Digital Arts: 2D Animation at Pratt
The 2D Animation program emphasizes experimental storytelling that communicates a spectrum of ideas and emotions, encompassing both personal narratives and broader societal observations. Starting with traditional paper-based techniques, students progress to mastering industry-standard software for 2D animation, editing and compositing. Further explorations may include stop-motion, puppet fabrication, experimental animation, 3D animation and performance. Throughout the program, there is a focus on fostering expression and directorial voice. Group projects play a pivotal role in nurturing collaborative and professional soft skills, ensuring that students excel in the professional world.
Student Work
The Experience
The 2D Animation pathway introduces an amazing range of tools and techniques taught by internationally renowned faculty. Studio courses factor in every semester, lending ample opportunity to create an impressive graduation showreel. Most courses are located in our award-winning Myrtle Hall facility, which is less than 30 minutes away from hundreds of New York’s world famous cultural institutions, many of which sponsor our students through internships. When not in class, our students are soaking up the limitless screenings, openings, festivals, shows and exhibitions that are occurring throughout the year in New York City.
Digital Arts Facilities
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![A person with shoulder-length blond hair is seated at a workstation, working on a digital animation project. They are using a large, horizontally oriented screen tablet for drawing, with a desktop monitor in front of them displaying an animation scene. The scene on the monitor depicts a group of animated characters in a playground setting. The workspace includes other high-tech equipment, suggesting a professional animation studio environment. The person is wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with white designs on the sleeves and appears focused on their work.]()
Cintiq Workstation -
![A group of people are engaged in a collaborative discussion in a modern office setting. One person, wearing a light blue shirt and glasses, is gesturing with their hands while speaking. To their left, a woman with long black hair and wearing a black jacket is observing sticky notes on a wall. Another person, with curly hair, is adding or adjusting sticky notes on the same wall. On the left side of the image, a man in a white shirt with a cross necklace stands with his arms crossed, looking towards the discussion. In the background, there are large windows providing natural light, several computer workstations, and another person with a face mask and a yellow hoodie, focusing on the discussion. The scene suggests an interactive and collaborative environment, possibly a brainstorming session or team meeting.]()
Studio Crit -
![In a dimly lit room, two people are seated at a table working on an animation project. They are using a camera setup with adjustable lights to capture images of hands manipulating objects on a white surface. One person, with shoulder-length hair, is looking at a computer monitor that displays the captured images. The other person, with short hair and a headband, is focused on the setup. A third person, standing at the end of the table, is observing their work, wearing glasses, a dark T-shirt with a dog print, and a red cardigan. The scene conveys a collaborative environment focused on stop-motion animation or a similar project.]()
Dragon Frame Station -
![A person with shoulder-length hair, wearing glasses and a light green sweatshirt, is sitting at a cluttered workbench in a workshop. They are focused on a laptop while drawing on a graphics tablet, with the screen displaying an animation project. The workbench is filled with various tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, organized on a pegboard in the background. The scene suggests a creative and technical environment, emphasizing the process of digital animation and design.]()
Experimental Studio -
![A person with shoulder-length hair, wearing a black hoodie, is working on a stop-motion animation setup. They are carefully adjusting a small, colorful puppet on a wooden table, surrounded by professional lighting equipment and a mounted camera. A computer with an animation software interface is visible on the desk in the background, alongside various tools and equipment used in the animation process. The scene depicts a detailed and technical environment, highlighting the meticulous work involved in creating stop-motion animation.]()
Stop Motion Studio
Students in the 2D Animation BFA have excellent studios with access to several digital computing facilities that are outfitted with state of the art Apple computer stations. These computers are loaded with top of the line animation software including Nuke, ToonBoom, TVPaint, Adobe Suite, Ableton, ProTools, and much more.
All 2D Animation students also have access to shared Digital Arts facilities that include a green screen room, an audio editing suite, a variety of 3D printers, laser cutter, ink-jet printers and a world-class spatial computing lab. Further access to Pratt Institute facilities is also possible, including fine art workshops and a large photogrammetry volume.
Internships
The Department of Digital Arts and Animation offers an internship program tailored to digital artists. Throughout the academic year, students partake in internship opportunities at a variety of studios and companies in the metropolitan New York area, gaining skills and experience in areas covering animation, visual effects, motion graphics, game design, interaction design, fine arts, and publishing.
The internship program places students on their career paths, providing experiences that aid in determining their educational and professional goals. Internships may be taken for college credit by both undergraduate and graduate students. While the Department has our own Internship Coordinator, students may also want to visit Pratt’s extensive network and dedicated staff that supports and facilitates Internships and Industry Connections.
Study Abroad
Immersing yourself in another culture is an incredible experience that can extend the boundaries of creativity. Study abroad programs are an integral part of the college experience, and Pratt has deep connections with university partners around the world. See where you can go.
Learning Resources
We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learning resources.
Our Faculty
Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars share a common desire to develop each student’s potential and creativity to the fullest. Bringing different views, methods, and perspectives they provide a rigorous educational model in which students make and learn. See all Digital Arts faculty and administrators.
Culture & Community
Our Alumni
2D Animation alumni have risen to the tops of their fields in animation, from self-directing award winning projects to collaborating on award winning blockbuster animations.
Where they Work
Some examples of where our alumni have gone on to work include Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Titmouse.
Success Stories
Ready for More?
| HERE’S HOW TO APPLY | PORTFOLIO HELP | OUR CAMPUS & BEYOND |
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| Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step. | Building your portfolio can be daunting. We’ll answer your questions and help you feel confident about the portfolio you submit with your application. Start building your portfolio, now. | You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out. |
