animation

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Animation

Animation is one of the most rapidly developing areas of the creative industries, with technology and application becoming so sophisticated that distinct areas have become whole, thriving sectors. These include 3D animation production, TV commercials, music videos, 2D and 3D digital special effects, games, and contemporary conceptual work. This commercial activity has created an insatiable demand for a wide range of animation-based skills, from content development to production.

The Diploma in Animation aims to provide you with the skill foundation and theory needed to conceptualise, develop, and produce a wide range of animation styles and techniques. Through an environment of exploration, the programme inculcates the importance of systematic development and technical skills.

You will be introduced to many software applications suitable for the development and production of 2D and 3D animation. In Studio Practice, you will work towards animated content within the boundaries of given briefs. Emphasis is placed on the development of your imagination. The programme also offers the opportunity to specialise in either 2D or 3D production. These specialisms are defined by technical skill-sets and production methods as identified by industry practices. Supplementing this specialism, you will incorporate over-arching theoretical issues and practical skills such as Acting for Animation, Drawing Classes, Web Publishing, and Programming. These classes will complement your technical specialism and increase versatility in your skillsets and portfolios. Ultimately, the programme will enable you to produce a short animated film, from script to screen. Upon graduation, you will have the opportunity to enter the animation industry or pursue further studies.

Software specifications: Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, Autodesk Maya.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Modules

Level 1

Introduction to Studio Practice
This module introduces Drawing Fundamentals, Basic 2D and 3D Studio Practice, Critical Thinking, and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) components.

Introduction to Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces you to the fundamental processes of Contemporary and Contextual studies. You will learn how to develop written work including creative, report, and reflective writing.

Technical Skills Workshops for Studio Practice
This module equips you with the essential technical skills required for the successful execution and interpretation of studio practice briefs. These workshops are designed to encourage skills of research and application as well as the acquisition of techniques and procedures.

Exploration of Studio Practice
This module develops the ability to explore and apply skills and understandings in Drawing Fundamentals, 2D Studio Practice, 3D Studio Practice, Grey Matters, and Personal and Professional development (PPD) components.

Specialist Studio Practice
This module prepares your entry into your chosen specialist area. It has both a diagnostic and a preparatory function.

Key Skills in Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces the two key skills of Presentation and Academic Writing. You will be introduced to key terms, styles, and periods in Art and Design History.

Level 2

Technical Studies 1A: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module establishes basic technical skills used in both 2D and 3D animation, focusing on animation principles and techniques. It introduces the application of animation software techniques for the production of animation. It also covers the development of drawing and visual analytical skills focusing on environmental design (sets) used in animation.

Technical Studies 2A: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module establishes basic technical skills used in both 2D and 3D animation, focusing on animation principles and techniques specifically for biped characters. It introduces the application of animation software techniques for the production of character animation. It also covers the development of drawing and visual analytical skills focusing on human form and character design used in animation.

Studio Practice 1A
This module aims to explore the conceptualisation and development of short animated film through experimental media and non-traditional techniques. It covers the introduction and application of basic cinematographic techniques, storyboarding,and video editing software.

Studio Practice 2A
This module aims to explore the conceptualisation and development of animated shorts through traditional techniques used in 2D animation. It will further your development and application of cinematographic techniques and introduce you to compositing software.

Contextual Studies 1A
This module introduces the history of experimental animation and film, including classic milestones, and focus on the development of concepts.

Contextual Studies 2A
This module is an extension of Contextual Studies 1A module, focusing on the development of concepts, narrative structure and cinematography.

Level 3

Technical Studies 1B: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module allows you to specialise in either 2D or 3D animation based on your experience in Level 2. It further develops your technical skills, allowing you to produce character-based short animated films.

Technical Studies 2B: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module further develops your technical skills, allowing you to produce character-based short animated films, that focus on technical production quality. It develops advanced technical drawing skills suitable for conceptualising concept designs.

Studio Practice 1B
You will learn to conceptualise, develop and produce character led narratives through the use of adaptation. Through this module, you will produce research, sketches and storyboards. You will also be introduced to industry practices.

Studio Practice 2B
This module provides you with the suitable environment to develop and produce your first short animated film (minimum 2 minutes). You will further develop your understanding of industry practices.

Contextual Studies 1B
Through this module, you will demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in effective and creative writing.

Contextual Studies 2B
You will keep a production journal to support an additional report on your Studio Practice project. You will clearly document all aspects on the conceptualisation, development and production stages of your Studio Practice. Additionally, this report will carry a large element of reflective insight into your Studio Practice project.

Faculty Members

Dean
Wolfgang Muench

Diplom Freie Grafik (MA Fine Arts equivalent), State Academy of Art and Design Stuttgart, Germany

Academic Qualifications in progress
PhD Candidate (Scenography), University of Vienna, Institute of Theatre, Film and Media Studies, and ZHdK University of the Arts Zurich, Institute for Design and Technology MAS Masters of Advanced Studies, ZHdK University of the Arts Zurich, Institute for Design and Technology

Wolfgang Muench is a media artist and art educator. He studied Fine Arts in a pre-computer era at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, Germany, and the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Austria. In 1996, he joined the ZKM Centre for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Germany, as programmer and software designer. He was involved in various projects at the ZKM institutes of Visual Media, Music and Network-Development, such as the 'Panoramic Navigator' and the CD-ROM series 'artintact' and 'digital arts edition'. He taught Interactive Media at Merz-Academy Stuttgart (1997), Hong Kong Art Centre / The Art School (2003) and LASALLE Singapore (2003), and was artist in residence at ARS Electronica Linz, Austria (2001), ZKM (2002), and IAMAS Institute for Advanced Media Arts and Science Ogaki, Japan (2003). In his artworks and research, he examines socio-cultural implications of media technology and human computer interfaces. His interactive installations and artworks, including 'Bubbles' (in collaboration with K. Furukawa), and 'Small Fish', in collaboration with K. Furukawa and M. Fujihata, have been shown in numerous international media art exhibitions and festivals in Europe, America and Asia. In 2004, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Media Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore, and Chair of the LASALLE Research Committee in 2008.

Programme Leader, Animation Art
Christopher Shaw

Chris started his animation career in 1987, in the rotoscope department of Walt Disney Animation, on the film 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit". Chris was lucky enough to learn his craft on the job and experience many different aspect of the animated film process in a variety of departments. In 1989 he started work in Steven Spielberg's "American Tail II" and moved to the Animation Department. After completing 2 animated features, he continued to work as a freelance animator on a variety of TV commercials and productions including BBC News, Paul McCartney, IBM, Reuters News Agency, Lego, Halls, Rice Krispies, Ribena, Barclays Bank and MTV.

As computer animation started to gain credibility in the early 1990's, he decided to further his skills and studies. Chris completed his Masters degree in Computer Animation & Visualisation at Bournemouth University (UK) in 1993 and also has a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.

In 1996, his Phd studies in "Autonomous Behaviour Systems" were put on hold following an invitation to co-establish a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Computer Animation in Singapore. In 1997, Chris launched the first online Diploma in South-East Asia. He has since been actively involved in a wide range and variety of productions and educational incentives including Co-Chair of the "Excellence in Education and Training Convention", External Moderation, Organising and Judging the National Software Competition, Writing and Producing the opening film for the APEC Convention (2000) on Education.

Following a parachuting accident in 1995, Chris spent 12 months in a wheelchair, punctuated with several corrective surgeries. As a result, he has become an avid student of Tai Chi and has performed at the Singapore National Day Observance. Against his doctors orders and to the horror of small children, he can also been found inline skating at East Coast Park most weekends.

Lecturer, Media Arts
Rashid Saini

Rashid teaches Contextual Studies for the Faculty of Media Arts. Before his current position as a lecturer, Rashid came from the field of Marketing and Advertising, working for agencies such as McCann Erickson, Dentsu and Young & Rubicam . Having a series of published short stories in the early years of his creative practices, he then moved on to exhibit in Melbourne (where he completed his undergraduate studies majoring in Film and Photography), Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. His works include a short film, video installations and photography. His research continues to be observational in nature, making abstract portrayals on the study of state of being and various forms of abstract communication.

For his postgraduate degree, Rashid chose Faculty of Fine Arts, LASALLE, to continue his area of research (through video installations), which has now expanded to his continued explorations of abstraction of the medium in order to make social commentaries via film.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

You are required to attend an Interview where you will present a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your creative potential.

Preparing your Portfolio

• Portfolio should be A2 or smaller (A4 minimum) and preferably with a zipped cover.
• A range of at least 10 varied pieces of work should be presented.
• Your works should include a range of techniques, e.g. drawings, sketches, 2-D work (e.g. painting, printmaking, digital imaging, photography) or 3-D work (e.g. sculpture, ceramics, fashion garments).
• Originals of work are preferred, however photographs, digital images & JPEG (CD-Rom/DVD) are also acceptable (only for works larger than 60cm x 20cm in size).
• Works and/or images should be accompanied with labels/captions indicating: title of work, year of completion, medium/material, size/dimension of works, and should be presented neatly in a portfolio and/or folder.

What we are looking for?
You need to be selective in preparing the portfolio to ensure that it best represents your creative ability. The assessment of the portfolio is based on the following criteria:

Portfolio

• Variety (drawing, photography, painting, design work, ceramics, sculpture, etc.)
• Exploration (in-depth study of medium, technique or idea/s)

Presentation of Selected Piece

• Ability to describe Process AND Inspiration of a selected work

Discussion

• Evidence of ability to Interact AND Express Ideas

What will happen on the Interview Day?

When you arrive:

• You will be directed to the interview space and asked to lay out your portfolio.
• You will be interviewed by two lecturers from LASALLE as part of the group interview.
• There will be up to seven other candidates in your group.
• While the lecturers are assessing your portfolio, you will be asked to discuss with the other candidates on the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative? As a group you should prepare some ideas for discussion later on in the interview. You are advised to come prepared with some ideas on this topic before the interview.
• Once the lecturers have assessed the portfolios, all candidates will be asked to select a piece of artwork from their own portfolio and talk about it for two minutes.
• You are advised to describe the process of creating this chosen work, its source of inspiration and its development. Be prepared to answer questions from your fellow candidates and the interviewing staffs.
• Once all the candidates have presented their artwork, the whole group will then discuss the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative?
• Finally there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about LASALLE and the content, learning and teaching offered at Diploma Level 1.

This group interview will last for about two to three hours.

Successful candidates will be given a provisional offer immediately after the interview.
Unsuccessful candidates will be given the option to enrol for the Creative Workshop.

Aims of the Creative Workshop

• To introduce participants to the idea of the process in a creative journey.
• To encourage participants to play, experiment, and begin to develop an individual approach to art practice.
• To encourage participants to express their ideas confidently and interact as a group.

Note for Applicants residing outside of Singapore:

• You must submit a digital portfolio saved in a DVD/CD to complete your application.
• All works submitted (including any originals). Submissions will not be returned
• All works submitted will be used strictly for the purpose of assessing applicant's eligibility for entry into LASALLE courses.

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Animation

Animation is one of the most rapidly developing areas of the creative industries, with technology and application becoming so sophisticated that distinct areas have become whole, thriving sectors. These include 3D animation production, TV commercials, music videos, 2D and 3D digital special effects, games, and contemporary conceptual work. This commercial activity has created an insatiable demand for a wide range of animation-based skills, from content development to production.

The Diploma in Animation aims to provide you with the skill foundation and theory needed to conceptualise, develop, and produce a wide range of animation styles and techniques. Through an environment of exploration, the programme inculcates the importance of systematic development and technical skills.

You will be introduced to many software applications suitable for the development and production of 2D and 3D animation. In Studio Practice, you will work towards animated content within the boundaries of given briefs. Emphasis is placed on the development of your imagination. The programme also offers the opportunity to specialise in either 2D or 3D production. These specialisms are defined by technical skill-sets and production methods as identified by industry practices. Supplementing this specialism, you will incorporate over-arching theoretical issues and practical skills such as Acting for Animation, Drawing Classes, Web Publishing, and Programming. These classes will complement your technical specialism and increase versatility in your skillsets and portfolios. Ultimately, the programme will enable you to produce a short animated film, from script to screen. Upon graduation, you will have the opportunity to enter the animation industry or pursue further studies.

Software specifications: Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, Autodesk Maya.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Modules

Level 1

Introduction to Studio Practice
This module introduces Drawing Fundamentals, Basic 2D and 3D Studio Practice, Critical Thinking, and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) components.

Introduction to Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces you to the fundamental processes of Contemporary and Contextual studies. You will learn how to develop written work including creative, report, and reflective writing.

Technical Skills Workshops for Studio Practice
This module equips you with the essential technical skills required for the successful execution and interpretation of studio practice briefs. These workshops are designed to encourage skills of research and application as well as the acquisition of techniques and procedures.

Exploration of Studio Practice
This module develops the ability to explore and apply skills and understandings in Drawing Fundamentals, 2D Studio Practice, 3D Studio Practice, Grey Matters, and Personal and Professional development (PPD) components.

Specialist Studio Practice
This module prepares your entry into your chosen specialist area. It has both a diagnostic and a preparatory function.

Key Skills in Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces the two key skills of Presentation and Academic Writing. You will be introduced to key terms, styles, and periods in Art and Design History.

Level 2

Technical Studies 1A: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module establishes basic technical skills used in both 2D and 3D animation, focusing on animation principles and techniques. It introduces the application of animation software techniques for the production of animation. It also covers the development of drawing and visual analytical skills focusing on environmental design (sets) used in animation.

Technical Studies 2A: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module establishes basic technical skills used in both 2D and 3D animation, focusing on animation principles and techniques specifically for biped characters. It introduces the application of animation software techniques for the production of character animation. It also covers the development of drawing and visual analytical skills focusing on human form and character design used in animation.

Studio Practice 1A
This module aims to explore the conceptualisation and development of short animated film through experimental media and non-traditional techniques. It covers the introduction and application of basic cinematographic techniques, storyboarding,and video editing software.

Studio Practice 2A
This module aims to explore the conceptualisation and development of animated shorts through traditional techniques used in 2D animation. It will further your development and application of cinematographic techniques and introduce you to compositing software.

Contextual Studies 1A
This module introduces the history of experimental animation and film, including classic milestones, and focus on the development of concepts.

Contextual Studies 2A
This module is an extension of Contextual Studies 1A module, focusing on the development of concepts, narrative structure and cinematography.

Level 3

Technical Studies 1B: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module allows you to specialise in either 2D or 3D animation based on your experience in Level 2. It further develops your technical skills, allowing you to produce character-based short animated films.

Technical Studies 2B: Specialisation 2D/3D
This module further develops your technical skills, allowing you to produce character-based short animated films, that focus on technical production quality. It develops advanced technical drawing skills suitable for conceptualising concept designs.

Studio Practice 1B
You will learn to conceptualise, develop and produce character led narratives through the use of adaptation. Through this module, you will produce research, sketches and storyboards. You will also be introduced to industry practices.

Studio Practice 2B
This module provides you with the suitable environment to develop and produce your first short animated film (minimum 2 minutes). You will further develop your understanding of industry practices.

Contextual Studies 1B
Through this module, you will demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in effective and creative writing.

Contextual Studies 2B
You will keep a production journal to support an additional report on your Studio Practice project. You will clearly document all aspects on the conceptualisation, development and production stages of your Studio Practice. Additionally, this report will carry a large element of reflective insight into your Studio Practice project.

Faculty Members

Dean
Wolfgang Muench

Diplom Freie Grafik (MA Fine Arts equivalent), State Academy of Art and Design Stuttgart, Germany

Academic Qualifications in progress
PhD Candidate (Scenography), University of Vienna, Institute of Theatre, Film and Media Studies, and ZHdK University of the Arts Zurich, Institute for Design and Technology MAS Masters of Advanced Studies, ZHdK University of the Arts Zurich, Institute for Design and Technology

Wolfgang Muench is a media artist and art educator. He studied Fine Arts in a pre-computer era at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, Germany, and the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Austria. In 1996, he joined the ZKM Centre for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Germany, as programmer and software designer. He was involved in various projects at the ZKM institutes of Visual Media, Music and Network-Development, such as the 'Panoramic Navigator' and the CD-ROM series 'artintact' and 'digital arts edition'. He taught Interactive Media at Merz-Academy Stuttgart (1997), Hong Kong Art Centre / The Art School (2003) and LASALLE Singapore (2003), and was artist in residence at ARS Electronica Linz, Austria (2001), ZKM (2002), and IAMAS Institute for Advanced Media Arts and Science Ogaki, Japan (2003). In his artworks and research, he examines socio-cultural implications of media technology and human computer interfaces. His interactive installations and artworks, including 'Bubbles' (in collaboration with K. Furukawa), and 'Small Fish', in collaboration with K. Furukawa and M. Fujihata, have been shown in numerous international media art exhibitions and festivals in Europe, America and Asia. In 2004, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Media Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore, and Chair of the LASALLE Research Committee in 2008.

Programme Leader, Animation Art
Christopher Shaw

Chris started his animation career in 1987, in the rotoscope department of Walt Disney Animation, on the film 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit". Chris was lucky enough to learn his craft on the job and experience many different aspect of the animated film process in a variety of departments. In 1989 he started work in Steven Spielberg's "American Tail II" and moved to the Animation Department. After completing 2 animated features, he continued to work as a freelance animator on a variety of TV commercials and productions including BBC News, Paul McCartney, IBM, Reuters News Agency, Lego, Halls, Rice Krispies, Ribena, Barclays Bank and MTV.

As computer animation started to gain credibility in the early 1990's, he decided to further his skills and studies. Chris completed his Masters degree in Computer Animation & Visualisation at Bournemouth University (UK) in 1993 and also has a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.

In 1996, his Phd studies in "Autonomous Behaviour Systems" were put on hold following an invitation to co-establish a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Computer Animation in Singapore. In 1997, Chris launched the first online Diploma in South-East Asia. He has since been actively involved in a wide range and variety of productions and educational incentives including Co-Chair of the "Excellence in Education and Training Convention", External Moderation, Organising and Judging the National Software Competition, Writing and Producing the opening film for the APEC Convention (2000) on Education.

Following a parachuting accident in 1995, Chris spent 12 months in a wheelchair, punctuated with several corrective surgeries. As a result, he has become an avid student of Tai Chi and has performed at the Singapore National Day Observance. Against his doctors orders and to the horror of small children, he can also been found inline skating at East Coast Park most weekends.

Lecturer, Media Arts
Rashid Saini

Rashid teaches Contextual Studies for the Faculty of Media Arts. Before his current position as a lecturer, Rashid came from the field of Marketing and Advertising, working for agencies such as McCann Erickson, Dentsu and Young & Rubicam . Having a series of published short stories in the early years of his creative practices, he then moved on to exhibit in Melbourne (where he completed his undergraduate studies majoring in Film and Photography), Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. His works include a short film, video installations and photography. His research continues to be observational in nature, making abstract portrayals on the study of state of being and various forms of abstract communication.

For his postgraduate degree, Rashid chose Faculty of Fine Arts, LASALLE, to continue his area of research (through video installations), which has now expanded to his continued explorations of abstraction of the medium in order to make social commentaries via film.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

You are required to attend an Interview where you will present a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your creative potential.

Preparing your Portfolio

• Portfolio should be A2 or smaller (A4 minimum) and preferably with a zipped cover.
• A range of at least 10 varied pieces of work should be presented.
• Your works should include a range of techniques, e.g. drawings, sketches, 2-D work (e.g. painting, printmaking, digital imaging, photography) or 3-D work (e.g. sculpture, ceramics, fashion garments).
• Originals of work are preferred, however photographs, digital images & JPEG (CD-Rom/DVD) are also acceptable (only for works larger than 60cm x 20cm in size).
• Works and/or images should be accompanied with labels/captions indicating: title of work, year of completion, medium/material, size/dimension of works, and should be presented neatly in a portfolio and/or folder.

What we are looking for?
You need to be selective in preparing the portfolio to ensure that it best represents your creative ability. The assessment of the portfolio is based on the following criteria:

Portfolio

• Variety (drawing, photography, painting, design work, ceramics, sculpture, etc.)
• Exploration (in-depth study of medium, technique or idea/s)

Presentation of Selected Piece

• Ability to describe Process AND Inspiration of a selected work

Discussion

• Evidence of ability to Interact AND Express Ideas

What will happen on the Interview Day?

When you arrive:

• You will be directed to the interview space and asked to lay out your portfolio.
• You will be interviewed by two lecturers from LASALLE as part of the group interview.
• There will be up to seven other candidates in your group.
• While the lecturers are assessing your portfolio, you will be asked to discuss with the other candidates on the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative? As a group you should prepare some ideas for discussion later on in the interview. You are advised to come prepared with some ideas on this topic before the interview.
• Once the lecturers have assessed the portfolios, all candidates will be asked to select a piece of artwork from their own portfolio and talk about it for two minutes.
• You are advised to describe the process of creating this chosen work, its source of inspiration and its development. Be prepared to answer questions from your fellow candidates and the interviewing staffs.
• Once all the candidates have presented their artwork, the whole group will then discuss the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative?
• Finally there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about LASALLE and the content, learning and teaching offered at Diploma Level 1.

This group interview will last for about two to three hours.

Successful candidates will be given a provisional offer immediately after the interview.
Unsuccessful candidates will be given the option to enrol for the Creative Workshop.

Aims of the Creative Workshop

• To introduce participants to the idea of the process in a creative journey.
• To encourage participants to play, experiment, and begin to develop an individual approach to art practice.
• To encourage participants to express their ideas confidently and interact as a group.

Note for Applicants residing outside of Singapore:

• You must submit a digital portfolio saved in a DVD/CD to complete your application.
• All works submitted (including any originals). Submissions will not be returned
• All works submitted will be used strictly for the purpose of assessing applicant's eligibility for entry into LASALLE courses.