This series teaches the fundamentals of coding and animation by working with a block-code based format while diving into key aspects of artistic visual storytelling for use in animation.
This is an 8-week series. Students meet once a week.
Students will discover how coding works and how technology can be utilized creatively, all in a comfortable environment that allows for limitless artistic expression with software that is friendly to any learner despite their experience with coding and technology.
Class will start as an introduction to block coding and animation. Instructors will teach each facet of block coding in Scratch for use in their animations. The course will also cover fundamental aspects in animation including framing, staging, timing, and appeal. Instruction will also put an emphasis on visual storytelling and cover character design, props and backgrounds, scripting, and storyboarding as a key step to planning animations.
Week 1 - Software and Tools
Students will familiarize themselves with the different tools and functions in Scratch and will follow along with a short demo to show how each tool will be used to create one product.
Week 2 - Character Assets
Students will learn the coding blocks for looks by creating a single character and object with multiple frames and a background; the concept of framing will be introduced.
Week 3 - Movement
Students will take the assets theyāve created and create simple animations using the movement blocks; the concept of staging will be introduced.
Week 4 - Programmed Controls and Timers
Students will utilize the event and control coding blocks for more complex controlled movements and actions, the concept of timing will be introduced.
Week 5 - Extra Variables
Student will have a brief overview of the sensing and operating variables and their application in animation; the concept of appeal will be introduced.
Week 6 - Outlining, Scripting, and Character Design
Students will be given their final project description: a short 30-50 second animation with multiple characters and backgrounds they design; students will review all concepts and coding blocks discussed and how they can be applied to the class project while discussing outlines, scripts, and character design.
Week 7 - Storyboarding and Asset Design
Students will take their outlines, scripts, and characters and begin the process of storyboarding their complete animation sequences.
Week 8 - Post Production and Polish
Students will finish their animation, add sounds and music if time allotted, and present their work to the class.
This series will introduce beginners to coding and animation by working with a block-code based format to understand the fundamentals of coding while diving into key aspects of visual storytelling for use in animation. Students can develop the skills gained in this class to make more detailed works in animation of a greater scale with complexity of their characters and set pieces. Through learning storyboarding and animation with scratch, they can make things like interactive āchoose your own adventureā books, visual novels, story-based games, or short cartoons!
Other Details
Supply List
Hardware: a computer and tablet with a stylus
Software: Scratch (in browser with account or free desktop download)
Paper
Pencil
Eraser
Students are encouraged to create a Scratch browser account (https://scratch.mit.edu) beforehand or download the desktop version and get comfortable with locating and opening the program to get ready for the first class. It is recommended to prepare a folder especially for saving projects onto the computer or a thumbdrive for use as a backup instead of saving projects online.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
At Young Art we believe in passion, creativity, and the power of education. Our team is committed to inspiring the next generation of young artists, designers, and entrepreneurs to be bold innovators by providing creative and enriching experiences through hands-on learning.
Our diverse offerings include a variety of classes such as drawing (pencil, charcoal), painting, (acrylic, watercolor), fashion design, coding, animation, clay sculpting and more.
Our mission is to foster artistic growth and confidence in every student, helping them realize their full potential as artists. We prioritize a nurturing and supportive learning environment, where students can feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and evolve as they are having fun. We are proud to be able to be part of their successful artistic journey.
We have a team of dedicated teachers who hold academic degrees and professional training in illustration, portraiture, figure drawing, fashion and costume design, game development and digital animation, etc.
Teacher Allie is a contemporary artist who loves to indulge in all mediums, but focuses most on drawing and painting. She holds a BFA degree of the California State University Long Beach, and is pursuing a career in teaching art. Her art influence began at a young age, but she considers herself āself-taught.ā Allie is passionate about encouraging students to master the fundamental skills and technical aspects of creating, but also develop a style that is unique to each student. Her promise is to encourage a mindset where students are confident in themselves and their ability to create.
Teacher Ang is a professional artist and 3D Modeler. She earned her BFA in Animation from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Aside from working as a Freelance Gameplay Animator and 3D Artist, she loves encouraging her studentsā curiosity and helping them develop a passion for art. She strives to teach students skills that can bring their voices and ideas to reality. She believes that by building a foundational skill set, her students will be able to approach their artworks with new perspectives.
Teacher Brittany is a professional artist and illustrator. She holds a BA in Arts with a concentration on Visual Technology from the George Mason University in Virginia. She gained valuable industry experience as Technology Lead and Animation Instructor at art schools. She has worked as a freelance concept artist and illustrator in game design. She utilizes a background in comics, storyboarding and animation to bring creative concepts to life. With a strong background in traditional and digital painting, Brittany is currently teaching a wide variety of classes in various mediums to merge her love for illustration, painting and game development.
Teacher Katie is a professional artist with a background rooted in animation, where she crafts captivating illustrations for a diverse clientele. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Entertainment Arts and Animation from the California State University of Fullerton, and utilizes her love of telling stories through her work in story-boarding, illustration, and animation. Her passion in theatrical and costume design and the entertainment industry in general has contributed to an innovative approach in her teaching as well as inspired many students that she met in her classes. Teacher Katie is committed to nurturing an atmosphere of intrigue and creativity, where she empowers her students to unearth their unique narratives within their artistic work.
Teacher Palm is a professional fashion and costume designer familiar with the complete product creation life cycle from initial concept to constructed design. She holds a degree in Fashion Design from The Parsons School of Design in New York. In addition to over 10 years of teaching art and fashion, she is also experienced in staging collections in numerous international Fashion Shows for luxury clients including Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, Ann Taylor and Kenneth Cole. She gained valuable industry experience in the capacity of Creative Consultant for designers, theaters and art schools. Palm is also proficient in a wide range of fine arts such as watercolor, oil, pencil, pastel, etc. and approaches her teachings with a calm mind, optimism and positive affirmation.
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