This module explores 3D dimensional awareness in representing the figure from a special understanding of form.
There will be a series of workshops exploring the relationship of the human form in space, volumetric structure and how this may be applied to practice in animation production.
There will be a set of contextual lectures on Sculpting, Anthropomorphism in relationship to sculpture and animation, Character design, Caricaturing, the Role of Sculpting and Digitising in the Animation Industry today.
You will receive Health and Safety training for the necessary 3D workshops.
You will be introduced to a range of sculpture and character modeling methods to support your development as an animator primarily in the field of 3D animation and Stop motion.
You will undertake exercises in character modeling, life sculpture and anatomical studies of human muscle structure and skeletons.
You will explore human volume in a variety of 3D physical media, and demonstrate an understanding of weight, in a range of dynamic actions.
Using the principles learned from observational study you will create standing characters in modelling clay and a character head . One piece will be chosen for computer digitising.
You will create a caricature head using computer based sculpting programs.

Course work will contain the following components:

Show evidence of sculpture which demonstrates close observation of volume and pose [Learning Outcome 1, 2]
Show clear evidence of modelling development and ability to express animated gesture in physical materials [Learning Outcomes 2,3]
Investigate how the use of sculpture can streamline and enhance the process of digital modelling [Learning Outcomes 4]

There MUST be a complete submission of the following components for this module.

A digital portfolio containing evidence of research, design and execution of:

Production of 3 three dimensional wire and clay life model studies which describe both volume and weight. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2)

Set of original design drawings for production of several sculptures of self designed characters, a dynamic clothed human, an anthropomorphized figure, a quadruped animal and a caricatured celebrity head and images of all final sculpts.
( Learning Outcomes 3,4)

Studio learning takes place in timetabled sessions with academic staff who introduce key contextual and practice based lectures focused on the
development of sculpture for animation in a range of materials.
Through these initial lectures you will gain an understanding of the core concepts, theory regarding the importance of the human figure in animation production.
Independent study will form the majority of time spent "answering the brief" through evidence of character research, preparation drawings, studio strategy and application of methods and processes necessary for completion of an appropriate response to the assignments.
Specific studio sessions will involve digitising sculpted models into a CGI environment for further development.

Seminars and group Critiques support your studio practice through formative evaluation and will take place at critical points of the semester to review working progress.
Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module where portfolios will be presented for final assessment
There will be two designated tutorials set up to enable students to discuss their work individually with key members of delivery staff.

Tom Brierton Stop-Motion Puppet Sculpting: A Manual of Foam Injection, Build-Up and Finishing Techniques (Paperback) by Publisher: McFarland & Company (July 2004)
Tom Brierton Stop-Motion Armature Machining: A Construction Manual (Paperback) Publisher: McFarland & Company (March 5, 2002)
Stephanie Reese Clay Sculpting for Digital Media (Paperback) by Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (June 9, 2000)
Susannah Shaw Stop Motion, Craft Skills for Model Animation, Focal Press 2004
Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life by Ray Harryhausen, Tony Dalton Publisher: Watson-Guptill Pubns; (March 1, 2004)

Life-sculpting room.
3D digital scanner.
Drawing studio.
3D Workshops.
The Blackboard virtual leanring enivironment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.