FAQ
Find out more
Why take the animation portfolio workshop?
To get into a top animation school you need to submit a portfolio of your drawings that demonstrate skills in the areas of observational drawing, perspective, character design, life drawing and more. We’ve designed our animation portfolio preparation course to cover exactly what you need to know in order to get into animation school and perhaps more importantly, to be able to meet the challenges of learning animation.
Is APW online?
Yes. Our full comprehensive program is online and in-person. It’s interactive and engaging with plenty of one-on-one attention. Not just a bunch of videos to watch.
Are APW classes recorded and can I access them outside of the scheduled class times?
No. Our class delivery online is very close to what a student would experience in an APW in-person class in that we have an instructor present for the entire 6 hours of class and they are teaching and interacting with the students live. When the class is over, it’s over and there is no record of it and it cannot be accessed if missed.
If a student has a family emergency or is seriously ill for a period of time, it is sometimes possible for us to offer one or two make-up classes by the student attending a session on another day when the same class is offered. The exact missed class will not however be available but the time can be recouped. This must be pre-arranged with the Administrator.
Does APW assist students with the college application process?
No. A session of APW focuses from start to finish on drawing. All paper-work involved in the application process is handled by the student or by the parent or guardian of the student – APW does not contact schools on behalf of individual students. Our focus is on the development of foundational drawing skills and on helping each student assemble the strongest portfolio they can.
Do I need to show my drawings to someone in order to get into APW?
No, we are all about starting at the beginning and building up a solid understanding of drawing fundamentals. Anyone who is interested can register for APW.
Is APW an Animation school?
Our focus is on the fundamentals of observational drawing. Our goal is to enable each student to put together a strong entrance animation portfolio and then to be prepared for the challenges of animation school. An introduction to animation is a part of our regular sessions.
Why do classes end in December?
Many of the the top animation schools set their portfolio deadlines between mid-January and March. The final portfolio reviews at the end of our workshop happen before the deadlines for portfolio submission. APW students receive guidance and input from their instructors at a time when it matters most – before they submit their portfolios.
Why learn drawing? Isn't most animation done with computers?
If you want to be an animator, layout artist or storyboard artist, you need to go to animation school and if you want to go to animation school you need to know how to draw. As a standard part of the application process, all of the top animation schools like Sheridan, Seneca, CalArts, Ringling, SVA (School of Visual Arts) and many more require each applicant to submit a portfolio of drawings that show a demonstration of skill in Life Drawing, perspective, drawing various objects from daily life, animal drawing, character design, storyboard and more.
How do I register?
Just click on the register button which can be found on the navigation bar, fill out the form and proceed with payment all in one seamless step. You will be sent a welcome email with pertinent information to help you get started on your learning journey with APW!
Payment Options
APW does not offer any installment payment plans and tuition has to be paid in full in order to be fully registered. You can pay with your credit card directly through our website Registration form. Please do not contact our Administrator to discuss any other options.
Are APW classes recorded and can I access them outside of the scheduled class times?
No. During an APW Online class our instructors are teaching and interacting with students live. When the class is over, it’s over and there is no recording of the class to be accessed if missed. In the case of a family emergency or prolonged illness, it may be possible for APW to offer one or two make-up classes. Even though the exact missed class will not be available,it is possible to speak with the APW Administrator re any potential make-up classes.
Can I use my iPad in class for drawing?
No. At APW all drawings are on paper.