The animation program at Daemen College offers students with a committed interest in the art of animation the means to become fully versed in the process of traditionally narrative animated filmmaking.Daemen College offers students with a committed interest in the art of animation the means to become fully versed in the process of traditionally narrative animated filmmaking.
A Bachelor's degree will benefit students whose interests lie in obtaining a job in the field of animation in one of the many positions available in a feature film pipeline, including: Character Design, Story Development, Art Direction, CG Technical Directors, and Character Animators. Students are educated in all aspects of production and become well-rounded filmmakers.
A unique feature of our program is its dual focus on traditional drawn animation and the latest in computer graphics animation, with a heavy emphasis on strong narrative storytelling stemming from the student’s unique personal perspective. The program is structured to meet the demands of a modern animation studio. All of the software and curriculum is aligned with current production techniques.
- Learn how to craft an animated film from start to finish
- Become proficient in both traditional animation and CG animation
- Learn the craft of character design
- Learn the art of the story artist
- Learn editing and sound skills
- Learn the latest in modeling and rigging in the CG environment
Program Highlights
- The animation program responds to industry needs for animators equipped with a high level of artistic training and creative ability.
- Daemen works closely with studios throughout the United States and Canada to help place students within internship programs.
- The program is built around multiple strengths, recognized by animation professionals and business leaders, including the combination of fine draftsmanship, character development and design, the use and understanding of film language and techniques, and a unique perspective to visual storytelling and filmmaking.
- The curriculum will foster the development of well-rounded learning experiences, better enabling students to actively participate in a complex world.
Our Program
The animation facilities are equipped with three studios, one editing room, a 65-seat screening room with 5.1 surround sound and 3D projection capabilities, and professional film equipment.
First Year
During their first year, students complete a foundations program in drawing and design while beginning their liberal arts requirements. Courses in animation, editing, and animation history are introduced within the first year.
Sophomore year
The second year of the animation curriculum continues building strong animation skills, as well as character design, layout, and storyboarding. Additional coursework introduces advanced skills necessary for both hand drawn and computer animation before students specialize in a traditional track, or a Computer Generated Imagery animation track during the next two years.
Junior Year
Courses in advanced drawing skills and a liberal arts curriculum continue in the junior year of the animation program, but students begin to specialize in further developing skills in traditional or Computer Generated Imagery animation. Among the several animation electives available to third year students are gesture drawing, background painting, Maya animation, modeling and texturing in Maya, 2D animation effects, and advanced character design.
Senior Year
Advanced training continues during the senior year, but students are supervised on individual projects culminating in a short animated film. While completing their instruction, qualified students have the option to intern in professional animation studios with industry partners, both local and international. By the end of this year, students have developed a professional portfolio and completed a short animated film to present to future employers and exhibit in various festivals.
Additional Information
Lucas M. Santos
Animation
Daemen College was the only school in the area with an in-depth Animation program that allowed me to stay local. The faculty also assured me that having minimal art skills when coming in is all right and that they would assist me in building a good eye. READ MORE
Sydney Mangin
Animation
I came to Daemen for their animation program. It looked like the best program in comparison to other schools in the area. They were on the cutting edge with all of the latest industry standard programs and equipment. I knew I’d be getting a top notch education. READ MORE
For more information, contact Chris Brandjes in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at cbrandje@daemen.edu or (716) 839-8463.