Tips to Apply to Animation Schools

Animation schools are much like any other post secondary educational institution.  They have application and admission requirements, but they will also likely require a portfolio of some type.  You’ll have to fill out all of their forms and submit any required writings, just like any other school, but the portfolio part may be a little daunting.  Don’t let it worry you, though.  Remember, this is something you love to do, so give them your best.  Here’s a little information on what the school may want to see and why.

The school will provide you with a list of the different drawings they want to see.  This list will contain very specific instructions on the format you will need to provide.  The school will want copies of your work, not originals, Specific sizes will also be required, generally 8 ½” x 11”.  Once you have all your work together and in the appropriate size and format, place all of it in some type of portfolio, so your work is presented in an attractive fashion but is protected and stays neat and clean.  There will be a number of different types of drawings required. 

They may ask you to provide an original scene.  This could be a fantasy creature with full background or realistic beings in a surrealistic scene.  It’s supposed to be creative and show your imagination.

Color work will very possibly be required.  This will be used to assess your ability to use and combine colors, contrasts, compliments and so forth.  Some schools will specify the medium they want to see, other will allow you to choose.

You will probably be asked to include multiple drawings of the same character showing different emotions.  Animation is simply another form of acting, so this segment will allow the school to assess your ability to be expressive and effective with those expressions.

Technical ability will likely be reviewed through requiring multiple interior scenes.  They will want to see your ability to draw perspectives and background.  You may be asked to draw the inside of rooms, including the room contents, from various angles.

To show your ability to draw portions of human form and do it three dimensionally, you may be asked to submit multiple drawings of a portion of a human body in different positions.  This is a dual assessment because they will also be looking for how you construct the drawing so keep the rough parts of the drawings and don’t go overboard on perfecting the work.

You will also be given the opportunity to select some of your favorites.  Include a couple of complete illustrations showing action.  If you include other work, like photos, paintings, and so forth, make sure the composition is strong, interesting and dynamic.  The big things to remember are put your best foot forward and follow the instructions.