Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, is to launch a new 2D character animation degree in autumn 2027, expanding its established computer animation provision with a course centred on hand-drawn techniques and modern production tools.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts programme will prepare students for work in film, television, streaming, games and other emerging media, while also encouraging them to develop original characters, stories and creator-owned projects. The college’s official course catalogue lists 2D Character Animation as a new major beginning in fall 2027. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/news/09022026-2dcharacteranimation/))
Ringling’s 2D character animation degree
The course will combine traditional draftsmanship with digital production skills. Students will learn the full process of developing animated work, from creating characters and storyboards to producing finished content for professional audiences.
A Creative Entrepreneurship Certificate will be incorporated into the curriculum, giving students training in developing, producing and promoting their own work. Ringling says graduates will be equipped either to join major studios, establish freelance careers or create independent productions. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/news/09022026-2dcharacteranimation/))
The decision comes as hand-drawn animation continues to attract interest from independent creators and anime producers. Paul Downs, head of Ringling’s computer animation department, said students had been asking for a dedicated 2D route and that the growth of independent animation had created new opportunities for artists.
“We want to help our students create opportunities—not wait for them,” Downs said. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/news/09022026-2dcharacteranimation/))
Disney animation desks to be used by students
Students will work on animation desks donated by Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. The desks were previously used in the production of films including Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch and Brother Bear.
The programme will also include six specialist computer labs, with industry-standard software and a Wacom Cintiq display at every workstation. The combination of physical drawing equipment and digital facilities is intended to reflect the way contemporary animation is produced. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/news/09022026-2dcharacteranimation/))
Tammy Zeitler, a full-time 2D animation lecturer at Ringling, has worked on productions including Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Space Jam, Curious George and Lilo & Stitch during a career with Warner Bros and Disney.
She said the appeal of hand-drawn animation lay in its ability to turn simple lines and drawings into something that could make an audience laugh or feel emotion. Zeitler also said the medium could give artists greater control over their characters and help them build their own audiences.
Ringling’s existing animation department has a strong record in the industry. The college said 66 of its computer animation graduates contributed to films nominated for the 2026 Academy Awards, including KPop Demon Hunters, Elio and Zootopia 2. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/news/09022026-2dcharacteranimation/))
The college’s official career guidance lists roles open to 2D character animation graduates including animation director, storyboard artist, character designer, visual development artist, 2D animator, key-frame animator and freelance animator. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/career-support/outcomes/dream-jobs/))
Applications for the new major are being accepted through Ringling’s early decision, early action and regular decision routes, with the first students due to begin the 2D character animation degree in autumn 2027. ([ringling.edu](https://www.ringling.edu/news/09022026-2dcharacteranimation/))
