Animation Portfolio Preparation Summer 2026

This course is designed for students wishing to apply for a degree in Animation. Students will be given a broad introduction to the subject with the view to creating suitable portfolios for entry into third level. 

Class Time: 10:00 - 16:00 (1 hour lunch break)

Course Description

This course is designed for students wishing to apply for a degree in Animation. Students will be given a broad introduction to the subject with the view to creating suitable portfolios for entry into third level. There will be strong emphasis on notebook and research work for character development. Students will be taught to create their own characters through storyboarding. Individual interests and initiatives will be encouraged within the overall structure of this course.

Our Animation Portfolio Preparation course is an intensive programme designed to develop students’ foundational skills in visual art, while facilitating their progression into third-level animation programmes. Through professional guidance, you will gain an understanding of how to effectively present and curate your work, culminating in a submission-ready portfolio that demonstrates strong skills in observational drawing, visual storytelling and conceptual development. Following a structured curriculum of practice-based lessons, bolstered by relevant research assignments, you will refine your technical skills while developing your own unique creative voice. Critical engagement with the works of other artists, animators, and filmmakers will foster strong research skills and a contextual understanding of your own artistic practice. You will engage practically with animation-specific assignments in areas such as character design, world building and storyboarding, gaining an insight into a professional animation production pipeline. You will learn foundational animation principles and techniques, and produce your own 2D animated pieces. Continuous feedback and class discussions will encourage you to think critically and reflectively about your work, while ensuring that your portfolio demonstrates the necessary requirements for entry into third-level animation programmes. This course provides a strong creative and critical foundation for students seeking to progress into higher education, and launch successful careers within the evolving global animation industry.