.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA in Animation Graphic Design at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous)
Ernakulam, Kerala
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Animation & Graphic Design at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Ernakulam?
This BA Animation & Graphic Design program at Sacred Heart College, Ernakulam, focuses on cultivating creative and technical skills essential for the burgeoning Indian design and animation industry. The curriculum blends traditional art forms with cutting-edge digital tools, preparing students for diverse roles in a market driven by digital content and visual communication. It emphasizes practical application and industry relevance, differentiating it from purely theoretical approaches.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for young aspirants passionate about visual storytelling, digital art, and interactive media, seeking entry into the creative sector. It caters to fresh 10+2 graduates with a creative flair and foundational drawing skills. Individuals looking to pivot into design and animation or upskill in digital media can also benefit, provided they meet the basic academic prerequisites set by the college and MGU.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue dynamic career paths in India such as graphic designers, animators, UI/UX designers, illustrators, and video editors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program’s emphasis on portfolio development and industry projects aids in strong career growth trajectories within Indian studios, advertising agencies, and IT companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Design Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental principles of design, color theory, and visual communication. Utilize online resources like Design Principles 101, YouTube tutorials, and college library books to reinforce classroom learning. Regularly practice sketching and traditional art techniques to build a strong artistic foundation.
Tools & Resources
Online design tutorials (e.g., Adobe Design Basics), College library design textbooks, Sketchbooks and traditional art supplies
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for any design role, enabling quick learning of new software and adapting to diverse creative briefs from Indian clients.
Build Software Proficiency Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with graphic design software labs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) and practice beyond assignments. Explore online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera for deeper dives. Participate in college workshops focused on specific software tools to gain advanced skills and troubleshooting abilities.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Online tutorials (Udemy, YouTube), Software-specific workshops
Career Connection
High proficiency in industry-standard software is a non-negotiable skill for entry-level positions in Indian design and animation studios, ensuring immediate productivity.
Develop a Visual Journal/Blog- (Semester 1-2)
Maintain a digital or physical visual journal to document design inspirations, animation references, and personal creative experiments. Regularly update a blog or social media platform (e.g., Instagram, Behance) with sketches, digital paintings, and small animation tests. Seek feedback from peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Instagram, Personal blog platforms, Digital drawing tablets
Career Connection
This habit nurtures creativity, refines aesthetic sense, and provides early material for a professional portfolio, essential for showcasing talent to Indian recruiters.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Collaborate with students from other departments (e.g., Journalism, Literature) on projects requiring visual communication or animation. Seek out opportunities within the college for creating promotional materials, short films, or digital content. This fosters teamwork and diverse skill application.
Tools & Resources
College project notice boards, Departmental collaboration initiatives, Project management tools (Trello, Asana)
Career Connection
Working in interdisciplinary teams mirrors the collaborative environment of Indian creative agencies and production houses, enhancing problem-solving and communication skills.
Participate in Design Competitions & Hackathons- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for and participate in national or local design competitions, animation challenges, or creative hackathons. Platforms like India Design Mark, Kyoorius Awards for students, or college-level contests offer valuable exposure. These experiences provide deadlines, peer review, and portfolio-worthy projects.
Tools & Resources
Local/National design competition websites, College competition announcements, Creative hackathon platforms
Career Connection
Winning or even participating in such events adds significant weight to a resume in the Indian job market, demonstrating initiative, skill, and ability to perform under pressure.
Start Building a Specialized Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond classroom assignments, start creating personal projects that reflect your specific interests within animation or graphic design (e.g., character design, motion graphics, branding). Curate these projects into a professional online portfolio, tailored for specific job roles you aspire to in India.
Tools & Resources
Behance, ArtStation, Personal website builders (Wix, Squarespace)
Career Connection
A targeted portfolio is critical for impressing potential employers in India, showcasing your unique style and readiness for specialized roles like a 3D Modeler or UI Designer.
Advanced Stage
Seek Industry Internships and Mentorship- (Semester 6 (and breaks before))
Actively search for internships during semester breaks or as part of the curriculum (mandatory in Sem 6). Network with professionals via LinkedIn and attend industry events to find mentors. A strong internship at an Indian studio or agency provides invaluable practical experience and potential pre-placement offers.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College placement cell, Naukri.com, Industry events and conferences
Career Connection
Internships are often direct pathways to full-time employment in India, offering real-world exposure and building professional networks crucial for career advancement.
Specialize and Refine Advanced Skills- (Semester 6)
Focus on an area of expertise (e.g., 3D animation, UI/UX, visual effects) and pursue advanced learning through online masterclasses, specialized software training, or personal projects. This deep specialization makes you a more valuable asset in specific high-demand roles within the Indian creative industry.
Tools & Resources
Advanced software tutorials (e.g., ZBrush, Blender), Online masterclasses (e.g., Domestika, CG Spectrum), Industry forums
Career Connection
Specialized skills command higher salaries and open doors to niche, high-impact roles in VFX studios, game development, or product design companies in India.
Prepare for Professional Portfolio Reviews & Interviews- (Semester 6)
Refine your final project and overall portfolio to be industry-ready. Practice presenting your work and articulating your design process. Attend mock interviews conducted by the college''''s placement cell or by external mentors, focusing on behavioral and technical questions relevant to the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell mock interviews, Peer feedback sessions, Online portfolio review services
Career Connection
A well-prepared portfolio and confident interview skills are paramount for securing desirable job roles and negotiating favorable terms with Indian employers upon graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per the Mahatma Gandhi University and Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) norms for B.A. Degree Programmes.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 162 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Common Course I - ENGLISH I | Common Course | 3 | |
| A02 | Common Course II - ENGLISH II | Common Course | 3 | |
| A03 | Common Course III - HINDI / MALAYALAM / SANSKRIT | Common Course | 4 | |
| AGD1C01 | FOUNDATION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN | Core | 4 | Introduction to Graphic Design, Elements & Principles of Design, Typography Basics, Color Theory, Design Process |
| AGD1C02 | ANIMATION FUNDAMENTALS | Core | 4 | History of Animation, Principles of Animation, Animation Production Pipeline, Storytelling for Animation, Basic Drawing for Animation |
| AGD1P01 | GRAPHIC DESIGN SOFTWARE LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Raster Graphics Editing (Photoshop), Vector Graphics Creation (Illustrator), Layout Design Basics, Image Manipulation, Digital Painting Tools |
| AGD1P02 | 2D ANIMATION LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Digital Inking and Painting, Character Design Basics, Keyframing, Tweening, Timeline Animation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A04 | Common Course IV - ENGLISH III | Common Course | 3 | |
| A05 | Common Course V - ENGLISH IV | Common Course | 3 | |
| A06 | Common Course VI - HINDI / MALAYALAM / SANSKRIT | Common Course | 4 | |
| AGD2C03 | VISUAL COMMUNICATION | Core | 4 | Introduction to Visual Communication, Semiotics in Design, Communication Models, Visual Culture, Audience Analysis |
| AGD2C04 | ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES | Core | 4 | Traditional Illustration, Digital Illustration, Perspective Drawing, Figure Drawing, Character Design |
| AGD2P03 | ILLUSTRATION LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Digital Painting, Concept Art, Line Art, Rendering Techniques, Stylized Illustration |
| AGD2P04 | STOP MOTION ANIMATION LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Stop Motion Principles, Camera Techniques, Lighting for Stop Motion, Puppet Fabrication, Editing Stop Motion |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A07 | Common Course VII - ENGLISH V | Common Course | 4 | |
| AGD3C05 | MEDIA AND SOCIETY | Core | 4 | Role of Media in Society, Media Ethics, Media Laws, Impact of Digital Media, Media Convergence |
| AGD3C06 | TYPOGRAPHY | Core | 4 | History of Typography, Type Anatomy, Typographic Principles, Font Selection, Layout and Hierarchy |
| AGD3C07 | 3D MODELLING | Core | 4 | Introduction to 3D, Polygon Modeling, Sculpting, Texturing, Lighting for 3D Models |
| AGD3P05 | TYPOGRAPHY LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Typographic Layouts, Logo Design, Branding with Type, Font Pairing, Poster Design |
| AGD3P06 | 3D MODELLING LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Hard Surface Modeling, Organic Modeling, UV Mapping, Material Creation, Basic Rendering |
| AGD3A01 | Open Course I | Elective (Open Course) | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A08 | Common Course VIII - ENGLISH VI | Common Course | 4 | |
| AGD4C08 | WEB DESIGNING | Core | 4 | Introduction to Web Design, HTML5, CSS3, Responsive Design, User Interface (UI) Design |
| AGD4C09 | SCRIPT WRITING | Core | 4 | Story Structure, Character Development, Dialogue Writing, Screenplay Format, Concept Generation |
| AGD4C10 | 3D ANIMATION | Core | 4 | Keyframe Animation in 3D, Rigging, Character Animation, Motion Graphics, Camera Animation |
| AGD4P07 | WEB DESIGNING LAB | Core Practical | 4 | HTML/CSS Implementation, Layout Design, Basic JavaScript, Prototyping, Responsive Web Pages |
| AGD4P08 | 3D ANIMATION LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Walk Cycles, Run Cycles, Lip Sync, Facial Animation, Advanced Rigging |
| AGD4A02 | Open Course II | Elective (Open Course) | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGD5C11 | VIDEO PRODUCTION | Core | 4 | Camera Techniques, Lighting, Audio Recording, Video Editing, Post Production Workflow |
| AGD5C12 | PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT | Core | 4 | Portfolio Curation, Resume Building, Interview Skills, Online Presence, Branding Yourself |
| AGD5C13 | DIGITAL PAINTING | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Digital Painting, Brushes and Tools, Color Mixing, Lighting and Shadow, Textures |
| AGD5E01 | Elective I (e.g., UI/UX Design) | Elective | 4 | User Experience Principles, User Interface Elements, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing |
| AGD5P09 | VIDEO PRODUCTION LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Non-linear Editing, Color Grading, Sound Design, Motion Graphics for Video, Visual Effects Basics |
| AGD5P10 | DIGITAL PAINTING LAB | Core Practical | 4 | Concept Art Creation, Matte Painting, Character Painting, Environment Painting, Speed Painting |
| AGD5PR01 | MINI PROJECT | Core Project | 4 | Project Planning, Concept Development, Execution, Presentation, Documentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGD6C14 | ADVERTISING AND BRANDING | Core | 4 | Principles of Advertising, Branding Strategies, Marketing Communication, Brand Identity, Campaign Design |
| AGD6C15 | POST PRODUCTION | Core | 4 | Compositing, Visual Effects, Green Screen Techniques, Motion Graphics, Audio Mastering |
| AGD6C16 | INTERACTIVE DESIGN | Core | 4 | Principles of Interaction, Usability Heuristics, Information Architecture, Microinteractions, User Flows |
| AGD6E02 | Elective II (e.g., Virtual Reality) | Elective | 4 | Introduction to VR, VR Hardware, VR Software, 3D Environment Design, Interactive VR Experiences |
| AGD6PR02 | MAJOR PROJECT | Core Project | 4 | Advanced Project Planning, Research, Implementation, Portfolio Integration, Final Presentation |
| AGD6VV01 | VIVA VOCE | Core Viva Voce | 2 | Presentation Skills, Technical Explanation, Defense of Project, Communication Skills, Industry Q&A |
| AGD6VV02 | INTERNSHIP (Mandatory) | Internship | 2 | Practical Industry Experience, Professional Networking, Real-world Project Application, Workplace Ethics, Skill Enhancement |
