B.S. in Kinetic Imaging with an Emphasis in Animation
ANIMATION
The animation track focuses on traditional and contemporary techniques through hand-drawing, stop motion, and digital media. Students explore storyboarding, virtual effects (VFX), character development, and experimental approaches while building proficiency in industry-standard software.
Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, conceptual development, and effective communication toward creating a professional portfolio. Students engage in creative thinking, develop expertise in storytelling and motion graphics, and understand animation's cultural impact. The program prepares students for careers as animators and concept artists in digital media and entertainment, equipping them with the artistic vision and technical skills to succeed.
Rooted in Kinetic Imaging's interdisciplinary curriculum, the track cultivates collaboration, innovation, and critical engagement with technology, preparing students for careers across digital art, interactive media, and kinetic imagery.
Software
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Substance 3D Suite
- TouchDesigner
- Madmapper
- Signal Culture Apps
- Ableton Live
- DragonFrame
- ToonBoom
- AutoDesk Maya3D
- Blender
- Unity Game Engine
- Unreal Engine
- Houdini SideFX
- Character Creator 4
- iClone8
- Marvelous Designer
Hardware & Facilities
- Digital Video and Audio Recording Equipment
- Zoom Field Recorders
- Alienware Aurora R16 PC Lab
- Wacom Cintique Drawing Tablets
- Neuron Axis Motion Capture Suit
- Blackmagic 4k Record Deck
- Focusrite USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
- Studio Microphone
- Microsoft Kinect Depth and Motion-Tracking Cameras
- Eurorack Analog Modular Synthesis
- Multi-Channel Display
- HTC VIVE Focus Pro VR Headset
- Meta Quest 2 VR Headsets
- iPad Suite
- Projection Mapping Kits
Student Work
Kinetic Imaging
Western Michigan University's Kinetic Imaging program is a Bachelor of Science degree with tracks in animation, game art, and video art. The kinetic imaging core includes coursework in world building, character development, virtual production, augmented & virtual reality, creative coding, interactivity, 3D modeling, illustration, sonic art, experiential design, installation, and performance art.
Kinetic imaging prepares students for professional practice as multimedia artists by creating a multitude of contemporary approaches through a flexible curriculum. The program is a four-year course of study that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and experimentation, as well as the creative use and mis-use of technology. At critical points in the curriculum, the KI program intersects with the Multimedia Art Technology (MAT) program in the School of Music. By studying media history, theory, technique, methodologies and related technology, students will accumulate a wide range of experiences and skills applicable to a diverse set of artistic endeavors and media-focused careers.
Curriculum: Bachelor of Science in Kinetic Imaging
Basic Studies - 12 credits
- ART 1040 Object Drawing
- ART 1070 Form and Surface
- ART 1080 Form and Space
- ART 1090 Time and Process
Art History - 3 credits
Select at least one of the following
- ART 2200 Caves to Cathedrals
- ART 2210 Modern and Postmodern
- ART 2220 Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- ART 2230 Introduction to Asian Art History
Kinetic Imaging Core - 18 credits
- CFA 2000 Coding Lab (repeatable for credit)
- MUS 2240 Electronic Music Techniques
- ART 2290 Digital Video Concepts
- ART 2690 Illustration I
- ART 3780 Media and Culture
- CFA 4000 Experimental Lab (repeatable for credit)
- ART 4800 Topics in Kinetic Imaging (repeatable for credit)
Non-Digital Studio Art - 6 credits
Select at least two of the following
- ART 2160 Black and White Photography I
- ART 2300 Ceramics I
- ART 2310 Sculpture I
- ART 2380 Metals & Jewelry I
- ART 2400 Painting I
- ART 2800 Printmedia I
Kinetic Imaging Concentrations - 9 credits
Select at least one of the following:
Animation
- ART 2840 Animation I
- ART 3840 Animation II
- ART 3180 Topics in Animation (repeatable for credit)
OR
Game Art
- ART 2970 Game Art I
- ART 3970 Game Art II
- ART 3190 Topics in Game Art (repeatable for credit)
OR
Video Art
- ART 2750 Video Art I
- ART 3750 Video Art II
- ART 3170 Topics in Video Art (repeatable for credit)
Kinetic Imaging Capstone - 6 credits
- ART 4810 Projects in Kinetic Imaging I
- ART 4820 Projects in Kinetic Imaging II
Summary of Bachelor of Science in Kinetic Imaging
- Kinetic Imaging Major—54 credits
- Western Essential Studies —37 credits
- Electives —31 credits
- Total Credit Hours—122 credits
Students should consult the WMU catalog for the kinetic imaging program course descriptions and requirements.
Faculty