The Digital Illustration & Animation course will develop the creative and technical skills you need to make your original ideas a reality. Cutting edge programmes and the latest technology will enable you to have the freedom and tools to discover your own personal style, understand character development, and explore the context of digital narrative.
You will create live projects for clients such as magazine illustrations, animated content suitable for social media and advertising, alongside storyboards and themed short films.
The Industry
There are more than 2 million (2,008,000) jobs in the creative industries. Creative jobs have increased by 28.6% since 2011.
UK labour market projections show that the rate of growth for creative occupations will be more than double the average job growth across the whole UK economy between now and 2024.
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Entry Criteria
4 GCSEs (A*-C/9-4) including English or maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 Diploma, and a portfolio work.
Don't meet the grades? Take a look at the Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design for a solid understanding of key areas - you will be able to progress to the Level 3 upon successful completion.
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What will I study?
In your first year of study, you’ll be given the freedom to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques. You will learn the fundaments of illustration & animation software, whilst also developing your knowledge of the industry you’re about to enter. You are encouraged to adopt an open-minded approach to your work, to creativity and to problem solving as you study the following subject areas:
Phase 1: Introduction
• Introduction to visual language in Illustration & Animation
• Introduction to research skills
• Introduction to critical and contextual awareness
• Introduction to materials, processes and technical skillsPhase 2: Working to a client brief
• An integrated approach to 2D problem solving in digital illustration
• An integrated approach to 3D problem solving in art
• An integrated approach to time-based problem solving in animationPhase 3: Final Major Project
• Developing a digital illustration and/or animation project
• What next? Preparing for your future in the industryIn your second year you’ll specialise in Digital Illustration and Animation techniques. You’ll study the following units:
Phase 1: Cultural awareness
• Characteristics and contexts in Digital Illustration and Animation – develop a deeper understanding and explore the potential of your industryPhase 2: Next steps: Making your dream a reality
• Preparation for progression in Digital Illustration and AnimationPhase 3: Working to a real client brief
• Engaging with an audience in Digital Illustration and AnimationPhase 4: Final Major project
• Project proposal and realisation in Digital Illustration and AnimationConcentrating on the skills needed for your chosen field, you will develop a portfolio of work aimed at helping you find employment or a place at university. Visits to galleries and museums will grow your artistic appreciation and you’ll develop your confidence in communicating ideas and opinions around creativity.
You will study towards the Level 3 Diploma (90 credits) in your first year, and progress on to the Extended Diploma (180 credits) in your second year.
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Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of this course you'll be equipped with the UCAS points to take the step onto a degree at University. Choose to study a course from the following areas; Illustration, Amination or Games Design.
If considering an apprenticeship, you could seek to gain one in the following areas; Junior content creator, Digital marketer, VFX technical assistant, Junior 2D artist.
Career opportunities are broad, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to start working for an agency or build your portfolio as a freelance artist. Opportunities span working in an amination studio, CGI and model-making, freelance illustration or even work as a digital marketing consultant/content creator.