SJSU Launches A Master Of Design In Animation For Aspiring Creators
A hidden gem in the world of animation education, San José State University (SJSU) is well-known within the animation and vfx industry. Powered by a thriving collaborative culture and a well-connected student club with a funky name — the Shrunkenheadman Club — its students are known for their endless energy, work ethic, and artistry.
The school’s culture encourages them to be not just skilled artists, but great collaborators and inspired creators — artists who understand the nuances of storytelling and have the technical expertise to bring their ideas to life. This emphasis on solid foundational skills, paired with professionalism and creativity has made SJSU a respected name among animation professionals and has led to the school’s alumni being highly sought after by many of the industry’s leading studios.
In a world where animated content is more in demand than ever, fresh and innovative ideas are in demand. Studios, streaming giants, agents, and producers are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing — an original story or concept that not only entertains but also captivates audiences and challenges traditional boundaries. With that in mind, SJSU has launched a new Masters program focusing on creating cutting edge and original content for animation productions.
Housed in the Department of Design at SJSU, in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Masters of Design in Animation program is a game-changer for students who are not only looking to perfect their craft, but also want to create the next generation of animated properties. The program brings together digital animation techniques, creative development processes, and hands-on mentorship from some of the top professionals in the industry. For those with big dreams of creating memorable characters and pioneering new animated worlds, this Master’s program offers a great platform to turn those ideas into reality.
Content Development Takes Center Stage
The core focus of SJSU’s new Master’s program is on the development of original intellectual property. To that end, the curriculum adds a set of courses aimed to inform and elevate the student’s main project.
In today’s competitive animation landscape, owning your IP is one of the most valuable assets an artist or studio can have. The program aims to give students the tools and skills required to build their own franchises — from initial concept to a fully developed animated production. Students work on hands-on projects in collaboration with each other, developing genuine characters and unique stories with the power to truly captivate audiences.
Real-World Mentors
One of the program’s strengths is how it connects students directly with seasoned professionals from major animation studios. Those include not just the faculty, but also frequent visiting speakers, and alumni who return every year at events like SHM-Con, the club’s annual convention which is attended by over 1,000 people. This diverse network of mentors helps students refine their craft and gives them invaluable insights into the realities of working in the industry.
The faculty is a diverse and accomplished group with an impressive body of work. Raymond Wong (Ratatouille, Wall-E, Coco, Incredibles, Luca) teaches 3D Modeling, Raquel Coelho (
“I’ve been involved with the amazing Animation/Illustration program at SJSU for nearly 15 years from the industry side and I’m thrilled to see the program growing to include the Master’s program option! I love the spirit and creative focus of the animation track, with a faculty that is second to none in the industry.” – Rex Grignon (former Head of Character Animation for DreamWorks and CEO and founder of Nimble Collective) teaches “Project Proposal”, leading students through the process of defining and honing their project ideas.
“All of our classes are run like real-world productions, culminating in a thesis film that students use as a demo reel to gain entry in the industry. I love teaching in the Master’s because it is an incredibly demanding program, yet our students fully embrace the challenge.” – Kevin Mannens (Pacific Rim, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Captain America: Winter Soldier) teaches “The Synthetic Image”, in which students explore the possibilities in digital lighting and compositing, drawing on his professional experience in both vfx and live action, being himself an accomplished documentary director.
“We don’t just teach only ‘how it works’ but also ‘why it works,’ ‘where it can work,’ and ‘what the hell do you do when it doesn’t work?!’ We want to make sure our students are prepared for every twist and turn this amazingly wild industry throws at them.” – Jake Goldman (The Powerpuff Girls, Boons and Curses) teaches Narrative and Story Structure.
Industry Credibility and a Collaborative Culture
While people outside the industry may not know SJSU’s Animation Program, insiders know it as a powerhouse for animation talent. Over the years, graduates from SJSU have gone on to work for the biggest players in animation and entertainment: Pixar, Dreamworks, Sony Pictures Imageworks, ILM, Disney, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, streaming giants and game studios such as Netflix, Sony Playstation, Blizzard, and Riot Games.
What makes SJSU stand out is its blend of rigorous artistic training with a unique and supportive culture that fosters professionalism and devotion to the craft. In a time of exacerbated individualism and competition, it is refreshing to see a school with such a vibrant culture. The school’s close-knit community fosters an atmosphere of mutual support that encourages students to excel, experiment, take risks, and learn from each other.
An Affordable Launchpad for Future Creators
Diversity fuels creativity. Good artists come from diverse backgrounds. By offering an education that is both affordable and deeply rooted in artistic excellence and industry-driven experience, the program provides a broad range of students access to the tools and knowledge they need to successfully craft compelling stories. Maybe the next big feature film title, tv series or game idea will come from SJSU’s new Master’s program.
