Unleash your imagination by producing narratives that inspire and amaze audiences. Immerse yourself in the dynamic realm of animation, where you will learn a range of studio practices that incorporate traditional, digital, and experimental methods.
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
Star Ren, BFA 2D Animation ’22
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
Cintiq Workstation
Studio Crit
Dragon Frame Station
Experimental Studio
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.
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.
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.
RA Isaiah, BFA Fine Arts (Sculpture and Integrated Practices) ‘26, shows us how he personalized his space in Leo J. Pantas Hall!
Pantas is a suite-style residence hall for first-year students located in the center of our Brooklyn campus.
Please note that this space is an RA space and may not always reflect the options available for first-year students.
#PrattInstitute #PantasHall #ResidenceLife #BrooklynCollege #NewYorkCollege #ClintonHIll #Brooklyn #ArtSchool #DesignSchool #ArchitectureSchool
This year the @MTA is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the NYC subway. If you are in town today you can catch a nostalgia ride on on a vintage Lo-V travelling along portions of the original IRT route!
It is no surprise that the NYC subway finds itself in the work of our students and alumni, it is a quintessential part of our city. Swipe to check out some of the many ways the NYC subway touches Pratt creatives.
Hit the link in our bio for a map of Pratt artists work on the MTA!
Images: Wooden G Train, Designer and artist Stephen Fay is the Pratt Grad behind Munipals, the wooden trains sold at the NYC Transit Museum; A miniature G Train constructed by Jun Zhang, MS APckaging Design '20, while in quarantine in her Brooklyn apartment in 2020; Pocket Artifcats from the Subway Color Archive, Mari Kroin, BArch ’17. The S-C-A maps the layered elements of MTA platforms as the 8th Avenue Independent Subway (IND) stations between 207th Street and Jay Street Metrotech approach their centennial; Akiva Listman, BFA Fine Arts (painting) '21, "Something From Nothing" 2024 Framed MetroCards on Matboard 15 x 13.5; Xenobia Bailey, Industrial Design '77 “Funktional Vibrations” at NYCT 34 St–Hudson Yards Station. (Photo: David Sundberg/Esto); Nicole Rifkin, BFA Communications Design '14 "On the M Train" for @NewYorkerMag.
Follow along on Friday, Nov. 15, as Pratt Munson (@PrattMunsonUtica) takes over our account during their trip to Brooklyn! 👀
Pratt Munson students spend their first two years in Upstate NY, immersed in a tight-knit, creative environment within Utica’s historic arts community, anchored by the renowned Museum of Art, Munson (@MunsonUtica). They follow the same rigorous curriculum as our Brooklyn students, in a quieter setting. Now, students are ready to explore what’s next—life on our Brooklyn campus next fall.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at their journey, from Utica’s creative roots to the vibrant energy of Brooklyn. Stay tuned for student stories, campus insights, and all things Pratt!
Our RAs are the best! Eiler, BFA Art and Design Education ‘25, takes us on a tour of their space in the Grand Avenue Residence.
Grand Ave is an apartment-style residence available for students from their sophomore year until graduation. Please note that this space is an RA space and may not always reflect the options available for all upperclass students.
#PrattInstitute #NYCCollege #ArtSchool #DesignSchool #ArchitectureSchool #ArtStudents #DesignStudents #EamesChair
Considering Early Action? The deadline is almost here. Apply to Pratt by November 15 and have your non-binding admission decision by mid December.
#PrattInstitute #Brooklyn #Pratt #EarlyAction
Today is the day. Go vote!
Photos from this fall's Drag Out the Vote event hosted by the Office of Student Involvement, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Queer Pratt.
#Vote #ElectionDay #CivicEngagement
📸 Megan Proctor BFA Photography ‘25
Join us for Pratt Institute’s 2024 Design Symposium: Design Beyond Boundaries – Rethinking the Future! 🌟
Discover how design drives change and redefines possibilities in today’s world! Industry leaders will explore themes of reinvention, renewal, restoration, and recycling, showing how design addresses societal challenges and shapes a sustainable future.
✨ Panelists:
Tim Rodgers – Director, Museum of Arts and Design (@timothy_robert_rodgers @MADMuseum)
Annabelle Selldorf – Founding Principal, Selldorf Architects, Pratt Alumna (BArch ’85) (@SelldorfArchitects)
Stellene Volandes – Editor-in-Chief, Town and Country (@StelleneVolandes @TownAndCountryMag)
🎤 Moderated by Marc Rosen (@MarcRosenNYC), Renowned Cosmetics Packaging Designer, Pratt Trustee Emeritus
🎟️ This event is free and open to the public; reservations are required.
Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 6–7:30 PM
Location: Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium, The Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue
Supported by the Marc Rosen Education Fund and additional funding from Juliana Terian, The Terian Foundation.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of a conversation that highlights how design shapes our future!
Hit the link in our bio for more info and tickets!
#PrattDesignSymposium #DesignBeyondBoundaries #FutureOfDesign #SustainableDesign
This year's costume contest did not disappoint! At least two Chappell Roans, one David Bowie and more graced the stage at the student union. See yourself or a friend? Leave a comment!
📸 Megan Proctor BFA Photography ‘25
In Pratt’s Department of Digital Arts, undergraduates will develop aesthetic finesse, technological skill, conceptual sophistication related to digital media, and thorough comprehension of the potential of art and technology. Graduates demonstrate an expertise in their discipline, a unique voice in their medium and a knowledge of historical works in art and technology. Students then learn to create professional documentation and presentation skills to launch their careers in the Digital Arts.
After graduation, Pratt Alumni can be found exhibiting in galleries and working in major creative industries:
Cartoon Network
Augenblick
Titmouse
The Mill
Curious Pictures
CHRLX Studios
Digital Domain
Psyop
Dreamworks Studios
Sony Imageworks
Disney Animation Studios
Dusty Studio
Rhythm and Hues Studios
Students create whimsical, sometimes gritty, worlds in which distinctive characters tell fanciful stories. While focusing on storytelling, 2-D Animation courses are constructed to afford a wide range of techniques from traditional and digital drawing to stop-motion, special effects, and experimental techniques. Courses include animation, character development, storyboarding, and storytelling, animation history and post-production courses. Recommended electives include contemporary issues in film and video, 3-D modeling, special effects, 3-D printing, and film making.
