Atia Newman Headshot

Atia Newman

Associate Professor

School of Film and Animation
College of Art and Design

585-475-2785
Office Location

Atia Newman

Associate Professor

School of Film and Animation
College of Art and Design

Education

BFA, National College of the Arts (Pakistan); MFA, Pratt Institute

Bio

Atia Newman (Quadri) is an award-winning international 3D animator with roots in Pakistan. She is one of the first women to ever work in the Pakistani animation industry. Hired as a 2D animator straight out of school, she made the shift into 3D animation when she discovered the added challenge of combining technology with the aesthetic value of animation art.

585-475-2785

Areas of Expertise

Select Scholarship

Published Conference Proceedings
Newman, Atia. "Cultural Preservation Using Game Technology." Proceedings of the Game Developer's Conference. Ed. GDC Reviewers. San Francisco, CA: n.p., 2022. Web.
Shows/Exhibits/Installations
Multiple, . The Character Mosaic Project. By Atia Newman and Mark Reisch. n.d. online, Rochester. Installation.

Currently Teaching

SOFA-216
3 Credits
In this course students will learn the mechanics of motion within characters. Complete character-rigging techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will gain further knowledge of a variety of three-dimensional computer animation techniques and will produce a series of short 3D computer animations using a pre-rigged character.
SOFA-411
4 Credits
The first of two classes designed to advance students toward the completion of a capstone. It will advance students from capstone proposal toward the completion of a project. Students will also take part in weekly critiques to present their work and discuss the work of their classmates. At the completion of this course, students should be at the halfway point of their set project.
SOFA-501
1 Credits
This course will allow students the opportunity to receive feedback on their in-progress capstone project. Students will be required to submit their work by a determined deadline and then take constructive feedback. At the completion of this course, students will decide how to implement the criticism they received with their advisor to better their work. 20 hours of class over one weekend in fall semester.
SOFA-518
3 Credits
This course will focus on the role of the small animation business owner, the studio employee, and the individual freelance animator in developing a small business. The elements of discussion will teach students how to approach animation work in the industry from a small business perspective. This course will discuss the creation of sample reels, websites, self-promotion, contracts, pitching, fund-raising, research and interview techniques all related to the individual in animation. Ethics and individual responsibilities will also be discussed. Professionals working in the animation industry will often be guests for the class.
SOFA-575
3 Credits
This course is an intensive look at lighting for three-dimensional animation pipelines. Students will learn to observe, plan and replicate real-world environments and expand those into artistic interpretations of style and design. There will be a strong focus on surfacing, set-dressing, production design, as well as economical rendering techniques. Students will learn to identify the balance between artistic needs and technical limitations and how to adequately prepare a scene for post-production practices.
SOFA-583
3 Credits
This course is an intensive exploration of the process of character creation, specifically character rigging for digital animation. Students will learn to build a working rig by applying their research into body mechanics, character deformation, and dynamic restructuring. By combining their understanding of aesthetic character creation with the study of three-dimensional technology, the course is designed to teach automation through code-building and expressions.
SOFA-599
1 - 6 Credits
SOFA Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, should propose a course of study or project with clearly defined deliverables. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. Student must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply.
SOFA-638
3 Credits
This course will explore the process of character creation, specifically character rigging for digital animation. Students will learn to build a working rig by applying their research into body mechanics, character deformation, and dynamic restructuring. Students will combine their understanding of aesthetic character creation with the study of 3D technology. Students will be exposed to automation through code-building and expressions. This course has an additional research component.
SOFA-675
3 Credits
This course will offer an intensive look at lighting for three-dimensional animation pipelines. The focus of the course will be: surfacing, set-dressing, production design, and economical rendering techniques. Students will learn to observe, plan, replicate real-world environments, and apply to artistic interpretations of style and design. The course will also provide a balance between artistic needs and technical limitations in order to prepare a scene for post-production practices. This course has an additional research component.
SOFA-799
1 - 4 Credits
Film and Animation Graduate Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, should propose a course of study or project with clearly defined deliverables. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. Student must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply.
SOFA-890
4 Credits
This is the second of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their thesis. Students will work independently on their approved plan of work for their thesis while meeting on a regular basis with their committee chair. They are required to meet at least twice with their full committee during the semester as well as present a final screening of their thesis.

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