Students do not need prior formal training in animation to apply to the Animation Program.

Applicants must submit completed application and teacher recommendation forms, and ALL of the following REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS. If you fail to include any of the required assignments, your application will be deemed incomplete and disqualified from further review:

A. One drawing or painting that shows what you feel is unique about yourself.

B. One drawing or painting of any subject that interests you. You might consider an emotion, memory, song, place or thing. Provide an explanation of the work on a separate sheet of paper, and include the poem, or lyrics if appropriate.

C. One drawing or painting that you feel demonstrates your technical skills.

Format for Assignments A, B and C: all must be submitted on a USB flashdrive using .jpg format only. The flashdrive must be clearly labeled with your name and date of birth. Please save your assignments with your first initial and last name followed by the appropriate letter for each of the submissions. For example, John Smith would label his work as follows:

jsmith_A.jpg
jsmith_B.jpg
jsmith_C.jpg

D. Either a flipbook that has at least 25 pages, or a video on a flashdrive, mini-DVD or full-size DVD formats ONLY, of an animation you have created that demonstrates your understanding of motion.

ACCEPTABLE file formats for video submission: .avi, .mov, .wav, and .wmv. Please do not include files in a format that is native to the program you are using to edit video (if applicable). Auditions submitted on VHS, Mini-DV, Hi-8, or on any other analog cassette tape will NOT be reviewed.

E. Two typed statements of no more than 150 words each addressing the following topics:

1. The CSSSA Animation program requires each student to complete 8 difficult projects in only 4 weeks. Give us an example of something you have done before in school or in your life that required you to work very hard, and tell us how you did on that task or group of tasks.

2. Why are you interested in animation?

RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY:

Applicants who attended the Animation Program previously must include a typed statement of no more than 150 words explaining what you hope to achieve during your second summer at CSSSA if you are accepted. This statement will be accepted instead of Assignment E Topic 1 above. Also note: Assignments A through D must be new submissions that show your DEVELOPMENT and GROWTH AS AN ARTIST since you attended the program. Do not submit work you created at a previous session or your application will be disqualified. If you previously attended CSSSA in an artistic discipline other than Animation, you must submit a recommendation from a CSSSA instructor in that department.

***** NOTE TO ALL ANIMATION PROGRAM APPLICANTS:

VERY IMPORTANT: The review committee insists that all work is presented with the utmost care and attention. The artwork / animation you submit should be original and from your own experience and imagination. The committee wants to see YOU reflected in the content and distinctive style of your artwork. Be yourself! There should be no copying of existing cartoon characters. We also discourage the submission of standard animation exercises such as the bouncing ball and flour sack. The applicant is highly encouraged to include submissions that explore a wide range of fine arts styles and ideas other than cartoon art.

DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINAL ARTWORKS. They will not be considered.

If you submit an original flipbook and would like it returned, you must include a self-addressed, stamped shipping envelope or box with your application. The California State Summer School for the Arts DOES NOT assume responsibility for the loss or damage of any materials submitted.

Send your application and assignments to:

California State Summer School for the Arts
Attention: Animation Department
P.O. Box 1077
Sacramento, CA 95812-1077