Animation & Visualization Portfolio Review

The following prerequisite courses must be successfully completed OR currently enrolled in the semester when submitting portfolio.

• ARH 2051 History of Western Art II
• ART 2201C Design Fundamentals 2D
• ART 2203C Design Fundamentals 3D
• ART 2300C Drawing Fundamentals I
• ART 2301C Drawing Fundamentals II
• DIG 2000 Introduction to Digital Media (requires a “B” or better)
• DIG 2030 Digital Video Fundamentals
• DIG 2109 Digital Imaging Fundamentals
• DIG 2500 Fundamentals of Interactive Design
• GRA 2101C Introduction to Computer Art
• MAC 1105C College Algebra

The following prerequisite courses can be completed after submitting portfolio:

• ARH 2050 History of Western Art I
• COP 2500 Concepts in Computer Science OR
• CGS 2100C Computer Fundamentals for Business

A grade of “C” or better is required for each course listed above to be considered for portfolio evaluation and track entry. These courses must be completed or enrolled in by the semester applying for portfolio. A GPA of 3.0 is required for major courses.

NOTE: Students seeking to transfer courses taken at other institutions should check tes.collegesource.com to confirm equivalency.

General Submission Guidelines 

• Submit one (1) PDF portfolio document (max size: 20MB) by the application deadline.  Current UCF students MUST use their ucf.edu email to be considered for evaluation.  Non-UCF students may use their personal email.
• Multiple submissions will not be evaluated.  You may only submit once, please double check your document before submitting.  You will not be able to make changes once submitted.
• All portfolio content must be original and created solely by the applicant.
• Portfolios must be designed as 8.5x11 inches vertical (portrait orientation).
• The portfolio should include a Title Page with the student’s full name and email.
• The design and visual layout of the portfolio should demonstrate thoughtful professional presentation, including:
  • Consistent visual branding
  • Effective typographic hierarchy
  • Use of headers, footers, and section title pages

AV Portfolio Content Restrictions 

The following content is prohibited in all sections of the portfolio:

• Group work or collaborative projects are not allowed in the AV portfolio. This includes group classwork. We want to see your individual works.
• Fan art, derivative works, or content based on movies, games, television, or any other copyrighted intellectual property. This includes content made inside and outside of class.
• Any work using copyrighted music, images, or characters, even if altered or repurposed.

Required Portfolio Sections 

Section 1: Cover Letter (1-Page Maximum) 

• Professionally formatted, single-page letter
• State your interest in the Animation & Visualization track. Please do not mention other tracks. Customize this to the BFA Emerging Media: Animation & Visualization track only.
• Discuss your future career goals and reasons for applying to the Animation & Visualization track specifically.

Note: All students are encouraged to visit the UCF Catalog, and the courses offered and read their course descriptions to ensure this AV track is aligned to their professional goals.  

Section 2: Design Work (2D & 3D) 

• Five original pieces (Digital works are acceptable pending a minimum: 1 traditional 2D & 1 traditional 3D work). These may be from your courses or personal work.
• Emphasis on original application of design principles (e.g., form, rhythm, proportion, balance, line quality, contrast, unity, etc.)
• Each work must be clearly labeled with:
  • Title
  • Year
  • Medium (traditional/digital/hybrid)
  • Software (if digital)
  • Class produced (if applicable)

Section 3: Observational Drawing 

• Five original works from real-life observation. (Digital works are acceptable pending a minimum: 2 traditional drawings). These may be from your courses or personal work.
• No drawings from photos. Observational drawing is drawing something by looking at it, not drawing from a photo, and can be anything as long as the drawing is from observation of the real-life subject.
• Should show understanding of structure, contour, volume, proportion, light, and form.
• Each work must be clearly labeled with:
  • Title
  • Year
  • Medium (traditional/digital/hybrid)
  • Software (if digital)
  • Class produced (if applicable)

Section 4: Motion-Based Media (Updated) 

• Submit only ONE (1) motion-based video in the form of a clickable hyperlink.
• YouTube link only, must be public or unlisted, and playable at time of review.
• Maximum duration: 1 minute (Only the first minute will be reviewed).
• Content may be animation, or live-action video. May be a single work or a compiled reel of multiple short clips.
• No group work may be included. We want to see your individual efforts.
• Content must be original, no copyrighted or derivative material of any kind.
• Provide the following for the video:
  • Title
  • Year
  • Software used
  • Clarify that this is not classwork

Visual Quality 

• Images must be high resolution, well-lit, and professionally presented.
• All 3D works should be documented with neutral backgrounds and appropriate lighting.
• Group multiple views of 3D work on a single page if needed.

Important Final Notes 

Failure to meet these updated portfolio requirements will result in disqualification from the review process. This portfolio is a professional document. Thoughtful curation and adherence to guidelines demonstrate readiness for the rigorous creative environment of the Animation & Visualization track.

Portfolio originality is paramount. Your portfolio must showcase only your original work because the review committee is evaluating not just technical proficiency, but also your creative voice, conceptual thinking, and potential to thrive in a collaborative, idea-driven studio culture. Submitting non-original, fan-based, or group work undermines this goal and misrepresents your candidacy.

This specialization is intended for students specifically interested in a fast-paced, competitive career in the computer graphics industry. Students in the Animation & Visualization track are expected to be informed, thoughtful, creative problem solvers who are self-motivated and love to learn.

To be eligible for track consideration:

• Students must have a minimum major GPA of 3.0. 
• Students below a 3.0 GPA will not be considered for portfolio evaluation or admission into the track.

The following rubric outlines how each component of the application will be evaluated. Each submission will be reviewed by faculty on a 3-point scale across multiple dimensions, and final scores will be averaged. The top-ranking candidates based on total scores will be offered admission into the Animation & Visualization cohort.

Evaluation Breakdown 

Cover Letter Requirement (30pts) 

Applicants must submit a professionally formatted, 1-page cover letter that directly addresses their interest in the Animation & Visualization track.

The cover letter will be evaluated on: 

1. Clarity of Intent – Has the student researched this specific AV track? Is that apparent in the writing or is it a generic templated cover letter?
2. Professionalism and Presentation – Is the document formatted professionally, free of typos, and does it reflect college-level writing?
3. Aspirations and Fit – Does the student demonstrate awareness of the industry and alignment with the track’s curriculum and expectations? Is the student clearly focused on a future in Animation & Visualization and able to articulate why? Is it clear the student has reviewed the courses and curriculum to ensure this track is a good fit for their future goals?

Animation & Visualization Portfolio Artistic Content (70pts) 

The portfolio is the most heavily weighted part of the application and must reflect original, individual creative work. All submission guidelines listed above regarding formatting, content type, prohibited material, and visual quality must be followed precisely.

The portfolio will be evaluated on:

1. Artistic and Technical Skill – Are the works demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles, drawing skills, and digital or physical media?
2. Creativity and Originality – Does the student present original work that communicates a unique point of view and avoids derivative or fan-based content?
3. Presentation and Professionalism – Is the work curated and arranged thoughtfully with attention to visual layout, image quality, and portfolio structure?

Final Notes on Originality 

Originality is non-negotiable. Students must only submit work they have solely created. This is essential not only for upholding academic and creative integrity, but also because the review committee must be able to assess your creative voice, visual thinking, and independent potential to contribute meaningfully to the cohort. Portfolios that include fan art, group work, or any copyrighted/derivative material will be disqualified from consideration.

Your cover letter, 10 original artworks, and 1 motion-based video link must be submitted online as a single consolidated PDF document. Only digital portfolios will be accepted.

• The final PDF should be formatted at 8.5 x 11 inches, vertical orientation, and must not exceed 20MB in file size.
• The PDF should include a Title Page (1-page max) with the student’s full name.
• All digital work must be presented clearly and professionally in a multi-page PDF — not as separate files or loose attachments.
• The video submission must be a working YouTube link embedded or hyperlinked within the PDF.

If submitted work does not meet these criteria, it will not be accepted for evaluation.

All application materials must be submitted by the deadline: late, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted submissions will be disqualified from review.

The Animation & Visualization (A&V) track at UCF is a studio-based, multidisciplinary specialization within the Emerging Media BFA. It prepares students for a fast-paced, competitive career in the computer graphics and animation industry. Our focus is on fostering creative problem-solving, technical fluency, and original storytelling through diverse visual mediums. 

Here’s what to expect: 

You will explore a wide range of animation techniques, including: 

• 2D digital animation 
• 3D modeling and animation 
• Stop-motion 
• Hybrid workflows combining techniques 

The majority of coursework emphasizes individual creative development, with some collaborative projects woven throughout. Students are encouraged to build a professional portfolio and engage in real-world production environments reflective of industry expectations. 

We strongly encourage all prospective students to read the UCF Undergraduate Catalog and the official course descriptions for each required class to understand the curriculum, time commitment, and skill progression. 

What the A&V Track is not: 

• It is not a 2D-only animation program. Students will work across multiple platforms, tools, and artistic formats to develop technical and conceptual flexibility. 
• It is not fan art–friendly. All work must be original. The program values unique ideas, visual storytelling, and artistic voice. 
• It is not hands-off or passive. This track demands active participation, self-motivation, and a strong personal work ethic. 

• BFA Emerging Media Animation & Visualization labs are housed in the Visual Arts Building (VAB) on UCF’s Main Campus. 
• Classes are taught in various formats depending on the course: 
  • In-person studio-based instruction 
  • Mixed-modality (a blend of in-person and online) 
  • Synchronous Zoom sessions for critique and review 
• Some classes may meet in other buildings or designated classrooms across campus. Always consult the UCF schedule and your course syllabus for room assignments and modality. 

Required Technology for the Animation & Visualization Track 

The Animation & Visualization (A&V) track is a rigorous, production-based major that requires students to work extensively with industry-standard digital tools—both in and out of the classroom. 

To succeed in this track, every student is expected to have their own personal computer and software that meets the demands of modern 3D and hybrid animation pipelines. Access to suitable hardware and software is not optional—it is an essential requirement for enrollment and long-term success in the program. 

Why You Need Your Own Equipment 

While UCF offers on-campus open labs and provides Wacom Cintiq tablets in many classroom settings, these shared resources do not replace the need for personal access to professional tools. Students who own their own computer and software consistently produce stronger, more consistent creative outcomes because they can work flexibly and independently beyond scheduled class hours. 

Animation & Visualization Track Computer Specifications 

To handle the software used throughout the two-year A&V track, including Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, and the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, upon acceptance students should purchase a high-performance computer that meets the following criteria: 

Recommended Setup 

• Platform: PC (not Mac) Laptop 
  • PC platforms are currently more compatible and cost-effective for 3D production workflows. 

• Processor: Fast, multi-core CPU (e.g., Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9) 
• Graphics Card: Dedicated NVIDIA RTX series GPU 
  • Check compatibility lists: 
    • Autodesk Maya System Requirements 
    • Adobe Creative Cloud Requirements 

• Memory (RAM): Minimum 16GB, 32GB or higher preferred 
• Storage: At least 1TB (SSD strongly recommended) 
• Type: “Gaming-ready” or “VR-ready” PC (Laptop) 

Brands like Alienware, Dell, and MSI are frequently selected by students due to their reliability for high-performance graphics tasks. 

⚠️ Macs are not recommended currently, as they currently underperform with certain 3D rendering and animation software essential to the curriculum. 

Students will be required to use the following software in their coursework: 

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Paid subscription needed for entirety of 2-year track courses) 
• Autodesk Maya (Free with student ID) 
• Epic Unreal Engine (Free) 
• Substance 3D Suite (Free with student ID) 
• ToonBoom Harmony (https://shop.toonboom.com/en/students (Monthly or yearly subscription required) 

If you’re excited about the Animation & Visualization (A&V) track and think it’s the right creative path for you, here are the next steps you should take to ensure you’re prepared and positioned for success: 

1. Speak with an Academic Success Coach

Before applying, it’s essential to: 

• Meet with your academic success coach to confirm you are on track with prerequisite courses. 
• Determine the best semester to apply based on your current academic standing and course sequence. 
• Ensure you meet the minimum GPA requirement (3.0 in all major courses) for eligibility into the A&V track. 

Not sure who your Academic Success Coach is? Contact CAHSA@ucf.edu for assistance. 

2. Review the UCF Catalog & Course Descriptions

Explore the UCF Undergraduate Catalog and read through the full list of courses required in the Animation & Visualization track. This will help you: 

• Understand the type of work and commitment expected over the two-year experience. 
• Determine if the curriculum aligns with your professional and creative goals. 
• Identify any technical or artistic areas you may need to strengthen before applying. 

3. Explore All Resources on the Portfolio & Track Pages

Before submitting your portfolio: 

• Carefully read all FAQs and guidelines on the A&V portfolio submission page. 
• Watch the portfolio info session videos provided, these walk through key submission expectations and offer insights into what makes a strong application. 
• Review past feedback and student examples (if available) to benchmark your readiness. 

The Emerging Media BFA program, in alignment with UCF’s “Timely Academic Progress Toward a Degree Policy,” (Timely Academic Progress Toward a Degree Policy - College of Undergraduate Studies)  has established a policy to ensure students make consistent progress toward graduation.

Beginning Spring 2025, students are permitted to submit portfolios for multiple SVAD tracks within a single semester, but those who do not pass the portfolio review or decline acceptance into a track will not be eligible to reapply for that track or any other Emerging Media BFA tracks in a future semester. However, students may submit Studio Art portfolios in subsequent semesters.

UCF strongly encourages students affected by these policies to meet with an Academic Success Coach at CAHSA@UCF.edu. Coaches can help students explore alternative academic pathways and identify opportunities that align with their interests and goals while maintaining a trajectory toward timely graduation. Students who are removed from the program will receive written notification, and those who believe extenuating circumstances impacted their performance may appeal to the SVAD Administrative Office within 10 business days of the notification. Appeals must include detailed documentation of circumstances, such as medical emergencies, to be considered.