CalArts Sketchbook Tips: How to Create a Standout Portfolio for Character Animation

If you're aiming to join the Character Animation program at CalArts, following these CalArts sketchbook tips will give you a head start in creating a portfolio that stands out to the admissions committee.

Since graduating from the Character Animation program at CalArts in 2009, I've reviewed hundreds of portfolios at National Portfolio Day events across the U.S. One thing I've learned is that the sketchbook requirement tends to be the most confusing part for applicants.

The reason? CalArts doesn’t provide a lot of specifics about what they want to see in a sketchbook.

Why is the sketchbook so important to CalArts?

Your sketchbook is your secret weapon.

It’s your chance to show off your skills, your dedication, and your personality as an artist. Admissions committees want to see that drawing is part of your everyday life. They want to get a sense of how you observe the world and translate those observations onto paper.

Think of it like this: your sketchbook is the “flourish” to your magic trick. Ever seen a magician do an intricate card shuffle that makes you think, “Wow, that person knows what they’re doing”? That’s the role your sketchbook plays. It’s your way to impress them, to show that drawing is as natural to you as breathing.

What does CalArts look for in a sketchbook?

Unlike other programs, CalArts expects you to arrive on day one with a strong foundation in drawing.

They expect you to know how to draw humans, gestures, animals, scenes, and environments. While your portfolio will include other components like life drawings, the sketchbook is crucial because it shows that you have a habit of drawing regularly.

Here’s what CalArts is looking for in your sketchbook:

  1. Observational drawing: This should make up around 90% of your sketchbook. CalArts wants to see that you can draw from life—whether it's people, animals, or environments. They want to see that you notice the details of the world around you and can capture them effectively. Drawing from observation is key.
  2. Imaginative drawing: The other 10% should include drawings from your imagination. This could be character sketches, story concepts, sequential art, or anything that shows your creativity and storytelling abilities. To keep your imagination sharp, daily drawing prompts can help you stay creative.
  3. Medium doesn’t matter: Don’t stress about what medium you use. Whether it’s pencil, ballpoint pen, or colorful markers, it’s the quality of the drawing that matters. I’ve seen successful portfolios done entirely in ballpoint pen, and others that were vibrantly colorful. It’s not about the materials—it's about what you can do with them. Check out my tips for drawing with ballpoint pen techniques to get an idea of how versatile simple tools can be.
  4. Show Your artistic voice: Your sketchbook is also about showing your artistic voice. It should communicate that you’re passionate about drawing everything around you. Don’t just focus on technical skills—try to capture a full range of emotions and moods in your sketches. Whether you’re at the park or drawing at the beach, look for ways to infuse feeling into your work.

How to approach your sketchbook

The sketchbook is all about showing that drawing is a part of your daily routine. The admissions team wants to see evidence that you have a strong foundation in drawing from observation and that you’re not afraid to experiment.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some practical tips:

  • Draw every day: This might sound obvious, but consistency is key. Whether you’re drawing people on the bus, animals at the park, or the clutter on your desk, the more you draw, the better your sketchbook will be. If you need some inspiration, check out these random themes to draw to keep things interesting.
  • Capture movement and life: CalArts loves to see movement in your sketches. Practice drawing quick gestures of people and animals to show that you can capture the essence of movement. For more on this, you can read my post on how to draw movement.
  • Focus on observation: The best sketchbooks show that the artist is always observing and learning. Spend time really looking at your subject—how light falls on it, how the anatomy works, how people move. This kind of focus will make your observational drawings stand out.
  • Experiment with different techniques: Don’t shy away from experimenting. Draw with your non-dominant hand, try blind contour drawing, or practice continuous line drawing to keep your work dynamic. These exercises show that you’re willing to push yourself and try new things.
  • Don’t overthink it: Your sketchbook should feel natural, not overly polished. It’s not about perfect drawings; it’s about capturing the world around you in an authentic way. Show the admissions team that drawing is like second nature to you.

Why Does CalArts Require a Sketchbook?

The sketchbook requirement sets CalArts apart from other animation programs.

They want to see that you already have a solid grasp of drawing, and that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Most students accepted into the program have some college-level drawing experience or have taken additional drawing courses.

Your sketchbook should be a collection of your best work, but it also needs to show your process—how you develop ideas, your skills in observational drawing, drawing animals, documenting environments, and a bit of your imagination in the form of character sketches or comic strips. It’s about demonstrating that you are always exploring and drawing, and that you love it enough to make it a part of your everyday life.

It’s not just a book of pretty drawings. It’s proof that you have what it takes to handle the demanding workload of the Character Animation program—where from day one, you’re expected to dive into anatomy, gestures, and visual storytelling.

Key takeaways for oyur CalArts Character Animation sketchbook

  • Make drawing a daily habit: CalArts wants to see that drawing is second nature to you.
  • Prioritize observational drawings: 90% of your sketchbook should be filled with drawings from life.
  • Show your imagination: The remaining 10% should demonstrate your creativity—characters, stories, and sequences.
  • Medium and color use don’t matter: Whether you use pencil, pen, or markers, in color or black and white—it’s all about your ability to capture the essence of what you see.
  • Show emotional range: Convey a complete range of emotions in your sketches to bring your characters and scenes to life.
  • Don’t overthink it: Keep it natural and let your personality shine through.

If you follow these CalArts sketchbook tips, you'll be in a much better position to create a portfolio that not only meets the requirements but also makes you stand out from the rest. Remember, your sketchbook is your chance to show them who you are as an artist—so make it count!

For more inspiration on keeping your sketchbook lively and varied, check out some of my other posts on expressive drawing and drawing styles for beginners. Drawing should be fun, explorative, and filled with your personal touch. Good luck, and keep sketching!

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