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.
The Pratt Latinx Student Alliance kicked off Hispanic Heritage month by attending the NYC Mexican Independence Day parade and a celebratory photoshoot of their board members!
Images: 1 - Mexican Independence Day Parade by Maria Montes (@mariamontesdurann); 2-6 Pratt LSA board members: Secretary Angela Salinas (@angie9044), Vice President Maria Montes, President Stephanie Herrera (@stephvherrera), Community Outreach Arianna Derenzi (@psychoangelnani)
Photographer: Adem Wijewickrema, BFA Communications Design '25 (ademwijewickrema)
“I have decided that I will continue telling the story of the Negro’s cultural contribution to American culture no matter what my enemies have tried to do to me,” wrote Pratt Alumna Gwendolyn Bennet in 1941.
The New York Times spotlighted Bennett, in a recent edition of "Overlooked No More".
A key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Bennett was a talented poet and artist. At just 21, she captivated audiences with her poetry, celebrating Black identity and youth. Her art graced iconic covers for The Crisis and Opportunity.
Despite personal struggles and political scrutiny, Bennett remained committed to sharing Black cultural stories. Her passion and creativity helped shape Harlem’s artistic scene and continues to inspire.
Her legacy lives on. 💫 #HarlemRenaissance #GwendolynBennett #BlackExcellence #OverlookedNoMore
At Pratt’s student-run radio station, @wpirprattradio, no two shows are alike.
“We have hyperpop followed by musical theater followed by reggae,” says board member and host at WPIR, Eve Mikkelson, BArch ’26. “Anyone can do anything they want.”
With a team of more than 25 students and faculty members, WPIR is an on-campus hub—in Chapel Hall, room 011—for music and radio lovers to share their passions with the world. The station’s online stream runs throughout the week, with students from different years and disciplines hosting programs that range from conversational podcasts to deep dives into Brooklyn’s music scene.
Read more about WPIR and other Pratt traditions in Prattfolio at the link in our profile.
Images: Dahlia Dandashi/Pratt Institute
#PrattInstitute #Pratt
On this day, we honor the memory of those lost and reflect on how life changed forever.
For generations of students at Pratt Institute, the view of the Twin Towers from our residence halls was once a familiar sight. Today, the memorial lights that shine are a powerful reminder of New York’s resilience and our community’s strength.
May we always hold in our hearts the lives lost, the courage of the responders, and the spirit of unity that followed.
#Pratt #PrattInstitute #NeverForget #September11 #NYCStrong
Images: View from my dorm, 1981. Richard Koenig, BFA ‘85 (@RichardKoenig6644)
After years of planning and construction our East Hall Plaza has finally reopened!
The redesign occurred as part of a larger sustainability project to replace the boilers located below the plaza and East Hall with high efficiency models that will reduce campus energy consumption. The extensive renovations culminated in the beautiful and spacious East Hall Plaza.
Don’t worry, the historic steam engine is still intact on the first floor of East Hall.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more about the sustainable redesign and see more images of the new space!
#Pratt #PrattInstitute #Sustainability #Campus
Come with us on a tour of a New York City reimagined by our students! From transportation to culture, buildings, and parks, many Pratt students have proposed novel ideas that could power the future of New York City and beyond. Explore the projects at the link in our profile.
Images: "Graff Standards Manual" by Kyle Howard, BFA Communications Design '24, transforms the @MTA wayfinding with cues from street art.
"SmartStop" bus poles, designed by Joanne Wu, BID ’24. With improved wayfinding and integrated lighting, you can safely wait for the bus at any time of day.
The "Central Park Geology Lab", proposed by Hyeonsu Kim, BFA Interior Design ’24. The project imagines a hands-on research and education with high-end microscopes and imaging systems where students explore their local landscape and learn about their important role as stewards of the environment.
#Pratt #PrattInstitute #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDesign #CommunicationsDesign
@PrattInteriors @PrattIndustrial
Come discover your next favorite book by a Pratt author in the Office of Admissions! Our 2024 roundup has titles that span immersive design experiences, intimate personal narratives, poetic explorations, and engaging literary escapes for readers of all ages. Check out the link in our profile to learn more about these new and noteworthy titles showcasing the work of Pratt alumni, and don’t forget to stop by Myrtle Hall to see the latest display of new books.
Included books:
“Now Is Better,” Stefan Sagmeister, MFA Communications Design ’98; “Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping a History of Trailblazing Black Women in Chicago,” Mariame Kaba, MSLIS ’22; “My Day with Dad,” Rae Crawford, BFA Communications Design (Illustration) ’18; “Benito Juárez Fights for Justice,” Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez, BFA Communications Design ’17; “We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America,” Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, MFA Communications Design ’15; “How Do I Draw These Memories?” Jonell Joshua, BFA Communications Design ’18, Assistant to the Chair of Art and Design Education; “Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey,” Edel Rodriguez, BFA Fine Arts (Painting) ’94; “Skateboard,” Jonathan Olivares, BID ’04
#bookstagram #PrattAlumni #AuthorsOfInstagtam
What’s a typical day like for a student at Pratt? Interior Design student, Rahil, shares a few details from his day.
Last spring, Xiyona Gosain, BFA Communications Design (Graphic Design) ‘25, produced these quick interviews with students around campus to share insights about their lives, recommendations, and favorite things.
Leave a major you’d like to hear from in the comments!
#PrattInstitute #Pratt
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.
