Work in the field of 2D animation requires both creativity and technological skills and are used in advertisements, films, television shows, computer games, or websites. The number of animated posts per person has increased 94% and Facebook averages more than 4 billion video streams every day, linked to increase in online buying after watching animated content.
In this programme, you will be exposed to 2D illustration concepts and animation techniques with the help of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Toon Boom’s Storyboard Pro and Toon Boom’s Harmony. This course aims to improve the students understanding of characters and their environments, the creation of such worlds and the effective communication of them through 2D art and animation.
In depth emphasis is placed on Toon Boom and its modules as a popular tool used in industry as noted by this quote from Toon Boom.
“The best animation studios in the world use Toon Boom software. From major animation companies to small studios, our customers use our animation software to produce movies, TV shows, games, explainer videos and advertisements.”
Features and Benefits
Learn industry critical software and technology platforms such as Toon Boom, Sketchbook, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and After Effects to the value of thousands of Rands, a critically advantageous consideration for any employer when considering.
Learn how to sell your skills with our “Freelancing for Creatives, Designers and Digital Artists, Making Money in the Gig Economy” module
Learn to do sketching the modern way with Autodesk Sketchbook and your HUION H420 Tablet Drawing Board, all included in the price.
Students will receive no cost student licenses of all software programs used during the programme.
Students will work towards compiling a Portfolio of Evidence and student showreel to allow for early and continuous job application.
Get a free Office 365 Education A1 license, valid for the duration of your studies.
Job placement assistance through our industry network and online recruitment portal, exclusively available to Learn3D graduates. Visit www.recruitgraduates.co.za for more.
Admission Requirements
Students should be able to use basic computer applications and thus should have basic computer literacy. If this is not the case, proof of training in basic computer literacy will be required in order to be eligible for this course.
Hardware Requirements
Please note that you are required to have your own computer for this qualification. AIE, in partnership with Dell and TripleH committed to supplying every student with a Dell laptop to support our DigitalCampus initiative. Available exclusively to AIE students, devices can now be financed with your tuition fees. We provide three models:
All learning hours are achieved via your study duration at the academy, studio time and project-based assignments.
Online & Part-Time
Part-Time = 10 months (2 Hours on Campus session - 1 x Week @ 18:00 / 6 Hours on Campus session - Every 2nd Saturday @ 08:00)
Online = 10 Months (2 Hours/week 18:00 - 20:00)
All learning hours are obtained through a combination of live virtual classes, pre-recorded video lectures and project-based tasks.
*Sessions will be grouped together to lower cost of traveling, however, in some cases classes may not follow this convention and schedules are subject to change.
Career Options
Character design
Life drawing techniques
Digital animation
Digital video
Stop motion animation
Web animation
Study Kit
Your study kit is included in your fees and will contain:
Free WIFI (Unlimited, On Campus only).
Toon Boom student licence for one year
Adobe Student licence valid for one year
Autodesk Sketchbook(free software from Autodesk)
Art equipment including, 24 Piece Pencil Set, Sketchpad, notepad.
Electronic study guides.
Orientation kit including: Student Card, Welcome Letter and Getting Started Guide.
USB 64GB with all required software applications.
Access to our myAIE student portal and student support team via phone, email and tickets, as well as the AIE communication app on Android or IOS.
myWay Hybrid Learning is a technology mediated delivery method that extends the benefit of flexibility and technology to all students. Our unique and modern approach to learning three main delivery methods
A personalized class schedule, attend class on campus, virtually or both.
Full Time, Hybrid Learning
A traditional method of full time learning with a modern-day add-on. Reach your full potential through our myWay Hybrid Learning Full Time classes. These classes can be attended on campus, virtually or both. This method gives each student the ultimate flexibility to combine on campus and virtual lecturers based on their individual preferences.
Part Time, Hybrid Learning
Designed for the working professional, our part time programmes provide you with the flexibility and benefit of our myWay Hybrid Learning with at home exercises/assignments, campus and/or virtual classes at a manageable schedule and pace. Part time sessions are conducted after hours and some sessions are conducted on Saturdays.
Online, Virtual Learning
We have re-defined online learning. Our myWay Online Learning ensures that the student is supported by technology and people throughout his academic journey. We focus on a blended learning approach, combining online Virtual Classrooms, at home exercises, activities and project-based assignments bundled with fully developed video lectures, all managed by our student learning platform.
Career Video
Watch this video to understand a day in the life of a Concept Designer.
Composition, Presentation and Storyboards
This module will introduce the student to the principles of composition and storyboarding and will cover the following topics:
Cinematic Composition and blocking principles.
Effective Storyboard and pacing principles
Rigging and Animation
Students will be exposed to the principles and workflows of creating rigging for animation using ToonBoom
The module will cover the following topics:
Theory and Principles of animation and motion.
Rigging for animation.
Dynamics and Simulation
Students will be taught how to create dynamic simulations in ToonBoom as well as employ particle system for special effects in their scenes
The module will cover:
Simulation of Physics and Particles using ToonBoom.
Illustration
Students will be introduced to the process and techniques of illustrations in both traditional and digital media
The module will cover:
Sketching and Illustration with traditional media
Sketching and Illustration with Autodesk Sketchbook
Sketching and Illustration with Adobe Photoshop
Basic Colour, Light and Perspective Theory
Students will be introduced to the basics and principles of perspective drawing, colour and light theory and digital painting
The module will cover:
Cinematic Colour and Light theory for Illustration.
Introduction to perspective drawing.
Digital Painting with Autodesk Sketchbook.
Digital Sketching with Adobe Photoshop.
Matte painting with Adobe Photoshop
Character, Prop and Environment Design
This module will introduce student to the process of creating believable and endearing characters and designing worlds with depth and consistency.
The module will cover:
Creating characters and developing their personalities
Expanding their worlds and designing their aesthetics.
Freelancing for Creatives, Designers and Digital Artists, Making Money in the Gig Economy
This module will introduce the student to the exciting, tumultuous and ever changing world of freelancing in the creative industry and the burgeoning gig economy.
The module will cover the following topics:
Introduction to freelancing and exploring different freelancing services
Exploring freelancing supporting sites and finding the right one for your skillset
Explore crowdsourcing and finding the right one for your skillset
The importance of a High-Quality Portfolio Website
The Importance of a professional online personal and social profile and building of your PERSONAL BRAND
International Job Hunting/Jobs Hunting, your market is bigger than you think