Characters are the heart of any story. In this lesson, we’ll explore what makes them feel real, relatable, and engaging. From their psychology and motivations to their flaws and relationships, you’ll see how even the smallest gestures can bring them to life.

We’ll also dive into shaping a character’s arc—what they want versus what they need—and explore how this transformation creates emotional connection and draws the audience into their journey.

Thriving in feature animation means understanding where storyboarding fits into the broader production pipeline. This lesson breaks down how the story team collaborates with directors, editors, the art department, and animation, as well as the internal dynamics with the Director, Head of Story, Production Manager, and Story Leads.

You’ll learn how storyboarding connects every stage of production, from the earliest concept to the final edit, shaping the story as it evolves.

Environments are more than backdrops—they connect to your characters and serve the story. The places they live, explore, and struggle in can reveal emotions, shape choices, and amplify themes.

In this lesson, we’ll explore how research, visual contrasts, and thoughtful details turn a setting into something alive and dynamic—where every corner serves the story, feels alive and part of the journey.

Crafting a scene requires structure and a clear headspace. This lesson breaks down the workflow of a scene, starting with script analysis, identifying key beats, gathering references, brainstorming and create rough thumbnails.

You’ll then learn to refine those thumbnails into your final pass, incorporating the Director’s notes while focusing on visual clarity, emotional impact, eye expressions, and narrative precision to deliver a strong sequence.

The right tools streamline the storyboarding process and bring flexibility to your workflow. This lesson explores software like TVPaint, Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, and Procreate, with practical tips for customizing tools, organizing layers, and adapting setups to fit any studio needs.

You’ll learn a few tricks to manage notes efficiently, move seamlessly from rough sketches to clean boards, and stay flexible while saving time.

Pitching is half of the job for a feature animation story artist. This lesson will teach you how to bring your storyboards to life, work on your pitching style, and keep your audience engaged—whether it’s a team, directors, or producers.

You’ll learn how to prepare, communicate ideas clearly, and pitch with confidence while finding your unique storytelling voice.

Great writing is the foundation for great storytelling in animation. In this lesson, we’ll challenge the idea that writing for animation is vastly different from live-action. At its core, strong writing taps into universal themes, emotional truths, and character-driven choices.

You’ll learn to craft scripts that inspire visuals in story artists and create momentum with clarity and emotional depth.

Feedback is key to taking a story to the next level. This lesson focuses on giving clear, constructive notes and receiving criticism with an open mindset, all while staying focused on the goal: making the movie stronger.

We’ll also discuss how feedback fosters team trust, strengthens problem-solving, and builds skills that prepare you for future leadership roles.

Your career is a journey, and every step forward starts with intention. This lesson explores practical strategies for growth: building a focused portfolio, finding meaningful mentorship, committing to consistent practice and building relationships that support your growth—helping you shape a career that feels true to you.