A fundamental truth about animation—and art in general: practice makes perfect. While talent and inspiration both have their place, it is the consistent act of drawing that truly builds an artist’s skill. For animators especially, drawing is not just a tool—it is the foundation upon which everything is built.
That’s why opportunities to practice in a focused, energetic environment are so valuable. At TAAFI – Toronto Animation Arts Festival, the Animation Portfolio Workshop (APW) is hosting an exciting Costumed Gesture Drawing Workshop session designed to help artists young and old, to sharpen that foundation through the practice of gesture drawing.
In this dynamic workshop, APW Director/Instructor Joshua Miller will lead a high-energy gesture drawing session featuring a costumed model posing in a variety of sequential poses. These quick, expressive studies challenge artists to learn how to draw movement, weight, and emotion – skills that are essential for animation and visual storytelling.
Seasoned professionals or someone just beginning your artistic journey, all levels are encouraged to participate. Just bring plenty of paper, your favorite drawing tools, and a willingness to push your skills further.
Animation is, at its heart, an extension of drawing. The stronger your drawing foundation becomes, the more powerful your ability to create believable characters, expressive performances, and compelling motion. Workshops like this provide artists with the practical experience needed to strengthen that creative muscle and continue evolving their craft.
In the larger context of the exciting TAAFI event with so many workshops, presentations and meeting animators, learning alongside other artists, sharing energy in the room, and responding to live poses creates a unique environment that fuels growth and inspiration.
Our team at Animation Portfolio Workshop is grateful for this opportunity. Bernadette Peets, Gerard Sternik, Joshua Miller, and Vince Peets. We continue to be all about drawing and learning, supporting artists and fostering creative development that helps keep the animation community strong.
So grab your sketchbook and join us for a fun gesture drawing work-out to strengthen the artist within.
See you at TAAFI 2026!
Toronto Animation Arts FestivalI 2026 – Saturday April 11th – 12:45PM – 2:45PM
TIFF Lightbox 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON
Draw with APW at TAAFI 2026!
