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Study Stop Motion

Learn how to create stop motion animations through green screens, video editing, and sound effects. Experience an open studio format through our stop motion program.

Program Snapshot

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major

15

4 Years

PNCA Campus

A student working on a stop motion production with a green screen and computer.

Our Stop Motion Minor

Gain a basic understanding of animation and explore pathways toward puppet fabrication, costuming, set construction, lighting, rigging, cinema, prop sculpture, character development, and storyboarding. Create films through PNCA's stop motion animation program.

Why choose a Stop Motion minor at PNCA:

  • Community support for stop motion. Portland is an animation town, filled with several top stop motion creators. We regularly invite local industry professionals to share their work and expertise.
  • Display your creations around campus. PNCA offers a variety of places to showcase your projects and creations. Utilize student-run galleries, First Thursdays, and even Senior Thesis events!
  • Apply skills to your career. Since stop motion is well-suited for cross-media exploration, you can apply the skills to a variety of careers. The Office of Career Design will help you navigate your artistic career and connect you with the right resources.

Schedule a Visit

Stop Motion Faculty

As working artists, creators, designers, and writers, our faculty members have a deep understanding of the stop motion animation industry. We also host visiting artists, gallery visits, and lectures to help students connect with other stop motion professionals.

  • Meet Marilyn Zornado

    Marilyn Zornado is an accomplished animation director, motion-graphics artist, calligrapher, and book artist. With a BA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Computer Animation, she has created several animated short films, and has extensive experience as a stop-motion producer.

    Headshot of Marilyn Zornado
  • Meet Adina Cohen

    Adina Cohen is an acclaimed animator known for her work on the Emmy-winning Robot Chicken and other major projects like Anomalisa and MODOK. She inspires students through her professional expertise and a passion for storytelling.

    Headshot of Adina Cohen

Curriculum

Experience an open studio format to gain a basic understanding of animation. Develop technical skills through stop motion animation software or use remote camera control to tell a story. Frame by frame, our stop motion animation program can enhance your skillset.

  • AA237 Beginning Stop Motion

    Bring 3D objects and puppets to life using stop motion techniques with hands-on sessions, expert guidance, and stop motion suites. You'll create a portfolio-ready project that showcases your animated movement and visual storytelling skills.

  • AA238 Puppet Fabrication

    Learn essential skills like wire armature construction, foam body shaping, and costuming through hands-on workshops. Explore diverse stop motion media and develop unique puppetry techniques, culminating in a functional stop motion puppet.

Requirements & Admission

To meet the Stop Motion minor requirements, you need to take a variety of 3-credit courses that add up to 15 credits. You can work with your Academic Advisor to make a personalized plan that shows how this minor fits into your studies and makes sure your course choices match your goals and interests.

Close-up of a handcrafted figurine with exaggerated facial features held by two hands against a green background.

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    Address

    2139 N Kerby Ave
    Portland Oregon 97227 U.S.A.

    Contact

    503-226-4391

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