Question 1

Do I have to concentrate on a discipline in order to graduate the MICA Animation Major?

Accepted Answer

No.

We believe that today's animators are interested in a wide variety of techniques and concepts. Our current curriculum provides the flexibility for students to specialize or integrate their curriculum with multi-level courses in 2D (traditional and digital), 3D, Stop Motion and Sound techniques.

All of our majors are required to take 
-Principles of Animation
-Pre-Production
-Digital Techniques
-History of Animation
-Intro to either Stop Motion or 3D
-1 Character (2D or 3D) 
-3 Project Courses (9 Credits)
-3 AN Electives (9 Credits)
-Studio Electives (6/9 Credits)
-Thesis I & II

See our COURSES and MAP/SKETCHES sections for more information

Question 2

How large is the department?

Accepted Answer

Our department currently sits at just under 200 majors.

We also proudly serve the general MICA community through classes like Principles of Animation, Digital Techniques, 2D Digital, Intro to 3D, Intro to Stop Motion, Open Studio in Stop Motion, Otherworldly: Puppets and Sets and more...

Question 3

What kinds of classes does our department offer ?

Accepted Answer

We offer courses across multiple disciplines in 2D, 3D, VR, Stop Motion and Sound. Please see our COURSES and MAP/SKETCHES sections to see an overview of our curriculum as well as our Featured Courses selection.

Question 4

What do our graduates do after MICA ?

Accepted Answer

Our students work in a variety of capacities both within as well as outside of industry as independent artists and filmmakers. Check out the OUR STUDENTS section of the website to see what our alum are upto.

Question 5

What are some useful animation tools?

Accepted Answer

Every Animation student would benefit from a 1-2TB external hard drive that is compatible with both MAC and PC computers, a laptop, a pair of reliable pluggable over-ear headphones

2D: Various Erasable Pencils, 8.5 x 11 Copy Paper, Colored Masking Tape, Digital Drawing Tablet, Peg Bar...

3D: A Sketchbook, Portable Mirror...

Stop Motion: Pliers, Utility Knife, Xacto Knife, Sketchbook, Clay or Wax Tools, 18" Ruler, Scissors, Variety of Collected/Purchased Material, and a propensity for scavenging/repurposing/tinkering...

Sound: Over-ear Headphones with a 3.5mm jack and the ability to turn off noise cancelling if featured (closed-back or open-back).

https://www.mica.edu/campus-resources/technology/hardware/ (https://www.mica.edu/campus-resources/technology/hardware/)

Technology will be a key part of your MICA experience, whether in the classroom, library or residence hall. The information below will help you select the right computer for your educational needs.
Recommended specifications for new Apple/Macintosh computers:

13" MacBook Pro
 • Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU 
 • 16GB of RAM 
 • 512GB solid state drive

16" MacBook Pro
 •  Intel 6-Core i7 processor 
 • 16GB of RAM 
 • 512GB solid state drive
 • AMD Radeon Pro 5300M

Please note: The 16" MacBook Pro is recommended for students planning to major in Film & Video, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Product Design. Additionally, as the MacBook Pros use the newer USB-C ports for I/O connectivity, the purchase of a USB to USB-C adapter is recommended.
Minimum specifications for existing Apple / Macintosh computers:

• Intel Core i5 processor
 • 8 GB of RAM
 • 128 GB solid-state drive
 • 13" or larger screen

Recommended specifications for new Windows machines / PCs:

15" Dell XPS 9510 laptop
 • Intel Core i7 processor 
 • Windows 10 Pro 
 • 16GB of RAM 
 • 512GB solid state drive 
 • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6

Minimum specifications for existing Windows machines / PCs
 • Intel Core i5 processor
 • 8 GB of RAM
 • 128 GB solid state drive
 • 13" or larger screen

Important Notes
 • Support plans for computers are highly recommended
 • 1 - 4 TB hard drive is recommended.

Question 6

How do I download Adobe or Microsoft software?

Accepted Answer

Check this software page.(https://www.mica.edu/campus-resources/technology/software/)

Question 7

Where do I go to rent equipment such as DSLR cameras, tablet, or Cintiq tablet pens?

Accepted Answer

These items are located at the Tech Desk in the Art Tech Center. Please visit this page for more info. (https://www.mica.edu/campus-resources/av-services/)

Question 8

How do I access the animation server or connect to the server off-campus?

Accepted Answer

• PC: Animation Server is accessible via “Start > Computer > Network > Animation”
 • MAC: Animation Server is accessible via “Go > Connect to Server > smb://animation”
The sound library contains a incredibly diverse variety of royalty-free sound effects for students to use at their leisure.

Please visit this page for more info to connect to the server from off-capmus via VPN.(https://anyconnect.mica.edu/)

Question 9

How do I use the Render Farm?

Accepted Answer

Ask Adam! His email is adavies02@mica.edu.

departmental.....blah blah blah

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