ba (hons) animation
TRANSCRIPT
BA (Hons) Animation
Welcome to UCAStarting university is a big moment – congratulations! By joining UCA, you’ve chosen an exciting and rewarding path.
As you join our community of students, artists and academics, you’ll explore how you can use your talent to shape the future of the world around you, and design a career that inspires you.
Our university is a place for the bold, the curious, the extraordinary - as you’ll see for yourself when you meet your lecturers, technicians and classmates. On your course, you can expect to learn from practicing artists, innovators and researchers, collaborate with students across different creative disciplines, and make connections with industry leaders.
At the end of it all, you’ll graduate with the skills and experience you need to build a successful career doing what you love, in a way that makes a difference.
We believe the world needs more people like you, and we’re delighted to have you with us.
Make your mark. Make it here.
Welcome!Welcome to BA (Hons) Animation at UCA Farnham. We’re excited to welcome you to our community.
We hope you enjoy your time with us and are ready to get started on your creative journey.
In this guide, you’ll find essential contact information for your course and central administration teams, your reading list, details of any trips and visits that are relevant to you, and a list of the equipment you’ll need in the coming weeks and months.
See you soon!
Lesley Adams
Lesley Adams Course Leader
01252 892817
Campus Registry Office
01252 892834
Course Welcome
Your Team
Lesley AdamslCourse Leader
– design.tutsplus.com/articles/i-want-to-draw-simpleexercises-for-complete- beginners--vector-20583
– howtodraw.pencilportraitsbyloupemberton.co.uk/step-bystep-drawing-tutorial/ pencil-drawing-techniques
– thedrawingwebsite.com/beginners-drawing
Trips and Visits
In the past, the course has made trips to Manchester and Bradford.
Although they are not compulsory, there is a charge for students to join these trips.
The Bradford trip cost £315 for travel and hotel.
Some field trips within the UK are sometimes free, but you are likely to be expected to pay the cost of travel associated with these field trips, such as traveling to London for an exhibition, or going on a studio visit.
Reading List
Useful websites:
Before you arrive, we recommend you source the following tools:
– Sketch book, pens and pencils
– A hard drive for storing your work, as you’ll be expected to archive your own work throughout the course. We stronglyrecommend you get yourself a 1Tb drive
– An Intuos ‘Pen & Touch’ graphics tablet– these will work with the drivers we haveinstalled on campus.
Equipment List
Summer Project Brief
Drawing is an essential skill to develop. It’s the quickest and easiest way to communicate your ideas, better than words ever can. In your first year with us you will continue to develop this skill, and this is why we want to start you off with this summer project, as it will lead you in to your first practical units in animation.
We want you to keep a sketchbook for a three-week period, and fill at least one page a day (you may have more than one drawing on one page) and put the dates on the drawings. Bring your sketchbooks into University in the first week.
The kind of sketchbook that you use is up to you, but here are some guidelines we would like you to consider:
• The size of your sketchbook should be small enough to carry around without weighing you down too much, but not so small as to cramp your drawing style.
• Use soft pencils - 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B. These will give you a strong, bold line.• Pay particular attention to the contour and shape (negative and positive)
and remember to spend more time looking at the thing you are drawing and not at the paper.
• Spend some of the time ‘drawing blind’ by drawing without looking at the paper.
• Don’t be too tentative - make definite marks but make them with sensitivity. Do not erase but just re-state the line.
• Don’t tear out what you consider to be ‘unsuccessful’ drawings. The sketchbook is a record of your drawing progress and individual drawings are less important than the overall development.
• Keep the sketchbook for observational work only. Do not include drawings from your imagination, shopping lists, doodles etc.
Sketchbook Drawing
The importance of drawing in a creative field like animation cannot be over-emphasised.
You will be working in the
field of visual communication, drawing storyboards, character designs and the like, so it is important to improve your drawing skills.
The best way to improve your drawing is to use sketchbooks for observational drawing. This means drawing in the real world, rather than drawing from imagination or photographs or other people’s work.
The first thing to say about observational drawing is that there is a conflict between what we know and what we see. The way to get over this is to regard drawing as a process of drawing lines – an activity - and not of drawing things.
Draw as if you know nothing and you’re just recording what your eye sees. The main problem that people have in starting drawing is that they spend too much time looking at the picture that they are drawing and not enough time at the object. They are not really observing, and are simply making up what they think is there.
Here are a few rules to follow when you start drawing:
Do not make excuses.
Do not tell yourself that you can’t draw – you’re simply letting yourself off the hook. Drawing is a difficult skill to master and requires many hours of practice. Apply the same process as you would to any skill that you’re trying to succeed in, such as learning a musical instrument, typing or driving a car. All these things require you to practice, as does drawing. It is not the preserve of ‘people who can draw’.
Do not draw from photographs.
A lot of people can acquire a superficial skill in copying from photographs. This is not really observational drawing because you are reproducing the surface and a lot of the decisions have already been taken for you. The same thing applies to copying other people’s artwork. In any school in the country there are any number of children who can replicate the look of Manga artwork but again, this isn’t really drawing.
Try to draw every day.
Get into the habit of getting yourself to do some observational drawing every day until it becomes a habit. Your work is much less likely to improve if it’s carried on in a sporadic way.
The way of drawing from observation is: look at the object you’re drawing, taking a careful note of its shape and contour; keep hold of that contour or shape in your mind and draw it whilst it’s still fresh in your mind.
Drawing Subjects.
You should take your sketchbook with you every day and not just on special drawing trips. In any spare time that you have, such as waiting for a train or a bus, get your sketchbook out. Places that you might draw include:
• Bus station• Train station• Shopping mall• Park• Town centre• Cafe• Beach• Zoo
These are the sorts of places where you will see many things to draw, such as people, animals, buildings, trees etc. Get into the habit of drawing people and animals. Do not worry about them moving; draw quickly and try to get down the essential information. Date the drawings and try to do a page a day for a three-week period. If you are unable to get out on some days for any reason, here are a few suggestions for things that you might draw indoors:
• The Hand. Using your non-drawing hand as a model, make a drawing of it using only lines. Try to get the hand that you are drawing into an interesting shape, and make sure that you are in a relaxed position.
• Shoes. Find a pair of interesting shoes or boots (old trainers or walking boots, for example) and make a drawing of them.
• Self-portrait. Using a mirror, make a drawing of you. It should be of your upper body ,and should also show the environment behind you.
• A friend or member of your family.• Object. Make a drawing of a fairly complicated object. Choose one from this
list:
• Guitar• Bicycle• Violin• Folding chair• Trumpet• Room interior
These are just general suggestions; feel free to draw other things – as long as they are observational drawings from life.
Explore UCA Farnham
Meet our campus community
I love UCA Farnham because... “Being a student at UCA is amazing, it’s like a big creative family. The opportunities and the facilities are incredible.”
I love UCA Farnham because... “The thing I like the most at Farnham is the people! I love working with students in workshops and recording sessions.”
Abigail Marsh – BA (Hons) Jewellery & Silversmithing
Vangelis Katsinas – Tutor technician, Sound Production
by Katie Hinton
My top spots
A student’s guide to… Farnham
As an international student who arrived in the UK completely unfamiliar with Farnham, I have found it to be the most friendly and welcoming place.
The campus might seem like a bit of a labyrinth at first, but you get used to it and it’s astonishing to see just how many incredible facilities it has, even for really niche subjects.
Farnham town centre is right on the doorstep, and I love its community vibe. There’s always something going on, and for me it’s just the right balance between a big city and my home (a rural town). Alongside the friendliness of everyone at UCA, that has really helped me feel settled.
Farnham CastleThere’s so much green space to explore in Farnham, whether it’s walking along the river or going to the Castle, where I love to do my sketches when the weather is nice.
The MaltingsThis is a great arts venue and there’s always something going on for you to enjoy or take part in. I really recommend it.
New Ashgate Gallery It’s free to get in here and they have about 20 different exhibitions going on through the year. I pop in when I can to see what’s on.
Tasty House I always end up getting some Chinese takeaway here when I go into London, as it’s right by the train station. It’s really good food, reasonably priced and it comes in reusable packaging, which is great.
The Wheatsheaf This is the pub that me and my coursemates go to every once in a while. It’s got a really nice atmosphere, and lots of choice when it comes to food and drink.
“ I love the community vibe of Farnham. There’s always something going on – it’s the most friendly and welcoming place.”
Lion & Lamb Yard Lion & Lamb Yard
New Ashgate Gallery
Gostrey Meadows
What could you create?
During your time with us, you’ll build your skills and hone your talents to produce some incredible work. Here are a few highlights created by recent graduates…
Malik Nieto ArtsIssey Hennessy
Sophie Lou
Becky Stapley
Anastasija Strelcova
Our graduates are forging stellar careers in fields from Fashion to Film, Architecture to Craft, Business to Games Design. We caught up with a few to find out more about their successes, and how they made the most the most of the UCA experience…
Phoebe Fox
BA (Hons) Music Marketing and Promotion, 2019Soon after completing her degree, Phoebe was touring the world photographing the likes of The Amazons and Anne Marie – a journey that began while she was still a student.
“I contacted small bands I liked to ask for photo passes to their London gigs, and used the UCA equipment to build a portfolio,” she explains.
“I spent three years balancing touring, festivals, shows and portraits with university commitments. The UCA lecturers were incredibly supportive. After I handed in my final major project, I went home to pack and got straight on a tour bus with Anne Marie.”
Tihara Smith
BA (Hons) Fashion, 2018Fashion graduate Tihara Smith’s final degree project - a collection inspired by her grandparents’ experiences as part of the Windrush Generation – set her up for career success.
“I wanted to highlight the positive contribution of the Windrush Generation and celebrate the islands of the Caribbean,” she says.
After graduating, Tihara widened her range and started selling it online and at festivals, markets and wedding fairs, and it proved so popular that she now runs her business full-time. “It’s been really exciting to see it grow,” she says. “I think some of the best collections are created from real stories that are personal to the creator.”
Where could your talent take you?
Phoebe Fox, photographed by Vendy Palkovicova. Tihara Smith. Picture by Kayleigh Pace.
Will McGregor
BA (Hons) Film & Digital Art, 2010Will has amassed credits directing episodes of cult drama Misfits, period saga Poldark, his first feature film, Gwen, and an episode of His Dark Materials.
“Space, time and support to make my own work was the greatest gift UCA gave me,” he says. “The campus felt like an incubator for creativity; all these creative individuals in one place, with access to kit and exposure to new ideas.”
“Make the most of that opportunity to make work and meet people, and make sure you get your work out there – enter all the student festivals and competitions you can!”
Hannah Bamgbala
BA (Hons) Fashion, Media and Promotion, 2020Hannah Bamgbala’s final degree work was inspired by her sister, Mercy, who has Down’s Syndrome and a serious eye for fashion.
Hannah’s Young, Kool and African website focused on bringing greater diversity to fashion and the media, and she’s gone on to work with the Down’s Syndrome Association to make sure that people of all ethnicities are better represented in their campaigns.
“If you have Down’s Syndrome and are Black — or from another ethnic minority background — there is no one visible for you and your family to relate to,” says Hannah. “That has to change.”
Will McGregor on set
Hannah Bamgbala and her sister, Mercy.
Jamie Windust
Lucy Noble
World Health Sanitation Box ©George Stoneham
Lucy Noble
BA (Hons) Film Production, 2014Lucy has worked as a script supervisor on films including Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, hit series Devs, Elton John musical Rocketman and Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One.
“I dabbled with script supervision throughout my degree,” says Lucy. “I reached out to script supervisors working professionally, asking for the chance to shadow them on set. All that time in the UCA film studio was useful, too – definitely get in there and practice in that arena, where you have a huge amount of control; it’s something you won’t always get when working on location.”
George Stoneham
BA (Hons) Architecture (ARB/RIBA part 1), 2020George caught the eye of the RIBA Rethink 2025 judges, securing a place on the prestigious award’s longlist with an idea to turn former telephone and police boxes into “sanitation stations” that allow people to sanitise themselves on the go.
“While designing the Sanitation Box, I realised how much our world will have to change to design clean and healthy architecture,” he says. “We need to break down compact cities like London and design new, expansive cities with more green spaces, fewer cars, and buildings that flow better.”
Jamie Windust
BA (Hons) Fashion Management and Marketing, 2018Since graduating, Jamie Windust has become a champion for LGBTQIA+ issues in the fashion industry and beyond. They are a magazine editor, a writer for Gay Times and Metro UK, a signed model and a consultant helping brands such as UGG and ASOS to better represent and impact queer identities.
“I discovered my sense of self at university, and I don’t think I would’ve been able to do that in such an affirming and positive way if I wasn’t at UCA,” says Jamie.
“In my final year, I got to apply everything I’d learned to starting a business I feel passionate about. It’s a great space for people to launch real, tangible brands.”
Need to knows
Getting hereOur address is:
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How to get hereFor information on parking, directions and how to reach us by car, rail, air, please visit: uca.ac.uk/contact-us
Planning your journey - Useful links
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nationalexpress.com (coach travel)
COVID security We want you to have the best university experience possible, and part of that is about feeling safe while you’re here. For more information about the safety measures we’ve put in place, visit uca.ac.uk/coronavirus
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Course Enrolment & Induction Teaching begins
BA, BSc and MArch 20 - 24 September 27 September
Postgraduate 20 - 24 September 27 September
International Foundation (Autumn start) 20 September – 1 October 4 October
Christmas Break 2021 Easter Break 2022 2021-2022 year ends
20 Dec 2021 - 7 Jan 2022 4 Apr 2022 - 22 Apr 2022
10 Jun 2022 (BA, BSc & MArch)
13 May 2022 (International Foundation)
Enrolment and inductionEnrolment officially makes you a UCA student, and induction covers how to make the most of our facilities, libraries, IT and student services. You’ll receive an email with details of when and how to take part.
Vacation dates
Key dates
We have begun an exciting project and a new chapter in our 160-year history. From 2022, we’ll be establishing world-leading Centres of Excellence to bring like-minded students and academics together around their shared passion for creative subjects.
As we focus on growing as a global creative university, we will be stepping back from Further Education from September 2023. However, all Further Education students joining us in 2021 will finish their courses with us, as usual.
A new chapter for UCA
International student task list
If you’re an international student and you’re coming to the UK to study with us, then there are a few things you need to do along the way.
Follow the steps below – not all of them will apply to you, but make sure you check them all, just in case.
1) Before you leave home:
□ Arrange your visa to study in the UK (if required)
□ Arrange your accommodation.
□ Book your airport pick up to take you to your accommodation.
□ Complete your online enrolment. You will be notified by Admissions when this is available to complete.
□ Pack all of the original documents that you have used when completing your online enrolment in your carry-on luggage (including academic and English qualifications). These may be requested at Immigration.
□ Read this information on the cost of living in the UK (if you need any further information, please contact your campus Specialist Adviser).
2) When you arrive in the UK:
□ Collect your BRP card (only if you require a visa).
□ Register at the local police station (not all nationalities are required to do this – please click here for additional information).
□ Register with a local Doctor (GP).
□ You will need to provide all of the original documents that you brought to the UK with you at your physical enrolment. You will not be able to fully enrol on your course without them.
3) Once you have completed your physical enrolment:
□ Apply for your council tax letter (available via MyUCA once you are fully enrolled).
□ Apply for your Bank letter to open your local UK bank account (available via MyUCA once you are fully enrolled).
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Connect with us
Course Title: BA (Hons) Animation
Programme Director: Lesley Adams
We would like to reassure our students that we are committed to delivering a face to face experience for 2021/22 and we are hoping that 2021/22 will be a year when our students can return to all of our campuses. However, we are aware that changes to our delivery may continue to be required in response to public health advice and as a result of any ongoing Coronavirus measures. We have prepared this information to let you know how your course may be adapted based on changes that were implemented during 2020/21, as a result of Government advice.
We are not planning on making any changes to your course or unit aims, learning outcomes, or assessment methods, under any of our delivery scenarios.
Scenario 1 – Social Distancing rules are continued/re-introduced as a result of public health advice for the 2021/22 academic year:
Changes to learning spaces
• Our priority as a university is to deliver our teaching on campus. This may be insocially distanced face-to-face tutorials, group seminars and workshops.
• We will adapt the layouts of our classrooms, workshops and studios so you canhave safe access to these and other specialist facilities, taking social distancingmeasures into account and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whereneeded.
Timetabling
• We will adapt the scheduling of classes to limit the number of students on campusat any one time
• We will adopt the ‘bubble’ principle: meaning you will be taught in smaller groupsto enable social distancing, and have as little physical contact with other groups aspossible
• We will plan the scheduling of your classes so you can transition between themsafely and make the lowest possible number of trips to and from campus eachweek.
Contact time
• We will not change our approach to contact time and scheduled delivery, this willstill take place as published in our Programme Specifications and unit descriptors.However, some of this contact time may take place in a different way in order toenable social distancing to be implemented and to prioritise students’ access tofacilities and workshops. This will mean moving some of the larger scale activitiessuch as lectures and seminars online. Wherever possible, face-to-face interactionwill be prioritised.
Online learning • In the case of social distancing, where practical, we will also put our lectures,
classes and seminars online so that you can still access them if you are self-isolating, shielding, or unable to come to the UK. Online support will not replaceface-to-face tutorials wherever they are possible to be held.
Teaching during COVID-19
Wellbeing & support
• Personal development is embedded within all the academic tutorials with your tutor, where they’ll talk through your progress and check on your wellbeing. They will also offer online sessions when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible.
• You’ll have access to a full range of specialist advisors who will offer online sessions when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible.
• All our plans take vulnerable learners and students with additional learning requirements into account – we’re making sure we can deliver learning safely to all our students, whether that means accessing teaching on campus, or online.
Industry links
• We will continue to host visiting lectures, industry projects, and networking events either face-to-face or through online learning.
Assessments • Where possible, assessments such as critiques and presentations will be assessed
in person to support your professional development. Assessments such as animation and essay briefs will continue to be assessed/submitted online. If you’ve been personally affected by Coronavirus, your assessments will take that into account and make sure you aren’t disadvantaged by it.
Equipment & resources • We’ve developed new library systems and cleaning processes for loans and
equipment hire to make sure you can borrow what you need safely.• We’ll offer IT equipment loans to our students who need them most.• As soon as Government advice permits, we will provide as much physical access to
our libraries as we can to ensure that you have access to our physical and digital collections, but are able to observe social distancing for you own safety and that of others.
Scenario 2 – a further lockdown is implemented by Government
During the 2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years we introduced a number of emergency measures that included:
• Moving learning and assessment online• Looking at prior activity with a view to ensuring that learning outcomes are covered
somewhere within the year of study and adjusting assessment tasks accordingly• Providing alternative assessment approaches where the original assessment style is
not deliverable or appropriate.• Providing extensions for units where necessary for the learning and for individual
students if their circumstances require it• Where the University is not the awarding body, following the validators’ exacting
requirements for predicted and other grades so that students receive a final outcome commensurate with effort and aptitude
These measures would be re-introduced if necessary, but only for the period covered by the lockdown, with a return to scenario 1 as soon as is safe and practical to do so.
Adapting to your feedback
• We’ll continue to work with you to find out how you’re feeling about the new measures.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work with teaching staff to adapt and improve the way we deliver your course in line with public health guidelines.