Overview
The Animation and Entertainment Arts (AEA) sequence at Illinois State University prepares students for creative careers in film, games, interactive media, and digital entertainment. This program is designed for students interested in blending art and technology to create animated works, imaginative environments, and compelling visual stories.
In AEA, you'll develop professional skills in digital illustration, animation, sequential narrative, and 3D modeling. Classes emphasize hands-on projects that turn ideas into finished experiences, helping students build technical expertise and a professional portfolio.
As a student in this sequence, you'll explore:
- Character design and digital illustration
- 2D/3D animation and modeling
- Motion graphics
- Storyboarding and narrative, including comics
- Asset creation for games
Students begin with the fundamentals of digital art, creative coding, and sequential narrative. From there, you can choose your focus and follow a series of electives that align with your passion.
Why Study Creative Technologies: Animation and Entertainment Arts?
The Animation and Entertainment Arts sequence is housed within the School of Creative Technologies, where students from the AEA, game design, audio and music production, and interdisciplinary media sequences work side by side. All CTK students share a core set of classes, including sound design, web development, creative coding, and career preparation. This common foundation helps you communicate across disciplines and build meaningful collaborations.
AEA is rooted in hands-on, project-based learning. You'll develop not only technical and artistic skills but also the ability to solve creative problems, work effectively on teams, and pursue your ideas with confidence. In CTK, we do more than prepare you for a job—our goal is to help you define and grow your identity as a creative maker.
With small class sizes, studio-style courses, and dedicated faculty mentorship, you'll receive personal guidance and meaningful feedback. AEA offers an ideal place to develop your talents and explore new possibilities within an interdisciplinary community of peers.