Animation and Digital Arts

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The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation at Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts is an intensive, four-year conservatory program dedicated to CG animation as a cinematic art form. Each year, only ten students are admitted into a close-knit cohort, where they receive one-on-one mentorship from faculty and learn to collaborate as part of a creative team.

From the first semester, students are immersed in the art of storytelling and the craft of digital filmmaking. Through a lock-step sequence of courses and productions, they gain hands-on experience across the full animation pipeline — from story and visualization to modeling, rigging, texturing, character performance, lighting, and final rendering.

The program’s emphasis on professionalism and collaboration mirrors industry practice. Alongside technical mastery, students develop the problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills that make them workforce-ready. By graduation, each student has built a strong portfolio of films and the collaborative discipline to succeed in roles across the animation industry — from animator and rigger to texture artist, story artist, and beyond.

Training on Industry-Standard Tools

Students work with the same software used in professional studios, ensuring they graduate fluent in current production pipelines. Because tools evolve rapidly, we review and update this list annually. Current coursework and projects include hands-on training in:

• Maya – 3D modeling, rigging, animation
• ZBrush – organic digital sculpting and modeling
• Unreal Engine – real-time rendering and virtual production
• Nuke – compositing and visual effects
• Adobe Creative Suite – concept art, digital painting, and design
• Substance Painter & Designer – texturing and materials
• Mari – look development for high-end assets
• Avid Media Composer – editing
• Pro Tools – sound design

Your Journey at CMPA Animation

The BFA in Animation follows a carefully structured, lock-step sequence that mirrors professional studio pipelines. Over ten semesters — including two summer terms — students grow their skills step by step while producing films at every stage of their training.

Students begin with strong academic foundations before entering the Film School as part of a ten-student cohort. From there, each year builds toward more advanced productions, deeper collaboration, and greater creative responsibility. The journey culminates in a capstone experience where students take on leadership roles and graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates both artistry and professional readiness.

• Year 1 – Foundations Liberal studies courses at FSU that prepare students academically while laying the groundwork for entry into the College of Motion Picture Arts.
• Year 2 – First Film (F1) Enter the Film School cohort. Build skills in storytelling, design, and CG tools. Complete the F1 Film Project in the spring semester.
• Year 3 – Collaboration & F3 Crew on senior (BFA3) capstone productions as part of support teams. Produce an individual F3 Film Project. Join peers in the Animation Collaboration Project, working across BFA2 and BFA3 productions in the spring.
• Year 4 – Capstone Experience Choose a capstone role: Directing, Animation, Asset Development, or Look Development. Capstone directors are selected through a competitive pitch process (four films produced annually). Graduate with a polished capstone film and/or advanced portfolio, ready for festivals and industry placement.

This progression ensures students don’t just learn isolated skills — they learn how to apply them in collaborative productions, preparing them for the demands of real-world filmmaking.