MART 581: Interactive Computer Media Arts
  • The class is full! Will you add me?
    No. The course will fill to the limits of the fire code. My advice is: Keep watching the registration and see if someone drops (likely), and show up the first day or two and see if someone freaks out and quits when they see how much work it is (even more likely).
  • When and where does the class meet?
    Here is a link to the USC Master Schedule. All up to date info is there.
  • What are the prerequisites for MART 583 (Animation)?
    The listed prerequisite courses are MART 210 (Digital Art Fundamentals) and MART 380 (Web Media Arts). Under some circumstances you may take it without having one of those classes, however you should not try to do this without consulting the professor.
  • I haven't had the prereq course. Can I take it anyway?
    The current registration system at USC does foolishly allow people to sign up for classes that they are not prepared for. This can be a problem. I will not remove students from the class if they have registered. However, you are responsible for the background information. Many people do not succeed because of this.

    MART 210 and 380 contain information that is the necessary basis for the techniques we will use. Thy also include fundamentals of art, design, and cinema that concepts will be built upon. In fairness ot the students who have put in the time to prepare, I will not remediate.
  • What experience in digital art should I have if I want to take it?
    None is necessary. You should have basic digital skills, and the equivalence in proficiency afforded by MART 210 and MART 371.
  • I'm not a MART major or minor. Can I take it anyway?
    Definitely!
  • What software will I learn?
    I don't like to answer that question because it fosters the impression that the class is about software. The most important parts of the class are software-independent, focusing on writing and producing compelling artwork that will be seen. This is a class in conceptual art.
  • Does the class use Macs or Windows?
    The university has licenses for many applications on Mac and Windows. The main labs that you have access to (with the most powerful computers) are Mac labs. I teach on the Macs, but I use Windows (and Linux) myself. Really, it doesn't matter and no one cares. Professionally, you'll need facility in both.
  • Do I have to buy software?
    No. We have everything you need in the labs.
  • I want to use my own computer, do I HAVE to use the lab ?
    No, you can use your own. Some of the projects can be completed using free open source software, or fully functional demos. Understand, however that even if something goes wrong with your computer, you are still responsible for the work getting done. Animation often uses highly specialized software, and it is unlikely that you own it or have a system set up to run it properly.
  • Can I get a jump start on things?
    Sure. if you want to get a jump on the technical details of the software, or if you are concerned that you will need remediation, you can watch video demos from my tutorial site.
  • Anything else I should know ?
    DO NOT skip the first class. It is not a blow off, and you will miss material that you will be responsible for.

    If you have not yet learned how to manage your time, learn now. You will need to practice at least 2-3 hours a week in addition to the work you'll need to do for the assignments, just to become proficient on the software. If you are not willing or able to do this, you should probably not take the class.

    You will not be able to complete the films for this course in class. The class meets in a computer lab for one hour each week, and you will need many many more hours than that. If you are not willing or able to put the time into the films, you should definitely not take the course.