Hello everyone, I’m going to apply for animation major as a freshman, but I only have one year of drawing experiences so I’m afraid I’m not a very competitive applicant. My portfolio is the biggest problem for me because I got some feedbacks from an admission advisor from Calarts. She said I have good sense of body proportion and pose but also I need to loosen up my figure drawing. Also my character drawing style is affected by Japanese style and harmful for my application so I just lost all my directions. I’ve give up my hope for Calarts due to the lack of time. How can I develop my drawing style and get more prepared for my portfolio next year?
First good luck to you!
An animation portfolio is heavy on figure drawing and showing action. It’s heavier on “quick sketch” (that comment about “loosening up”). It’s not about still lifes or necessarily a ton of detail. It’s more about portraying action and character. Can you create a story just from a picture?
By Japanese style is meant “anime” style of drawing. That is a very set art form of its own and just a huge NO for animation portfolios. The main reason is that you need to develop your OWN style of art–not copy anyone else.
They are looking for original art–no copies. Do yourself a favor and stop all anime art right now if you decide to pursue this career. Work on developing your own style.
Work on figure drawing and perspective as a start.
Do some art in 3D–modeling clay or wire sculpture as examples.
Thank you so much! It’s clearer to me now.