Gunner is a 12 week focused animation training program that combines self-directed learning with an onsite studio experience. We provide courses that are fundamentally unchanged by time or medium and allow students to learn while surrounded by industry professionals. 

Over the course of the program, students will work from a desk inside a studio or agency and advance their skill sets by working through a series of prompts. These assignments are based on creative briefs developed by current industry experts. We have several 1 and 2-week projects that the students get to combine to create the program that makes the most sense for their career goals. 

The briefs are designed to help students build their skills in different areas of animation and design. One-week briefs are very focused on a small set of key items that we want students to learn. Two-week briefs offer a little more time to work. We teach slightly more expansive topics that require the student to focus on executing both design and animation. Throughout the program, students will have peer reviews, feedback from professionals, and chances to showcase their work.

The founders of Gunner Animation Studio, Ian and Nick, are both self-taught animators who learned on the job before launching their studio. When it was acquired by Duolingo, they wanted the Gunner name to live on as a new way to educate animators. They are passionate about using the studio as a classroom - it not only provides an atmosphere for growth, but it keeps the education relevant as the students are learning it. 

When you work in a studio, you need to be a self-starter who can think outside the box in order to problem solve and deliver for the client. Our program is set up in a way that promotes and strengthens these characteristics.

Nope! This is a focused training program for animators. The only similarity is that the students work out of a studio, however, this is to experience the inner workings of a studio, not to work on projects with/for them. Students will, however, make lasting and significant connections with top industry professionals within those walls.

Nothing! Well, almost nothing. There is no charge for you as a student to attend the program. You’ll need to be able to provide your own lodging, transportation, meals, and other expenses while you attend.

We’re keeping it small still and will have a host studio in Detroit for the upcoming session.

Our host studio for Spring ‘24 is Duolingo.

Yes and no. While it may be more ideal for people who live in these areas, we are open to out-of-area applicants if you can provide your own lodging and transportation during the 12 week program.

We’ll assign you to a studio that we think will fit your goals as an artist. The studio may not be your first choice. Keep an open mind. Remember, this industry is small. You’ll make valuable connections and gain experience wherever you go.

Yes. Students need to be at least 18 years old to attend the program.

We’re expanding a little bit at a time. For Spring ‘24 we are keeping it small and accepting 4 applicants to the Duolingo Studio. We expect to be able to take more students as the program grows.

Currently, we are unable to assist students with the visa process. If you are able to supply your own visa, or live close enough to commute you may be eligible for the program.

The Spring '24 program Is 12 weeks and runs from February 12th - May 3rd.

Yes. Please apply again at a later date if you are unable to attend for the full length of the program.

We know it can take time to make plans to attend. We’ll send you an email no later than December 15th letting you know if you have a spot!

Yes! We have more talented people than there are available spots applying to the program. We’ll email you with an offer to be on the waitlist by December 15th. You’ll remain on the waitlist until two weeks into the start of the Spring session.

For the Spring ‘24 program we’re looking for folks that have a good understanding of design software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, and Cinema 4D. We are not directly teaching you tools, so you’ll want to have a solid understanding of some of these programs. During the course we will provide you with a list of tutorials to help you build skills that you may not know yet.

Studios will have basic equipment and software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, Cinema 4D) on had for you to use while you are in the program. Some workstations may have other equipment, such as Wacom devices for you to use.

Absolutely! As long as your equipment can fit within the space desk space the studio is providing for you to use and is not disruptive to daily studio operations, you can bring it. Please note, neither the studio or the Gunner Trade program are responsible for any lost, stolen, damaged, or broken personal equipment. 

Yes! We have a bank of resources for you that can be found here.

Absolutely! Please have a digital portfolio for us to view. This can be a Demo Reel, PDF, Website, Behance, dedicated Art Instagram, or other digital submission of your work. Please follow the application instructions to submit your information and portfolio. Submissions by email will not be considered.

Applications for Spring 2024 open November 1st, 2023.

We’ll announce dates for our Fall session in the future. Join our email list and follow us on Instagram for announcements!

We’re happy to help out! Send us an email at info@gunner.school

Awesome! We’d love to chat. Send us an email to info@gunner.school