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Visual Media Production and Design (BFA)
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Media Production and Design equips students to use production arts principles with a focus on visual media content creation. Students are prepared for strategic positions in entertainment, news and information, communication, and media arts production.
Johnson’s bachelor of fine arts in Visual Media Production and Design degree takes students into the realm of creative thought, integrating both the technical and conceptual aspects of filmmaking, animation, graphic design, and web design. Students build professional portfolios through hands-on projects and immersive experiences.
Graduates demonstrate diverse technical skills and a solid creative vision. Prepared for careers as visual storytellers, multimedia artists, and creative communicators, graduates have the opportunity to make a lasting mark in a technology-saturated world.
All four-year Johnson students complete two majors: one in Bible and Theology and one in their chosen field, such as Visual Media Production and Design. Transfer students with substantial prior coursework may complete a reduced set of Bible and Theology requirements instead of the major. Learn more about the Bible and Theology curriculum here.
Concentrations
Students can choose from a concentration in Animation and Design, Live Production, or Media Writing and Design.
Fundamentals of Web Design
Students design, develop, and upload a simple web site using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web site production concepts such as naming conventions, file organization, and optimization are also covered.
Advanced Web Design
Students demonstrate a culmination of skills developed during their web design studies. Students produce final web design projects and materials that showcase practical web design skills.
3D Animation
Students are introduced to basic and intermediate 3D animation techniques. Topics to be covered include hierarchical linking, keyframing, function curves, animated modifiers, basic morphing, animated cameras, and an introduction to character animation. Students will research and create models based on anatomy and technical reference materials as well as character modeling/rigging. Students experiment with three-dimensional design, motion, and animation.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
Integrated Animation
Students complete a self-directed study using a combination of animation techniques. Possible focuses include character animation, motion graphics, or information video. Students will create a finished animated piece based on research interests.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
Live Production I
Students develop a comprehensive foundation of live production principles, both from the perspective of production engineers and worship leaders.
Live Production II
Students continue to develop skills in live audio, video, and stage production, building on the skills gained through MUTC 2013 Live Production I.
Studio Recording I
To introduce students to the theories, practices, and tools used in digital audio production. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to operate audio signal equipment technically and creatively, effectively plan, set-up, and engineer recording sessions, select appropriate equipment for a variety of recording standards, use outboard gear practically, and develop auditory facets through critical listening and perceptual engagement.
Studio Recording II or Fundamentals of Web Design
Studio Recording II
This course expands upon the student’s work in the recording industry by introducing the concepts, software and applications of mixing and mastering. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to create digital mockups of variety of ensembles; apply mixing and mastering techniques to drums, instruments, and vocals; critically analyze spectral domains; prepare audio for physical and virtual dissemination; and effectively utilize industry-standard software.
Fundamentals of Web Design
Students design, develop, and upload a simple web site using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web site production concepts such as naming conventions, file organization, and optimization are also covered.
Reporting for Mass Media
Students develop skills for clear and concise communication to mass audiences in a variety of written formats. Emphases include writing for print and electronic media, gathering accurate information, presenting a clear written message, and basic style for professional media writing. Students submit work to an online publication.
Introduction to Public Relations
Students are introduced to the profession of public relations and strategic communication. Students demonstrate writing ability, examine strategies for publicity campaigns, and study the history and foundations of the field.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
A combination of two courses (6 credits) focused on visual production, graphic design, theatre, live production, writing, or Web Design (i.e., an COMM, MART, THTR, or MUTC course not already required)”
Core Classes
This course is a study in writing story and copy for a variety of print, screen, and web-based mediums.
Students explore trends in media and their impact on society. The course
emphasizes historical, ethical, legal, and societal issues in relation to Christianity.
This course is a survey of the history of visual storytelling, including
graphic design, film, and animation from its beginnings with cave paintings to its multidisciplinary present. Students will examine the development of pictorial representation, typographic forms, sequential images, printing, photography, cinematography, animation in its various forms (drawing, stop motion, digital forms), and digital storytelling forms (such as websites, social media, video games, etc.). Note: This course should be taken in a student’s first two years.
Students gain insight into structures, management, processes, the
economics of and issues surrounding Media and the Arts. An emphasis is placed on financial stability and profitability in a changing media market.
Students create a substantial body of work in their chosen Visual Media Production and Design Discipline (Video, Graphic Design, Animation, Writing) with supporting elements from the adjacent disciplines. This is designed as the first course in a 3-course sequence for portfolio production. The end goal of the three courses is a completed portfolio. A system of feedback and analysis at checkpoints will be used throughout.
Students create a substantial body of work in their chosen Visual Media Production and Design Discipline (Video, Graphic Design, Animation, Writing) with supporting elements from the adjacent disciplines. This is designed as the second course in a 3-course sequence for portfolio production. The end goal of the three courses is a completed portfolio. A system of feedback and analysis at checkpoints will be used throughout.
Students create a substantial body of work in their chosen Visual Media Production and Design Discipline (Video, Graphic Design, Animation, Writing) with supporting elements from the adjacent disciplines. This is designed as the third course in a 3-course sequence for portfolio production. The end goal of the three courses is a completed portfolio. A system of feedback and analysis at checkpoints will be used throughout.
Students engage in a community forum dedicated to the exploration of the
digital arts and technology. Students will receive critiques on their technical and creative works, participate in group discussions, engage with guest presentations, and explore related fields such as grant writing, entrepreneurship, and career development.
Under the supervision of a qualified professional, interns gain real-world experience in a Arts environment.
Students demonstrate a culmination of skills developed during their
Communication studies. Students produce a final communication project, utilizing a variety of skills and media equipment, which showcases practical communication skills and an understanding of legal, ethical, and moral issues in communication studies.
Students are introduced to the principles of 2D design, color and type
elements as they relate to print, film/television, and the internet with an emphasis on drawing and ideation.
Students explore elements and principles of basic two-dimensional design with an emphasis on composition, color theory, and craftsmanship.
Students explore elements and principles of basic three-dimensional design with an emphasis on spatial organization, color, and planning and craft.
Students explore the development and application of typography for design and layout.
Students use the principles of 2D design, color and type elements as they relate to design for printed objects and showcasing of those products through photography and video. Students will fuse photography with design products to display successful presentations of package design products.
This course examines the components of audio, video, and still images for the purpose of media production. Students explore the equipment used to produce content.
This course is an introduction to editing tools for audio, video,
still images, and basic motion graphics enhancing narrative in time-based environments.
This course analyzes the components of audio, video, and still images for the purpose of media production. Students apply production techniques used to produce interactive media content.
This is a project-oriented course where students organize and
construct media components utilizing creative production techniques centered around concepts such as color grading, compositing 2D and 3D elements into shot footage, and motion tracking. Students develop visual language skills by exploring motion media editing theory as well as execution.
Students develop skills related to capturing, creating and manipulating sonic materials for film and video. Students explore techniques for developing and presenting audio materials for a variety of narrative situations.
Fundamentals of Web Design
Students design, develop, and upload a simple web site using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web site production concepts such as naming conventions, file organization, and optimization are also covered.
Advanced Website Design
Students demonstrate a culmination of skills developed during their
web design studies. Students produce final web design projects and materials that showcase practical web design
skills.
3D Animation
Students are introduced to basic and intermediate 3D animation techniques. Topics to be covered include hierarchical linking, keyframing, function curves, animated modifiers, basic morphing,
animated cameras, and an introduction to character animation. Students will research and create models based on anatomy and technical reference materials as well as character modeling/rigging. Students experiment with three-dimensional design, motion, and animation.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation
in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
Integrated Animation
Students complete a self-directed study using a combination of animation techniques. Possible focuses include character animation, motion graphics, or information video. Students will create a finished animated piece based on research interests.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation
in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
Live Production I
Students develop a comprehensive foundation of live production principles, both from the perspective of production engineers and worship leaders.
Live Production II
Students continue to develop skills in live audio, video, and stage production, building on the skills gained through MUTC 2013 Live Production I.
Studio Recording I
To introduce students to the theories, practices, and tools used in digital audio production. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to operate audio signal equipment technically and creatively, effectively plan, set-up, and engineer recording sessions, select appropriate equipment for a variety of recording standards, use outboard gear practically, and develop auditory facets through critical listening and perceptual engagement.
Audio Engineering & Perception or Fundamentals of Web Design
Audio Engineering & Perception
This course expands upon the student’s work in the recording
industry by introducing the concepts, software, and applications of mixing and mastering. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to create digital mockups of a variety of ensembles; apply mixing and mastering techniques to drums, instruments, and vocals; critically analyze spectral domains; prepare audio for
physical and virtual dissemination; and effectively utilize industry-standard software.
Fundamentals of Web Design
Students design, develop, and upload a simple web site using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web site production concepts such as naming conventions, file organization, and optimization are also covered.
Reporting for Mass Media
Students develop skills for clear and concise communication to mass
audiences in a variety of written formats. Emphases include writing for print and electronic media, gathering accurate information, presenting a clear written message, and basic style for professional media writing. Students submit work to an online publication.
Introduction to Public Relations
Students are introduced to the profession of public relations and strategic communication. Students demonstrate writing ability, examine strategies for publicity campaigns, and study the history and foundations of the field.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation
in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
A combination of two courses (6 credits) focused on visual
production, graphic design, theatre, live production, writing, or
Web design (i.e., an COMM, MART, THTR, or MUTC course
not already required)
Careers
There are many careers available for students who graduate with a degree in Visual Media Production and Design! Here are just a few for you to explore:
- Web Designer
- Illustrator
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Video Producer
- Scriptwriter
- Video Editor
- Art Director
- UX Designer
- Product Designer
- Creative Director
Department Overview
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