And that’s a wrap on the 2026 VIS Spring Show Awards. Congratulations to all of the incredible artists whose work was accepted into the show, to those recognized across the individual award categories, and to this week’s graduating artists.
The full 2026 Academy of Art University Spring Show will remain on display throughout the summer at 601 Brannan Street in San Francisco, so be sure to stop by and experience the outstanding work in person if you haven’t already.
ATTN: The VIS 2026 Spring Show Submission deadline is Saturday 04/18 @ MIDNIGHT!!!
Make sure to reach out to any of your instructors and/or our Dept. Manager Dax Santi ([email protected]) if you have ANY questions regarding submissions. Reminder for anyone that graduated in SUMMER or FALL 2025 your work from those semesters is eligible for 2026 Spring Show. Make sure to submit only your best work and good luck!!!!!
Please join the VIS department as we welcome Tim Evatt, Pixar Production Designer and AAU alumnus, to the academy as our spring guest speaker. Tim will offer valuable insights into his artistic journey at Pixar, discuss his design process, and explore the tools and techniques he deems essential for any visual development artist aspiring to enter the industry.
Students will be able to submit questions live either onsite @ 79 New Montgomery (First Floor Theater) or online via zoom on MARCH 5th - 5PM PST. (Zoom Registration Link in BIO) #visualdevelopment #academyofartuniversity #pixar #featureanimation
VIS Guest Speaker: Nathan Fowkes (Netflix, Paramount, Dreamworks) NOV 14th 5PM PST
Join the Visual Development Department as we welcome legendary visual development artist Nathan Fowkes (Netflix, Paramount, Dreamworks) to the Academy to discuss their extensive career in feature animation on films such as “The Prince of Egypt”, “Shrek”, “How to Train Your Dragon”, and “Raya and the Last Dragon”.
Students will be able to submit questions live either onsite at 79 New Montgomery (First Floor Theater) or online via zoom webinar (registration link in bio).
Immersive Futures: Expanding Visual Development Into Tech and Physical Experiences w/ Wilbur Liang (Zynga, Illumix, Playstudios)
OCT. 6th 6PM PST Zoom Webinar (link in bio)
Learn how visual development skills extend beyond film and animation into technology and physical experiences. This presentation highlights the applications of storytelling, design, and worldbuilding to emerging technology, interactive media, and location-based entertainment. It also outlines new professional pathways for visual development students seeking to expand their creative practice across evolving industries.
Join the VIS department as we welcome Concept Artist and VIS Alumni Ryan Andrade to the Academy of Art University next Monday, March 3rd, at 2:00 PM PST. Ryan will discuss his contributions to the Civilization franchise at the game studio Firaxis, as well as introduce his new course for the VIS department, VIS 387: Blender for VIS. During the session, @ryan_andrade_art will provide an overview of the course materials and concepts that will be offered in the Fall 2025 semester. (Webinar Registration link in bio)
Join the VIS department as we welcome Concept Artist and Background Designer @alettawenas to the Academy of Art University next Monday February 17th @ 2PM PST to discuss their work on the recent hit animated series “Batman: Caped Crusader” as well as past work which has included designs for some of the leaders of the entertainment industry including WARNER BROTHERS and DREAMWORKS ANIMATION.
WEBINAR REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Link in Bio
Join the VIS Dept. as we welcome established feature animation visual development and story artist John Nevarez to our illustrious Guest Speaker Series. John’s work has been featured in such films as “Garfield The Movie”, “Into the Spiderverse”, “Hotel Transylvania”, “Coco” and many more.
This will be a HYBRID (onsite presentation + zoom webinar) presentation at:
5-630PM PST
180 New Montgomery
San Francisco, CA 94608
THEATER RM: 204
ZOOM REGISTRATION IN BIO
We’re back for the Fall semester and to kick things off this Thursday (09/12) @ 5PM PST we’ll be joined via zoom by Animation Background Designer and Illustrator @rocketfiction to discuss their incredible career which has included design work for some of the leaders of the entertainment industry including WARNER BROTHERS, NETFLIX ANIMATION, MARVEL, & more. Paul will be discussing his most recent work as the chief background designer of 2024’s Academy Award Nominated “ROBOT DREAMS” as well as other highlights from their decades long career.
Make sure to register at the link in our bio!!
Landed in SF! Visited the school and Spring Show. Amazing work by everyone! So nice to see it in person. Queen Thistle for the 🥇online character design. So nice to see Lily and my environment work displayed as well.
#aauspringshow2024 @aau_visualdevelopment@academy_of_art@nicolaspvillarreal #characterdesign #visdev #visualdevelopment #lilysgardenthesis
Join the VIS Dept. as we welcome established feature animation character designer (and AAU alumni) Grant Alexander to our illustrious Guest Speaker series. Grants Work has been featured in such films as “Onward”. “Soul”, “Lightyear, “The Incredibles 2” and many more. Tune in as we delve into what makes for an effective and entertaining feature animation character design! (We’ll be onsite at 180NM Room 205 AND live-streaming via Zoom at the link in our bio @ 130pm PST)
