Summer and Fall 2009 Computer Applications classes
Graphics, Animation, Web, Video, Certification

Click the schedule book image to see and learn more about either of the fall classes.

All three of these classes count toward the Certificate in Computer Applications.

Visual Effects, Animation and Motion Graphics
Click the schedule book graphic image AND also read below here to read more about the class.

Visual Effects, Animation and Motion Graphics
Make it a moving summer! :-)

1. This summer class will focus on the following software packages: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Flash and Autodesk Maya.

2. Estimated amount of time spent on learning and practicing each product. Of course, the products will be integrated together. We will produce a 3D animation using Maya and integrate it into an After Effects production and publish it as Flash video, for example.
1. Autodesk Maya - 2 weeks of the 8 weeks. 25%
2. Adobe Flash - 2 weeks of the 8 weeks. 25%
3. Adobe After Effects - 4 weeks of the 8 weeks. 50% The 2nd four weeks will be the heaviest focus on Adobe After Effects so you can take advantage of the free 30 day trial version and do all your homework at home or on your own laptop at Panera Bread or George Wyth State Park.

One product's animation and graphics concepts and specific skills will help you learn the other product's concepts and techniques.

You will have a very good grasp of Computer Graphics Visual Effects and Animation by utilizing 3 different software applications.

3. There will be two textbooks required for the class. There is so much material online that is superb for Maya that we will not need a textbook for that software application.
   1. After Effects Apprentice, Second Edition by Chris and Trish Meyer. Currently listed at $29.67 as www.amazon.com for the 2nd edition. List price is $44.95. Superb book for learning AE (AE = After Effects) and the book on AE for beginners.

      Reviews:
        'After Effects Apprentice' provides a strong foundation for the aspiring motion graphics designer 
         or visual effects artist. It is an excellent resource to help users get up to speed 
         in After Effects quickly and to maximize their creative expression.
       
      Steve Kilisky, senior product manager, Adobe After Effects.
         
         The Meyers have once again shown their eloquence and expert knowledge of After Effects. 
         It is my opinion that After Effects Apprentice will be the primer for all those 
         who are learning After Effects in production work.
            
      R.Christopher Biggs, special digital effects animator, Walt Disney Imagineering
      

   2. After Effects for Flash | Flash for After Effects: Dynamic Animation and Video with Adobe After Effects CS4 and Adobe Flash CS4 Professional by Richard Harrington and Marcus Geduld

              will be the 2nd textbook for the class.

   Total cost of the two books at amazon.com would be (if choose free shipping): 
      
           $29.67 + $34.64 = $64.31 if the choice for the 2nd book is the Harrington/Geduld book.
   

   

4. Optional textbook: Compositing Visual Effects: Essentials for the Aspiring Artist by Steve Wright.

   You will receive handouts of any pages you need to read from this book, so it isn't necessary to purchase it. It is shown so you get an better idea of what the class will be about beyond the Flash, Maya and After Effects specific packages. It seemed like the Wright thing to do to include it as optional (not required and not even recommended).

   This book is currently listed at $23.07 at www.amazon.com and its retail price is only $35.00.

   Review excerpt about the Wright book:
   
   "...leads the reader through the entire process and techniques used to create blockbuster effects, 
       but makes the journey easy for the layperson. This is a MUST-HAVE book for anyone 
       who wants to know the magic that digital compositing is." 
     
   Jeffrey Jasper, VFX Compositor, New Deal Studio (The Good Shepherd, X-Men 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3)