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 89329 / Course 000

ATCM 4304.001.25F
Course Title: Capstone Development (Independent Study) 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:
ATCM 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:
Steamboat Willie (1928) Walt Disney
What’s Opera Doc? (1957) Warner Bros
A Bear For Punishment (1951) Warner Bros
Robin Hood Daffy (1958) Warner Bros
Sleeping Beauty (1959) Walt Disney
Muybridge Motion Studies (1884) Pennsylvania University
Get A Horse! (2013) Walt Disney
Mickey Mouse Series (2013-2018) Walt Disney
Primal (2019) Cartoon Network
Wall-E (2008) Pixar
Up! (2009) Pixar
Frozen (2013) Walt Disney


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 - Animate Character Turn in PS/Harmony

- CHARACTER SIZE COMP - Character Walk (Single & Double Bounce), Western & Japanese Walk, Timing, EX Sheets

- LOCATION REFERENCE STUDIES - Animate Character Run, Jump & Land, Stagger, Anticipation, Overlap

- SHAPE LANGUAGE/COLOR THEORY - Animate Various Expressions, Acting, Turn

- HERO'S HOUSE/WORLD - Dialogue Tracks, Music & Timing, Phonemes, Stylized Mouth Shapes, Whistle

- VILLAIN'S LAIR/WORLD, GOOD vs EVIL - Straight Ahead FX Animation: Fire, Electricity, Water, Smoke

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

- DEVELOP THEME/MEANING - Characters Holding Each Other/Fighting, Multi Interaction, BG Interaction (Props)

- 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.

ANIMATION 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.