On Friday, March 21, the students of Digital Arts and Entertainment (DAE) attended Playgrounds - The Art Department (TAD) festival in Eindhoven. The two-day event, taking place on March 20 and 21, was a gathering of industry professionals, aspiring artists, and leading creative studios, making it an unmissable experience for anyone passionate about digital art and animation.
Workshops, talks, and portfolio reviews
The festival offered a variety of enriching experiences, including hands-on workshops and portfolio reviews by industry experts. Students had the chance to receive valuable feedback, refine their portfolios, and network with professionals who could help shape their careers.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed inspiring talks by renowned artists and studios. Among the highlights were presentations by Fortiche (the studio behind Arcane), Pablo Fournier (a celebrated Blender artist) and Moth Animation Studio (the creative force behind Monument Valley).
Showcasing student and alumni talent
DAE student, Natalia Grytczuk took the stage to present her portfolio, providing insights into her creative process and work. Meanwhile, alumni Mari Gallet and Arnout Zeghari proudly showcased their short film Giant of the Steppe, demonstrating the exceptional talent that emerges from our program.
Game demo corner
Beyond animation and concept art, DAE students also made a strong impression in the game demo corner. Their projects were on display for festival-goers to experience firsthand. The interactive showcase allowed attendees to explore the innovative and creative games developed by our talented students.
Representing DAE at the Industry Garden
As a part of the festival, we were proud to have a booth in the Industry Garden, where we engaged with visitors to share insights about the program. It was a nice opportunity to showcase our curriculum and inspire potential future students.
A valuable experience for our students
Attending Playgrounds - TAD was an enriching experience for our students, giving them the chance to learn from industry veterans, gain exposure for their work, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of digital arts. We are proud of our students and alumni for representing DAE so well.
A huge thank you to the Playgrounds team for making this event a truly rewarding experience for both our students and teachers. Your generosity and hospitality made a big difference, and we're grateful for the opportunities your provided. We are already looking forward to the next edition!