The 3D Animation concentration is for students interested in 3D animated filmmaking. Students will learn all the 3D tools necessary to realize their cinematic vision, including the most current approaches to 3D animation, modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, visual effects, compositing, and rendering. Students will complement their 3D studies with a solid foundation in studio art, visual design, art history, and traditional approaches to cinematic filmmaking.

The Cinema Animation concentration is for students who are interested in the areas of traditional animation (hand-drawn, stop motion, and hybrid), 3D character animation, 3D modeling and rigging, motion graphics animation, and CGI effects animation. In addition to the core visual aesthetic and animation courses, students study filmmaking, visual storytelling, and advanced courses in their focus area. They are given in-depth instruction in the most up-to-date software and technology available, but the emphasis is always on creativity, experimentation and expression.

Becoming a game development artist requires a solid foundation in animation, visual design principles, color theory, and drawing. Students in the Game Art concentration also receive in-depth instruction in the latest advanced game modeling and animation technology and practices, including motion capture, rigging, texturing, environment art, and digital sculpting. They learn about real-world problem-solving, team dynamics, and pipeline requirements while working alongside programmers and game designers on cross-disciplinary game development projects.

Storyboard artists are in demand in the television and feature film animation industries. A storyboard artist can also find work storyboarding live action films, visual effects, and commercials. The skills of the storyboard artist can also be applied to graphic novels and comics. Character design is a much sought-after role in animation, game art, live action film, comics, and children’s literature. Both disciplines share a requirement for strong traditional drawing skills.

Motion Graphics, sometimes known as Motion Design, involves putting graphic forms, text, and photographic elements into motion using the principles of animation. These are almost always paired with sound and music for a specific purpose, such as in advertisements, educational and industrial videos, films and television titles, visual effects, and video games. Chicago is a major center for commercial advertising production, and Motion Graphics is a significant part of the commercial production and post-production process.

The VFX Animation concentration in the Animation BFA deals with the artistic creation and animation of computer-generated 3D creatures, vehicles, objects, and environments for use in the live action film and television industries. Think of the T-Rex from Jurassic Park, the AT-ATs of Rogue One, or the future Los Angeles of Blade Runner 2049. The concentration combines a solid animation foundation with specialized VFX courses. VFX careers in live action film and television require skills ranging broadly from live action compositing to 3D character animation. Skilled VFX artists are in high demand within the feature film, television, commercial, and new media industries. This concentration complements the VFX concentration in the Film & Television BFA, which is balanced more towards live action production.