{"id":12482,"date":"2025-08-27T14:11:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T18:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aureolestudios.ca\/?p=12482"},"modified":"2025-08-20T15:57:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:57:38","slug":"7-tips-to-get-accepted-into-top-animation-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aureolestudios.ca\/ch\/7-tips-to-get-accepted-into-top-animation-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips to Get Accepted into Top Animation Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"
Dreaming of attending Sheridan<\/strong>, CalArts<\/strong>, OCAD<\/strong>, or another top-tier animation school?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’re not alone\u2014and you’re definitely not the only one applying. These schools receive thousands of applications, and most of them include talented, passionate artists. So how do you stand out? At Aureole Studios, we specialize in helping students build competitive portfolios<\/strong> that check every box and rise to the top. Here are 7 essential tips to improve your chances of getting in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top animation programs want to see technical strength<\/strong>, not just personal style. That means solid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re skipping these in favor of over-rendered fan art, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udde0 Foundation first. Flair second.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Every school has slightly different expectations. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the official guidelines<\/strong>, not just YouTube summaries. Then organize your portfolio to match the required order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Bonus tip: Make it easy for reviewers to find what they\u2019re looking for\u2014label clearly and avoid fluff.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Schools can spot a \u201cPinterest-only\u201d artist a mile away. They want to see that you\u2019ve trained your eye by drawing from real life<\/strong>\u2014people, interiors, objects, animals, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Aureole Studios, we run weekly \u4eba\u4f53\u5199\u751f\u6d3b\u52a8<\/strong> sessions for exactly this reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u270f\ufe0f Include a mix of short gestures and longer poses in your final portfolio.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n When presenting character designs, don\u2019t stop at \u201ccool.\u201d Schools want to see your process: gesture poses, facial expressions, turnarounds, and how design reflects the character\u2019s personality and story<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcac Ask yourself: \u201cIf this character walked into a scene, what would they say? How would they move?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Animation is about movement and storytelling<\/strong>, so your portfolio should include examples of sequences, not just stand-alone art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfa5 Show that you understand time, space, and pacing.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t try to show everything<\/em> you\u2019ve ever drawn. Your portfolio should feel like a focused, intentional project<\/strong>, not a sketchbook dump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aim to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\uddc2\ufe0f The quality of your work is more important than the quantity.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Most rejected portfolios aren\u2019t bad\u2014they\u2019re unfinished<\/strong>. If you wait until the last minute, you won\u2019t have time to iterate and improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start months in advance. Schedule reviews with mentors or instructors<\/strong>. Fix the weak spots. Push the strong pieces further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcc6 At Aureole Studios, we begin working on portfolios with students 6\u201312 months before their application deadlines.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve helped dozens of students get into Sheridan<\/strong>, OCAD<\/strong>, and other top animation programs by providing the structure, critique, and portfolio planning they need to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc49 Join Our Portfolio Prep Program<\/a> Dreaming of attending Sheridan, CalArts, OCAD, or another top-tier animation school? You’re not alone\u2014and you’re definitely not the only one applying. These schools receive thousands of applications, and most of them include talented, passionate artists. So how do you stand out? At Aureole Studios, we specialize in helping students build competitive portfolios that check every … <\/p>\n
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\n\n\n\n1. Master the Fundamentals First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n2. Follow Each School\u2019s Portfolio Requirements Closely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n3. Include Life Drawing & Observation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n4. Show Character Design Thinking (Not Just Cool Outfits)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n5. Show Sequential Thinking (Storyboards, Layouts)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n6. Curate, Don\u2019t Overstuff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n7. Start Early, and Ask for Feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nReady to Get Accepted?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 Attend Weekly Life Drawing Sessions<\/a>
\ud83d\udc49 Explore Our Fundamentals Track<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"