Animation Art Festivals: The Perfect Proving Ground
by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist
The field of animation art has gotten a boost from an array of worldwide festivals that bring together animators, directors, students, artists, designers, writers, and educators. More than just competition, animation art festivals are a chance to have your work seen and critiqued by industry professionals.
Animation Art Festivals
Plan to enter an animation competition now, or after you graduate. Here’s a rundown of the biggest animation art festivals in North America:
- Ottawa International. This competitive film festival, the biggest of its kind in North America, features a range of animation categories and large money prizes.
- Platform International. Once the only non-commercial animation art festival in the United States, Platform winners enjoy a fast track to publication.
- Red Stick International. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Red Stick is fast becoming the premiere animation art festival in the southern region of the country.
Animation Categories
So what type of work garners the best reviews at these technological extravaganzas? With so many categories and design modes, you should be able to find a niche that suits your particular talents.
- Commercial Film. Animation category that best sells a product or service.
- Student Film. Category designed exclusively for those still in animation school.
Animation art festivals are the ideal way to see just how well your education has prepared you for success in the industry. And, of course, animation festivals are just plain fun.
