JASON DONATI
Animator | Educator
RECENT COURSES TAUGHT
Animation for Games
In this course, students will examine the fundamentals of 3D game development including low-poly environment/prop modeling, bipedal animation cycles, basic C# scripting, and Unity engine integration. Through comprehensive analysis and understanding of the unique challenges, constraints and opportunities of 3D content creation for real-time environments, students will produce a sequence of individual and group projects that culminate in the core components of a third-person RPG/Action Adventure game.
SPECIAL EFFECTS | Animation 3
In this course, students learn to create animated objects and effects by establishing and refining a variety of physical rules. Using effects to enhance story and drama will be emphasized. Topics covered may include particles, fields, soft and rigid bodies, hair, cloth, and fluid simulations.
Animation Basics
Offers an introductory studio course that explores the creative potential of animation. Exposes students to a variety of traditional animation processes and techniques through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments. Provides an historical survey of animation art through the twentieth century. Emphasizes using the computer to develop concepts creatively while learning the fundamental skills of constructing animated images and forms.
Animation 1
Introduces the fundamentals of three-dimensional computer animation. Class lectures and demonstrations are followed by substantial hands-on exploration. Students gain fundamental skills for modeling, surfacing, and animating. Projects progress from creating simple geometric objects to realistic organic characters. Basic systems for animating are introduced and explored.
Animation 2
In this advanced course, students will explore increasingly complex CGI topics including 3D visual effects (VFX) and creature design and development. Building upon the foundational skills obtained in the preceding animation curriculum, students will further develop skills in areas including lighting, rendering, compositing, modeling, rigging, and animation. A series of creative projects will be developed throughout the semester to showcase personal progression, artistic merit and technical proficiency.
3D MODELING I
An introduction to 3D computer graphics, students will be given a grounding in modeling in Cartesian space, as they learn how to model increasingly complex 3D objects and scenes. Topics include box modeling, edge flow, retopology, UV layout, and management of large scenes involving many elements.
TEXTURES, LIGHTS, AND RENDERING
This course introduces students to the various methods for surfacing models, lighting and rendering scenes. Image editing, baking maps, and hand-painting textures are covered. Attention will be paid to how texture appearance varies from engine to engine.
PRE-THESIS
As the culmination of study in game art and animation, this course begins a year-long undertaking resulting in a project which showcases the student’s specific interests within the field. In this pre-thesis fall semester, preproduction work is completed for senior projects. As applicable, scenarios are developed, concepts are drawn, design documents are generated. Students will gather for discussions, screenings, guests, and technical demonstrations, as well as individual meetings to discuss students’ projects.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GAMES
Cinematic & Storytelling Techniques for Production -
Game development is a quickly evolving field, with new tools and techniques being introduced regularly. Topics covered in this studio course will change as the industry does, covering recent developments and may include the introduction of new CGI software applications.
ANIMATION PRE-PRODUCTION STUDIO
This is a special projects course in which students utilize their knowledge and understanding of the entire animation pre-production process including scriptwriting, storyboarding, character design, background design and layout, concept art, and animatic to create an original animated short film. The course emphasizes design, and technology research, formal written communication, quality, independent critical analysis, presentation, and defense of story and animation production solutions.
ANIMATION PRODUCTION STUDIO
This is a special projects course in which students utilize their knowledge and understanding of the entire animation production process including modeling, texturing, rigging, skinning, character animation, timing, editing and audio integration to create an original animated short film. The course emphasizes design, and technology research, formal written communication, quality, independent critical analysis, presentation, and defense of story and animation production solutions.