3D Animation and Motion Arts at Pratt

The MFA in 3D Animation and Motion Arts provides the basis for you to fully invest in your talents as a storyteller and animator. Throughout the program, you will acquire and enhance skills across a spectrum of techniques, encompassing modeling, animation, texturing, lighting, and rendering. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to further explore audio, visual effects, and experimental methods like stop-motion,  allowing you to personally tailor your study pathway.  

Student Work

Overview

The MFA in 3D Animation and Motion Arts degree is a two-year, 60-credit program, intended for prospective students with a creative arts/design background. An undergraduate degree in animation is not required. 

As a student, you may elect to create narrative and non-narrative films and installations using techniques drawing from 2-D and 3-D digital animation, live action, and motion graphics. Recommended electives include history of animation, film criticism, traditional animation, character design and rigging, lighting and rendering, stop motion, audio and video, compositing and special effects, and advanced digital animation techniques.

What We Offer

Studies feature a thesis process, working closely with a committee and mentor, supplemented by discussions with national and international guest artists. Studio practices find numerous opportunities for collaboration and exhibiting artwork (on campus, throughout New York, and internationally) across the two-years, and in culmination through a graduate exhibition.

The Experience

The 3D Animation and Motion Arts MFA journey is grounded on the pursuit of mastering digital technologies, cultivating personal growth, and driving societal impact through fine art. A range of skills-focused courses interrogate the latest software, hardware, and other emerging technological systems, exploring their innovative applications through screen-based storytelling and experimental narrative. Through seminars, workshops, and a visiting artist series, students gain a comprehensive framework for sharing, debating, and evaluating the historical and contemporary advancements within the field.

New York City serves as the ideal catalyst for this experience. Through in-class and extracurricular excursions, students tap into our unique position at the vanguard of contemporary art practice.

Digital Arts Facilities

Students in the 3D Animation and Motion Arts MFA have excellent labs with access to several digital computing facilities that are outfitted with state of the art Apple and Windows computer stations. These computers are loaded with top of the line software including Maya, Houdini, TouchDesigner, MaxMSP, Nuke, ToonBoom, Adobe Suite, Ableton, ProTools, and much more. MFA students also have access to shared Digital Arts facilities that include a green screen room, audio editing suite, a variety of 3D printers, laser cutter, ink-jet printers and a world-class surround-sound VR production/presentation suite. Further access to Pratt Institute facilities is also possible, including fine art workshops and a large photogrammetry volume.

Financing your Graduate Studies in the Department of Digital Arts

Prof. J. Michael O’Rourke Scholarship Award

Incoming 1st year Digital Arts MFA students who demonstrate artistic merit in the form of unusual emotional and intellectual thoughtfulness in their artwork and their art-making process will be considered for the Prof. J. Michael O’Rourke Scholarship Award. No additional application is required to be considered. Determination of artistic merit is to be based on portfolio review as well as an interview (either in-person or virtual) during the application process. Finalists will be notified by email.   The scholarship will be renewable for the student’s second year assuming satisfactory academic progress.

DDA Scholarships

The Department of Digital Arts will consider all accepted applicants for merit-based scholarships to offset tuition charges, and no application is required to be considered.

Graduate Assistantships

A variety of graduate assistantships are available to Digital Arts MFA students. These vary by semester based upon departmental need. Students apply semester by semester. We typically have 6 or more GA’s each semester. 

More About Financing Your Education

Pratt Institutional information on applying for financial aid can be found here.

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.

Everett Kane

Associate Professor

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Claudia Tait

Professor

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Douglas Easterly

Chairperson of Digital Arts and Animation

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Our Alumni

Digital Arts graduates become leading contributors to the arts with a commitment to the cultural enrichment of society. After graduation, Pratt Alumni can be found featured in important publications, exhibiting in galleries and new media institutions and working in major creative industries.

Success Stories

Students Bring Public Art to Myrtle Avenue with an Oversized Welcome Mat, Animations, and More

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A Pioneering Digital Artist Supports a New Generation of Innovators

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Animation Alumni Win Emmy for Outstanding Motion Design on Broad City Episode

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Pratt and TED-Ed: Animation Students Create Videos to Help Kids Share Big Ideas

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Digital Arts Students Animate the Work of Nonprofits, from Border Reunions to Quarantine Pets

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An Award-Winning Film Editor’s Childhood Creativity Flourished at Pratt

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How Can Virtual Spaces Make Art More Accessible?

Prattfolio Story

In a Shifting Design Industry, a Pratt Grad Supports Future Creative Leaders

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Ready for More?

From the Catalog