The 2021 Animation and Game Entrance Examination consists in a Portfolio Examination. It assesses competencies and characteristics such as creativity, perceptiveness and imaginativeness, visualization and visual thinking skills, the ability to independently and systematically develop meaningful design concepts related to the field of animation and games, practical artistic and technical skills, motivation for the field of study and interest in animation and game culture and technology.
In order to apply for the Artistic Entrance Examination you must submit a digital portfolio with 3 work samples. These must be projects related to the field of animations and games, such as: storyboards/animatics, concept art, 3-D graphics, animations, digital games/game prototypes. You may submit a maximum of 3 digital work samples. However each work sample can be a project consisting of several related elements.
What should I include in my Digital Portfolio?
The work samples should be related to the field of animations and games. So for example you can include storyboards, character designs, concept art, cartoons/graphics novels (excerpts), flip books, classic or 3-D animations, board game designs, game prototypes, 3D graphics.
One work sample should be considered as a project and not so much as a single element. So for example if you wish to include character designs, it is advisable to demonstrate conceptual depth by producing a series of concepts (variations, poses, facial expressions, turnarounds etc) and not just one single drawing.
Avoid submitting work samples which only consist of written descriptions. For example if you submit a game concept as one of your work samples, do include visuals such as gameplay diagrams and concept art.
Important: If you submit a game prototype, include a gameplay video!
May I submit more than 3 work samples?
You should stick to 3 work samples. However, a single work sample can consist of several related items. So you should rather consider the 3 work samples as three projects which are shown through a small choice of characteristic elements. This will allow you to demonstrate conceptual depth.
For example if you plan to submit character designs as one work sample, include variations, poses, facial expressions, turnarounds or show several characters which belong to your storyworld/game instead of limiting yourself to just one single drawing.
If you consider submitting an idea for an animated short you can present it in form of a storyboard or animatic and include some environment concept paintings.
In the case of 3-D art it is advisable to include concept drawings and present the final result in form of a turnaround or flythrough video on top of a single rendered image.
Can I submit written stories, scripts or game concepts?
You should present your work mainly in a visual form. You may add a written story or gameplay description for better understanding but the written elements should not exceed the length of 1 page. If you submit a game design concept you should visualize relevant elements of the gameplay though illustrations, sketches and/or concept art.
