NYU Tisch Animation Industry Essentials Course

It was a huge honor getting to speak about my role as a 3D Artist in the NYU Tisch Animation Industry Essentials course!

That was such a fun day👗✨

Animation Industry Essentials Course Overview

The Animation Industry Essentials course is an online educational program developed by Yellowbrick in collaboration with NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, one of the most prestigious arts institutions in the world. Designed as a comprehensive, non-credit certificate course, it introduces aspiring animators and creative professionals to the multifaceted world of animation. With instruction from leading academic figures and industry veterans, the course offers both theoretical foundations and real-world perspectives, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and succeed in the evolving field of animation.

Whether a student’s goal is to work in film, television, gaming, or digital media, this course offers valuable insights into both the creative and business aspects of the animation industry. With contributors from studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and more, participants gain firsthand exposure to industry trends, workflows, and career paths.

Course Format and Structure

The course is fully online and self-paced, allowing learners from anywhere in the world to participate at their convenience. Spanning more than 15 hours of video content, the program is structured into five detailed modules, each focusing on a specific area of the animation industry.

Students can move through the modules at their own pace, engaging with video lectures, practical assignments, and case studies designed to reinforce key concepts.

The course modules include:

Module 1: The Drawing Comes Alive – History and Principles

This module explores the origins and development of animation as an art form. It covers the history of animation, from early experiments with motion to the rise of influential studios and figures that shaped the medium. The module also introduces foundational principles of animation, such as squash and stretch, timing, anticipation, and exaggeration—techniques that bring characters to life and form the basis of compelling storytelling.

By studying the evolution of animation across different cultures and eras, students gain an appreciation for the legacy and craftsmanship behind the medium. This historical context is essential for understanding the technical and creative decisions that define animation today.

Module 2: Work and Career in the Modern Industry

This module examines the current landscape of careers in animation. With the global expansion of media and entertainment, the demand for skilled animators, designers, and production professionals has increased across film, television, advertising, and interactive content. The module outlines the variety of roles within the industry, such as concept artists, story-boarders, layout artists, 2D and 3D animators, rigging specialists, and technical directors.

Students learn about the skills and tools that are most in demand and explore the working environments of major studios as well as independent creators. This module also addresses the freelance economy, remote work, and the importance of networking and continuous skill development in maintaining a successful career.

Module 3: The 2D Animation Pipeline

Here, students explore the traditional and digital techniques used in 2D animation. The module walks through each step of the production pipeline, from storyboarding and character design to keyframe animation and compositing. Emphasis is placed on both hand-drawn and digital processes, including software tools like Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe Animate.

The module also touches on stop motion animation and experimental techniques, providing insight into the versatility of 2D animation and its continuing relevance in the digital age.

Students are encouraged to develop their own short animations as part of their assignments, reinforcing the concepts discussed in lectures.

Module 4: The 3D Animation Pipeline

This module introduces students to the world of 3D animation, including industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Cinema 4D. It covers the essential stages of 3D production, including modeling, rigging, texturing, lighting, animating, and rendering.

Participants gain an understanding of how 3D animation is used in various industries, from blockbuster films and AAA video games to virtual reality experiences and product design. The module highlights the collaborative nature of 3D projects and emphasizes the importance of technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication in a 3D production environment.

Module 5: Pressure and Opportunity – Business and Marketing in Animation

The final module explores the business side of animation. It addresses how global trends, technological innovation, and changing consumer habits influence the industry. Students examine case studies that highlight successful branding strategies, the impact of streaming platforms, and how creators can build and maintain a personal brand.

Topics also include pitching projects, securing funding, navigating contracts, and leveraging social media and digital platforms to grow an audience. This module prepares students to think beyond the creative process and develop the entrepreneurial mindset needed for career sustainability.

Learning Experience and Outcomes

Students who enroll in the Animation Industry Essentials course benefit from a dynamic learning environment that includes:

• On-Demand Video Lessons: Taught by NYU professors and respected industry professionals.

• Interactive Assignments: Self-paced projects and exercises designed to build a strong professional portfolio.

• Real-World Case Studies: An inside look at how studios and artists operate in today’s competitive market.

• Certificate of Achievement: Awarded upon successful completion of the course, serving as a credential for resumes or portfolios.

Notable Instructors

The course features instruction from an impressive and diverse group of professionals, including:

• Dean Lennert – NYU Animation Area Head

• Courtney DiPaola – 2D Animator, Walt Disney Animation Studios

• Liron Topaz – Animation Department Chair, DreamWorks Animation

• Helen Jen – Visual Effects Producer, Netflix

• Jay Mosquera – Lead Technical Artist, The Walt Disney Studios

• Rin Jones – 3D Artist, Jazwares

• Alexa Lim Hass – Director, Writer, Animator

• Juan Niño – Senior Animator, The Mill

• Raye Rodriguez – Creator, Director, Executive Producer

• Demi Chen – Animation Production Supervisor, Illustrator

• Dimitri Patino – Animation Artist, DreamWorks TV Animation

• Mikel Wellington – Senior Character Artist, Phoenix Labs

• Sarah de Gaudemar – Director, Animator

• Jose Sanez – Animation Artist, DreamWorks Animation

• Kimson Albert – Animation Timing Chair, DreamWorks Animation

• Sue Perrotto – Director, Fox Animation

• Phil McNagny – Associate Professor

• John Canemaker – Professor Emeritus

• Sang-Jin Bae – Associate Arts Professor

These instructors provide students with invaluable insights from their respective areas of expertise, offering both inspiration and practical advice.

Conclusion

The Animation Industry Essentials course is a robust and engaging program suited for anyone looking to enter or grow within the animation field. It blends academic excellence with practical experience and is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue a career in animation. Whether your goal is to animate characters, direct short films, or contribute to major studio productions, this course offers a meaningful step forward.

To learn more or to enroll, visit the official Yellowbrick website and explore the Animation Industry Essentials course page.

*ChatGPT helped write this post.