ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena is offering a firsthand look at the groundbreaking work that students create in the fields of animation, concept design, game design, and themed entertainment when it hosts the inaugural Entertainment Design Expo (ENTX) on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.

ENTX beckons entertainment industry employers and aspiring artists alike to witness an array of talent showcased by ArtCenter students. It also invites individuals who may be seeking insights into educational and career pathways within the entertainment industry.

Ken Bielenberg, Chair of Entertainment Design at ArtCenter College of Design, urged industry professionals to seize the opportunity to witness the exceptional animation, concept, and game designs crafted by their award-winning students. 

“We look forward to a fun day of networking, showcasing some amazing work and sharing inspirational stories from the creative team behind ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ one of the most original and visually stunning animated features ever made,” Bielenberg said. 

That creative team will sit down on a panel titled “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: A Discussion with the Filmmakers” at 1:30 p.m. in the Ahmanson Auditorium, which kicks off the Expo. The discussion will feature Justin K. Thompson, director; Patrick O’Keefe, production designer; Bob Persichetti, executive producer; and Jay Thakur, visual development artist and ArtCenter alumnus. Seating for this session is limited.

Attendees including aspiring artists, prospective ArtCenter students, industry employers, and the general public can explore various showcases including concept design, animation, game testing, themed entertainment games, a clay modeling gallery, and an exhibit featuring faculty work.

For a preview of the showcased talent, a visit to the Entertainment Design student gallery page, at https://ed-gallery.squarespace.com/student-gallery-home, offers a glimpse into the creativity and expertise spanning Animation, Concept, and Game Design majors across all levels.

The Entertainment Design department at ArtCenter encompasses specialized tracks in Game Design, Concept Design, and Animation. These tracks foster collaborative projects encompassing video game prototypes and animated shorts, emphasizing teamwork and simulating real-world production pipelines. Notably, the program awards a bachelor of science degree, emphasizing the fusion of storytelling, gameplay, visual development, and technical proficiency.

ArtCenter’s alumni have established themselves in leading positions across the video game, animation, theme park, live-action film/television, and toy design industries. The Expo offers a platform for employers to connect with emerging talent poised to shape the future of entertainment design.

Attendance is free but space is limited, so RSVP is advised. To RSVP and to see the full ENTX schedule, visit www.artcenter.edu/connect/events/entertainment-design-expo-entx.html. 

To learn more about ArtCenter’s course offering for Entertainment Design, visit www.artcenter.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/entertainment-design/overview.html. 

For more details about admissions requirements or to gain further insight into ArtCenter College of Design, visit www.artcenter.edu/admissions or call (626) 396-2373.