Animation

Animation is imagery in motion, whether it is based on a story or a non-narrative expression. It's as much a reductive process as it is a creative one: which images to add, which perspective to use, where to begin and end and pause the sequence?

As an animation major at AIB, you will be immersed in a rich education experience from your first year through graduation. At AIB, you will not only learn how to use ever-advancing technology, but most importantly, how to create effective, compelling, artistic stories through animation techniques. You will gain essential animation and cinematic skills in an intimate and collaborative studio setting in Boston.

Freshman foundation year curriculum gives you a work-out in the basics, from drawing techniques to creative thinking and art history. As you progress in the program, you will develop your drawing and storytelling abilities along with talents for conceptual and project development. You will explore traditional and experimental cel, stop motion, and 2D and 3D computer animation. Electives help you deepen your knowledge and skills in areas that interest you, including Stop Motion Animation and Animation for the Web. You can also enhance your portfolio by taking courses in our nationally recognized Illustration Department. And after graduation, perhaps you too will join our recent alumni, who have been employed by major media and animation firms such as Film Roman, Klasky Csupo, Nickelodeon, HBO, Rock Star, and Blue Sky.

At AIB, you always have access to what we consider an essential in art education: great teachers. Our renowned faculty of working artists will challenge you with real-life assignments that will stimulate your creativity and your problem-solving abilities. Because they are professionals themselves, they bring current business practices to the classroom. Our small size ensures you will have lots of one-on-one time with teachers.

As part of our growing animation program, you also have access to a variety of animation labs equipped with digital video stations and the latest technology needed to create innovative projects.

Student Animation Gallery

Illustration & Animation Blog

Animation BFA
123 credits

First Semester
Visual Thinking (also known as Visual Principles)
Drawing Intensive
Conceptual Development I
Foundation Seminar Lecture I
English Composition
Art of the Western World I

Second Semester
Conceptual Development II
Foundation Seminar Lecture II
Choice of Foundation Drawing Elective
Animation Basics
Choice of 3D Media or Digital Elective
Writing & the Literary Arts
Art of the Western World II

Third Semester
Animation Basics II
Computer Animation I
Anatomy and Figure Drawing
Principles of Illustration
History Elective

Fourth Semester
Drawing For Animation
Animation Major Elective
Video I
History of Animation
Math Requirement

Fifth Semester
Concept Creation
Animation Major Elective
Studio Elective
Science Requirement
Liberal Arts Elective

Sixth Semester
Computer Animation II: Maya
Animation Projects
Art History Elective
Liberal Arts Elective
General Elective

Seventh Semester
Animation Projects II
Animation Major Elective
Studio Elective
Advanced Art History Elective
Social Science Elective

Eighth Semester
Business of Animation
Senior Animation Project / Senior Jury
Internship
Liberal Arts Elective
General Elective

Additional program:
Animation APC
Advanced Professional Certificate
60 Credits | learn more...

Current students may search course listings within the LOIS WebAdvisor system and visit Academic Advising to download program requirement worksheets.

Image Credits
Student work, animation stills beginning second from top left: Geoff Marian, 2008 BFA Animation; James Soper, 2008 BFA Animation; Alex Cormack and Zach Miller, 2008 BFA Animation; Zach Miller, 2008 BFA Animation; Geoff Marian, 2008 BFA Animation; Loan Cao, 2008 BFA Animation; Alex Cormack, 2007 BFA Animation.

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