VISUAL DEVELOPMENT - UTD BASS SCHOOL

 

FALL 25 - Visual Development MON 10A - 1245P 15 Weeks

Professor Frederick Gardner (University of Texas at Dallas)

Course Information
Course Number/Section: Class 88555 / Course 000

ANGM 4304.001.25F
Course Title: Visual Development FALL Term 25F 8/25/25 - 12/9/25 MON 10A - 1245P

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES, CO-REQUISITES, and/or OTHER RESTRICTIONS:
A strong ability to draw traditionally on paper with pen or pencil is required for this course and drawing digitally on Photoshop CC & Toon Boom Harmony using a stylus and Cintiq or graphic tablet will be necessary. A Prerequisite is in place of Drawing for Animation ANGM 2309 with a grade of B or better, and Instructor consent with Portfolio Review.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
ANGM 4304 - Visual Development (3 semester credit hours) Visual Development is literally Character Design 2 and Background Design 2 with Story and introduces students to the concept of developing a compelling Visual Story. VisDev explores the creation of environments, characters, vehicles and props while using story as the visual guide. Elements of design, composition, color and more be combined to bring to life appealing worlds for both animation and games. This course explores multiple mediums, traditional and digital. This is a detailed dive into story, the meaning of shapes, color and music and evolution of your idea from Log Line to FInal Presentation in the form of a Printed Pitch Bible or Storyreel, Model Sheets, and Style Guide. Traditional 2D digital animation techniques using pencil/paper/paint, Photoshop CC, Harmony, stylus, WACOM Cintiq and other experimental media will be used to set a solid foundation for your VisDev project. A strong understanding of animation principles and theories will be developed before exploring more advanced topics like story, character development, world building and genres.  Prerequisite: ANGM 2309 with a grade of B or better.

STUDENT LEARNING Objectives/Outcomes:
Students will experience a professional studio environment, using the current software, tools and techniques to develop the story and visual development of characters, props, environments and World Building from traditional pencil thumbnail sketch through to rough design, final pitch presentation, Sizzle Reel (Digital Animated Story Reel). Story Structure, Character Development, Shape Language and Color Theory will be studied and referenced as foundational skills are demonstrated in a studio setting in preparation for your Senior Thesis/Capstone Presentation or Short Film Pitch. 

Meeting Times are Mondays, 10A - 1245P. Notes may be given online and the discussion of your VisDev Projects will continue throughout the week on Teams (online/phone app). It is your responsibility to take detailed notes in every class. 


TEXTBOOKS:
Hans Bacher: Dream Worlds (ISBN  978-0240520933) by Hans Bacher (2007)
The Noble Approach (ISBN  978-1452102948) by Tod Polson (2013)

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Computer (MAC or PC) w/ Webcam, Microphone 
Photoshop CC & Toon Boom Harmony
Stylus & Tablet or WACOM Cintiq
Portable Drive or USB Drive
Moleskin Sketchbook (Unruled)
Fine Point (or Extra Fine Point) Black Sharpie
Prismacolor Verithin & Prismacolor Pencils in Indigo Blue, Sepia or Black w/ Pencil Sharpener
Kneaded Eraser
Smartphone w/ Camera
Microsoft Teams software (for phone & computer)
** You are REQUIRED to use the PC, Cintiq and Software provided in the classroom

SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS:
The Illusion of Life (ISBN 0786860707) by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston (1995)
Drawn to Life (ISBN 978-1032104416) by Walt Stanchfield (2023)

 
SUGGESTED COURSE FILMS/SERIES:
What’s Opera Doc? (1957) Warner Bros
Robin Hood Daffy (1958) Warner Bros
Sleeping Beauty (1959) Walt Disney
101 Dalmations (1961) Walt Disney
Mickey Mouse Series (2013-2018) Walt Disney
The Book of Life (2014) 20th Century Studios
Wall-E (2008) Pixar
Up! (2009) Pixar
Frozen (2013) Walt Disney
Primal (2019) Cartoon Network
Maya and the Three (2021) Netflix


15 WEEK LECTURE OUTLINE (Lecture Topics may change at any time):

- LOG LINE - Foundations of Story

- MAIN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - Character Model Sheets

- HERO'S FAMILY/PROTAGONISTS - Design Character Turn/Size Comparison

- VILLAIN/ANTAGONISTS - 

- WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY? - 

- LOCATION SCOUTING/GENRE - 

- CHARACTER SIZE COMP - 

- LOCATION REFERENCE STUDIES - 

- SHAPE LANGUAGE/COLOR THEORY - 

- HERO'S HOUSE/WORLD - 

- VILLAIN'S LAIR/WORLD, GOOD vs EVIL - 

- STORY BEATS/COLOR THEORY - Create Depth with 3 Planes, Ratio, OLs, ULs, OL/ULs & Pan BGs

- DEVELOP THEME/MEANING - 

- WORLD BUILDING/MAP - 

- INTERIORS/LOGO & POSTER - 

- ADVERTISING/MARKETING - Final Pitch Cards, Posters, Displays to Promote Short Concept Possibilities

- PRESENTATION PITCH/REEL/WEBSITE- Final Pitch of Animation Portfolio to Jury Final Grade, Portfolio Assessment, Assemble a Portfolio Reel, Online Presence, Children's Book, Art of Sketchbook

LIFE DRAWING, GESTURE & PLEIN AIR SKETCHING:

LIFE DRAWING: (Available Weekly) is available on Wednesdays in the Life Drawing Studio (4th Floor) 10-1115a at Standing Easels based on Availability. Live Model provided. Bring Newsprint (18x24") & Vine or Willow Charcoal w/ Chamois.

GESTURE SKETCHING: (Available Daily) is always available at the Student Union Mon - Fri. Take advantage of the students lounging in the area and try capturing 2 or more students, sharing the same space. Bring Moleskin Sketchbook, Ultra Fine Point Sharpie and 20% Gray Marker (Tombow Brushpen Cool or Warm Gray 2).

 

 

PLEIN AIR SKETCHING: (Special Arrangment) is offered several times a semester at the Texas State Fair, Tiger Refuge, Dallas Arboretum or Zoo. At these locations, you will be given the opportunity to Gesture Sketch animals in a semi-natural environment and study their motion and biomechanics. Schedule to be announced in the first weeks of the semester. Gesture Sketching done in Moleskin Sketchbook, Ultra Fine Point Sharpie, 20% Gray Marker or pencil.

DEVELOPMENT REFERENCE: Children's Books, Lore & Legends, Historical Reference, Parables & Poetry, Music & Jokes can all serve as inspiration for your Visual Development. Avoid copying or being influenced by current or recent Pop Culture references, films, games or music. You can add a small bit of that at the end if needed. Base your initial VisDev concept on something familiar or personal in some way.

PORTFOLIO BUILDER/ANIMATION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - UTD BASS SCHOOL

FALL 25 - Portfolio Builder / Animation Business Development FRI 1p - 345p 15 Weeks

Professor Frederick Gardner (University of Texas at Dallas)

Course Information
Course Number/Section: Class 89228 / Course 000

ANGM 4379.003.25F
Course Title: Portfolio Builder/Animation Business Development (Topics in Games) FALL Term 25F 8/25/25 - 12/9/25 FRI 1P - 345P

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES, CO-REQUISITES, and/or OTHER RESTRICTIONS:
Some ability to draw traditionally on paper with pen or pencil and ability to draw digitally on Photoshop CC & Toon Boom Harmony using a stylus and Cintiq or graphic tablet. Drawing for Animation ANGM 2309 with a grade of B or better, and Instructor consent with Portfolio Review.

 
COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

ANGM 4379 - PORTFOLIO BUILDER:  (3 semester credit hours) & Animation Business Development introduces students to the concept of developing a successful Animation Design portfolio and starting a Sole Proprietorship/Independent Contractor business before you start freelancing in the Industry. The class will focus on getting you to create a professional printed Portfolio of your work in Animation, design a Business Logo, Business Card and Resume, start an online Portfolio and Website and send your finished Portfolio Package to a number of studios in Hollywood for review in application for a job. Once a year, the class will travel to California for the LightBox Expo, which is a gathering of professional artists and studios from around the world, reviewing portfolios and accepting applications. This event is unique in the Animation and Games Industry.

The second half of the semester will guide you through the process of starting your own Independent Contractor or Sole Proprietorship business by filing your application for a fictitious name in Texas, writing a Business Plan, registering that Business Name in the County and taking your documents to the bank to start your own small business as a freelancer in the Animation Industry. By starting your Freelance Business in college, you are establishing credit and setting yourself up to work immediately if you get a job offer from a studio outside of Texas.

Other topics covered in my class include Writing Off Small Business Expenses like travel, art books and movies, Networking, Joining and Working in the Animation Guild (Union), Union Wages, Continuing Education and Acing your Job Interview. Prerequisite: ANGM 2309 (Drawing for Animation) with a grade of B or better.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:
Students from the Portfolio Builder Class (ANGM 4379-002) will be escorted to Pasadena, CA for the Lightbox Expo 2024 (not required) where they will have first hand experience networking with Animation and SPFX Pros and get the rare opportunity to get their portfolios reviewed by HR Representatives from the major studios in Hollywood. While in Los Angeles, students will tour the production studios in the area like, Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Universal and Warner Bros. Prof Gardner will be available to guide and mentor the students on this exciting and inspiring trip.

Meeting Times are FRIDAYS, 1P - 345P with additional fluid days that may be rescheduled if needed. Notes may be given online and the discussion will continue throughout the course on Teams (online/phone app). It is your responsibility to take detailed notes everyday. 



LIGHTBOX 2025 is the ultimate gathering of artists who work in the entertainment industry bringing your favorite films, animation, games, TV shows and illustrations to life.

LIGHTBOX 2025 is happening in Pasadena, CA at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, OCT 24 to Sunday, OCT 26 from 12P - 5P. 

https://lightboxexpo.com/

LightBox Expo badges are non-refundable but are 100% transferrable. LightBox Badges will be available with a special UTD Discount. Please check with Prof Gardner BEFORE purchasing. Book your flight and hotel early to avoid sold out venues. Reservations MUST be made in advance for any Studio Portfolio Review. 

Join hundreds of the best artists from around the world as we come together for the ultimate celebration of art. Meet the artists behind your favorite things, particpate in live panels with the top talent in the industry, get a portfolio review, shop the incredible artist alley and so much more!

Harry Potter: The Exhibition (Friday, SEP 9)
https://harrypotterexhibition.com/

Texas State Fair 2025 (Friday, OCT 3)
https://bigtex.com/


REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
Dream Worlds (ISBN  978-0240520933) by Hans Bacher (2007)

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Computer (MAC or PC) w/ Webcam, Microphone 
Photoshop CC 
MOO.com (for Business Card Design)
Blurb.com (for Portfolio Design & Printing)
Blogger.com (for Online Portfolio Blog Design)
Squarespace.com (for Online Portfolio Website Design)
Popl.co (Industry Standard for Digital Business Cards)
Stylus & Tablet or WACOM Cintiq
Portable Drive or USB Drive
Moleskin Sketchbook (Unruled)
Fine Point (or Extra Fine Point) Black Sharpie
Prismacolor Verithin & Prismacolor Pencils in Indigo Blue, Sepia or Black w/ Pencil Sharpener
Kneaded Eraser
Smartphone w/ Camera
Microsoft Teams software (for phone & computer)
** You are REQUIRED to use the PC, Cintiq and Software provided in the classroom

SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS:
The Nobel Approach (ISBN 1452102945) by Tod Polson (2013)
The Art & Flair of Mary Blair (ISBN 978-1423127444) by John Canemaker (2014)
Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle (ISBN 978-1681882710) by Ioan Szasz (2017)

SUGGESTED COURSE FILMS:
DISNEYLAND: WALT'S IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (DOCUMENTARY) 2021
SWEATBOX (DOCUMENTARY) WALT DISNEY - 2000
FOUR ARTISTS PAINT ONE TREE (DOCUMENTARY) WALT DISNEY - 1964

15 WEEK LECTURE OUTLINE (Lecture Topics may change at any time):

- DESIGN A LOGO & BUSINESS CARD 

- SECURE A DOMAIN NAME, CREATE WEBSITE, DESIGN ARTISTIC RESUME

- PRINT BUSINESS CARDS, DESIGN PORTFOLIO COVER PAGE, USE BOOKWRIGHT

- PORTFOLIO COVER LAYOUT/PAGE COMPOSITIONS, CAPSTONE INTRO/LOGLINE

- SCHEDULE LIGHTBOX PORTFOLIO REVIEWS, FLIGHT/EXPO/HOTEL TICKETS

- PORTFOLIO PRINTING & PDF

- TEXAS STATE FAIR SKETCHING (PEOPLE/FOOD/ANIMALS)/HARRY POTTER EXHIBITION

- MIDTERM: LIGHTBOX EXPO & REVIEWS

- WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN, SECURE ASSUMED NAME & REGISTER IN TEXAS

- WHAT IS YOUR DAY RATE? OPEN A BUSINESS ACCOUNT

- COMPLETE TRAVEL & ART/PHOTO RELEASES, SCHEDULE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

- CRAFTSMAN HOUSE SKETCHES, CALARTS, ART CENTER, HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE, DISNEYLAND, STUDIO TOURS/SECURE PHOTO PROOF OF STUDIO REVIEW

- CREATE DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD, DECIDE POV CHARACTER FOR CAPSTONE, COMPILE REFERENCE IMAGES FOR CAPSTONE

- CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN, REGISTER SOLE PROP W/ SECRETARY OF STATE, LOG START OF BUSINESS DATE

- ESTABLISH FOUNDATION FOR CAPSTONE, GATHER & RECONCILE FINAL EXAM MATERIALS, CHILDRENS' BOOK

- FINAL PORTFOLIO REVIEW - FINAL PITCH OF DESIGN PORTFOLIO (& SUPPORTING MATERIALS) TO JURY, FINAL SKETCHBOOK REVIEW, FINAL GRADE

- ADVERTISING/MARKETING - BUSINESS CARDS, STICKERS, COMMISSION ART, SOCIAL MEDIA

LIFE DRAWING, GESTURE & PLEIN AIR SKETCHING:
LIFE DRAWING is available on Wednesdays in the Life Drawing Studio (4th Floor) 10-1115a at Standing Easels based on Availability. Live Model provided. Bring Newsprint (18x24") & Vine or Willow Charcoal w/ Chamois.

GESTURE DRAWING (Included) is always available at the Student Union Mon - Fri. Take advantage of the students lounging in the area and try capturing 2 or more students, sharing the same space. Bring Moleskin Sketchbook, Ultra Fine Point Sharpie and 20% Gray Marker (Tombow Brushpen Cool or Warm Gray 2).

 

 

PLEIN AIR SKETCHING (Included) is offered several times a semester at the Texas State Fair, Tiger Refuge, Dallas Arboretum or Zoo. At these locations, you will be given the opportunity to Gesture Sketch animals in a semi-natural environment and study their motion and biomechanics. Schedule to be announced in the first weeks of the semester. Gesture Sketching done in Moleskin Sketchbook, Ultra Fine Point Sharpie, 20% Gray Marker or pencil.

DEVELOPMENT REFERENCE - Children's Books, Lore & Legends, Historical Reference, Parables & Poetry, Music & Jokes can all serve as inspiration for your Capstone Concept. I highly recommend that if you are signed up for a Travel Abroad Course over the Summer, you use that Cultural Exploration as an ingredient to creating the foundation for your capstone. Avoid copying or being influenced by current or recent Pop Culture references, films, games or music. You can add a small bit of that at the end if needed. Base your initial concept on something familiar or personal in some way.