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  • Pre-Junior Year as an UXID Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s UXID program is a pivotal time as students transition from coursework to real-world applications. With foundational skills in design, research, and front-end development already established, this year focuses on refining expertise, building a professional portfolio, and preparing for co-op experiences.

    Core Classes

    As UXID students move into more specialized areas, coursework becomes more project-driven, collaborative, and industry-focused. Key classes include:

    • User Experience Design (IDM215, IDM216): In this two-term course, students will design exceptional digital experiences through user-centered practices. Covering brand personality, research, content strategy, information architecture, and usability, they will develop predictive, enjoyable designs and build fully functioning web apps while executing a full production pipeline.
    • Storytelling for User Experience Design (IDM418): Learn how to use stories to understand the user, their goals and objectives, explain research, and describe design concepts.
    • Microinteractions (IDM241): Create exceptional digital experiences using user-experience design principles. This course covers brand personality, content strategy, information architecture, and usability to develop predictive, enjoyable interactions.
    • Content Management Systems (IDM250): Set up a content management system and develop a custom theme, focusing on project planning, organization, and maintaining a high-quality code base.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    This year is all about honing skills that make a UX designer stand out in the job market:

    • High-Fidelity UI Design: Build pixel-perfect designs that align with branding and user needs.
    • Data-Driven Design Decisions: Use research insights to validate design choices.
    • Advanced Prototyping & Microinteractions: Bring interfaces to life with motion design and animations.
    • Presentation & Client Communication: Learn to present ideas effectively to stakeholders and potential employers.

    Projects & Challenges

    Pre-junior year involves tackling more complex, multi-step design challenges. Many classes incorporate real-world projects where students work on UX solutions for businesses, startups, or nonprofits. Expect to create comprehensive case studies—documenting research, design iterations, and usability testing—which will become essential for building a strong UX portfolio.

    Tips for Success

    • Build a professional portfolio: Showcase your best projects with detailed case studies.
    • Master storytelling in design: Clearly communicate your design decisions and process.
    • Engage with the industry: Attend UX networking events, join online communities, and start connecting with professionals.
    • Prepare for co-op: Research companies, tailor your resume, and refine interview skills for UX positions.

    Looking Ahead

    The pre-junior year serves as a bridge between academic learning and hands-on industry experience. With co-op opportunities on the horizon, students will soon apply their skills in professional settings, gaining real-world insights that will shape their careers.

  • Sophomore Year as an UXID Student

    Sophomore year in the User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program at Drexel University takes design skills to the next level. After covering the fundamentals in freshman year, students now dive deeper into interaction design, usability testing, and more advanced prototyping techniques. This year is all about refining skills, tackling real-world projects, and preparing for future co-op opportunities.

    Core Classes

    The courses in sophomore year build on foundational knowledge, introducing more complex design concepts and industry tools. Key classes include:

    • Web Design (IDM221, IDM222): Learn how to create and maintain quality web sites, and learn about accessibility and web design standards, and why they are important.
    • Human Factors Engineering (IDM214): Discuss ways of applying psychological and physiological principles to the design of interactive systems, products, processes, and systems to address human capabilities and limitations in ways that ensure safety, effectiveness, and ease of use.
    • Scripting for Interactive Digital Media (IDM231): Explore modern client-side scripting languages that interact with the user, control the browser, communicate asynchronously, and alter document content and functionality.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    By the end of sophomore year, UXID students will have developed essential industry skills, including:

    Advanced Prototyping – Create high-fidelity designs with tools like Figma and Adobe After Effects.

    Usability Testing & Research – Conduct A/B testing, analyze user behavior, and refine user experiences.

    Web Development – Use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to bring your designs to life.

    Accessibility & Inclusive Design – Ensure products are usable for diverse audiences.

    Projects & Challenges

    Sophomore year coursework emphasizes real-world applications. Expect projects that involve designing full user interfaces, conducting user research, and building interactive prototypes. A major challenge at this stage is balancing design and functionality—ensuring that an interface is not just visually appealing but also intuitive and accessible.

    Tips for Success

    Refine your portfolio. Start documenting projects and case studies for future co-op applications.

    Hone your research skills. Usability testing and user feedback are crucial for great design.

    Experiment with coding. Even a basic understanding of JavaScript can give designers an edge.

    Network and seek mentorship. Connecting with UX professionals can open doors to internships and career opportunities.

    Looking Ahead

    Sophomore year is a crucial time for skill-building and preparation for Drexel’s co-op program. The next step? Pre-Junior year introduces more specialized courses, industry collaborations, and professional experience through co-op placements.

  • Freshman Year as an UXID Student

    Starting the UXID program at Drexel University is an exciting step toward a career in design and technology. The first quarter introduces key UX concepts, essential tools, and hands-on projects that build a strong foundation for the years ahead. Here’s what to expect in your first term.

    Freshman year begins with a mix of UXID courses and general education classes. The first quarter is just the beginning. Upcoming courses will dive deeper into interaction design, usability testing, and advanced prototyping, helping you refine your skills for real-world UX challenges.

    Core Classes

    Freshman year begins with a mix of UXID courses and general education classes. Some key courses include:

    • User Interface Design (IDM211, IDM212): Learn to design aesthetically pleasing interfaces using design principles and human-centered thinking.
    • Interaction Design (IDM213): Explore interaction principles and patterns that define how users engage with digital systems and services.
    • Design Thinking in Product Design (PROD215): Learn design research methods and tackle topical design challenges through design thinking exercises.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    User Research
    Conduct interviews, surveys, and usability tests
    Prototyping & Wireframing
    Use Figma to create low-fidelity wireframes
    Design Iteration
    Refine work based on feedback and testing

    Projects & Challenges

    Expect hands-on projects from day one. A common first-quarter assignment is redesigning an app’s onboarding experience—identifying pain points, creating new user flows, and testing solutions. The biggest challenge? Learning to embrace feedback and refine designs through multiple iterations.

    Tips for Success: Get comfortable with Figma early—it’s a core tool in UX design. Seek feedback often—iteration is key to improving designs. Manage your time wisely—balancing projects and coursework can be tricky. Engage with the UXID community—networking and student groups can offer valuable insights.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Senior year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is the ultimate test of everything learned over the past four years. This is when students specialize in their chosen area, complete their capstone projects, and prepare to enter the industry full-time. With the Drexel Digital Media Showcase on the horizon, senior year is all about polishing skills, refining portfolios, and making industry connections.

    Core Classes

    Senior-year courses focus on finalizing personal projects, collaborating on high-quality work, and developing industry-ready materials. Key classes include:

    • Advanced Portfolio (ANIM246): This course focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework.
    • Concentration Focus: Students continue to refine their skills in their respective chosen concentration (organic modeling, character animation, or generalist)
    • Digital Media Senior Project (DIGM490): The three-term senior project where students research, design, and develop a UX solution to present at the Drexel Digital Media Showcase. Create professional media assets for a team-based senior project in a simulated real-world production environment. This course integrates academic and practical knowledge, emphasizing digital media production, best practices, and effective presentation skills through collaboration and teamwork.

    Skills You’ll Master

    By senior year, students refine both technical and professional skills to prepare for full-time work in the animation and VFX industry:

    Capstone Project Development
    Managing a long-term production from concept to final render.
    Industry-Standard Lighting, Rendering & FX
    Creating high-quality visuals using Arnold, Redshift, Unreal Engine, and Houdini.
    Presentation & Client Communication
    Learning how to pitch projects to studios, recruiters, and industry professionals.
    Time Management & Collaboration
    Balancing independent projects while preparing for the Digital Media Showcase.

    The Drexel Digital Media Showcase: Preparing for the Industry

    One of the biggest moments of senior year is the Drexel Digital Media Showcase where students present their senior capstone projectsto faculty, industry professionals, and potential employers

    How Students Prepare for the Showcase

    Finalizing the Capstone Project
    Completing all aspects of the animation, VFX, or game project for a polished final presentation.
    Building a Standout Portfolio
    Refining demo reels, case studies, and websites to impress recruiters.
    Perfecting the Pitch
    Practicing how to present work professionally, explain design choices, and engage with audiences.
    Networking & Job Hunting
    Connecting with animation studios, VFX houses, and game developers for potential job opportunities.

    Challenges & Growth

    The biggest challenge of senior year is time management—balancing the capstone project, job applications, and final coursework can be overwhelming. However, this year also marks tremendous growth as students shift from being learners to industry-ready professionals.

    Tips for Success

    Start job applications early.
    Many studios hire months in advance—be proactive!
    Keep refining your demo reel.
    Only showcase your best, most polished work.
    Network with industry professionals.
    Attend animation festivals, conferences, and studio events to make connections.
    Stay adaptable.
    The industry evolves quickly—learning new tools like AI animation, real-time rendering, and virtual production can give you an edge.

    Looking Ahead

    With senior year wrapping up, the next step is launching a career in animation, VFX, game design, or motion graphics. Whether joining a studio, freelancing, or continuing personal projects, Drexel’s ANFX program prepares students to step confidently into the creative industry.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Junior Year as an ANFX Student

    Junior year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is a turning point, as students step into the professional industry through co-op experiences and advanced coursework. With a strong foundation in animation, modeling, and VFX, this year is about refining specialization, gaining real-world experience, and preparing for senior-level projects.

    Core Classes

    With many students balancing co-op placements and coursework, junior-year classes focus on advanced industry techniques and real-world application. Some key classes include:

    • Advanced Portfolio (ANIM246): Develops lifelong portfolio-building skills and allows students to refine work across disciplines.
    • Animation Workshop I (ANIM377): Covers concept through pre-production in collaborative team settings.
    • Animation Workshop II (ANIM378): Takes projects from pre-production to completion through full team development.
    • Concentration Focus: Continues development in chosen tracks like organic modeling, character animation, or generalist roles.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    By junior year, students are expected to operate at an industry level, refining both artistic and technical skills:

    Studio-Level Animation & VFX Workflows
    Working in teams, meeting deadlines, and following industry pipelines.
    Procedural FX & Advanced Rigging
    Using Houdini, Blender, and Maya to build dynamic systems and rig complex characters.
    Rendering & Compositing for Film & Games
    Optimizing visuals using Arnold, Unreal Engine, and Nuke for real-time and cinematic results.
    Professional Communication & Collaboration
    Presenting work to teams, directors, and industry professionals with clarity and purpose.

    Co-op Experience: Learning from the Industry

    Many ANFX students spend part of their junior year in a six-month co-op, gaining hands-on experience in animation studios, game development companies, and VFX houses. These roles expose students to real production environments, giving them insights into studio expectations, teamwork, and industry demands.

    Common co-op roles include:

    3D Animator
    Creating motion sequences for games, films, or commercials.
    VFX Artist
    Working on compositing, CGI effects, and simulations.
    Technical Artist
    Bridging animation and engineering within real-time engines.
    3D Modeler
    Designing, sculpting, and texturing production-ready assets.

    Projects & Challenges

    With industry exposure comes more complex, high-stakes projects:

    Full Character Animations
    Polished acting performances with expressive facial and body animation.
    Technical FX & Simulations
    Fire, smoke, and fluid simulations using tools like Houdini.
    Game Cinematics & Interactive Storytelling
    Real-time storytelling pipelines for use in games and virtual production.
    Portfolio & Demo Reel Finalization
    Compiling and presenting professional-quality work for job applications.

    A major challenge during junior year is time management—balancing co-op, coursework, and personal projects can be overwhelming. Staying organized and efficient is key.

    Tips for Success

    Take your co-op seriously.
    Treat it as a job interview—many students receive offers based on co-op performance.
    Refine your demo reel.
    Tailor it to your intended specialty with your best, most relevant work.
    Learn from professionals.
    Network during your co-op, seek mentorship, and attend local or virtual industry events.
    Push technical skills further.
    Experiment with virtual production, real-time pipelines, or AI in animation to stay competitive.

    Looking Ahead

    Junior year is all about bridging the gap between student and professional. The next step? Senior-year capstone projects, the Drexel Digital Media Showcase, and preparing for full-time roles in animation and VFX.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Pre-Junior Year as an ANFX Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is a crucial time for refining skills and preparing for co-op experiences and industry work. By this point, students have developed strong foundations in animation, 3D modeling, rigging, and compositing. Now, the focus shifts to specialization, advanced techniques, and building a professional portfolio.

    Pre-junior year sets the stage for junior-year co-ops and industry experience. The next step? Working in a real studio environment, applying skills in professional projects, and making connections for the future.

    Core Classes

    As students prepare for the professional world, coursework becomes more advanced and industry-focused. Some of the key classes include Digital Compositing (ANIM221) which examines 2D and 3D digital compositing possibilities through the manipulation and recombination of acquired and produced digital imagery, including 2D/3D Integration, 3D Matchmoving, and High Dynamic Range Imagery. Scripting for Animation and Visual Effects (ANIM231) explores modern scripting languages utilized in Animation and Visual Effects operating systems and software tools that are integral to artist productivity and production pipeline scalability. Professional Practices for Animation & VFX (ANIM250) introduces the animation and visual effects industry through projects, discussions, and hands-on activities. Students engage in role-plays and presentations to develop teamwork, management skills, and personal branding, covering all production phases from proposals to final delivery. This is also the year students take courses on their chosen animation concentration. The concentrations include organic modeling, character animation, and generalist.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    At this stage, students begin mastering industry-level skills and refining their artistic identity, including Advanced Animation & Motion Studies – Creating dynamic, expressive, and polished animations, Lighting & Rendering Optimization – Using software like Arnold, Redshift, or Unreal Engine for high-quality visuals, FX Simulations & Compositing – Working with particles, physics, and real-world VFX techniques, and Portfolio & Demo Reel Development – Curating the best projects to showcase to future employers.

    Projects & Challenges

    Pre-junior year projects push students to create portfolio-ready work and prepare for co-op applications. These include High-Quality Character Animations – Producing industry-standard motion studies and acting scenes, Rendered 3D Environments – Developing realistic, visually stunning assets, FX Simulations & VFX Shots – Implementing particle effects, explosions, and CGI compositing, and Demo Reel Creation – Compiling the strongest projects into a polished, professional portfolio. A key challenge this year is finding a focus—whether it’s character animation, modeling, VFX, motion graphics, or technical direction. Many students start tailoring their work toward their area of interest.

    Tips for Success: Start applying for co-ops early. Have a portfolio and resume ready by fall term. Refine your demo reel. Show only your best work—quality over quantity. Optimize rendering workflows. Learning GPU rendering techniques can save valuable time. Network & get feedback. Engage with professors, professionals, and peers to improve your work.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Sophomore Year as an ANFX Student

    Sophomore year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is where students start refining their artistic and technical skills. With the basics covered in freshman year, this year focuses on more advanced animation techniques, 3D modeling, rigging, and compositing. Students also begin exploring their personal style and figuring out whether they want to focus on 2D animation, 3D animation, or visual effects (VFX).

    This year’s courses take animation and VFX to the next level, introducing more complex workflows and industry tools. Sophomore year prepares students for specialization in their junior and senior years. As projects become more advanced, students refine their focus on character animation, environment design, VFX, or motion graphics. With co-op opportunities on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about professional experience!

    Core Classes

    This year’s courses take animation and VFX to the next level, introducing more complex workflows and industry tools. Key classes include Basic Portfolio (ANIM146) which focuses on the basics of portfolio creation, editing, and presentation while examining portfolio examples of current professionals in various industry roles that can serve as models for student portfolio development. Previsualization for Animated Production (ANIM155) covers the all-important design and planning process that takes place before embarking on the production of an animation or visual effects piece. In this course, student will learn and practice the creation, motivation and use of pre-production plans, concept art, mood boards, shot storyboarding, animatics, performance reference and other topics integral to the previsualization process. Animation (ANIM212) builds on topics introduced in ANIM 211 (Animation I), incorporating advanced animation techniques such as inverse kinematics and dynamics. Requires students to propose, design, and produce a short animation. Digital Compositing (ANIM220) examines digital compositing possibilities through the manipulation and recombination of acquired and produced digital imagery, including study of digital image and video formats, color space, live action digital matte painting, Greenscreen/Bluescreen compositing, rotoscope masking and 2D tracking.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    Sophomore year deepens understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of animation and VFX, including Character Performance Animation – Making characters act, express emotions, and react realistically, 3D Asset Creation – Modeling, sculpting, and texturing objects and characters, Rigging & Skinning – Setting up bones and controls to prepare characters for movement, and Visual Effects & Compositing – Integrating 3D elements with live-action footage, green screens, and effects.

    Projects & Challenges

    This year involves more complex projects that mimic real industry workflows. Students work on Animated Character Scenes – Creating short clips that emphasize acting and body mechanics, 3D Environment & Asset Development – Designing detailed game or animation-ready assets, Rigging a Full Character – Preparing a 3D character with proper joints and movement controls, and VFX Shot Composition – Integrating CGI with live-action footage using After Effects and Nuke. A major challenge in sophomore year is time management—animation and VFX require detailed work, and rendering times can be long! Learning how to optimize workflow and meet deadlines is essential.

    Tips for Success: Focus on fundamentals. Animation is about movement and storytelling, not just flashy visuals. Get comfortable with software. Learn Maya, ZBrush, After Effects, Nuke, and Substance Painter. Plan ahead. Rendering can take hours—avoid last-minute submissions! Start building your portfolio. Collect your best work and document your creative process.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Freshman Year as an ANFX Student

    Starting freshman year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is an exciting step into the world of digital storytelling, animation, and motion graphics. This first year is all about learning the fundamentals, exploring different animation techniques, and getting hands-on experience with industry-standard tools. Whether you’re interested in 2D animation, 3D modeling, or VFX, freshman year sets the foundation for a creative and technical journey ahead.

    Freshman-year coursework introduces students to essential animation principles and software while also incorporating general art and design fundamentals. Freshman year provides the foundation for future courses in character animation, visual effects, and advanced 3D modeling. Sophomore year will bring more complex projects, deeper exploration of animation techniques, and opportunities to specialize in different areas of ANFX.

    Core Classes

    Freshman-year coursework introduces students to essential animation principles and software while also incorporating general art and design fundamentals. Key classes include:

    • Digital Imaging for Animation & VFX (ANIM110): Covers image acquisition, lighting, and processing techniques used in the animation and VFX fields.
    • Computer Graphics Imagery (ANIM140): Focuses on representing 3D objects and spaces in 2D using both traditional drawing and digital tools—foundational for 3D modeling and animation.
    • History of Animation (ANIM215): Explores the evolution of animation from early techniques to modern digital approaches in both 2D and 3D.
    • Animation (ANIM211): Introduces concepts of 3D animation, narrative structure, storyboarding, and the creation of short animations in timeline-based software.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    • Animation Principles: Movement, timing, and weight for lifelike motion
    • 2D & 3D Design: Digital painting, character creation, and environments
    • Basic Rigging & Modeling: Creating and prepping characters for animation
    • Storyboarding & Visual Storytelling: Sketch-based planning and narrative development

    Projects & Challenges

    Freshman-year projects focus on applying learned techniques through short animation exercises. Typical assignments include:

    • Bouncing Ball Animation: A classic exercise to master timing and squash & stretch principles
    • Walk Cycle Animation: Bringing a character to life through realistic movement
    • 3D Object Modeling: Creating simple models like a chair or vehicle to practice form and texturing
    • Storyboard Sequence: Planning visual narratives through a short illustrated sequence

    One of the biggest challenges for ANFX students is adapting to the technical side of animation. Learning new software and troubleshooting can be daunting, but persistence and practice pay off.

    Tips for Success:

    • Draw frequently—even if you work digitally. Strong drawing skills help across all animation forms.
    • Master key software tools like Photoshop, Maya, and After Effects.
    • Observe real-life movement. Study how people and objects move to create believable animation.
    • Experiment with storytelling. Great animation is rooted in compelling narratives.

  • SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair Chris Redmann

    ACM SIGGRAPH has announced Chris Redmann as the SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair. As a familiar face across SIGGRAPH conferences, Redmann brings extensive experience having chaired several programs and…

    ACM SIGGRAPH has announced Chris Redmann as the SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair. As a familiar face across SIGGRAPH conferences, Redmann brings extensive experience having chaired several programs and contributed his own work over the years. His appointment marks another milestone in a journey of leadership within the computer graphics community.

    An Experienced Voice in the SIGGRAPH Community

    Redmann’s voice is well-known to the SIGGRAPH community through his hosting of multiple episodes of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, including discussions on multiperson immersive experiences and building the open metaverse. His expertise extends beyond hosting – as SIGGRAPH 2020 Immersive Pavilion Chair and General Submissions Chair for both SIGGRAPH 2021 and 2022, he has played a crucial role in curating some of the conference’s most innovative programming.

    A Track Record of Innovation

    Throughout his tenure with SIGGRAPH, Redmann has contributed to groundbreaking initiatives across various domains. His program highlights include pioneering work in virtual production, specifically addressing challenges like standardizing color on LED walls, and innovative projects such as ESPN’s immersive VR batting cage. He has also championed important historical and environmental projects, including a VR experience focused on environmental awareness and a detailed exploration of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

    SIGGRAPH 2026 will mark the conference’s return to Los Angeles, taking place from July 19-23, 2026. Before then, the SIGGRAPH community can look forward to SIGGRAPH 2024 in Denver under Conference Chair Andres Burbano (July 28-August 1) and SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver led by Ginger Alford (August 10-14).

    For more information about SIGGRAPH conferences and opportunities to get involved, visit siggraph.org.

  • Inspiration, Innovation, and Ice Cream

    We are thrilled to announce that Kristy Pron, an accomplished alumna of Drexel’s Digital Media program, has been appointed the Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2027. This prestigious appointment marks her second…

    We are thrilled to announce that Kristy Pron, an accomplished alumna of Drexel’s Digital Media program, has been appointed the Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2027. This prestigious appointment marks her second time leading the world’s premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, following her groundbreaking leadership of SIGGRAPH’s first-ever virtual conference in 2020.

    From Drexel to Disney: A Digital Media Success Story

    Currently serving as a Walt Disney Imagineer, Pron leads the media arts and pipeline team responsible for pre-visualizing attractions across Disney’s global theme parks. Her team creates real-time visualizations that enable creative iteration and show reviews before physical construction begins, showcasing the innovative intersection of technology and storytelling that defines modern digital media.

    Vision for SIGGRAPH 2027

    “Computer graphics is involved in practically every industry from film and games to theme parks, automotive, medical, and beyond,” Pron shared in her vision for SIGGRAPH 2027. “I want to foster connections between attendees in different communities to inspire collaboration and ingenuity in design and production.”

    The conference will take place in Anaheim, California, from August 8 to 12, 2027, bringing together thousands of professionals, researchers, and artists from around the world. With Pron at the helm, SIGGRAPH 2027 promises to showcase the endless possibilities that emerge when innovation meets imagination.

    A Legacy of Leadership

    Pron’s journey with SIGGRAPH began as a student when she first participated as a Student Volunteer. This experience launched a remarkable trajectory that has included roles as program chair, conference chair, and special projects chair. Her story exemplifies the opportunities available to Digital Media students who pursue their passions at the intersection of technology and creativity.

    Join us in congratulating Kristy on this exceptional achievement. Her continued success and leadership in computer graphics and interactive techniques inspire current and future Digital Media students at Drexel University.

    For more information about SIGGRAPH 2027 and opportunities to get involved, visit siggraph.org.