- In this course, you will learn to:
- Classify the basic tools and techniques used in animation and VFX production
- Define the roles of animation and VFX in various industries
- Identify the selection, drawing, and scaling tools in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Organize workflows for working with layers, blend modes, and masks
- Reorganize different tools and techniques for creating and modifying digital art
- Summarize the steps involved in photo restoration projects
- Compare the features and applications of raster and vector graphics
- Report on the ethical considerations in character design and copyright protection
- Categorize different types of animation and VFX styles used in creative industries
- Diagnose issues in digital compositions and suggest solutions for improvement
- Operate advanced tools like the Perspective Grid Tool and the Mesh Tool
- Find innovative ways to create compelling characters and visual storytelling elements
- Predict future trends in animation, VFX, and digital compositing techniques
- Enable students to internalize and apply the twelve classical principles—such as squash & stretch, anticipation, timing, arcs, and appeal—to create believable 2-D motion.
- Guide learners through the full pre-production pipeline—scriptwriting, storyboarding, character and background design, and animatics—so they can turn narrative ideas into clear visual plans.
- Train students to set up, manage, and optimize projects in Toon Boom Harmony, Animate CC, and related 2-D tools, including layers, symbols, keyframes, cameras, and export settings.
- Equip learners to rig bipeds, quadrupeds, and mechanical objects with deformers and IK, and to animate nuanced body mechanics, facial lip-sync, and secondary actions.
- Develop skills in particle and fluid systems to add smoke, fire, rain, magic trails, and other environmental effects that enrich storytelling.
- Lead students in producing a polished short animation—managing assets, sound, and deadlines—and in critiquing work against artistic and industry standards for continuous improvement.
Integrated Foundations of Animation and Visual Effects (Basics of Animation)
Learn animation basics and introductory VFX using modern digital tools.
Introduction
What you'll learn ?
- At the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Estimate the time and resources required for animation and VFX projects
- Appraise the quality of animations and digital art based on industry standards
- Combine multiple images and elements to create advanced compositions and artworks
- Solve challenges in photo restoration and digital compositing
- Predict industry trends in animation, VFX, and digital design
- Survey diverse illustration styles and their relevance to various creative industries
- Compare different animation and VFX techniques for their effectiveness in storytelling
- Examine the ethical implications of character design and copyright in the creative process
- Assess the functionality and efficiency of tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for specific tasks
- Arrange design elements, layers, and tools to optimize workflows in digital art projects
- Create engaging characters and visual stories using innovative tools and techniques
- Design effective workflows for animation and VFX production pipelines
- Develop unique digital art projects by combining techniques like matte painting, surreal compositing, and digital painting
- Explain and demonstrate the 12 fundamental principles of animation and critique their use in professional work.
- Write and analyze scripts, story ideas, and storyboards that translate narrative concepts into clear visual plans.
- Design and iterate original characters, props, and backgrounds using research, mood-boards, and solid drawing fundamentals.
- Construct efficient digital production pipelines in Toon Boom Harmony/Animate CC, managing layers, keyframes, symbols, and camera moves.
- Rig biped, quadruped, and mechanical characters with deformers and inverse kinematics for believable motion and secondary actions.
- Animate convincing body mechanics and nuanced performance—walks, runs, jumps, facial lip-sync, hand and cloth secondary motion—applying ease-in/out, overlap, and follow-through.
- Create and integrate particle and fluid effects (smoke, fire, rain, magic, speed-lines) that enhance scene atmosphere.
- Produce a short polished animated sequence that demonstrates cohesive storytelling, sound integration, atmospheric effects, and professional export settings.
- Evaluate personal and peer work against aesthetic, technical, and production criteria, providing constructive feedback and iterating accordingly.
- Document and manage the complete production workflow—naming conventions, exposure/model sheets, version control, and asset delivery—to meet deadlines and industry standards.
Certification
- KLiC courses are recognised by Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU).
- MKCL provides certificate to the KLiC learner after his/her successful course completion.
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) provides mark sheet to successfully passed KLiC learners (Jurisdiction: Maharashtra).
Academic Approach
The academic approach of the courses focuses on the “work-centric” education i.e. begin with work (and not from a book!), derive knowledge from work and apply that knowledge to make the work more wholesome, useful and delightful. The ultimate objective is to empower the Learner to engage in socially useful and productive work. It aims at leading the learner to his/her rewarding career as an employee or entrepreneur as well as development of the community to which s/he belongs. Learning methodology:
- Step -1: Learners are given an overview of the course and its connection to life and work.
- Step -2: Learners are exposed to the specific tool(s) used in the course through the various real-life applications of the tool(s).
- Step -3: Learners are acquainted with the careers and the hierarchy of roles they can perform at workplaces after attaining increasing levels of mastery over the tool(s).
- Step -4: Learners are acquainted with the architecture of the tool or tool map so as to appreciate various parts of the tool, their functions, utility and inter-relations.
- Step -5: Learners are exposed to simple application development methodology by using the tool at the beginner’s level.
- Step -6: Learners perform the differential skills related to the use of the tool to improve the given ready-made industry-standard outputs.
- Step -7: Learners are engaged in appreciation of real-life case studies developed by the experts.
- Step -8: Learners are encouraged to proceed from appreciation to imitation of the experts.
- Step -9: After the imitation experience, they are required to improve the expert’s outputs so that they proceed from mere imitation to emulation.
- Step-10: Emulation is taken a level further from working with differential skills towards the visualization and creation of a complete output according to the requirements provided. (Long Assignments)
- Step-11: Understanding the requirements, communicating one’s own thoughts and presenting are important skills required in facing an interview for securing a work order/job. For instilling these skills, learners are presented with various subject-specific technical as well as HR-oriented questions and encouraged to answer them.
- Step-12: Finally, they develop the integral skills involving optimal methods and best practices to produce useful outputs right from scratch, publish them in their ePortfolio and thereby proceed from emulation to self-expression, from self-expression to self-confidence and from self-confidence to self-reliance and self-esteem!
Syllabus
- Overview of Animation and VFX History
- Difference in Animation and VFX
- Role of Animation and VFX in Various Industries
- Future Trends in Animation and VFX
- Structure of the Animation Industry
- Key Players and Studios in Animation
- Animation Production Pipeline
- VFX Production Pipeline
- Career Opportunities in Animation
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
- Basic Tools
- Selection Tools
- Making Selections with Different Tools
- Modifying an Existing Selection
- Saving and Loading Selections
- Case Study -Creating a Mockup
- Using Adobe Photoshop Scaling and Transform Tools
- Scaling
- Drawing and Coloring Tools
- Text Tools
- Type Tool and Options
- Advanced Text Options
- Tool Presets
- Image Modifications
- Color Modifications
- Using the Brush and Paint
- Brush Presets
- Colors and Shapes
- Advanced Tools
- Working with layers
- Layer Options
- Layer Effects
- Layer Styles
- Blending Modes
- Applying Masks
- Applying Masks
- Mask mode, Channels and Selections
- Getting Creative with Types
- Type Tool and Options
- Advanced Text Options
- (Exploring Filter Gallery)
- Filter and Effects
- Vanishing Point
- Techniques and Ethics in Photo Restoration
- Types of Photo Damage
- Scanning guidelines for old photo restoration
- Applying Restoration Techniques
- Use of Spot Healing Brush
- Use of Healing Brush Tool
- Use of Patch Tool
- Use of Clone Stamp Tool
- Use of Smudge Tool
- Colorizing Vintage Photos
- Applying Color Restoration Techniques
- Retaining the Authentic Look
- Preserving and Sharing Restored Photos
- Case Study - Wedding Photography Retouching
- Introduction to Digital Art
- Fundamentals of Digital Art
- Photo Manipulation: Techniques
- Photo Manipulation: Transforming Images into art
- Combining Multiple Images into Artworks
- Combining Multiple Images into Artworks Advance techniques
- Matte Painting
- Adding Fantasy Elements and Effects Setting Up and Basic Techniques
- Adding Fantasy Elements and Effects Advance techniques
- Adding Fantasy Elements and Effects Mastering Complex Composition
- Surreal Compositing Techniques Adding Basic Elements
- Surreal Compositing Techniques - Advance Techniques
- Digital Painting
- Introduction to Illustration
- What is Illustration?
- Introduction to Visual Communication Skills
- The Art of 'Visual Communication'
- Importance of Illustration in Various Industries
- Overview of Different Illustration Styles
- Exploring Diverse Illustration Styles
- Adobe Illustrator for Beginners
- Introduction to Illustrator
- A Simple Guide to Vector and Raster Graphics
- Introduction to Basic Tools
- Illustrator Interface
- Organizing Files
- Saving files
- Understanding Artboards
- Tools
- Every Adobe Illustrator Tool Explained
- Colors in Illustrator
- Changing Color Modes in Illustrator
- Creating Your Own Color Palette
- Utilizing Ovals and Opacity
- Alignment Properties
- Isolate Selected Object
- Convert to curve with outlines
- Arc Tool
- Spiral Tool
- Rectangular Grid Tool
- Polar Grid Tool
- Rectangle Tool
- Ellipse Tool
- Polygon Tool
- Star Tool
- Flare Tool
- Using Brush Tool
- Pencil Tool
- Working With Gradient
- Mesh tool with multiple color
- Eyedropper Tool
- Measure Tool
- Working with color picker
- Multiple ways of fill color
- Layer Management and Workflow
- Exploring Hidden Features of Layer Panel
- Advanced Options to Manage Layers
- Converting Sublayers to the Main Layer
- Exploring the Basics of Paint Brush Tool
- Understanding the Flow of Digital Brush with Symbol Graphics
- Exploring the Digital Brushes and Techniques to Create a New
- Managing Color Swatches Panel with Existing Colors
- Adding and Sharing the Color Codes
- Using the Color Blending Options
- Create a Vector Peach from Sketch
- Reflect an Object
- Applying Skew and Shear Transformations to Objects
- Mastering the Bounding Box
- Perspective Grid Tool
- Basic Principles of Character Design
- Ethical Considerations for Character Design
- Practical Tips for Effective Character Design
- Character Turnaround
- Facial Features in Character Design
- Variations in Facial Features, Expressions and Emotions
- Hairstyles and Facil Hair
- Posture and Body Language
- Recap and Conclusion
- Exploring Copyright and Intellectual Property
- Responsible Practices
- Protecting your Illustrations
- Client Considerations
- Ethical Considerations
- Resources and Laws
- Copyright Infringement
- Overview of 2D digital Animation
- Basics of 2D Frame-by-Frame Animation
- Animation Principles Overview
- Squash and Stretch
- Anticipation
- Staging
- Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose
- Follow Through and Overlapping Action
- Slow In and Slow Out
- Arcs
- Secondary Action
- Timing
- Exaggeration
- Solid Drawing
- Appeal
- Understanding the 2D Animation Pre-Production Pipeline
- Importance of Pre-Production in 2D Animation
- Scriptwriting
- Writing the Narrative
- Dialogue Creation
- Scene Breakdown
- Script Analysis of ‘The Jungle Book’
- Research and Concept Development
- Story Idea Generation
- Character Concepts
- Initial Storyboard Sketches (Mood Board and Brainstorming)
- Character Design
- Characters Study
- Model and Exposure Sheet
- Expression Sheets
- Storyboarding
- Storyboard format
- Visual Storytelling
- Storyboard Examples from Iconic Animations
- 2D Layout
- Background Study in Animation
- Prop study
- Shot Composition
- Animatic Creation
- Turning Storyboards into Animatics
- Adding Temporary Sound and Dialogue
- Conclusion of Pre-Production
- Final Approval of Pre-Production Assets
- Preparing for Production Phase
- Overview of Toon Boom Harmony
- Installing and Setting Up Trial Version of Toon boom
- Basic Concepts of Toon Boom Harmony
- Navigating the Interface
- Basic Drawing Tools
- Using Brushes and Erasers
- Working with Layers
- Creating Keyframes in Toon Boom Harmony
- Understanding Object Animation
- Importing and Animating Objects
- Adding Colors and Textures
- Using the Camera Tool
- Adding Sound to Animation
- Exporting Your Animation
- Simple Animation Project
- Introduction to Dynamic Animation
- Understanding Camera Rigs and Motion Paths
- Make your own CARTOON character
- Understanding the node view
- Refine a cut-out 2D character
- Ease Set Parameter
- Animating Dynamic Hair Movement
- Understanding Parallax Scrolling and layers setup
- Positioning Layers and Creating Parallax Effect
- Creating Atmospheric Effects in Animation
- Designing a Bouncing Ball Animation
- Introduction to Secondary Animation
- Creating Simple Tracking Shots
- Adding Camera Shake to Scenes
- Understanding Mouth Shapes
- Syncing simple Animation to Audio
- Introduction to Overlapping Actions
- Applying Overlapping Actions in Animation
- Understanding Frame by Frame Animation
- Creating Realistic Hand Gestures
- Cloth Simulation and Rigging Basics
- Creating Emotions with Hand Poses
- Understanding Anticipation and Impact
- Smooth Scene Transitions
- Basics of Camera Cuts in Animation
- Creating seamless animation in Toon Boom Harmony
- Animating Smoke Effects
- Animating Fire Effects
- Creating Water Effects
- Animating Wind and Rain Effects
- Basics of Bone Deformers
- Using Inverse Kinematics
- Rigging basic Characters
- Animating Eyelid rigging
- Creating Eye Animation and Blinking
- Animating and rigging eyebrow movements
- Basic Hair Movement Animation
- Fundamentals of Mechanical Movements
- Advanced Gear Animation and Scripting
- Rigging Basic Vehicles
- Animating Basic Vehicles
- Setting up quadruped walk cycle
- Shaping and animating quadruped walking poses.
- Finalising quadruped walk cycle with torso animation
- Understanding Basic Secondary Motion
- Rigging and Setup for the Walk Cycle
- Animating and Refining the Walk Cycle
- Easy Run Cycle Animations
- Creating Underwater Scenes
- Introduction to Particles and Fluid Animation
- Create basic particle system
- Creating particles with a sprite
- The Particle Action Modifier
- Addition Action Modifier
- Velocity and Bounce Action
- Flying Bugs Animation
- Adding Glow and Blur Effects
- Creating a Magical Fairy Trail
- Simulate Realistic Smoke
- Creating a particle rain effect Animation
- Creating a Realistic Fire Effect Using Particles
- Create a Lush Grass Animation
- Creating Dynamic Speed Lines in Toon Boom Harmony
- Creating a Stunning Magic Wand Particle Effect
- Simulating Firework Blast Effect
- Introduction to 2D software
- Overview of interface and features
- Understanding Symbol system
- use of Symbol types
- Timeline and Layers
- Timeline/ FPS/ Ratio
- Creating Your First Animation
- Setting up a new project
- Types of brushes
- Understanding Keyframes
- Keyframe animation principles
- Key calling
- Tween
- Shape tween
- Motion tween
- Classic tween
- Squash and Stretch Techniques
- Applying squash and stretch to characters
- Onion skin
- Adjusting timing and spacing
- Case Study - Animating a Bouncing Ball
- Introduction to 2D Software
- Installing Animate CC
- Setting up a New Project
- Overview of Interface and Features
- Understanding the Timeline and Layers
- Animating a Bouncing Ball
- Character Design Basics
- Character Design Basics - II
- Understanding Keyframes and Timing
- Squash and Stretch Techniques
- Leaf falling
- Tracing
- Bouncing ball
- Rubber
- Metal
- Jump
- Jump with cap
- Bell animation
- Car
- Cow tail animation / Pendulum
- Falling box
Evaluation Pattern
Evaluation Pattern of KLiC Courses consists of 4 Sections as per below table:
Section No. | Section Name | Total Marks | Minimum Passing Marks |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Learning Progression | 25 | 10 |
2 | Internal Assessment | 25 | 10 |
3 | Final Online Examination | 50 | 20 |
Total | 100 | 40 | |
4 | SUPWs (Socially Useful and Productive Work in form of Assignments) | 5 Assignments | 2 Assignments to be Completed & Uploaded |
YCMOU Mark Sheet
Printed Mark Sheet will be issued by YCMOU on successful completion of Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3 and will be delivered to the learner by MKCL.
YCMOU Mark Sheet will be available only for Maharashtra jurisdiction learners
MKCL's KLiC Certificate
The certificate will be provided to the learner who will satisfy the below criteria:
- Learners who have successfully completed above mentioned 3 Sections i.e. Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3
- Additionally, learner should have completed Section 4 (i.e. Section 4 will comprise of SUPWs i.e. Socially Useful and Productive Work in form of Assignments)
- Learner has to complete and upload minimum 2 out of 5 Assignments
Courses Fee Structure from 01 July, 2025 Onwards
KLiC 60 hour course fee applicable from 01 July, 2025 all over Maharashtra
KLiC Course Duration | MFO (Inclusive of GST) |
ALC Share (Service Charges to be collected by ALC) |
---|---|---|
60 hours | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 2,500/- |
* Above mentioned fee is applicable for all Modes of KLiC Courses offered at Authorised Learning Center (ALC) and at Satellite Center
* Total fee is including of Course fees, Examination fees and Certification fees
* MKCL reserves the right to modify the Fee anytime without any prior notice
KLiC Courses Fee Structure upto 30 June, 2025
Region | Total Fee (Rupees) |
MMRDA, PMRDA and Rest of Maharashtra | 3000/- |
* Above mentioned fee is applicable for all Modes of KLiC Courses offered at Authorised Learning Center (ALC) and at Satellite Center
* Total fee is including of Course fees, Examination fees and Certification fees
* MKCL reserves the right to modify the Fee anytime without any prior notice