The Center for Cartoon Studies and The Animation Workshop International Student Exchange Program
During the fall 2024 semester, one CCS student will travel to Viborg, Denmark, for a week-long experience at The Animation Workshop (TAW), attending a workshop, learning about TAW student projects, and exploring the campus and community of Viborg. The CCS/TAW Exchange program paused at the onset of Covid. In fall 2024, we will open the exchange with one CCS student attending an in-person workshop at TAW. In 2025, 2 TAW students will attend an online workshop at CCS. TAW may return to an in-person exchange at CCS in the future. (Image credit: Exchange Journal drawing by Cat Rufin’19)
Workshop for 2024/25:
Animated Illustration
This workshop will focus on making illustrations move for use on websites and creating simple animation for explainer videos, while learning to use Adobe After Effects to add simple movement to drawings. This is a software-focused workshop.
Adobe compatible laptop is required to attend this workshop.
Adobe After Effects is included in your CCS Creative Cloud Suite at no additional charge.
TAW workshops are taught in English.
Dates: Nov 11-15, 2024 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm)
Apply by: September 18, 2024
Student Eligibility
Only CCS students entering the program's second year are eligible to apply.
Must be in good academic and financial standing.
Must have a valid passport.
Prepared to cover the cost to attend beyond the travel stipend provided by CCS of $1600.
Example of expected cost for the following:
Students are responsible for supplies, meals, and some transportation expenses.
Estimated student expense breakdown for 7 nights:
Flight to/from Vermont and Denmark: $600
Dartmouth Coach Round Trip Ticket to Boston-Logan airport: $70
Accommodations: $600
Food: $500
Past CCS students who have participated in this exchange include: Kristen Shull ’20, Leise Hook ’20, Amy Burns ’19, and Catalina Rufin ’19.
How to apply
To apply, submit a 1-page essay (.pdf) on what you intend to achieve attending the workshop exchange. Please submit your essay to Jarad Greene (greene@cartoonstudies.org ).
Essay deadline: September 18, 2024
Committee decision by Sep 23, 2024
Essay criteria
Essays will be reviewed for clarity and quality. They can be drawn, typed, or hand-lettered. Essays should address how the international exchange and the specific workshop will support your personal and professional development. Presentation and overall quality, as always, will be considered. The review committee will include CCS faculty and staff with input from TAW’s Graphic Storytelling Workshop.
Summary Report
Students who are selected will be required to create a summary report of their trip that could include photos, sketches, artwork created in the workshop, and written notes that collectively create a journal of their experience. Submit a printed copy and email a .pdf to greene@cartoonstudies.org. Please note that your portfolio may be used to promote the program to future CCS students. The report is due by the end of the fall semester. Reports are available to read at The Schulz Library.
A note on travel
This exchange requires an independent traveler who is comfortable making and executing travel arrangements. Travel is arranged by the student, including flight, accommodations, and bus transportation. The travel stipend will be awarded when the student furnishes a receipt of an airline ticket. Going earlier or staying longer? Attending the workshop is an obligation of this program. There is no further requirement for time of stay or duration of travel. This trip fulfills credit hours for Professional Practices, Visiting Artists, and Thesis Seminar classes during the week away (and perhaps more). Please contact your class instructors after your travel plans are made to stay on top of class requirements and deadlines.
Location
The Animation Workshop
Kasernevej 5, DK-8800 Viborg
Viborg, Denmark
Viborg is a city located in the central Denmark region and is the second-largest, with 40,000 population. Viborg is one of the oldest cities in Denmark, with narrow, steep streets, filled with shops and cafes. TAW is located at the VIA University campus, a few steps from downtown Viborg. Bus and train service are available.
Learn about Viborg, Denmark: visitviborg.com
Traveling to TAW
A contact at TAW will be provided for general questions as you prepare your travel plans. Viborg is located about 1 ½ hours from 2 regional airports, Billund and Aalborg. Transportation to and from the airport must be arranged in advance. TAW’s contact can provide some direction unless you are renting a car.
About The Center for Cartoon Studies (Vermont) and The Animation Workshop (Denmark) International Student Exchange
Though over 3,700 miles apart, The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) in Vermont and The Graphic Storytelling program at The Animation Workshop (TAW) of VIA University College in Denmark, have a lot in common including a dynamic curriculum taught by some of the best cartoonists working today that nurtures up and coming visual storytellers. In the 2018-2019 academic year, the CCS/TAW Exchange program was formed. CCS students visit Denmark and attend a workshop in the fall semester alongside students at TAW. CCS will welcome their students in the summer session here in Vermont or online.
The program paused at the onset of Covid, and in the fall of 2024 we welcome the return of the CCS/TAW Exchange program. One CCS student will attend an in-person workshop at TAW, and TAW students will attend an online workshop at CCS. TAW may return to an in-person exchange at CCS in the future.
"Partnering with TAW provides CCS students a unique international study abroad experience in one of Europe's most lovely historic cities." –Michelle Ollie, president of CCS. The Graphic Storytelling program was established in 2013 and shares a lot of basic teaching philosophies with The Center for Cartoon Studies. Both schools foster learning in a collaborative studio environment. In addition, many CCS faculty and alumni have taught courses in Denmark at TAW, including Andy Warner ‘11, Sophie Yanow ‘16, as well as faculty Alec Longstreth, James Sturm, Michelle Ollie, and Jason Lutes.
“Partnering with CCS provides a way for us to expand upon the global cultural experience for our students.” -Peter Dyring-Olsen, head of VIA Graphic Storytelling says. “We urge our students to engage globally and not limit themselves to their country of origin. Working together with CCS will give them the chance to get first-hand experience with the life of a cartoonist in a different country.”
Graphic Storytelling is a four-year bachelor's program and is the only Danish degree in cartooning. The program is located at The Animation Workshop (TAW) in Viborg, Denmark. It is a part of VIA University College’s School of Business, Technology, and Creative Industries and has expertise in the areas of education, culture, communication, and business development. To this effect, it benefits from a strong international network of artists, professionals, companies, funding institutions, and partner schools. For more information: animationworkshop.via.dk. Alumni have published work at Image Comics, Boom Studios, The Nib and several other places.
Update: August 28, 2024