Unleash your imagination by producing narratives that inspire and amaze audiences. Immerse yourself in the dynamic realm of animation, where you will learn the newest cutting edge technologies propelling this exciting field.
The BFA in 3D Animation and Motion Arts prepares you with the knowledge and skills to flourish in the animation and visual effects sector. The fundamentals of modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, compositing, and simulation are the basis of the curriculum, guided by projects and assignments that ensure these skills are motivated by carefully constructed concepts and stories.
Student Work
The Experience
The 3D 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, 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
Students in the 3D Animation BFA have excellent studios with access to several digital computing facilities that are outfitted with state of the art Apple and Windows/PC computer stations. These computers are loaded with top of the line animation software including Nuke, Maya, Houdini, Adobe Suite, Unreal, Adobe Substance Painter/Designer, ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, ProTools, and much more. All 3D Animation students also have access to shared Digital Arts facilities that include a green screen room, an audio editing suite, 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.
High End Computer Lab
Green Screen Studio
Green Screen Studio
Stop Motion Studio
Stop Motion Studio
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 art to critically 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.
3D Animation alumni have risen to the top of their fields exhibiting at prestigious venues as the Whitney Biennial and Sundance, and receiving top recognition such as with the Emmy and Oscar awards.
Where they work
Our 3D Animation alumni have gone on to work at top studios such as Pixar, ILM, Dreamworks, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Framestore, Psyop, Crafty Apes, and The Mill.
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.
"Black creatives are often ignored or relegated to the sidelines so to see an exhibit that celebrates us so vividly hosted by one of the top design schools in the world is an honor."
Ashley Alexis McFarlane of Omi Woods (@omiwoods )
Marking 10 years since the original Black Dress exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Black Dress II: Homage—curated by Pratt Institute Fashion professor Adrienne Jones and alumna Rachelle Etienne-Robinson—celebrates the transformative influence of Black creatives in the fashion industry. Presented during Black History Month and coinciding with New York Fashion Week, this multimedia exhibition explores the contributions of Black designers, tailors, models, stylists, and journalists.
Featuring garments, striking photography, and immersive installations, the exhibition highlights the personal stories and cultural influences that have influenced these fashion pioneers. Black Dress II: Homage not only honors their legacy but also offers a glimpse into the future of fashion, where their innovative work continues to redefine style and culture.
Images: The Woven Cowrie Cuff Bracelet II, Omi Woods, 18k gold vermeil
#BlackDressExhibit #PrattInstitute
Everyone is invited to participate in Collective Mobilities! A socially engaged exhibition and action facilitating mutual aid to Pratt’s neighbors, on view now at the Dekalb Gallery.
Collective Mobilities is a collaborative exhibition that centers on redistribution and mutual aid to support Pratt’s neighbors experiencing homelessness. The project was conceived and organized by multidisciplinary artist Alex Strada, the Public Artist in Residence with the NYC Department of Homeless Services and Department of Cultural Affairs (@NYCulture), and Fine Arts Civic Engagement Fellow at Pratt. Homelessness is often stigmatized and framed as a problem to be solved by city agencies alone. This exhibition challenges that perspective, emphasizing the shared responsibility of New Yorkers to address homelessness amidst the rampant dehumanization of people dealing with housing insecurity, including asylum seekers. By forging partnerships among students, mutual aid groups, city workers, and researchers, Collective Mobilities demonstrates the transformative potential of creative, community-driven care.
Throughout the gallery, visitors will discover information, artworks, and objects that illustrate the power of collective care. Vibrant maps line the walls, produced in collaboration with Associate Professor John Laureman from the Pratt School of Information (@PrattISchool), synthesize this open source data and convey critical information for understanding homelessness in relation to housing inequities and link data to action. Plants that adorn the mobiles are cultivated by participants in the horticultural therapy program at Project Renewal’s Recovery Center (@recoverycenternyc @projectrenewal), located at the 3rd Street Men’s Shelter in Manhattan. The program is grounded in principles of harm reduction. Proceeds from the plant sales go directly to support recreational activities chosen collectively by the program participants.
Learn how to contribute to Collective Mobilities at the link in our bio.
#MutualAid #ClintonHill #PrattInstitute #CommunityCare
🎨 How can art and industry work together to shape the future of our cities?🏙️
Join us for "Transforming Cities Through the Arts and Industry," an insightful conversation on the power of creativity and collaboration in urban development. Featuring top leaders in culture, industry, and design—including Laurie A. Cumbo (@cmlauriecumbo @NYCulture Commissioner), Lindsay Greene (@bklynnavyyard President), and acclaimed artist Mickalene Thomas (@mickalenethomas)—this event will explore how art and industry drive innovation and equity in our communities.
📍 Higgins Hall Auditorium, Pratt Institute
🗓 March 4, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟 RSVP at the link in our bio to be part of the conversation!
Image: Haresh Lalvani, SEED54, laser-cut stainless steel, 2013. Photo courtesy of Lalvani Studio.
#PrattInstitute #DesignEquity #UrbanTransformation #ArtsAndIndustry #BrooklynNavyYard #MickaleneThomas #LaurieCumbo #LindsayGreene
"During a time where DEI is being stripped and the impact that people of color have on this country is being questioned, it is crucial that we hold spaces like this to show reverence to the richness of Black artists in America. It's imperative for the future generation to see the vastness of Black creativity."
Sade Mims of Edas (@__edas)
Marking 10 years since the original Black Dress exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Black Dress II: Homage—curated by Pratt Institute Fashion professor Adrienne Jones and alumna Rachelle Etienne-Robinson—celebrates the transformative influence of Black creatives in the fashion industry. Presented during Black History Month and coinciding with New York Fashion Week, this multimedia exhibition explores the contributions of Black designers, tailors, models, stylists, and journalists.
Featuring garments, striking photography, and immersive installations, the exhibition highlights the personal stories and cultural influences that have influenced these fashion pioneers. Black Dress II: Homage not only honors their legacy but also offers a glimpse into the future of fashion, where their innovative work continues to redefine style and culture.
Image: Verge Earring, Edas, brass, sterling silver, hand painted beads, natural stones.
“This exhibition proves that Black creatives are vital to global fashion. Our vision, innovation, and heritage continue to shape the industry.”
Yemi Kosibah, Kosibah (@yemikosibah)
Marking 10 years since the original Black Dress exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Black Dress II: Homage—curated by Pratt Institute Fashion professor Adrienne Jones and alumna Rachelle Etienne-Robinson—celebrates the transformative influence of Black creatives in the fashion industry. Presented during Black History Month and coinciding with New York Fashion Week, this multimedia exhibition explores the contributions of Black designers, tailors, models, stylists, and journalists.
Featuring garments, striking photography, and immersive installations, the exhibition highlights the personal stories and cultural influences that have influenced these fashion pioneers. Black Dress II: Homage not only honors their legacy but also offers a glimpse into the future of fashion, where their innovative work continues to redefine style and culture.
Images: Scarlett, gown by Kosibah.
#PrattInstitute #BlackDressExhibit #BlackHistoryMonth
"I am honored to be included among so many iconic Black brands woven together in the fabric of fashion; a diaspora of design and our creative community."
Lisa McFadden, Lisa McFadden Millinery (@lisamcfaddenmillinery)
Marking 10 years since the original Black Dress exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Black Dress II: Homage—curated by Pratt Institute Fashion professor Adrienne Jones and alumna Rachelle Etienne-Robinson—celebrates the transformative influence of Black creatives in the fashion industry. Presented during Black History Month and coinciding with New York Fashion Week, this multimedia exhibition explores the contributions of Black designers, tailors, models, stylists, and journalists.
Featuring garments, striking photography, and immersive installations, the exhibition highlights the personal stories and cultural influences that have influenced these fashion pioneers. Black Dress II: Homage not only honors their legacy but also offers a glimpse into the future of fashion, where their innovative work continues to redefine style and culture.
Images: Lisa McFadden Hats on view in Black Dress II: Homage; Model in McFadden Hat
#BlackDressExhibit #PrattInstitute #BlackHistoryMonth
Jim Kroupa, BFA Theater ’80, and Beth Kroupa, BFA Fashion Design ’82 met as members of SGA back in 1979. In honor of Valentine’s Day, they shared their story (and their bold fashion choices) with Pratt News.
Each year, Pratt Institute celebrates Valentine’s Day by sharing the stories of alumni who found love while they were students. Read more at the link in our bio.
#PrattInstitute #ValentinesDay
Students focus on individual expression through form and motion. These stories are set in amazing worlds populated with unique characters. Students bring these worlds to life through a series of animation studio courses that grow in complexity and depth. Courses include 3-D modeling, 3-D animation, character design, character animation, storyboarding and storytelling, animation history, motion dynamics, lighting and rendering and post-production courses. Recommended electives include contemporary issues in film and video, 2-D animation, scripting, special effects, 3-D printing, and other advanced digital animation techniques.
