Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2D Animation

Be a powerhouse in an industry that spans film, TV, video games, AR/VR, and more Illuminate fantastical realms and characters that launch careers, bring joy to fans, and take the world by storm. Named a top animation program in the U.S. year after year by Animation Career Review, SCAD provides every resource to help you develop your signature style in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, digital modeling, rigging, lighting, and look development. As you work with top companies and peers, you’ll become a pro at collaboration — just like in the real world.

Core Principles of 2D Animation

Emerging from the minds of animators, characters transform into moving pieces of art within a 2D world. Students explore the basic principles of animation, with an emphasis on analysis of actions, to develop an understanding of character performance. Combining fundamental drawing techniques with 2D animation methods, students create original moving sequences. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 190.

2D Animation: Character Set-up and Pipeline Creation

To compose a consistent and unique narrative, animators follow a step-by-step storytelling process. Students explore the industry-standard tools of 2D animation used for efficient solutions in today's digital character animation pipeline. Students assess both the aesthetic and technical aspects of character animation with a major emphasis on streamlining the animation process for production. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 202.

2D Animation: Character Performance Essentials

Creating dynamic and engaging scenes, students generate expressive character performances using pantomime and dialogue-driven techniques. Building upon the principles of animation, students utilize creative tools to develop character movements, facial expressions and emotional subtext that lend depth to their performances. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 272.

2D Animation Effects: Mastering the Elements

From billowing smoke to flowing water, students explore the creation and use of 2D digital effects to enhance visual storytelling and heighten the production value of animated films. Through solid design and application of animation principles, students interpret the motion and properties of physical phenomena to add personality and emotional impact to animated effects. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 272.

Collaborative Experiences: 2D Production Pipeline

From screenplay through post-production, students are immersed in the collaborative 2D animation pipeline. In this course, students utilize a variety of animation tools and techniques to tell a compelling story and experience the diverse roles within the animation industry through storyboarding, editing and completion of a short animated film

2D Animation: Digital Production and Compositing

Animators are masters in taking visual elements and transforming them into imaginative, animated scenes. Students advance their production skills and dive deeper into the methods of character setup and world building. Focus is placed on compositing techniques for seamlessly integrating characters into detailed environments.

2D Animation: Expressive Character Acting

Take a deep dive into the personalities and behaviors of animated characters. In this course, students add nuance to their characters through classic animation research and testing techniques. Students produce expressive character acting under professional work dynamics and deadlines.