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.
