Author: Alexis Raya

Core Classes

This year’s courses take animation and VFX to the next level, introducing more complex workflows and industry tools. Key classes include Basic Portfolio (ANIM146) which focuses on the basics of portfolio creation, editing, and presentation while examining portfolio examples of current professionals in various industry roles that can serve as models for student portfolio development. Previsualization for Animated Production (ANIM155) covers the all-important design and planning process that takes place before embarking on the production of an animation or visual effects piece. In this course, student will learn and practice the creation, motivation and use of pre-production plans, concept art, mood boards, shot storyboarding, animatics, performance reference and other topics integral to the previsualization process. Animation (ANIM212) builds on topics introduced in ANIM 211 (Animation I), incorporating advanced animation techniques such as inverse kinematics and dynamics. Requires students to propose, design, and produce a short animation. Digital Compositing (ANIM220) examines digital compositing possibilities through the manipulation and recombination of acquired and produced digital imagery, including study of digital image and video formats, color space, live action digital matte painting, Greenscreen/Bluescreen compositing, rotoscope masking and 2D tracking.

Skills You’ll Learn

Sophomore year deepens understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of animation and VFX, including Character Performance Animation – Making characters act, express emotions, and react realistically, 3D Asset Creation – Modeling, sculpting, and texturing objects and characters, Rigging & Skinning – Setting up bones and controls to prepare characters for movement, and Visual Effects & Compositing – Integrating 3D elements with live-action footage, green screens, and effects.

Projects & Challenges

This year involves more complex projects that mimic real industry workflows. Students work on Animated Character Scenes – Creating short clips that emphasize acting and body mechanics, 3D Environment & Asset Development – Designing detailed game or animation-ready assets, Rigging a Full Character – Preparing a 3D character with proper joints and movement controls, and VFX Shot Composition – Integrating CGI with live-action footage using After Effects and Nuke. A major challenge in sophomore year is time management—animation and VFX require detailed work, and rendering times can be long! Learning how to optimize workflow and meet deadlines is essential.

Tips for Success: Focus on fundamentals. Animation is about movement and storytelling, not just flashy visuals. Get comfortable with software. Learn Maya, ZBrush, After Effects, Nuke, and Substance Painter. Plan ahead. Rendering can take hours—avoid last-minute submissions! Start building your portfolio. Collect your best work and document your creative process.

Starting freshman year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is an exciting step into the world of digital storytelling, animation, and motion graphics. This first year is all about learning the fundamentals, exploring different animation techniques, and getting hands-on experience with industry-standard tools. Whether you’re interested in 2D animation, 3D modeling, or VFX, freshman year sets the foundation for a creative and technical journey ahead.

Freshman-year coursework introduces students to essential animation principles and software while also incorporating general art and design fundamentals. Freshman year provides the foundation for future courses in character animation, visual effects, and advanced 3D modeling. Sophomore year will bring more complex projects, deeper exploration of animation techniques, and opportunities to specialize in different areas of ANFX.

Core Classes

Freshman-year coursework introduces students to essential animation principles and software while also incorporating general art and design fundamentals. Key classes include:

• Digital Imaging for Animation & VFX (ANIM110): Covers image acquisition, lighting, and processing techniques used in the animation and VFX fields.
• Computer Graphics Imagery (ANIM140): Focuses on representing 3D objects and spaces in 2D using both traditional drawing and digital tools—foundational for 3D modeling and animation.
• History of Animation (ANIM215): Explores the evolution of animation from early techniques to modern digital approaches in both 2D and 3D.
• Animation (ANIM211): Introduces concepts of 3D animation, narrative structure, storyboarding, and the creation of short animations in timeline-based software.

Skills You’ll Learn

• Animation Principles: Movement, timing, and weight for lifelike motion
• 2D & 3D Design: Digital painting, character creation, and environments
• Basic Rigging & Modeling: Creating and prepping characters for animation
• Storyboarding & Visual Storytelling: Sketch-based planning and narrative development

Projects & Challenges

Freshman-year projects focus on applying learned techniques through short animation exercises. Typical assignments include:

• Bouncing Ball Animation: A classic exercise to master timing and squash & stretch principles
• Walk Cycle Animation: Bringing a character to life through realistic movement
• 3D Object Modeling: Creating simple models like a chair or vehicle to practice form and texturing
• Storyboard Sequence: Planning visual narratives through a short illustrated sequence

One of the biggest challenges for ANFX students is adapting to the technical side of animation. Learning new software and troubleshooting can be daunting, but persistence and practice pay off.

Tips for Success:

• Draw frequently—even if you work digitally. Strong drawing skills help across all animation forms.
• Master key software tools like Photoshop, Maya, and After Effects.
• Observe real-life movement. Study how people and objects move to create believable animation.
• Experiment with storytelling. Great animation is rooted in compelling narratives.