Higher Certificate in 2D Animation

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in 2D Animation is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, values and professionalism to create 2D animated productions, and be employable in a junior capacity within the entertainment and advertising sectors. The qualification also provides the entry-level cognitive and conceptual tools required for higher education in the field of animation.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in drawing, performance and the 12 principles of animation, together with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to become competent entry-level 2D animators. Learners will also develop strong, visual, verbal and written communication skills and will be able to apply the key terms, principles and techniques of 2D animation using industry standard terminology when justifying their concepts and pitching their designs.

Qualifying learners will have gained experience working independently as well as with others to create storyboards, analyse motion and performance, design and animate characters, and create props and backgrounds. They will have developed confidence in digital as well as traditional drawing using a variety of media. They will also have a foundation and knowledge of the history and context of the animation sector, as well as the principles and elements of design, together with the 12 principles of animation. Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse these principles and theories and apply them when creating animation using a variety of techniques, inclusive of stop frame, cut-out, and tradigital animation. Industry standard software is covered, and extensive time is spent developing the fundamental artistic and technological skills required to create 2D animation.

Learners will have a basic knowledge of the business and professional aspects of the craft, including an overview of animation pipelines, ethics, copyright law, securing employment and the skills needed to create a showreel. They are expected to manage a mini production from pre-production to post-production and will have engaged with animation studios.

This entry-level, vocationally oriented qualification prepares learners for a variety of junior positions within the animation and advertising industries and provides a strong foundation for furthering their higher education studies in animation, graphic design and motion design.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to

• Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information on the history and context of animation, and analyse, synthesise and evaluate findings.
• Apply critical observation skills and demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, drawing principles and techniques when creating artwork using a variety of mediums.
• Select and apply the theories, principles, creative procedures and technical tools to plan and visually communicate engaging stories that are authentic and culturally relevant.
• Discuss and apply the key terms, principles and techniques of 2D animation and use industry standard terminology, workflows and technology to plan, manage, problem solve and create animated productions.

Rationale

2D animation productions are a cost-effective and efficient medium for visually communicating stories for entertainment, education and advertising. The South African animation industry has flourished over the last ten years, and the sector has expressed a current and future need for suitably skilled 2D animation artists with strong creative and technical skills, who can contribute creatively to the economy.

Learners who are awarded this qualification are qualified to work within the animation industry as an entry-level concept artist, storyboard artist and 2D Animator; and may be employed to contribute to 2D series, feature films, short films, explainer videos, music videos and advertisements. This qualification also provides a strong foundation for learners who wish to further their studies in higher education and provides a foundational qualification for those wishing to enter diploma and degree qualifications in 3D animation, gaming, visual effects and motion design.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

If an applicant has not completed an NCS with exemption to the qualification being applied for (Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree) or its equivalent but has suitable workplace experience and is of a mature age (23), they may apply for access to a higher education qualification offered by the institution.

RPL for exemption

If an applicant has relevant and sufficient workplace experience and is of a mature age (23) may apply to be exempt from courses within a higher education qualification offered by the institution. Applicants may be exempted from up to 50% of the total credits of any learning qualification offered by the Animation School. Credits are not awarded for the courses that a learner is exempted from completing on the basis of RPL. A candidate will not be required to complete additional courses to make up for the number of credits required for the relevant qualification. A maximum of 10% of a cohort of learners may be admitted through recognition of prior learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Animation history and context, 12 Credits.
• Drawing for Animation, 24 Credits.
• Visual story, 36 Credits.
• 2D Animation, 42 Credits.
• Professional Studies, 6 Credits.

1. Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information on the history and context of animation, and analyse, synthesise and evaluate findings.
2. Apply critical observation skills and demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, drawing principles and techniques when creating artwork using a variety of mediums.
3. Select and apply the theories, principles, creative procedures and technical tools to plan and visually communicate engaging stories that are authentic and culturally relevant.
4. Discuss and apply the key terms, principles and techniques of 2D animation and use industry standard terminology, workflows and technology to plan, manage, problem solve and create animated productions.
5. Explain the role and possible specialisations of a 2D animator and the professional, legal and ethical considerations associated with the profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select, apply and correctly reference a range of reliable and valid sources of information to substantiate points of view.
• Assess the role and influence of historical figures within animation and related fields.
• Discuss the creative and technological developments of animation.
• Discuss the impact of social, economic and cultural influences on the animation industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply observation skills and use a range of mediums, techniques and methods to convincingly represent the subject
• Apply knowledge of anatomy when creating anatomically accurate form using line and shape.
• Accurately apply the principles of perspective, scale and proportion.
• Create appealing stylised designs through the abstraction and exaggeration of shape and form.
• Use a line of action to communicate intent and emotion in gesture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse context, colour theory and composition and apply them to effectively communicate mood and narrative.
• Design appealing and convincing sets and props that effectively incorporate the principles of composition, perspective and colour, using a range of media and techniques.
• Design appealing and believable characters that reflect the integration of visual narrative, graphic clarity and design principles.
• Select and use sound, music and dialogue to enhance narrative.
• Analyse narrative when creating storyboards and 2D animatics to communicate the intended story.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Plan and manage a 2D animation production using appropriate pipelines and workflows within given timeframes.
• Evaluate performance requirements and film suitable reference material.
• Select, assess, and apply the principles of animation to a range of 2D animation techniques.
• Evaluate narrative and create convincing character performance through pairing appropriate and appealing poses with selected audio cues
• Use appropriate software to edit and export the deliverables in the required format.
• Produce a 2D animated mini production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critically review the possible career options and write a cover letter for a preferred position.
• Assess personal strengths and produce a demo reel that showcases personal skill set.
• Create a curriculum vitae.
• Discuss the legal and ethical considerations within the field of animation.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The assessment strategy adopts an integrated assessment approach which evaluates learners' ability to integrate and apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills when completing an assessment. Integrated assessments may assess a number of learning outcomes together and may assess a number of modules as well as use a variety of assessment instruments to assess the outcome(s). The 2D Animation Mini Production and the Demo reel are two examples of integrated assessments within the programme. This aligns with the institution's goal of assessing students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment (assessment for learning) serves primarily to enhance the learners' learning process by giving them the opportunity to develop the relevant knowledge, skills and values of the discipline and may be used by the lecturer to gauge learners' understanding and progress.

The main intent of formative assessment is to gather insight about student learning, to track learner progress and inform instruction. Its fundamental purpose is to estimate students' level of achievement to enhance student learning during the assessment process. Formative assessment events are included in the form of Milestone Reviews and Interim Deadlines for each assessment. Learners do not receive marks for formative assessment events, but they do receive detailed feedback, which can be applied to improve their work.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment (assessment of learning) serves to inform decisions and judgments about learners' achievements for a specific course and/ or certification. All summative assessments are submitted to and graded on the learning management system.