2-Year Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects

Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters, including holidays and attachment)
Course Fee: 30,000 Kenyan Shillings per semester
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:
This course is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in animation and visual effects. It covers fundamental and advanced techniques in 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, character design, storyboarding, and post-production processes. The program also includes industry exposure through projects and internships.

Year 1

Semester 1: Introduction to Animation

Week 1-4: Fundamentals of Drawing and Design

Basics of Drawing and Sketching
Principles of Design and Composition
Introduction to Color Theory
Practical Exercises: Creating basic sketches and design layouts

Week 5-8: Introduction to 2D Animation

Principles of Animation (Squash & Stretch, Timing, Anticipation)
2D Animation Software (e.g., Adobe Animate)
Keyframe Animation Techniques
Practical Exercises: Creating simple 2D animations

Week 9-12: Storyboarding and Scriptwriting

Basics of Storytelling for Animation
Storyboard Creation Techniques
Scriptwriting for Animated Content
Practical Exercises: Developing storyboards and scripts for animations

Week 13-16: Introduction to Digital Painting

Digital Art Tools and Techniques
Creating Backgrounds and Scenes Digitally
Character Design and Development
Practical Exercises: Designing digital characters and environments

Semester 2: Intermediate Animation and Visual Effects

Week 1-4: Introduction to 3D Animation

Basics of 3D Modeling and Texturing
Introduction to 3D Animation Software (e.g., Autodesk Maya, Blender)
Rigging and Skinning in 3D Animation
Practical Exercises: Creating basic 3D models and animations

Week 5-8: Advanced 2D Animation

Character Animation and Lip Syncing
Background Animation and Scene Composition
Advanced Techniques in 2D Animation
Practical Exercises: Developing a short 2D animated project

Week 9-12: Visual Effects Basics

Introduction to Visual Effects (VFX) Concepts
Compositing Techniques (Green Screen, Rotoscoping)
Visual Effects Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects)
Practical Exercises: Creating simple visual effects

Week 13-16: Sound Design and Post-Production

Basics of Sound Design and Editing
Synchronizing Sound with Animation
Post-Production Processes and Techniques
Practical Exercises: Adding sound effects and music to animations

Year 2

Semester 3: Advanced Techniques in Animation and VFX

Week 1-4: Advanced 3D Animation

Character Rigging and Animation in 3D
Dynamics and Simulation in 3D Animation
Lighting and Rendering Techniques
Practical Exercises: Creating complex 3D animations

Week 5-8: Advanced Visual Effects

Particle Effects and Simulations
Advanced Compositing and Motion Tracking
VFX Integration with Live Action Footage
Practical Exercises: Developing complex visual effects sequences

Week 9-12: Animation for Games

Introduction to Game Design and Development
Creating Animated Assets for Games
Unity/Unreal Engine Basics for Animators
Practical Exercises: Designing and animating characters for games

Week 13-16: Project Management and Team Collaboration

Managing Animation and VFX Projects
Collaboration Tools and Techniques
Working in Animation and VFX Teams
Practical Exercises: Leading and managing a small team project

Semester 4: Capstone Project and Industry Internship

Week 1-4: Capstone Project

Conceptualizing and Planning an Animation or VFX Project
Production and Post-Production Workflows
Final Presentation and Portfolio Development
Practical Exercises: Completing and presenting the capstone project

Week 5-8: Industry Internship

Hands-on Experience in an Animation or VFX Studio
Applying Techniques Learned in Real-World Projects
Networking with Industry Professionals
Practical Experience: Working on live projects during the internship

Week 9-12: Career Development and Professional Skills

Building a Professional Portfolio and Showreel
Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation
Understanding Industry Standards and Practices
Practical Exercises: Preparing for a career in animation and VFX

Week 13-16: Course Review and Final Exam

Comprehensive Review of All Topics Covered
Practice Projects and Final Assessments
Final Exam and Evaluation

Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects," recognizing their expertise in creating 2D and 3D animations, developing visual effects, and mastering post-production techniques. This certification will prepare them for careers in animation, film, television, gaming, and digital media industries.