As we complete the first week and have had a chance to introduce ourselves you will find that this industry attracts a very diverse group of students. I have been teaching courses like this for 8 years now and it is always the case. Honestly, the diversity is what makes this course so much fun to teach. Some of you may be artists and some of you may be computer scientists. Some of you may be taking this class because you think it might be fun and some of you may not even know why you are taking it. No matter what reason you have for being here, you are here and I am happy to have you in this class.

What does diversity have to do with computer graphics let alone that it is a benefit?

I’m glad you asked!

Since we all come from different backgrounds and are here for different interests, we will be able to provide a unique perspective to the problem solving process that would otherwise be missed sans diversity. The art of computer animation involves using tools to solve a given problem or set of problems that is not only visually appealing, but scalable and efficient. Since our main goal is to solve problems with an infinite number of ways to go about that process, the more perspectives we have, the better results we will have.

Ultimately we are working with tools, rules, processes and workflows that are technical in nature. However, these tools are simply a means to an end. The end result is and always should be artistic. Yes, I did just say that we are problem solving using technical tools for art. It may seem a bit contradictory, but really this is no different then any other art form. A pencil illustrator follows the same process. The problem they are solving is producing an image on a blank page using only pencils. They must use certain techniques and processes to lay the graphite onto the paper in a way that achieves the desired result. We approach our problem to produce a work of art on the computer in the end just like any other skilled artisan utilizes their medium to create a work of art. Creativity is treated as an equal with technicality.

As I mentioned earlier, our diversity within this course will ultimately shape the outcomes of this class, it would not be fair for me to limit the needed exchange of ideas in order to utilize that diversity. For the first half(ish) of the semester we will not have any “group work”, however you will all be working through the same material, the same problems and the same assignments all at the same time. It is because of this that I encourage you to collaborate together to solve these problems. Please do not take this as an opportunity to simply glean off of others hard work. You have registered for this class voluntarily. You have paid for this class voluntarily; therefore, I assume that each of you are here to learn the material. So let’s learn together.

Our class TA (Steven Beltz) will be holding an open lab from 5:30pm to 7:00pm each Thursday. On most days I (Brad) will be available additionally during lab from 7:00pm to 8pm on Thursday's as well.

Additional TA lab times are TBA

Hartung 108 - Students have Lobocard access 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week. You can use the labs anytime except when a class is scheduled. In spring 2025, class times are:

• Wednesday 9-12:30 and 5:30-9
• Thursday 9-12:30, 1:30-5, and 5:30-9
• Friday 9-12:30

Mesa del Sol 210 - Students have Lobocard access 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week. These computers include animation and gaming software that are not present in other locations. You can use the labs anytime except when a class is scheduled. In spring 2025, class times are:

• Monday 9-12:30, 1:30-5, 5:30-8
• Tuesday 9-12:30
• Wednesday 9-12:30, 1:30-5, 5:30-8
• Thursday 9-12:30, 4-8

CERIA Editing Rooms - Book an editing room through the CERIA equipment cage. The cage is open Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm, and Friday 9am to 5pm.