Unleash your imagination by producing narratives that inspire and amaze audiences. Immerse yourself in the dynamic realm of animation, where you will learn the newest cutting edge technologies propelling this exciting field.
Rose by Emily Kimes, BFA 3D Animation, 2020
Digital Arts: 3D Animation at Pratt
The BFA in 3D Animation and Motion Arts prepares you with the knowledge and skills to flourish in the animation and visual effects sector. The fundamentals of modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, compositing, and simulation are the basis of the curriculum, guided by projects and assignments that ensure these skills are motivated by carefully constructed concepts and stories.
Student Work
The Experience
The 3D Animation pathway introduces an amazing range of tools and techniques taught by internationally renowned faculty. Studio courses factor in every semester, lending ample opportunity to create an impressive graduation showreel. Most courses are located in our award-winning Myrtle Hall facility, less than 30 minutes away from hundreds of New York’s world famous cultural institutions, many of which sponsor our students through internships. When not in class, our students are soaking up the limitless screenings, openings, festivals, shows and exhibitions that are occurring throughout the year in New York City.
Digital Arts Facilities
Students in the 3D Animation BFA have excellent studios with access to several digital computing facilities that are outfitted with state of the art Apple and Windows/PC computer stations. These computers are loaded with top of the line animation software including Nuke, Maya, Houdini, Adobe Suite, Unreal, Adobe Substance Painter/Designer, ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, ProTools, and much more. All 3D Animation students also have access to shared Digital Arts facilities that include a green screen room, an audio editing suite, and a world-class spatial computing lab. Further access to Pratt Institute facilities is also possible, including fine art workshops and a large photogrammetry volume.
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![Three students are seated at desks in a classroom, each working intently on their own digital drawing tablets connected to desktop computers. The student in the foreground, with long, dark hair and glasses, is using a stylus to work on a tablet. The student in the middle has curly hair and is resting her hand on her chin, focusing on her screen. The student in the background has short curly hair and is similarly engaged with her work. The classroom is equipped with modern computer workstations and has a studious atmosphere.]()
High End Computer Lab -
![A person stands in a green screen room, facing the camera with studio lights hanging from the ceiling. They are wearing a green jacket and black pants with blue shoe covers. Another person, partially visible and out of focus in the foreground, is pointing towards the person on the green screen, seemingly giving directions or instructions. The scene suggests a studio environment where video or photo production is taking place.]()
Green Screen Studio -
![A person with long hair is looking through the viewfinder of a digital camera mounted on a tripod. They are focusing on the screen, which shows an image being captured. The scene is lit with a greenish hue, suggesting indoor lighting. In the background, there are other individuals and various equipment, slightly out of focus. The environment appears to be a studio or classroom setting.]()
Green Screen Studio -
![A man with gray hair and red glasses is sitting next to a young woman with long dark hair. They are looking at a large computer monitor displaying a colorful abstract image with red and blue hues. The man is gesturing with his hands while explaining something. The young woman is attentively listening. The background includes a black curtain, a cluttered table, and various objects. The setting appears to be a creative workspace or classroom.]()
Stop Motion Studio -
![Three students are working on a project in a creative workspace. The student on the left, with curly hair, is listening to the middle student who has braided hair and is wearing a red and white striped shirt. The middle student is smiling while holding a small craft object. The third student, in the background, has short hair and is focused on their work, with various craft supplies and a drink on the table. The room is decorated with art materials and projects.]()
Stop Motion Studio
Internships
The Department of Digital Arts and Animation offers an internship program tailored to digital artists. Throughout the academic year, students partake in internship opportunities at a variety of studios and companies in the metropolitan New York area, gaining skills and experience in areas covering animation, visual effects, motion graphics, game design, interaction design, fine arts, and publishing.
The internship program places students on their career paths, providing experiences that aid in determining their educational and professional goals. Internships may be taken for college credit by both undergraduate and graduate students. While the Department has our own Internship Coordinator, students may also want to visit Pratt’s extensive network and dedicated staff that supports and facilitates Internships and Industry Connections.
Study Abroad
Immersing yourself in another culture is an incredible experience that can extend the boundaries of creativity. Study abroad programs are an integral part of the college experience, and Pratt has deep connections with university partners around the world. See where you can go.
Learning Resources
We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of art to critically address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learning resources.
Our Faculty
Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars share a common desire to develop each student’s potential and creativity to the fullest. Bringing different views, methods, and perspectives they provide a rigorous educational model in which students make and learn. See all Digital Arts faculty and administrators.
Our Alumni
3D Animation alumni have risen to the top of their fields exhibiting at prestigious venues as the Whitney Biennial and Sundance, and receiving top recognition such as with the Emmy and Oscar awards.
Where they work
Our 3D Animation alumni have gone on to work at top studios such as Pixar, ILM, Dreamworks, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Framestore, Psyop, Crafty Apes, and The Mill.
Success Stories
New American Storyteller
Prattfolio Story
Hamid Rahmanian’s Boundless Adaptation of an Iranian Epic Poem
Prattfolio Story
Ready for More?
| HERE’S HOW TO APPLY | PORTFOLIO HELP | OUR CAMPUS & BEYOND |
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| Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step. | Building your portfolio can be daunting. We’ll answer your questions and help you feel confident about the portfolio you submit with your application. Start building your portfolio, now. | You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out. |
Today marks the 178th anniversary of the first U.S. stamp. Pratt alumni have a rich history with U.S. stamps. They have depicted pivotal moments in U.S. history and cultural icons on those small squares. Howard Koslow, ’44, was commissioned to draw the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate its centenary. Michael Deas painted portraits of American icons like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean for the country to admire.
What started as portraits of President George Washington and first Postmaster-General Benjamin Franklin has evolved into everyday art that honors America’s history.
Image 1: Forever Major League Baseball All-Stars (Scott 4694–4697), Kadir Nelson, BFA Fine Arts (Illustration) ’96
Image 2: Forever Eugenie Clark (Scott 5693), Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, MFA Communications Design ’15
Image 3: Latin Jazz (Scott 4349), Michael Bartalos
Image 4: Brooklyn Bridge Centenary (Scott 2041), Howard Koslow, ’44
Image 5: Legends of Hollywood (Scott 3152, 2967, and 3982), Michael Deas
Image 6: Garden Flowers (Scott 2760–2764 and 3025–3029), Ned M. Seidler
Image 7: We Give Thanks (Scott 3546), Margaret Cusack, BFA ’68
Image 8: Moon Landing (Scott C76), Paul Calle
Image 9: Holiday Greetings – Reindeers (Scott 3356–3359), Tom Nikosey, BFA Communications Design ’72
#USPostageStampDay #PrattInstitute #USStamps
2 days ago
Our top ten photos in our camera roll from the past academic year. We can't wait to fill our camera roll with new Pratt memories.
#PrattInstitute
4 days ago
Pratt is surrounded by local gems. Kerry, a graduate architecture student and Pratt Social Media GA, shows us how to spend the perfect day around Clinton Hill and Fort Greene.
Featuring:
Bittersweet @bittersweetcoffeebk
Fort Greene Park @fortgreenepark
Greenlight Bookstore @greenlightbklyn
Saffron @saffronbk
Mike's Coffee Shop @mikescoffeeshopbk
Video: Kerry Richardson, MArch '26
#PerfectDay #ClintonHill #FortGreene
5 days ago
Pratt students are taking the mic. In a stand-up comedy course open to all majors, they’re learning how to write punch lines, develop thick skin, and improvise under pressure.
The class combines weekly workshops, open mic assignments, and peer critique to help students sharpen their voice and their timing.
The semester wrapped with a live show at Brooklyn Art Haus, where students performed for friends, family, and comedy lovers from across the city.
Read more about this one-of-a-kind course in Prattfolio.
#PrattInstitute #StandUpComedy #Prattfolio
1 week ago
Kerry Richardson, MArch ’26, takes us inside her study abroad experience in Mexico City!
This summer, graduate architecture students traveled to Mexico City and Oaxaca as part of Pratt’s Mexico City: Field Work travel abroad program. This course exposed students to material practices that are specific to the region and photogrammetry strategies for documentation.
Which one would top your travel list?
Places visited:
Casa Gilardi - @casa_gilardi / @luisbarragan (architect)
Casa Pedregal - @casa_pedregal / @luisbarragan (architect)
Anahuacalli Museum - @anahuacalli
Rain Harvest Home - @jsaarquitectura (architect) & @robhutcharch (architect)
Olivia Foundation - @oliviafoundation
Casa Siza - @casasiza / @sizavieira (architect)
Parque Quetzalcoatl - @parquequetzalcoatl / @javiersenosiaina (architect)
Video: Kerry Richardson, MArch ’26
#StudyAbroad #CDMX #MexicoCity #PrattInstitute #ArchitectureSchool @prattsoa @pratt_education_abroad
1 week ago
Pratt Shows: Fashion had a little bit of everything.
Video: Hayoung Jung, MArch '26
#PrattInstitute #FashionSchool
2 weeks ago
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Liberation Day, or Jubilee Day, marks the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of federal orders ending their bondage on June 19, 1865. The holiday reminds us that emancipation was not immediate and that the road to freedom was long, collective, and hard-fought.
Jacob Lawrence’s “Forward Together” (1997) reflects the spirit of that journey. The painting shows Harriet Tubman guiding others toward liberation, symbolizing the resistance, courage, and unity that pushed the country closer to justice. Tubman’s legacy is part of the foundation that Juneteenth stands on.
Lawrence taught at Pratt Institute from 1956 to 1970, where he shaped young artists in the Art Education and Graphic Art and Design Departments. His work continues to echo through generations, challenging us to reflect on the past and move forward together.
Image: “Forward Together,” 1997
Jacob Lawrence
The Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
#Juneteenth #JacobLawrence #PrattInstitute
2 weeks ago
It's been a month since #PrattGrad25 walked across the Radio City Music Hall stage! We are still riding the excitement from commencement.
#PrattInstitute #RadioCityMusicHall
2 weeks ago
Trying to get unstuck? Let Prattfolio help you out. The latest issue features a fortune teller game where you can pull a creative prompt or write your own! Pick up the newest Prattfolio to play or download the PDF and print it out yourself!
Read more about the prompt generator and how to play.
#PrattInstitute #Prattfolio
2 weeks ago
