Uncategorized Archives - Aureole Studios

August 22, 2025August 20, 2025

Traditional vs. Digital Art: Which Should You Learn First?

When starting out as an artist, many students ask us:
“Should I learn traditional art first, or go straight into digital?”

It’s a fair question—and the answer depends on your goals, learning style, and long-term vision. But whether you’re holding a pencil or a stylus, one thing is always true: you need strong fundamentals.

At Aureole Studios, we teach both—so let’s break down the differences, advantages, and how you can combine them to get the best of both worlds.

🎨 Traditional Art: The Foundation of Visual Literacy

Pros:

Helps you understand physical materials (pencil, charcoal, ink, paint)
Forces intentional decisions—no undo button!
Builds hand-eye coordination and observational skills
Trains you to think in layers and construction (especially with figure drawing)

Ideal for:

Beginners who want a strong grounding in observation and technique
Students building portfolios for art schools
Artists aiming to sell originals or explore tactile, hands-on creativity

💡 Traditional media is unforgiving—but that’s where the growth happens.

🖥️ Digital Art: Flexible, Fast, and Industry-Ready

Pros:

Unlimited layers, brushes, and adjustments
Great for commercial work (illustration, animation, concept art)
Easy to experiment with composition, color, and lighting
Tools like undo, symmetry, and transform help you iterate quickly

Ideal for:

Students interested in animation, games, comics, or illustration
Artists who love efficiency and control
Those looking to build a professional online portfolio

💡 Digital tools are powerful—but can enable bad habits if you skip structure.

🔄 Why Not Both?

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to choose.
Many of our students start with pencil and paper to master control and form, then transition into digital tools once they’ve built a strong foundation.

Our Digital Painting classes are designed to complement Fundamentals and Figure Drawing—so you develop your technical skills and digital fluency side by side.

🧠 Think of traditional as your strength training… and digital as your speed training.

What We Recommend at Aureole Studios

📌 Beginners: Start with sketching, gesture, and simple rendering in pencil or charcoal. Focus on form, line quality, and proportion.

📌 Intermediate Artists: Begin blending traditional drawing with digital tools like Procreate or Photoshop. Explore color theory, lighting, and brush control.

📌 Portfolio Prep Students: Use both media to show versatility—life drawings in graphite, character work in digital, storyboards in ink, etc.

Ready to Train in Both Worlds?

Our programs at Aureole Studios are built for artists who want to thrive in both traditional and digital spaces. Whether you’re prepping for Sheridan, applying to CalArts, or just starting out—we’ll help you build a skillset that’s versatile, competitive, and creatively fulfilling.

👉 Explore Fundamental Classes
👉 Explore Digital Painting Program
👉 Join Our Portfolio Prep Program

August 20, 2025August 20, 2025

6 Beginner Mistakes That Hold Artists Back

Everyone starts somewhere—but some habits can quietly slow down your growth as an artist. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like your art isn’t improving as fast as you’d hoped, chances are you’re falling into one (or more) of these common beginner traps.

At Aureole Studios, we see these mistakes often—and we help students fix them with clear, practical strategies that unlock real progress.

1. Overrendering Before Structure

It’s tempting to jump straight into coloring and detail—but if the underlying sketch isn’t solid, all that effort ends up masking fundamental issues like anatomy or proportion.

Fix it: Focus on solid line drawings and gesture before diving into shading or effects. Think “structure first, style second.”

2. Avoiding Reference (or Overusing It)

Some artists think using reference is “cheating,” while others copy it 1:1 without learning from it. In reality, reference is a tool—not a crutch.

Fix it: Use reference to understand form, lighting, and design, then interpret it in your own way. Start with life or photo reference and challenge yourself to create variations.

3. Using Too Many Colors

New artists often throw in every color in the rainbow, leading to muddy or chaotic pieces. Instead, stick to a limited palette and learn to use color with intention.

Fix it: Choose 2–4 main colors, then vary their value and saturation. Focus on contrast and harmony, not just variety.

4. Neglecting Value and Lighting

Without good value contrast, your artwork can feel flat—even with great linework and color. Lighting is what gives your drawings weight and realism.

Fix it: Practice in grayscale first. Use simple lighting setups (like one light source) to train your eye on how light and shadow define form.

5. Drawing Only from Imagination

Drawing from your head is great—but if you’re not also drawing from life or study, you’re reinforcing your current limitations.

Fix it: Split your practice: 50% from imagination, 50% from observation. Use figure drawing sessions, still life studies, or master copies to expand your visual library.

6. Not Seeking Feedback

One of the fastest ways to improve is by getting honest critique—but many beginners avoid it out of fear or insecurity.

Fix it: Ask for constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors. At Aureole Studios, our teachers provide weekly critiques and tailored advice to help students break through plateaus.

Ready to Break Bad Habits?

Our courses in Fundamentals, Digital Painting, and Portfolio Prep are designed to help you correct these mistakes early—so you can grow faster, more confidently, and with the support of a pro team.

👉 Explore Courses
👉 Book a Free Portfolio Review

August 9, 2025July 30, 2025

How to Build a Winning Art School Portfolio

Whether you’re applying to Sheridan Animation, OCAD, CalArts, or another top art program, your portfolio is your ticket in. But what makes a portfolio stand out from the stack?

At Aureole Studios, we’ve helped hundreds of students get accepted into the top visual arts and animation schools around the world. Here’s what you need to know to build a successful, strategic, and unforgettable art school portfolio.

1. Know the Requirements—Inside and Out

Each school has different requirements, and they can change yearly. Make sure you:

Read the official portfolio guidelines on the school’s website
Note the number of required pieces
Understand whether you need life drawings, animation tests, perspective, or personal work

Tip: Don’t rely on YouTube summaries—get the info straight from the school.

2. Balance Technical Skill and Creativity

You need to show that you’ve mastered the fundamentals—like figure drawing, perspective, and composition—but schools also want to see your personal voice.

Your portfolio should include:

Strong observational drawings (especially from life)
Creative pieces (character designs, storyboards, etc.)
Process work (sketches, thumbnails, revisions)

Think of it like this: technical = “I’ve got the skills.” Creative = “Here’s what I’ll do with them.”

3. Sequence Matters

The order of your pieces makes a difference. Start strong, end strong, and avoid placing your weakest work in the middle.

If possible, show progression and range, such as:

Loose gesture drawings
Finished figure studies
Storyboarding or concept art
Environmental or perspective work
Bonus: a sketchbook with personality

We help our students design their portfolio flow for maximum impact.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

❌ Over-reliance on digital fan art
❌ Overworking a piece with too much polish
❌ Submitting old work that no longer reflects your current skill
❌ Ignoring feedback or portfolio critiques

You only get one shot—make every piece count.

5. Get Feedback and Redo Pieces If Needed

The strongest portfolios are iterated—not rushed in a single week. Take critique, be willing to redo a piece, and always push for growth.

At Aureole Studios, our instructors offer portfolio reviews, weekly critique sessions, and 1:1 feedback loops that help you meet submission standards early.

Ready to Start Your Portfolio Journey?

We offer dedicated Portfolio Prep Programs, life drawing classes, and a supportive environment to help you apply with confidence—whether you’re aiming for a college program or a professional studio role.

👉 Join Our Portfolio Prep Program
👉 Book a Portfolio Review Session

August 6, 2025July 30, 2025

How Color Theory Elevates Your Portfolio Work

You could have perfect anatomy, clean lines, and compelling concepts—but without good color choices, your artwork might still fall flat. Color theory is the secret weapon that helps your illustrations grab attention, tell stories, and stir emotion.

At Aureole Studios, we help students go beyond just “picking pretty colors” and instead apply intentional color theory to every painting and design. Here’s how mastering color can bring your portfolio to life.

1. Understand Color Relationships

Before diving into complex palettes, it’s important to understand the basics: complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes.

Complementary: colors opposite on the color wheel (like blue/orange) create strong contrast
Analogous: colors beside each other (like red/orange/yellow) feel harmonious
Triadic: colors evenly spaced around the wheel (like red/blue/yellow) offer vibrant balance

Try creating one piece using each type of scheme—it’s a great way to expand your creative range.

2. Learn Warm vs Cool Temperatures

Color temperature changes everything. Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) feel energetic and alive, while cool colors (blue, green, purple) calm things down.

Even within a single character or background, mixing warm and cool helps you show depth, volume, and atmosphere.

Pro tip: Use warm colors for focal points and cool tones in the background to create visual hierarchy.

3. Use Color for Mood and Storytelling

Colors aren’t just aesthetic—they tell stories. A gray-blue scene feels lonely or quiet. A red-lit environment might feel dramatic or dangerous.

When building your portfolio, use color to create emotional tone and narrative—especially in sequential illustrations or character concepts.

Ask yourself: What emotion do I want this piece to express? Then build your palette accordingly.

4. Don’t Overcomplicate Your Palette

One of the most common beginner mistakes is using too many colors. Instead, choose 2–4 dominant hues, and build variations through saturation, brightness, and value.

At Aureole, we teach students to build limited but versatile palettes that keep their work cohesive and professional.

Exercise: Limit yourself to just 3 hues and build an entire environment piece.

5. Make Your Colors Work Harder

Here’s a secret: you can control focus, motion, and shape—all through color.

Use high contrast to draw the eye.
Use saturation shifts to show importance.
Use temperature variation to separate planes of space.

Great artists don’t just paint—they direct the viewer’s experience with every color choice.

Want to Boost Your Color Confidence?

Our Digital Painting and Super Paint Slay classes at Aureole Studios give students the practical tools to master color theory, build mood boards, and execute color scripts for portfolio pieces.

👉 Explore Digital Painting Courses
👉 Join Our Portfolio Prep Program

August 2, 2025July 30, 2025

8 Essential Skills Every Digital Painter Should Master

Digital painting is more than just drawing on a screen—it’s a fusion of traditional art fundamentals and tech-savvy workflows. Whether you dream of working in games, animation, or building a standout art portfolio, there are 8 essential skills you need to develop to thrive as a digital painter.

At Aureole Studios, we break down each skill in our Digital Painting and Portfolio Prep classes so students can gain real confidence—not just polished surface results.

Here’s what every digital painter should master:

1. Brush Control & Pressure Sensitivity

Understanding how to control your stylus pressure is fundamental. It affects line quality, opacity, and texture. With better brush control, your work will feel intentional instead of “wobbly” or overworked.

Pro tip: Use custom brushes, but always master the basics first.

2. Layer Management

Digital art gives you the ability to separate elements into layers, and knowing how to name, group, and lock layers helps you work faster and cleaner. Poor layer management leads to chaos—especially on tight deadlines or team projects.

Quick habit: Use folders for characters, backgrounds, linework, and color.

3. Value & Contrast Awareness

Before color, there’s value. Great digital paintings use clear light and dark areas to define forms and build mood. Try painting in grayscale first to focus purely on shape, form, and composition.

Exercise: Convert your work to black and white to test readability.

4. Color Blending & Palette Control

Color can make or break your artwork. Learn to blend color with a soft brush, smudge tool, or low-opacity techniques. Stick to a limited palette until you build confidence.

Tip: Master warm vs. cool contrast for stronger emotional impact.

5. Edge Control: Soft vs. Hard

Not every edge needs to be sharp. Soft edges suggest form and atmosphere, while hard edges draw attention. Knowing when to use each creates depth and focus in your composition.

Study tip: Zoom in on master paintings to study edge work.

6. Lighting & Rendering

Lighting gives form to everything. Study how light behaves—where it hits, where it bounces, and where it fades. Mastering this helps your paintings feel realistic, stylized, or dramatic—whatever your intent.

Practice: Repaint a still life or 3D model with one consistent light source.

7. Texture Techniques

Textures add realism and interest. Learn to paint or overlay textures like skin, fabric, wood, or clouds. Use texture brushes carefully to enhance—not hide—your fundamentals.

Pro trick: Use Multiply or Overlay layers to add texture to flat areas.

8. File Organization & Export Settings

An often-overlooked skill: save in layers (.PSD), export correctly for web and print, and know your DPI settings. Efficient file habits help you share work with clients, teams, and schools with confidence.

Bonus: Always keep backups of your raw files!

How to Learn These Skills (Faster)

At Aureole Studios, our Digital Painting course is designed to build all 8 of these skills through weekly exercises, class demos, and instructor feedback. We help students go beyond tutorials and YouTube habits—toward building original, confident digital artwork for portfolios and careers.

👉 Join our Digital Painting class
👉 Explore Portfolio Prep Programs

July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

5 Ways to Master Anatomy for Illustrators

Whether you’re designing dynamic characters, expressive poses, or compelling scenes, strong anatomy skills are the foundation of confident illustration. You don’t need to become a doctor, but understanding how the human body moves and functions will level up every stroke you make—especially if you’re building a portfolio.

At Aureole Studios, we’ve guided hundreds of artists through anatomy bootcamps, life drawing sessions, and portfolio coaching. Here are 5 proven ways to build your anatomy knowledge and apply it in your work.

1. Start with Gesture Drawing

Gesture drawing helps you capture the essence of a pose, not just its outline. Spend 30 seconds to 2 minutes drawing real-life models or using references. Focus on movement, weight, and flow, not perfect proportions.

Quick tip: Start each practice session with 5–10 gesture sketches to loosen up your hand and eye.

2. Study the Skeleton and Muscles (Yes, Really!)

To draw the body accurately, you need to understand what’s beneath the surface. Learn the basic structure of bones (like the ribcage, pelvis, limbs) and major muscle groups.

You don’t need to memorize every bone, but knowing what creates bumps, shadows, and curves gives your drawings a sense of realism and intention.

Pro tip: Try drawing simplified skeletons over your sketches to correct proportion and pose balance.

3. Simplify Complex Forms into Boxes and Cylinders

Anatomy can feel overwhelming—but breaking down the body into simple 3D forms makes it easier to manage. Think of the torso as a box, arms as cylinders, and the pelvis as a tilted bucket.

This approach helps you rotate the body in space, maintain volume, and create better foreshortening.

Exercise: Try redrawing photos or your past art using only boxes and cylinders.

4. Explore Dynamic Poses

Static characters can flatten a portfolio. Once you’re comfortable with structure, push yourself to draw twisting, leaning, jumping, and off-balance poses. It’s okay to exaggerate—what matters is that the pose feels believable.

At Aureole, our Figure Life Drawing sessions include timed poses and instructor feedback to help you build up this skill naturally.

Resource: Check out our in-person or online life drawing sessions to practice with real models.

5. Review and Revisit Your Old Sketches

Improvement comes from reflection. Flip through your older figure sketches, note what has improved, and re-draw your own work using your current knowledge.

Anatomy is a lifelong study—even pros keep practicing. Give yourself space to grow.

Want Help with Your Anatomy Practice?

At Aureole Studios, we offer both fundamentals classes and portfolio prep intensives that emphasize anatomy, figure drawing, and structure-building. Whether you’re applying to art school or aiming for the animation industry, we’re here to guide your next level-up.

👉 Join a Figure Life Drawing class
👉 Explore Portfolio Prep Programs

August 6, 2023August 6, 2023

How is Ringling College of Art and Design?

Riling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college recognized as the finest and most innovative visual arts college. So, is Ringling College of Art and Design any good? The following is the detailed introduction that we bring to you. students who are interested, let’s learn about it together!

Is Ringling College of Art and Design a good school?

School Profile

Since 1931, Riling College of Art and Design has nurtured the innovative spirit of students from around the world. This private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 disciplines and a Bachelor of Arts degree in two disciplines. The College’s rigorous curriculum is taught in a studio model and immediately engages students with a comprehensive program of study majors and a liberal arts focus. Ringling College’s teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers.

Advantages

Computer animation

The computer animation major is one of the most popular majors at the school. Students learn to create characters and tell their stories, as well as design, paint, model, texture, animate, light, composit and edit original film. Emphasis is placed on cultivating students’ ability to combine technical skills with creativity so that works can affect audiences emotionally, visually and intellectually.

Game art

Recognized as one of the top gaming schools in the world, the program equips students with the skills needed for lasting and diverse careers in the gaming industry. This major will refine students’ artistic skills, study game design and interaction mechanics, and build students’ own worlds. Master the leading software used by professionals while learning about textures, lighting, player options, and engagement.

Entertainment Design

The Entertainment Design major teaches students to collaborate with artists, designers, and other creatives to bring students’ visions to life, and develops the visual communication skills of artists and the problem-solving skills of designers. Focusing on the built environment, students’ artistic and technical skills will be applied to the design of theme parks, museums and exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, expositions, hotels and restaurants, retail spaces and other projects to accommodate the expansion of the industry on a global scale.

Emphasizing thematic environments, the program focuses on developing a solid foundation for concept development and building knowledge about three-dimensional spatial relationships, material properties, and fabrication techniques. Students will develop advanced technical skills using a variety of digital design techniques in drafting, CAD drawing, 3D modeling and 3D prototyping.

Illustration

In this major, students will master the fundamentals of color, composition, and anatomy in both traditional and digital media, and learn to create effective and engaging illustrations. Learn about character design, development and storyboarding in the Visual Development program.

Application Requirements

5. Language score

TOEFL: A minimum score of 61 (online) is required for admission. Students with scores between 61-79 may be required to enroll in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the Academy; students with a score of 80 or higher may be permitted to waive the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the Academy.

IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 is required for entry. Students with scores between 6.0-6.5 may be required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the Academy. Students with a score of 6.5 or higher may be permitted to waive the College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

Duolingo: A minimum score of 90 is required for admission. Students with scores between 94-104 may be required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the Academy. Students with a score of 105 or higher may be permitted to waive the college’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

6. Application materials

1) Submit a completed Common Application form, along with the non-refundable $70 application fee.

2) Ask your high school counselor to submit a middle school report, or ask one of your high school teachers to complete a teacher evaluation form, or submit a letter of recommendation.

3) Ask your high school to send an official copy of your transcript. We also accept GED certificates.

4) A visual art or written portfolio is required for all majors.

5) SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission. If you take the SAT or ACT, we encourage you to submit your scores.

The above is the content of “Ringling School of Art and Design” compiled by the editor in 2023, I hope it will be helpful to you. If you want to know more about studying abroad, please continue to pay attention to the official website of Sphinx Studying Abroad.

June 18, 2023June 18, 2023

Exploring the Similarities and Differences Between Animation, Illustration, and Game Design Programs

Introduction: The fields of animation, illustration, and game design are captivating and creative industries that offer exciting career opportunities. While these disciplines share some commonalities, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the similarities and differences between animation, illustration, and game design programs, shedding light on the unique skills, techniques, and career paths associated with each.

Similarities:

Visual Communication: All three fields, animation, illustration, and game design, involve visual communication. They employ various artistic techniques to convey stories, ideas, and emotions to their target audiences.
Creativity and Artistic Skills: Whether it’s creating animated characters, illustrating captivating visuals, or designing immersive game environments, all three disciplines require a strong foundation in artistic skills, including drawing, composition, color theory, and storytelling.
Digital Tools: The digital revolution has had a significant impact on these fields. Animation, illustration, and game design programs make use of sophisticated software and digital tools, allowing artists to bring their visions to life. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and Unity is highly valued.
Collaboration: In all three disciplines, professionals often work collaboratively on projects. Animation, illustration, and game design programs emphasize the importance of teamwork, as artists, animators, designers, and programmers collaborate to create compelling visual experiences.

Differences:

Focus and Application:
- Animation: Animation programs concentrate on the creation of moving visuals and bringing characters, objects, and environments to life through frame-by-frame or computer-generated techniques. Animators often work in film, television, advertising, or video game studios.
- Illustration: Illustration programs primarily focus on creating still visuals that enhance and communicate ideas in various contexts such as books, magazines, advertising, or editorial publications. Illustrators may work as freelancers or be employed by publishing houses, design agencies, or media companies.
- Game Design: Game design programs revolve around the interactive and immersive experience of designing video games. Game designers conceptualize gameplay mechanics, develop game narratives, design levels, and balance player engagement. They may work in game development studios or as independent developers.
Narrative Emphasis:
- Animation: Animation often involves storytelling through the movement and behavior of characters. Animators must master principles of animation, such as timing, squash and stretch, anticipation, and arcs, to convey emotions and narratives effectively.
- Illustration: Illustration programs focus on visual storytelling through static images. Illustrators employ their artistic skills to create visuals that communicate a message, evoke emotions, or enhance written content.
- Game Design: Game design programs incorporate storytelling elements into interactive experiences. Game designers craft narratives that engage players, integrating gameplay mechanics, level design, and character development to create immersive worlds.
Technical Skills:
- Animation: Animators must possess strong technical skills, including knowledge of animation software, rigging, keyframing, and motion capture techniques. They also require a solid understanding of anatomy, physics, and movement principles.
- Illustration: Illustrators need expertise in traditional and digital drawing techniques, composition, color theory, and visual communication. They may work with various mediums, such as pencil, ink, paint, or digital tools like graphic tablets.
- Game Design: Game designers combine artistic and technical skills. They must understand game development engines, scripting languages, level design, user interface design, and gameplay mechanics to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences.
Career Paths:
- Animation: Animation programs open doors to careers as character animators, storyboard artists, 3D modelers, visual effects artists, or motion graphics designers in

animation studios, film and television production companies, advertising agencies, or video game studios.

Illustration: Illustration programs lead to careers as freelance illustrators, children’s book illustrators, editorial illustrators, concept artists, or graphic designers in publishing houses, design agencies, advertising firms, or media companies.
Game Design: Game design programs offer career opportunities as game designers, level designers, gameplay programmers, game artists, or game producers in video game development studios, indie game companies, or interactive media agencies.

Conclusion: While animation, illustration, and game design programs share certain similarities, such as visual communication, creativity, and digital tools, they diverge in their focus, application, technical skills, and career paths. Animation emphasizes bringing visuals to life through movement and storytelling, illustration focuses on static visuals that enhance communication, and game design revolves around creating interactive and immersive experiences. Aspiring professionals should consider their interests, strengths, and desired career outcomes when choosing between these exciting fields. Ultimately, each discipline offers a unique artistic journey and a plethora of opportunities for individuals to express their creativity and make their mark in the creative industry.

May 7, 2023May 7, 2023

Top 10 Animation Schools in The World

Animation has become a major industry worldwide, and as such, there has been a surge in the number of schools offering animation courses. However, not all schools are created equal, and if you’re interested in pursuing a career in animation, it’s important to choose a school that will provide you with the best education possible. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 schools in animation based on their reputation, curriculum, faculty, and career opportunities.

10. Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts, including its highly regarded animation program.

CMU’s School of Computer Science offers an interdisciplinary program in Entertainment Technology, which includes a focus on animation. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer graphics, animation, and game development, as well as broader skills in storytelling, design, and communication. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated animation studios and labs, as well as opportunities to work on real-world animation projects.

Portfolio Requirements: Carnegie Mellon University requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for Carnegie Mellon’s animation program is approximately $58,924 per year.

Admissions Requirements: In addition to the portfolio, applicants must submit transcripts from previous academic institutions, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are also required for undergraduate applicants. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to complete an interview with a member of the admissions team.

9. Vancouver Film School (VFS) – Vancouver, British Columbia

The school’s animation program focuses on 3D animation, visual effects, and game design, and students have access to cutting-edge technology and software. The faculty includes industry professionals with extensive experience in animation, and the school’s location in Vancouver, a major hub for the film and animation industries, provides students with a wealth of job opportunities.

Admissions Requirements: To apply to VFS’s animation program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Completed online application form
Official high school and/or college transcripts (if applicable)
Letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer (if applicable)
Personal statement/essay
Resume/CV (if applicable)
English language proficiency test (if applicable)
Application fee of CAD $150

Portfolio Requirements: VFS requires a portfolio for admission into its animation programs. The portfolio should showcase the applicant’s artistic skills and should include examples of their 2D and/or 3D animation work. The portfolio should also include life drawings, sketches, and any other relevant artwork that demonstrates the applicant’s creativity and technical abilities.

Tuition: For the academic year 2022-2023, the tuition for VFS’s animation program is CAD $32,200 for the 12-month program. This does not include the cost of living expenses, textbooks, or other expenses that may be required for the program. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students to help offset the cost of tuition.

8. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, nonprofit university located in Savannah, Georgia, with additional campuses in Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Lacoste, France. SCAD is known for its comprehensive art and design programs, including its highly regarded animation program.

The animation program at SCAD is designed to prepare students for careers in the animation industry, with a focus on both 2D and 3D animation techniques. The program offers a range of courses in areas such as character animation, visual effects, storyboarding, and motion graphics, as well as hands-on experience with industry-standard software and hardware. Students also have access to state-of-the-art animation labs and equipment, as well as opportunities to work on real-world animation projects.

Portfolio Requirements: SCAD requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for SCAD’s animation program is approximately $38,025 per year.

7. School of Visual Arts (SVA) – New York, New York

SVA’s animation program has a long history of producing top-notch animators. The program focuses on traditional 2D animation techniques as well as digital animation, motion graphics, and visual effects. The faculty includes industry professionals with extensive experience in animation, and the school’s location in the heart of New York City provides students with access to a wealth of internship and job opportunities.

Portfolio Requirements: SVA requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for SVA’s animation program is approximately $51,600 per year.

6. University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. USC is known for its strong programs in a wide range of fields, including its highly regarded animation program.

USC’s animation program is housed within the School of Cinematic Arts, which is one of the top-ranked film schools in the world. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of animation, including 2D and 3D animation techniques, character design, storyboarding, and visual effects. The program also emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard software and hardware, as well as opportunities to work on real-world animation projects.

Portfolio Requirements: USC requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for USC’s animation program is approximately $60,275 per year.

5. Ringling College of Art and Design – Sarasota, Florida

Ringling College’s animation program is housed in the school’s Department of Computer Animation, which offers courses in 3D animation, visual effects, and game design. The program has a strong focus on technical skills, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and software. The school’s location in Sarasota, a hub for the arts and culture, provides students with opportunities to network and gain real-world experience.

Portfolio Requirements: Ringling College of Art and Design requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for Ringling College’s animation program is approximately $49,940 per year.

4. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Providence, Rhode Island

Portfolio Requirements: RISD requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for RISD’s animation program is approximately $58,052 per year.

3. Gobelins – Paris, France

Gobelins is a prestigious animation school located in Paris, France. The school’s animation program focuses on 2D animation techniques, including hand-drawn animation and digital animation. The program emphasizes storytelling and visual language, and students have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, including short films, TV shows, and commercials.

Portfolio Requirements: Gobelins requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Gobelins is a public institution, and tuition is free for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens are required to pay tuition fees of approximately €12,000 per year.

Admissions Requirements: In addition to the portfolio, applicants must submit transcripts from previous academic institutions and a personal statement. English proficiency is also required for non-native speakers.

2. Sheridan College – Oakville, Ontario

Sheridan College is a renowned animation school located in Canada. The school’s animation program is highly regarded for its focus on 2D animation techniques, including hand-drawn and digital animation. The program also offers courses in 3D animation, visual effects, and game design. Sheridan’s animation alumni have gone on to work at major animation studios such as Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks.

Portfolio Requirements: Sheridan College requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for Sheridan College’s animation program is approximately CAD 16,932 per year for domestic students and CAD 29,236 per year for international students.

1. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Valencia, California

CalArts is widely regarded as one of the best animation schools in the world. The animation program at CalArts is housed in the School of Film/Video and offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of animation techniques, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and experimental animation. The school boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to work at major animation studios such as Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks.

Portfolio Requirements: CalArts requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for CalArts’ animation program is approximately $53,850 per year.

April 18, 2023April 18, 2023

This Is Exactly How You Should Prepare Your Sheridan Animation Portfolio

If you’re looking to pursue a career in animation, one of the most important steps is to prepare a strong portfolio. A portfolio showcases your skills and creative abilities and serves as a key component of your job application. If you’re interested in studying animation at Sheridan College, one of the top animation schools in the world, you’ll need to submit a portfolio as part of your application. Here are some tips on how to prepare a Sheridan animation portfolio that will stand out from the crowd.

Understand the Requirements

Before you start putting together your portfolio, make sure you understand the requirements set by Sheridan. The animation program has specific guidelines for what they are looking for, including the number and type of pieces you need to include. They are looking for work that shows your skills in drawing, design, composition, and animation. The portfolio requirements can be found on the Sheridan website. The requirements also change every year, so please be watch out for the official requirement that usually comes out in November after you submit your application.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to your portfolio, less is often more. It’s better to have a few high-quality pieces that demonstrate your skills than a large number of mediocre ones. Choose your best work and focus on making it as strong as possible. This means paying attention to details like composition, lighting, and colour. Make sure your pieces are polished and professional-looking. Storyboard is always the hardest one out of all the requirements, so please make sure you leave plenty of time for this section.

Showcase Your Range

While it’s important to focus on quality, it’s also important to showcase your range. Animation is a diverse field, and employers are looking for artists who can handle a variety of tasks. Make sure your portfolio includes pieces that demonstrate your ability to work in different styles and mediums. For the personal work section, be sure to include traditional hand-drawn animation, 3D modelling, or digital painting. Be sure to also include pieces that showcase your storytelling ability.

Include Works-in-Progress

Don’t be afraid to include works-in-progress in your portfolio. This shows the school that you are committed to your craft and constantly working to improve your skills. It also gives them a glimpse into your creative process. Including sketches and rough drafts can also be a great way to showcase your drawing skills. Make sure to get into a habit of

Pay Attention to Presentation

Presentation is key when it comes to your portfolio. Make sure your work is presented in a clear, organized, and professional manner. Use a consistent format throughout your portfolio, and make sure your pieces are easy to view. Consider including a brief description of each piece, explaining your thought process and the techniques you used.

Get Feedback

Don’t be afraid to get feedback on your portfolio. Ask friends, family, or professionals in the industry to take a look and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas where you can improve and make your portfolio stronger. You can also consider attending portfolio review events or seeking out professional critiques from animation experts.

Be Yourself

Finally, be true to yourself when putting together your portfolio. Don’t try to mimic other artists or create work that doesn’t feel authentic to you. Employers are looking for artists who are passionate and original. Showcasing your unique perspective and voice can help you stand out in a sea of portfolios.

In conclusion, preparing a Sheridan animation portfolio can be a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your skills and creativity to potential employers. By following these tips, you can create a portfolio that stands out and demonstrates your range and abilities. Remember to focus on quality over quantity, showcase your range, include works-in-progress, pay attention to presentation, get feedback, and most importantly, be yourself. Good luck!