Ball State to offer electronic art

MUNCIE -- Ball State University is offering students a chance to earn a fine arts degree specializing in electronic art and animation, which school officials say is the first program of its kind in Indiana.\nThe program would provide students with the skills and experience necessary to work in new media industries such as digital cinema, 3--D computer animation, motion graphics and special effects, said John Fillwalk, an associate professor of electronic art at Ball State.\nSpecialists in the field are in demand, with most commercial studio animation done at least in some part digitally, Fillwalk said. The new digital technology is credited for popular animated films such as "Shrek" and "The Incredibles."\n"Not only will this degree benefit students at Ball State, it will recruit students currently looking out of state for similar programs," Fillwalk said.\nThe university already offers a master's degree in studio art with an emphasis on electronic art and animation.\nJennifer Moody, who recently received a master's in the field at Ball State, said the undergraduate program could help attract students.\n"It helps set Ball State as the leading media school in the state," Moody said. "It will definitely attract more students, as it's a very popular field in both art and entertainment."\nIn electronic art, frames are drawn directly into the computer on a graphics tablet and stylus, where color and motion can then be quickly added, Fillwalk said.\nCourses in the electronic art program will introduce students to digital video, intermedia, animation, interactive media and digital imaging, he said.\nInterest in the program already is high among students and parents, Fillwalk said. Students' access to high--definition cameras, editing bays and the latest animation software all are expected to create a "world--class" program, he said.