ArtCenter College of Design recently showcased the remarkable creative output of students by hosting its inaugural Entertainment Design Expo (ENTX) in Pasadena, which provided a platform for industry professionals to discover new talent and delve into the nuances of the entertainment design industry. 

Held on Sunday, Nov. 19, the event gave attendees an insightful glimpse into the world of animation, concept design, game design, and themed entertainment.

“We decided to create this expo because we’re incredibly proud of the work that our students and our faculty produce,” Ken Bielenberg, Chair of Entertainment Design at ArtCenter College of Design, said. “We wanted to put on a showcase so that we could show off all the amazing work that they’ve done.”

The event also opened up a multifaceted opportunity for ArtCenter students, giving them space to network, display their work and interact with industry professionals. 

“It was an opportunity for them to put their work out there and to be able to talk with industry people and tell them what they’re all about,” Bielenberg added.

ENTX facilitated a vital connection between educational institutions and the entertainment industry, functioning much like a matchmaking platform. 

Sabrina Sentoso, a graduating student specializing in the concept track for entertainment design, said ENTX and ArtCenter gave her a chance to present her work professionally. 

“Definitely a lot of the work that I have right now, it’s actually part of my graduation project,” Sentoso said. “I’ve worked on that for a very long time, and a lot of the teachers here at school have supported me and helped me develop that project.” 

Sentoso, focusing on word-building and visual development, showcased a diverse portfolio at the Expo, highlighting her expertise in characters, environments, and narrative-driven storytelling. She said she hopes ArtCenter will continue to host events like ENTX.

Send Us a Coffee☕

“I’m actually an international student, so it’s definitely a lot harder for me to get a job than any of the domestic students or classmates that I have,” she said. “I’ve been trying to get portfolio reviews and just talking to more people – and especially networking events – are really helpful because I get to actually speak with recruiters rather than just being another image or an inbox email that they get. I actually get to connect with them personally.” 

The Expo attracted a significant turnout, drawing both industry recruiters and aspiring artists. Characterized by panel discussions, showcases, and networking opportunities, ENTX exemplified ArtCenter’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry needs. 

“We would continue to figure out cool things that we can do that show what we’re all about, what the entertainment industry is, how cool that is, and just give people lots of opportunities to explore and have fun,” Bielenberg concluded.

Next year, ArtCenter is looking toward expanding the event by additional panel discussions, while allowing for attendees to play games or watch animated films, or simply have fun while learning a thing or two about the college’s entertainment design offerings. 

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