Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Located in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis adjacent to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) provides studio-based undergraduate and graduate education in visual arts and design. Undergraduate study begins with a Foundation Studies curriculum where all first-year students build shared technical baselines in 2D design, drawing, and media arts before advancing into specialized degree tracks.

Animation and Visual Storytelling

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation integrates 2D character animation, 3D digital modeling, visual effects, and stop-motion production. Structured to simulate commercial studio pipelines, the program guides students through pre-production storyboarding, character design, asset creation, and final compositing. MCAD is recognized as a Toon Boom Centre of Excellence, incorporating Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro throughout its 2D animation coursework.

Students in the animation program also train across multiple software environments, including Autodesk Maya for 3D modeling and animation, Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as After Effects and Animate for motion graphics, and Dragonframe paired with VOLO motion control rigs for stop-motion cinematography. Visual storytelling is further expanded through a dedicated BFA in Comic Art, which emphasizes sequential narrative, character development, world-building, and digital and print publishing practices.

Interactive Media and Experimental Games

Interactive design and real-time workflows are anchored by the Experimental Games minor, open to students across Animation and Media Arts. The curriculum emphasizes rapid prototyping, user interface design, and expressive computation. Students learn to import 2D illustrations and 3D assets into real-time game engines including Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot, exploring interactive storytelling and experimental mechanics.

Campus Facilities and Professional Preparation

Production work is supported by dedicated studio spaces and checkout facilities:

• Media Center: Supplies checkout access to professional digital cinema systems, including Canon, Sony, and RED camera packages, alongside location sound recording kits and portable lighting gear.
• Animation and Lighting Studios: Purpose-built physical spaces equipped for stop-motion staging, motion control capture, and multi-camera setups.
• Service Bureau: On-campus facility providing large-format digital printing and risograph production.

Degree pathways conclude with professional practice requirements that prepare graduating students for commercial pipelines, independent studio practice, and freelance careers through the development of polished showreels, industry-standard portfolios, and promotional materials.