Conceptual Thinking in Animation
Faculty
Daniel Savage
Independent Designer and Director
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
This class will be all about thinking conceptually in motion. By thinking abstractly and looking at the world differently, you’ll be able to come up with original concepts and fresh perspectives. We will also take an in-depth look at rhythm and compelling movements using simple forms. Taking these experimental ideas you will then explain a complex idea in the simplest way possible.
Learning highlights
- Look at your surroundings differently and be inspired by everyday life
- Learn to think conceptually by analyzing illustration and graphic design that focuses on wit
- Apply conceptual thinking to animation
- Learn about rhythm and how to apply it to animation
- Be able to explain a complex idea in an abstract and compelling way
Course outline
4 classes
• Intro
• What is replacement animation?
• Being inspired by your surroundings
• Animation principles
• Project 1: Replacement Animation
Using a single form as a starting place, you will walk around the city taking photos of that same form and use it to create a 30 second film.
• Taking inspiration from editorial illustration and graphic design
• 1+1+3
• Present photos for project 1 to class
• How to apply the concept of replacement animation in other ways
• In class work session.
Session 4
• Review project progress.
• In class demo and work session
Prerequisites
This course is one of three in a wholistic series.
Students that have already taken MSL-111 and those with prior experience with HTML, CSS, and Javascript building simple web pages will be good candidates for this module.
Daniel Savage is an artist, illustrator, and motion designer with 20 years of work across editorial, commercial, and luxury brands. Through his own practice he creates work for clients including Hermès, Burberry, Universal Music Group, and the Premier League. His work earned a place in NYT's "40 Best Illustrations of 2025" and ADC's "2026 Best in Show: Animation & Illustration." He has taught at NYU and SVA.
See full profileApply for this course
Conceptual Thinking in Animation
by Daniel Savage
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Jan 06 - Jan 24, 2020
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.