KNB315 Advanced Animation Practice

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Animation has a long tradition of innovation driven by experimentation and creative exploration. In this unit, you will create an original animated work through independent practice, building on the production experience gained in earlier units. You will apply the skills and knowledge developed throughout the course to refine a focused area of specialisation, shaping your own creative direction and approach to animation. While you may work within a broader project or collaborative context, the emphasis is on your individual contribution, authorship and the development of your own practice. The unit supports experimentation while consolidating professional workflows and production methods. You will produce a substantial body of work that demonstrates both your technical capability and capacity to operate as an independent practitioner while also preparing you for entry into the animation industry.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Research, evaluate and apply animation methodologies, techniques and contexts to develop a specialised area of animation practice.
2. Produce an original animated work that demonstrates the integration of motion, character, environment and performance within a chosen area of specialisation.
3. Demonstrate independent creative authorship, initiative and professionalism in the planning, development and delivery of animation projects.
4. Apply advanced problem-solving and iterative development processes to refine animation work in response to technical, creative and conceptual challenges.
5. Critically reflect on creative processes and outcomes, and present a cohesive body of work suitable for professional portfolio or further research contexts.

Content

Learning Approaches

Learning is facilitated through lectures and studio-based sessions within a simulated animation production environment. Lectures introduce key theoretical and contextual frameworks related to contemporary animation practice, including production workflows, specialisation and professional approaches to animation.

Studio sessions focus on the development of an individual animation project, where you will apply production methodologies through planning, experimentation, iteration and refinement. While the unit emphasises independent practice and the development of your own creative direction, you may work within a broader collaborative context and engage with shared production processes.

The unit emphasises practice-led learning, where you will present work-in-progress for critique and participate in discussions that support the development of your project. Feedback and iteration are central to refining your animation and producing a portfolio-ready outcome.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways: 

• formative feedback on your progress in this unit during studios by participating in regular reviews and critiques with academics and peers
• summative feedback emanating from assessed work
• discussions and commentary throughout the semester in addition to criteria sheets for grading.

Assessment

Overview

In this unit, you will develop and produce an original animated work through independent practice within a studio-based production environment. The three assessments are designed to support the progression of your project from initial research and planning through to production and final delivery.

In the first assessment, you will establish your area of animation focus by researching key practitioners, works, and production approaches. You will define your creative direction and outline a clear development plan that guides your project across the semester.

The second assessment focuses on your ongoing engagement in studio practice. Throughout the unit, you will participate in production meetings, present work-in-progress, contribute to critiques, and respond to feedback. This assessment reflects your commitment to iterative development, problem-solving, and active participation in the studio environment.

In the final assessment, you will produce a completed animated work that demonstrates your chosen area of specialisation. This major project integrates the creative, technical, and conceptual skills developed throughout the course, resulting in a cohesive, portfolio-ready outcome.

Across the semester, you will receive formative feedback through studio workshops, critiques, and reviews, supporting the refinement of your work and the development of professional animation practices.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Animation Focus and Development Plan

In this assessment, you will research and define your chosen area of animation focus for the unit. You will investigate key practitioners, animation works, critical texts and production approaches that inform this area of practice. Drawing on these references, you will outline the animation techniques, creative direction and production methods you intend to explore. The document should clearly frame your area of animation focus and explain the strategy you will use to develop and apply these skills during the unit.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Assessment: Studio Practice and Production Engagement

Throughout the semester, you will participate in in-class studio activities that support the development of your animation project. This includes attending production meetings, presenting work-in-progress for critique, contributing to group discussions, and actively participating in studio sessions during scheduled class time. Participation reflects your in-class engagement with the production process, your responsiveness to feedback and your commitment to refining your animation work through iterative development. You are expected to be prepared for each session, contribute to discussions and critiques, and demonstrate ongoing progress in your work.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Assessment: Major Animation Project

In this assessment you will produce a completed animated work that demonstrates your chosen area of specialization. Working independently or collaboratively, you will apply the creative, technical and conceptual skills developed throughout the course to produce a cohesive animation outcome. The project should demonstrate how motion, character, environment and performance are integrated within contemporary animation production. The final work should represent a substantial body of animation suitable for inclusion in a professional portfolio.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement). 

You will be advised if you are required to complete a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio, or a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.

This unit involves substantial computer-based work. You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Costs

Depending on the nature of the creative project, you may be required to use a WACOM CINTIQ tablet pen (approx. $170). (Staff will advise on suitable version/model in Week 1.) There are a limited number of pens supplied however, students are advised to purchase their own. 

It is highly recommended that students undertaking animation units acquire a high-speed, portable solid-state drive with USB-C connectivity and at least 500 GB. Cost can range from $150 to $500 you should discuss with the teaching staff before purchasing.  

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Pearce, S. (2020). Knowledge production as process in arts practice as research. Animation Practice, Process & Production, 9(1), 21–35. https://doi.org/10.1386/ap3_000015_1

Wells, P. (2020). Batman’s theories and attitudes: “Re-positioning” practice as research. Animation Practice, Process & Production, 9(1), 131–144. https://doi.org/10.1386/ap3_000021_1

Recommended text(s)

Animation: an interdisciplinary journal -  http://journals.sagepub.com/home/anm

Animation Studies - https://journal.animationstudies.org/

Animation Practice, Process & Production - https://www.intellectbooks.com/animation-practice-process-production

Furniss M (2014) Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics, rev. edn.

Gray C (1996) Inquiry Through Practice: Developing Appropriate Research Strategies.

Harris M, Husbands L, Taberham P (2019) Experimental Animation: From Analogue to Digital. London: Routledge.

Van Opdenbosch, P. M. (2022). Towards a Conceptual Framework for Abstracted Animation Derived from Motion Captured Movements. Animation, 17(2), 244–261. https://doi.org/10.1177/17468477221102499

Wells, P., & Hardstaff, J. (2008). Re-imagining animation : the changing face of the moving image. AVA Academia.

Reference book(s)

Wells P (1998) Understanding Animation. London: Routledge.

Software

You will make use of a vast array of software depending on the medium and methods of production you undertake for your project.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. 

Depending on the nature of the project, where students are accessing the virtual production studio space or utilising motion capture technology, they will be required to undertake the necessary training. 

Every effort is made by QUT staff to ensure that you work in a safe environment. Conversely, you are expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others, or yourself, or of the highest artistic fulfilment of the project in any way.

Course Learning Outcomes

CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts

1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
   Relates to: ULO1, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
4. Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO5, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO5, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
8. Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
   Relates to: ULO2, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
9. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
10. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
    Relates to: Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project
11. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO3, Animation Focus and Development Plan, Studio Practice and Production Engagement, Major Animation Project