:

    • DRDE1075A

    This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in the Life Drawing II: Human and Animal Anatomy course. Students move from big patterns and inter-relationships of the body to closely examining the nuances of facial expression and body posture. They used sustained study to focus on analyzing expression and posture.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • DRDE1076A

    This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in the Life Drawing III: Attitude & Expression course. Here, students give life drawings gesture and movement and utilize draperies to enhance this expression.  They examine the rhythm, axes, and mechanics of movement as well as the characteristics of draperies and how they fall on a form in action.

    Prerequisites:

    • DRDE1077A

    This course is designed to provide students with the tools and techniques to give their 2 dimensional drawings the illusion of focus, depth, scale, and elevation. These are critical components that will help create believable, aesthetically pleasing layouts later in the program. 

    This course is designed to enhance life drawing skills through continued application. Here, students refine existing artwork as well as create new pieces that combine all skills established to date. Students critically assess their art work and seek out learning sources and opportunities for improvement.

    Prerequisites:

    • DRDE1078A

    This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skill to create efficient, effective, and appealing visual design solutions that meet client and delivery requirements. The focus of study is on the principles of visual design and colour theory as well as the digital tool(s) used to create the visual designs.

    This course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skill acquired in the Visual Design I: Principles and Colour Theory course. Here students focus on how to create layouts, inclusive of graphics and text, to effectively communicate a message. Students also learn the fundamental features and functions of the software used to create these visual designs.

    Prerequisites:

    • GDGD1240A

    This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill to develop storyboards through the analysis of scripts or the development of original story ideas.

    Prerequisites:

    • THEA1030A

    This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply the principles and techniques of self-promotion, job searching, and career planning in order to pursue employment and/or entrepreneurial opportunities.

    This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities. 

    This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skill to plan and develop a professional portfolio for showcasing purposes. They also learn the features and functions of web-based tools to promote this portfolio digitally.

    This course is designed to enhance students' professional portfolios. They refine their artwork and its presentation as well as compile it in the form of an individual animated show reel.

    Prerequisites:

    • PERS1238B

    A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

    This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skill in storytelling techniques so they can develop their own stories and characters. Students are introduced to the history of storytelling arts and the genres of storytelling styles. They examine a variety of storytelling techniques and use this knowledge to effectively create their own storylines.

    This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skill in the principles of acting, staging, and timing. They use this knowledge and skill to analyze the quality of existing screen plays and present dramatic performances of their own.

    This course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skill acquired in the Acting I: Techniques and Analysis courses. Here, students apply those skills to act out original and adapted story ideas that can be replicated in an animated fashion. This equips students with the awareness to translate this performance to characters in their own animation productions.

    Prerequisites:

    • THEA1031A


    NOC Codes

    5223 - Graphic arts technicians
    5227 - Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
    5241 - Graphic designers and illustrators


    Articulation Agreements

    Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
    Articulation Period:
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
    NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.


     


    Institution: Technical University of the Shannon
    Articulation Period:
    Information: BA Animation and Motion Design

    Graduates of the Animation and Graphics diploma are eligible to enter year 3, level 7 of the BA Animation and Motion Design.  To be eligible for consideration, NBCC graduates will have achieved a minimum grade average of 60%.

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.


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