Concept and Visual Development
- Concept Artist
- Visual Development Artist
- Illustrator
- Character Designer
- Background Designer
- Writer
Develop Skills in Animation and Beyond
Animation majors develop both artistic and technical skills. Students learn how to create movement, communicate through visual sequences, and build finished work for a professional portfolio. Students develop skills in:
- Visual storytelling
- Character design
- Drawing
- Motion graphics
- Composition and design
- Storyboarding
- Editing and post-production
- Production workflows and project management
- Animation software and digital tools
- Sound and timing
- 2D and 3D animation techniques
- Creative collaboration
- Giving and receiving critique
- Portfolio development
The best animation programs also help students learn how to revise their work, meet deadlines, present creative ideas, and collaborate with artists, designers, writers, directors, musicians, and clients.
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Story and Pre-Production
- Storyboard Artist
- Head of Story
- Layout Artist
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Modeling, Animation, and Asset Creation
- 2D Animator
- 3D Animator
- Motion Graphics Animator
- Effect Animator
- 3D Modeler
- Model Maker
- Digital Designer
- Lighting Artist
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Production and Post-Production
- Visual Effects / Special Effects Artist
- Compositor
- Video Editor
- Animation Production Coordinator
- Production Manager
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Games, Interactive, and Media Design
- Video Game Designer
- Game Artist
- Multimedia Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing Specialist
- Sound Designer
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Leadership and Direction
- Art Director
- Producer
Where Do Animation Graduates Work?
PNCA students and alumni have applied their storytelling, production, and animation skills in a wide range of creative settings. Graduates have worked with arts organizations, museums, festivals, and studios, and have also pursued graduate programs. Explore specific PNCA internship examples and alumni career paths below to demonstrate where this work can lead.
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Internships
- NW International Animation Festival
- Oregon Jewish Museum
- Regional Arts and Culture Council
- Design Week Portland
- OMSI
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Alumni Paths
- Qathi Hart ’13 earned an MFA from Duke University and has exhibited nationally at institutions and festivals
- John Summerson ’15 worked with Bent Image Labs and continued studies at the Royal College of Art in London
- Maeve Fianna Callahan has worked at Jim Henson Studios and collaborated with Michael Curry Design and Bent Image Lab in fabrication and puppetry
- Micah Weber ’14 earned an MFA at Virginia Commonwealth University and has exhibited work internationally
Is an Animation Degree Worth It?
An animation degree can be a strong choice for students who want structured training, faculty mentorship, access to professional tools, and time to develop a compelling portfolio. The strongest graduates develop visual storytelling, design thinking, production experience, collaboration skills, and a body of finished work they can show to employers, clients, or graduate programs.
The field is competitive, so a degree alone is often not enough. Employers typically look for a strong portfolio, technical skills, and the ability to revise work based on feedback. According to a 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, animators and special effects artists typically need a bachelor’s degree and have a median pay of $99,800. While salary potential can be strong, outcomes vary by role, location, industry, experience, and portfolio quality.
How Do You Build an Animation Portfolio?
A portfolio is an essential part of any creative career, showcasing what you can do, how you think, and how your skills have developed over time. While quality is key, it should also reflect your interests and versatility through a range of styles and techniques. For animation, portfolios typically include a demo reel or selected work such as character animation, storyboards, motion graphics, or short films.
At PNCA, we offer classes and projects that help students build a strong portfolio. We offer mentorships and a career design team to help you work through iterations of your portfolio. Find the support you need through our animation degree program.
Should I Major in Animation?
An animation degree can be a strong fit for students who enjoy combining creativity, storytelling, design, and technology. Animation is highly collaborative and project-based, often involving teamwork across writing, sound, editing, character development, and production. Students who thrive in animation are typically curious, observant, persistent, and willing to revise their work through multiple iterations.
You should choose to major in animation if you are interested in visual storytelling, creative problem-solving, and developing ideas from concept to completion. The field is especially well-suited for students who enjoy experimenting and working on long-term creative projects.
Freelance Careers in Animation
Many animators work independently, freelance, or combine multiple income streams. Freelancing gives you more creative control, variety, and flexibility, but it also requires business skills. Freelancers often manage pricing, client communication, deadlines, contracts, invoicing, taxes, marketing, and project delivery.
Why Choose PNCA for
Animated Arts?
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Join a Creative Community
Portland is known for its thriving creative community and strong support for the arts. It has also earned an international reputation as a center for animation, with studios such as LAIKA and ShadowMachine helping shape the city’s influence in stop-motion and independent animation. The city’s animation community extends beyond major studios, with independent filmmakers, production companies, festivals, and collaborative creative spaces contributing to a culture that values experimentation and storytelling.
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Learn from Experienced Animation Faculty
Creating in Portland offers a unique experience, and students are part of a strong, supportive creative community. Students receive feedback and critiques from peers and professors alike, strengthening their skills and voice. Our art and design school professors are extremely knowledgeable, with experience at Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Warner Brothers, and Disney.
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Access to Industry-Standard Facilities, Tools, and Animation Programs
If you’re considering a career in animation, it’s important to become familiar with the tools and equipment used by professionals in the field. Students have access to the Animated Arts Lab, Shipley/Collins Mediatheque, and the Sound Lab. Additional resources include a green screen studio, high-lumen projectors, 4K cameras, an audio recording booth, Wacom Cintiq workstations, production tables, a private animation suite, DragonFrame software, and more.
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Specialized Courses and Degree Programs
Our animation program covers a variety of courses that allow you to specialize in specific areas of animation. In fact, we also offer minors in stop motion and game design. Take courses around topics such as puppet fabrication, animated short films, visual storytelling, and even layout and background design.
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Career Support
PNCA’s Office of Career Design helps students prepare for creative careers through portfolio support, networking events, internship guidance, professional workshops, and connections with artists, alumni, and creative organizations. Students can also learn practical skills for freelance and independent creative work, including grant writing, artist residencies, client communication, and even taxes for creatives.
Take the