Fall Workshops

Digital arts workshops for artists on the autism spectrum
Step One (optional): Take an virtual or in person tour
Fall workshop schedule
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Course descriptions
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
In this workshop, students will learn the magic behind bringing 3D characters to life using Autodesk Maya or Blender. If you are new to animation, this course will help you learn the basics of 3D animation based on the 12 basic principles of animation. Concepts and techniques will be explored through a series of exercises using pre-rigged characters supplied by the instructor. This will build a solid foundation as you start your animation journey.
*This course is only offered virtually
Immerse yourself in the art of editing and the language of visual storytelling. This workshop demonstrates foundational theories of picture editing as students create, combine, and manipulate various clips and images into an impactful story. This workshop is great for beginners as it focuses on fundamentals using Adobe Premiere Pro and using multiple tracks and audio in a non-linear timeline.
*This course is only offered virtually
For students new to digital art-making or with a project in progress, this class serves as a place where creators can work alongside one another to accomplish their 2D Animation goals in Adobe Animate. Instructors will assist with students who are working on developing portfolio pieces, passion projects, and foundational animation and digital drawing exercises. This class is for all levels. This class can be taken multiple times and will be customized to the student skill level.
This workshop introduces students to the art of storyboarding for animation. Using Photoshop, students will learn framing, composition, shot sequencing, and visual storytelling techniques to bring their ideas to life. Ideal for students interested in directing, animation, comic/manga design, or visual storytelling
Sound makes animation come alive! In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of sound design for animation, including recording, layering, and editing sound effects using Adobe Audition. Explore how sound shapes mood, enhances storytelling, and adds realism to animated projects.
Develop original character concepts with professional-level design techniques used by 2D animation artists! This course focuses on silhouette, gesture, anatomy, and storytelling through design. Using Photoshop, students will create characters that stand out and feel alive.
This series supports students in building emotional and behavioral tools that foster personal well-being, studio collaboration, and professional growth. Rooted in neurodiversity-affirming practices, each 2-hour session is rich in visuals, animation metaphors, creative worksheets, and sensory-friendly regulation strategies tailored to the learning styles of visual thinkers.
Anatomy drawing workshop is a fundamentals class where students learn how to draw the human body. Students will learn how to draw proper body proportions that include heads, hands and feet. The techniques learned in this class are fundamental to knowing how to do proper character designs for animation. This class is for any skill level, and really great for beginners. Available in-person or online.
Design and animate characters and environments using Adobe Animate. Beginners will learn how to utilize the program to make their own simple animations, bringing ideas to life! This popular class provides an overview of Adobe Animate and the animation process, giving students a foundation in animation principles, timing, movement, and storytelling.
Combine the best of both animation worlds– 2D and 3D– by creating 2.5D animation using the free open source 3D graphics software Blender. In this workshop students will learn best practices utilizing the grease pencil for animation while harnessing the 3D tools of Blender. This is an intermediate animation course for those students who want to develop techniques for designing assets that integrate seamlessly into a 2.5D environment as seen in features like Treasure Planet, Steamboy, and other imaginative shorts. This workshop is recommended for students experienced in 2D animation.
Create virtual 3D worlds in this exciting game engine platform. Whether you're a gamer or creative storyteller, this workshop is designed to introduce you to the powerful tools and techniques for creating captivating virtual environments. Students explore the Unreal Game Engine Launcher, Interface and Blueprints to create their own 3D Platformer levels using premade and customized assets. Use of materials, lighting, and reflection captures will be introduced. No previous game engine experience required. Unreal Engine is a free download.
*This course is only offered virtually
This hands-on workshop is designed for aspiring digital artists, content creators, and filmmakers interested in learning the fundamentals of visual effects. Participants will explore the power of Adobe After Effects as they dive into foundational techniques such as chroma keying (green screen removal), motion tracking, and compositing. Through guided exercises and creative projects, students will learn how to blend live-action footage with digital elements to create dynamic, professional-looking visuals. No prior VFX experience is required.
Attendees will learn essential storytelling principles, including structure, character development, dialogue, and pacing, with a focus on the unique constraints and opportunities of short-form narratives. The session covers brainstorming techniques, formatting guidelines, and script analysis to help writers refine their ideas into engaging short screenplays. Through hands-on exercises and feedback, participants will develop a first draft short script for an impactful and visually driven short animated or live action project.
This hands-on course is designed for aspiring digital creators who want to produce vertical video content for TikTok and other social media platforms. Participants will learn the fundamentals of editing vertical video, mastering tools in Adobe Premiere to craft dynamic, engaging content optimized for mobile viewing. The workshop covers essential editing techniques, text overlays, transitions, and export settings specific to TikTok and Youtube formats and trends. Ideal for emerging creators, this workshop empowers artists create videos that stand out in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.
This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners eager to learn the fundamentals of professional video production using Blackmagic Design’s powerful camera systems. Participants will gain practical experience with camera setup, tripods, exposure, framing, focus control, and working with various formats. The workshop also covers essential production skills such as lighting for video, audio recording, and basic directing for camera. Students will leave with a solid understanding of digital cinematography principles and the confidence to shoot high-quality footage for film, documentary, or online content creation using industry-standard gear.
*This course is only offered in person
Find your voice! This workshop explores voice acting techniques, script interpretation, and performance styles for animated characters. Students will record and edit their own voice lines using Adobe Audition, learning how to bring personality and emotion into their performances. A great course for aspiring voice actors and animators alike!
This workshop is designed to address the unique challenges and strengths that neurodiverse creators bring to professional environments. This inclusive workshop provides practical strategies for effective communication, time management, and collaboration tailored to neurodiverse needs. Participants will explore how to build confidence in networking, handle client relationships, and navigate workplace expectations while maintaining authenticity and creative integrity. Through personalized guidance and supportive discussions, this workshop empowers autistic creators to thrive professionally, fostering both their talents and their understanding of workplace professionalism.
In this workshop, participants will dive into the art of bringing characters to life through expressive movement and realistic dialogue syncing. This is an intermediate workshop that covers the fundamentals of 2D animation, including keyframe techniques and timing, while placing a special focus on the mechanics of lip syncing for dialogue. Attendees will learn how to create smooth, believable animations and sync mouth shapes accurately with audio, making their characters feel dynamic and authentic. Available in-person or online.
Immerse yourself in the art of editing and the language of visual storytelling. This workshop demonstrates foundational theories of picture editing as students create, combine, and manipulate various clips and images into an impactful story. This workshop is great for beginners as it focuses on fundamentals using Adobe Premiere Pro and using multiple tracks and audio in a non-linear timeline.
*This course is only offered virtually
This introductory workshop explores the ethical use of artificial intelligence in creative process across digital media fields including animation. Aimed at artists, editors, designers, and content creators, this session introduces a range of AI tools from imbedded tools in Adobe Photoshop to stand alone Large Language Models like ChatGPT. Participants will learn how these tools are being integrated into workflows to boost productivity, spark new ideas, and streamline post-production. Whether you're curious about using AI ethically to assist your creative or looking to stay ahead of the curve, this workshop offers a practical and inspiring entry point into the evolving world of AI in media production.
Sound makes animation come alive! In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of sound design for animation, including recording, layering, and editing sound effects using Adobe Audition. Explore how sound shapes mood, enhances storytelling, and adds realism to animated projects.
Learn the fundamentals of digital sculpting in ZBrush Core Mini. In this workshop, students sculpt simple organic forms in their computers with either a mouse or tablet . After learning the basic techniques, students will have the opportunity to bring their own characters or creatures to life. Open to beginner and intermediate students.
*This course is only offered virtually
Sketch, draw, sketch, repeat. This intensive drawing workshop challenges the student to draw outside of their comfort zone. Using visual prompts, students cycle through drawing exercises to bring their craft to the next level. A perfect workshop to build your portfolio.
This follow-up workshop series helps autistic and neurodiverse students ages 16 to 35 strengthen their emotional resilience, self-awareness, and communication skills. Each 2-hour session blends animation-based metaphors, sketching, sensory strategies, and creative exercises designed specifically for students working in animation, VFX, Photoshop, and sound design.
Design and animate characters and environments using Adobe Animate software. Intermediate students can work on personal animation projects and shorts in a collaborative environment. This very popular class gives students an overview of the Animate software and the animation process. Students should have some familiarity with the Adobe Animate software prior to taking.
Join us for an exciting introductory workshop where you'll dive into the world of graphic design using Adobe Illustrator. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics or someone looking to enhance their skills, this workshop is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in creating stunning vector-based artwork.
This workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of storytelling in interactive media. Participants will explore key concepts of narrative design, including world-building, character arcs, branching storylines, and player choice. Through guided exercises, students will brainstorm and write original story concepts and bring them to life through basic character sketching and visual design techniques. The goal is for students to have the foundation to further develop a narrative game concept with supporting character visuals that reflect their story’s tone, themes, and gameplay potential.
Create virtual 3D worlds in this exciting game engine platform. Whether you're a gamer or creative storyteller, this workshop is designed to introduce you to the powerful tools and techniques for creating captivating virtual environments. Students explore the Unreal Game Engine Launcher, Interface and Blueprints to create their own 3D Platformer levels using premade and customized assets. Use of materials, lighting, and reflection captures will be introduced. No previous game engine experience required. Unreal Engine is a free download.
This Intro to VFX course is designed to introduce students to the core principles of visual effects compositing using Foundry’s industry-standard software, Nuke. Participants will explore the fundamentals of node-based workflows, green screen keying, rotoscoping, tracking, and integrating CGI with live-action footage. Whether aiming for to enhance your portfolio or build a foundation for further study, this workshop offers a solid starting point for anyone interested in the world of professional visual effects.
Combine text, graphics, and sound to create dynamic video projects Adobe After Effects. Students learn to apply the elements and principles of design and motion, along with techniques for developing concepts and storyboards.
In this workshop, the nuts, bolts and best practices of prepping for a job search are explored. From expanding and honing your resume to portfolio building and preparing the perfect LinkedIn profile, this workshop helps students nail down the essentials before applying for jobs. Available in-person or online.
This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners eager to learn the fundamentals of professional video production using Blackmagic Design’s powerful camera systems. Participants will gain practical experience with camera setup, tripods, exposure, framing, focus control, and working with various formats. The workshop also covers essential production skills such as lighting for video, audio recording, and basic directing for camera. Students will leave with a solid understanding of digital cinematography principles and the confidence to shoot high-quality footage for film, documentary, or online content creation using industry-standard gear.
*This course is only offered in person
Find your voice! This workshop explores voice acting techniques, script interpretation, and performance styles for animated characters. Students will record and edit their own voice lines using Adobe Audition, learning how to bring personality and emotion into their performances. A great course for aspiring voice actors and animators alike!