Application
This unit applies to concept artists, games designers, games programmers, animators and other personnel working in the game development industry.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Clarify animation requirements of models | 1.1 Clarify animation requirements and design specifications for the model, in consultation with relevant personnel and according to production documentation 1.2 Examine the most appropriate animation techniques for the animation to determine which modelling techniques to use 1.3 Identify the file format and delivery platform for animated sequences 1.4 Identify factors that may influence animation design approach 1.5 Clarify work flow sequences, in consultation with relevant personnel, to ensure that production schedule deadlines are met |
2. Plan approach | 2.1 Research animations, artworks and other creative sources that may inspire visual design ideas 2.2 Generate a range of animation ideas that are technically feasible, respond to briefs and provide creative solutions to all design issues 2.3 Present animation ideas to relevant personnel using appropriate design techniques 2.4 Adjust approach to incorporate feedback and agree on final design concepts 2.5 Discuss and select animation software with relevant personnel to ensure that animated sequences of the model meet specified outcomes 2.6 Analyse audio assets supplied for animations as required |
3. Produce animated sequences for review | 3.1 Create animations of models using animation and modelling techniques to suit design requirements 3.2 Apply basic animation principles, screen principles, visual design principles and communication principles 3.3 Apply real world camera techniques to virtual cameras used in animation 3.4 Render completed animated sequences 3.5 Save and store animated sequences using appropriate output file formats, standard naming conventions and version control protocols 3.6 Present animated sequences of simple models to relevant personnel for evaluation by agreed deadlines |
4. Finalise animated sequences | 4.1 Review animated sequences to assess creative solutions to design briefs, appropriateness to users or audience, and technical feasibility 4.2 Discuss and confirm with relevant personnel additional requirements or modifications and complete changes as required |
Required Skills
Required skills
communication, teamwork and literacy skills to:
complete workplace documentation
interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions
respond constructively to feedback received from other team members
work as a member of a production team, both independently on assignment and under direction
conceptual and creative skills to:
generate feasible ideas for animated sequences of models
maintain design integrity
produce convincing animations incorporating movement and timing
self-management and planning skills to:
meet deadlines
prioritise work tasks
seek expert assistance when problems arise
technical skills to:
apply the principles of basic screen, visual design and communication to produce animated sequences of models
manage files and directories using standard naming conventions and version control protocols
output animated sequences in appropriate file formats for a range of delivery platforms
use industry-current animation software to develop digitally animated sequences.
Required knowledge
basic digital animation techniques
basic screen principles
basic knowledge of the stages in the production process from initial design through to finished product
features of a range of delivery platforms
issues and challenges that arise in the context of creating simple models for digital animations
OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers
principles of animation
principles of visual design and communication
roles and responsibilities of project team members in the relevant industry sector.
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: create digital animated sequences of a model that: demonstrate the principles of simple model animation, basic screen, visual design and communication meet the technical requirements of specific platforms satisfy the design brief and client requirements meet production deadlines. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: computer hardware, software, games engines and file storage copyright and intellectual property legislation OHS legislation and enterprise policy appropriate learning and assessment support when required modified equipment for people with special needs. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: evaluation of work samples or simulated workplace activities verbal or written questioning of issues and challenges that arise in the context of creating simple models for digital animations evaluation of a digital animated sequence of a model. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Animation may include: | basic games buttons characters elements illustrations logos models morphs or blend shapes panoramas puzzles simulated sequences text titles and credits. |
Design specifications may include: | characters and objects delivery platform hardware specifications, including memory size (RAM) key frames media form objects operating system output file format output file size references samples script storyboard technical specifications, including version control protocols. |
Relevant personnel may include: | animation director audio asset creator director graphic artist or designer instructional designer lead animator matte painter modeller producer system support personnel other technical and specialist personnel. |
Production documentation may include: | animatics brief storyboard technical specifications. |
Animation techniques may include: | acceleration and deceleration audio integration dynamic simulation hierarchies hinges and pivot points hybrid method key frames layered animation looping backgrounds morphing or object exaggeration motion capture motion paths pose to pose animation registration points rotation scripted animation speed or motion blur straight-ahead animation. |
Modelling techniques may include: | NURBS polygonal primitives sculpt splines and patches. |
File format may include: | AAS ACT ANI ANM ANS AVI AWA AWM CEL CFT CMV DIR or DCR FLA or SWF FLC FLI FLX GIF HTML IFF JPEG LWOB M3D MMM MOV MPEG MWF PNG QTVR SEC TIFF VAN VUE. |
Delivery platform may include: | CD DVD film games console internet kiosk mobile phone or device personal digital assistant (PDA) video. |
Factors may include: | budget purpose of animation resources target audience time lines. |
Design techniques may include: | digitally-generated illustrations of objects and characters freehand sketches fully rendered hand-drawn illustrations story trees storyboards. |
Animation software may include: | 3-D Studio Max Cinema 4D Houdini Lightwave Maya Motionbuilder Soft Image, e.g. XSI. |
Audio assets may include: | music narration sound effects. |
Animation principles may include: | anticipation asymmetry in body and facial poses balanced poses exaggeration movement in arcs overlapping actions and follow-through pacing or timing secondary actions singularity of message squash and stretch staging strong silhouette in poses weight. |
Screen principles may include: | camera techniques editing, including basic transitions framing lighting montage narrative story-telling style or genre. |
Visual design principles may include: | balance composition emphasis movement perspective proportion scale unity. |
Communication principles may include: | communicating the message conveying meaning meeting audience requirements using functional components. |
Sectors
Game development
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.