Offered at The Art Institute of Dallas  and The Art Institute of Fort Worth  

Program Description

The Art Institutes Bachelor’s Program in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics will train graduates in two major areas: motion graphics and digital compositing.  These interrelated fields deal with design, layering and movement of digital elements and imagery.

Motion graphics is graphic design for broadcast and film, requiring additional skills in television technology, audio, video, animation and experimental graphics.  A motion graphic specialist makes type, colors and images move, to communicate, educate, entertain, or build brand value.  Examples of motion graphics work include film credits and television network identifiers, ranging from the CBS “eye” and the NBC peacock to the complex moving visuals that precede news or sports broadcast specials.

Digital compositing uses computer software to assemble various component images into a single integrated believable scene. The components that are digitally “layered” could be live action shots, digital animations or still images; combining them requires expertise in color and lighting adjustment, motion tracking and other related skills. Examples of digital compositing range from broadcast post-production to feature film visual effects, where imaginary animated elements are combined seamlessly with real world shots.

It should be noted here that the role of the compositor is different from that of the animator, who is usually a specialist creator of animated elements.  Likewise the compositor is different from the editor, who determines shot length, order, pacing and transitions in a film or video production.

The Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Program provides graduates with a variety of skills drawn from the fields of photography, graphic design, compositing, video, film, audio and animation, providing them with competitive entry level capabilities in both motion graphics and digital compositing. Program graduates will be able to edit and assemble a product for television, movies or the web, create opening titles for feature films and television shows, create station or network identification logos and bumpers, and design graphics which use type, color and brand elements.

They will, in addition, be able to add sound to a project, synchronized to picture, create special effects that are based on animation and graphics, mix animations and graphics with live action film, using professional editing tools and processes.  As technology and software are constantly evolving, students will be trained in diagnostic and problem solving techniques designed to orient them quickly to unfamiliar software environments and solve common technical problems.  Finally, students will learn how to communicate an idea or tell a story effectively, as well as how to work in a collaborative environment.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

• Traditional Art Skills - Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use traditional design skills in the production of digital art projects
• Demonstrate an applied technical knowledge of compositing, effects, animation tools and software according to current industry standards
• Demonstrate professionalism through the creation and presentation of a demo-reel and self-promotion package, according to current industry standards
• Apply visual effects and motion graphics skills to meet the needs of corporate communication, television, motion picture, video production, and other media outlets
• Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, plan, execute, and deliver quality visual effects and motion graphics projects
• Demonstrate the ability to work on team-based projects

Requirements for graduation:

Credit Hours: 180

Number of Weeks: 132 (12 quarters)

Contact Hours: 2464