What do students need for an animation portfolio?

Most animation portfolios require students to have strong character design skills, but schools want to see that character in their world, not just in the middle of a drawing. They also want to see character turnarounds and gesture drawings. Submitting a short animation is often required for some programs. Some schools have specific portfolio requirements, so be sure to check them. Some schools ask for sketchbook art, so make sure to keep your sketchbook flowing with ideas.

Where are animation majors found?

Animation majors are found both in traditional art schools and as majors within film programs, as storytelling, motion, and sound are often components of animation.

Can students include both traditional and digital art in their portfolios?

Yes! Student portfolios can focus on one or the other, or showcase both mediums. Most importantly, schools want to see original artwork, especially artwork created without a prompt.

Animation

Dylan, attending Ringling College of Art and Design

Bring Characters to Life 〰️

Make Your Own Memes 〰️

Be a World Builder 〰️

Brings Games to Life 〰️

Work with Cutting Edge Tech〰️

Bring Characters to Life 〰️ Make Your Own Memes 〰️ Be a World Builder 〰️ Brings Games to Life 〰️ Work with Cutting Edge Tech〰️

What does an Animation portfolio look like?

We help students interested in animation learn how to tell stories through their art. Whether they are interested in character design, world building, or storytelling, we work with them to show colleges their unique voice. Our students work in 2D and 3D animation, and both traditional and digital animation.

Most animation portfolios require students to have strong character design skills but they want to see that character in their world, not just in the middle of a drawing. They also want to see character turn-arounds and gesture drawings. Submitting a short animation is often required for some programs. Some schools have specific portfolio requirements so be sure to check them. Some schools ask for sketchbook art so make sure to keep your sketchbook flowing with ideas.
Animation majors are found both in traditional art schools and as majors within film programs as storytelling, motion and sound are often components of animations.
Yes! Student portfolios can focus on one or the other, or showcase both mediums. Most importantly, schools want to see original artwork, especially artwork created without a prompt.

Creative Majors and Careers for Animators

Character design sheet of an original pink-haired character with magical creatures in multiple poses and expressions, by 12th grade ARTriculate student Maria, from her animation portfolio.

Maria, created in 12th grade, attending Syracuse University, Visual and Performing Arts

Animation - Study the principles of movement and storytelling to create animated characters, environments, and narratives in 2D or 3D. Animator, Storyboard Artist, Animation Director, Layout Artist

Computer Animation - Focus on creating animations using advanced software for movies, games, and visual effects. 3D Animator, Technical Animator, Rigging Artist, Simulation Artist

Motion Graphics - Combine design and animation to produce engaging visuals for advertising, film, and digital media. Motion Graphics Designer, Video Editor, Creative Director, Visual Effects Artist

Visual Effects (VFX) - Learn how to create realistic or fantastical effects for film, TV, and games using CGI and compositing. VFX Artist, Compositor, Matte Painter, Technical Director

Interactive Media Design - Focus on creating immersive, interactive experiences through animation and digital tools. Interactive Designer, UX/UI Designer, Immersive Media Specialist, Digital Content Creator.

Digital narrative illustration of a wide-eyed character watching a golden butterfly fly through a bedroom window at night, by 12th grade ARTriculate student Padan, from her animation and illustration portfolio.

Padan, created in 12th grade, attending Ringling College of Art and Design

Game Art and Animation - Design characters, environments, and animations specifically for video games.
Game Animator, Character Designer, Environment Artist, Texture Artist

Stop-Motion Animation - Explore frame-by-frame animation techniques using physical objects and models.
Stop-Motion Animator, Puppet Fabricator, Animation Director, Armature Designer

Character Animation - Specialize in creating believable character performances and emotional expressions.
Character Animator, Motion Capture Artist, Animation Supervisor, Character Rigger

Storyboarding - Develop visual sequences to plan and structure animated or live-action productions.
Storyboard Artist, Pre-Visualization Artist, Concept Artist, Director

Technical Animation/Animation Programming - Blend programming and animation to create tools, simulations, or advanced effects. Technical Animator, Simulation Specialist, Tool Developer, Animation Engineer

Meet our Animation Coaches

Adam Toutoungi

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Laura McFaden

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Lisa Shmaraeva

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