
Motion Graphic & Animation 1
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Fall 2025 - 2026
Average of 11 - 16 students per section


Student work by James Hayes
Course Overview
A project-based course introducing students to motion design, animation, and visual storytelling through Adobe After Effects and related creative tools. Students develop original animated works while learning industry-inspired production workflows from concept development to final delivery.
The course emphasizes the creation of a portfolio-quality final animation project while providing students with hands-on experience across the entire production pipeline. Through iterative development, critiques, presentations, and mentorship, students learn how professional animation projects evolve from initial concepts into finished works prepared for public presentation and festival submission.

Course Curriculum & Schedule Table




Student work by Sol Fernandez
Course Structure
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15-week studio-based course
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Weekly lectures, screenings, hands-on exercises, and critiques
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Individual and group feedback sessions
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Portfolio-quality final animation project
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One-on-one mentoring throughout the semester
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Professional presentation and project refinement
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Festival submission preparation

Student work by James Hayes
Topics Covered
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Principles of Animation
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Motion Graphics
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Visual Storytelling
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Character Design
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Style Frames & Color Design
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Storyboarding & Animatics
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Typography in Motion
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Creative Process & Project Development
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Professional Presentation Practices
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Portfolio & Festival Preparation
Teaching Materials Sample
Animation Principles with walking cycle example
Student work by Sol Fernandez (above) / James Hayes (below)




Student work by Magnolia Gilson
Professional Production Pipeline
Students developed an original animation project through a complete production workflow modeled after professional animation and motion design practice.
Pre-Production
Students established the conceptual foundation of their projects through research, visual development, and planning.
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Project Proposal
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Character Design
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Style Frames
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Storyboards
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Animatics
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Visual Development Boards




Student work by Charlya Tabansi



Student work by Olivia McBain




Student work by James Hayes

Student work by Sol Fernandez
Production
Students translated ideas into motion through iterative development, technical exercises, and animation production.
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Animation Principles
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Motion Design Techniques
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Draft Development
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First Draft Presentation
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Second Draft Presentation
Student Work Examples
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Animation Tests
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Motion Studies
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Draft Sequences




Student work by Charlya Tabansi

Student work by Rudar Zafar


Student work by William Hodges

Student work by Leo Franco
Post-Production
Students refined and finalized projects through critique, revision, presentation, and preparation for external audiences.
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Progress Reviews
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Final Revisions
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Sound & Finishing
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Final Presentation
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Festival Submission Preparation
Student Work Examples
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Near-Final Edits
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Final Films
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Presentation Materials
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Festival Submission Packages

Student work by Charlya Tabansi
Final Work & Festival Submission
Student work by Rudar Zafar
Student work by William Hodges
Student work by Charlya Tabansi
Student work by Olivia McBain
Student work by James Hayes
Learning Outcomes
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Create original motion design and animation projects
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Apply animation principles and visual storytelling techniques
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Experience a complete professional production pipeline
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Develop and refine projects through multiple rounds of critique
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Strengthen presentation and communication skills
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Produce portfolio-quality animation work
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Prepare creative projects for exhibitions and festival submissions