WHAT IS YOUR COVID 19 VACCINATION POLICY?

In accordance with Los Angeles County mandates and requirements, all staff, faculty, and students over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated to attend our in-person courses. The health and safety of everyone on our campus is of utmost importance.

WHERE DOES THE NAME EMILE COHL ATELIER COME FROM?

The school was named after Emile Cohl, the French inventor of animation. During his early years he exported his skills to the U.S., challenging the motion picture industry to grow through his revolutionary approach to animation and entertainment. The Academy reflects his dual culture, pioneering personality, and immense talent, which has become a perfectly matching standard for ECA’s vision and mission.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR ALUMNI?

Our inaugural year at ECA will be 2021–however, our flagship location in Lyon, France has spent more than 35 years creating a blueprint for success, which will be replicated at our Los Angeles location. You can find a selection of alumni success stories here.

DO STUDENTS RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO THE ARTWORK PRODUCED WHILE AT ECA?

The Intellectual Property of any work created by any student at ECA ­during their enrollment at the program, on campus or off, is entirely owned by the student.

HOW DOES ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR OFFER FULLY SPONSORED TUITION?

Everyone who is admitted to the Career Accelerator program is fully sponsored through the generous philanthropy of donors who support our mission. Each person admitted into this program will embrace our rigorous curriculum with the dedication necessary to surpass expectations. ECA’s Career Accelerator is a highly competitive program, and admission is not easy. Once you are admitted, you will pour your heart and soul into succeeding, and that is not free.

ARE THERE MISCELLANEOUS FEES INCURRED DURING THE PROGRAM THAT ARE NOT COVERED THROUGH SPONSORED TUITION?

Enrollment in the Career Accelerator is 100% sponsored and participation in the curriculum does not require payment from the student in any capacity.

WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR AND OTHER HIGHER-LEARNING INSTITUTIONS?

First, this program is fully sponsored by donors, so students do not have to indebt themselves to student loans or financial hardships to enroll or attend.

Next, our instructors are world-renowned artists and mentors who will share more than their skill, but their life lessons, and real-world experience to provide an education that is not readily available in a textbook – or through other higher learning approaches. They are favorably compensated as partners in developing the best talent available, which allows them to pour themselves into the process as dedicated educators – not just teachers collecting a paycheck.

Third, our French influence imparts a highly recognizable art and animation focus that allows sponsors, mentors, Board of Trustee members, and students to establish a position as elite world players in our artistic movement.

Finally, our program is extraordinarily intense. The mandated course load requires a commitment that is unmatched in other scholastic institutions. This fantastic approach to betterment allows our highly skilled talents to excel in versatile, multi-dimensional careers after graduation.

DOES THE FRENCH FLAGSHIP SCHOOL OPERATE THROUGH SPONSORED TUITION OPPORTUNITIES, TOO?

No. Even with its financial tuition requirement, landing at the top end of art schools throughout the world, our Lyon, France location’s education, which is mirrored at ECA, fills hundreds of vacant spots in a ridiculously short period each year during open enrollment. Our groundbreaking approach in offering sponsored tuition allows ECA to admit the best talent who do not have the financial ability to attend our flagship location.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION TO THE CAREER ACCELERATOR?

The initial criteria are that you must:

• Understand basic English
• Be 18 years of age or older on the first day of school
• Be legally eligible to work in the United States of America
• Access to a reliable internet connection & computer matching our specs

The more important aspect of admission is talent. You must be artistically talented and have a portfolio that allows your skillset to stand out from the other applicants.

THE MINIMUM AGE TO ATTEND ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR IS 18 YEARS OLD. IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?

No. Anyone can apply/attend our Career Accelerator that is 18 years old or above on the first day of instruction.

HOW MANY APPLICATIONS/PORTFOLIOS DOES ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR ACCEPTS EACH YEAR?

We limit applications to 600 applicants per session. Session occurs twice a year so ECA welcomes a total of 1,200 applicants per year. Considering that we enroll 60 students every year, ECA has an acceptance rate of 5%.

WHAT SHOULD MY PORTFOLIO INCLUDE?

To submit your portfolio, please go to https://ecaa.slideroom.com.

Your portfolio should be the reflection of your personal work, your identity & own voice. ECA welcomes links to Instagram, ArtStation profiles, personal websites or any other platform in which your work can be seen by our selection committee. All techniques and progress stages are welcome: black & white & color works; sketches & finished arts; hand-made & computer-generated. Demo reels may also be submitted.

DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO DRAW TO JOIN ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR?

Yes. Among many other skills, the selection process is partly based on your drawing capabilities. As an artist, drawing should be the cornerstone of your approach to betterment, and we can only help you sharpen those skills if you have already mastered the basic techniques.

WHAT SHOULD MY SELF-RECORDED VIDEO INCLUDE?

The self-recorded video is designed to measure your motivation in working within creative industries. The recording requires a smartphone or a computer & webcam, and will be uploaded to a specific page on our website. The link will be shared during the selection process. Style- all candidates should directly face the camera. Lighting, framing, and exposure will not be taken into consideration. Content- 45 and 60 seconds. Final applicants must answer the following questions: “What factors are motivating you to pursue working within the creative economy? What do you feel that you can bring to the industry with regards to your artistic practice and/or skill set?”

These videos will solely be considered by our admittance panel in relation to the selection process and will not be shared or posted on any publicly accessible platforms, websites, social media or the like.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM ADMITTED TO ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM?

The admission process will be documented and communicated at every step. You will receive a notification when your application has been received, and further communication at each step thereafter, including whether or not you will advance forward to the next phase in the admission process.

WILL MINE OR MY PARENTS’ INCOME AFFECT MY ELIGIBILITY DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS?

No. The Academy offers fully sponsored tuition, so financial aid is not offered, or necessary. ECA is designed to admit anyone with astonishing talent, no matter their gender, age, race, religion, or financial circumstances.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS TO INCREASE THE ODDS OF ADMISSION?

Your portfolio should be a complete reflection of your skill, uniqueness, and awesome personality. We are seeking talent that is the whole picture, not just your ability to draw! Make sure your portfolio features artwork done in a realistic manner. Furthermore, feel free to share works done in a variety of techniques (pencil, paint, clay, CG, etc.) and these works may be finished or still in process (unfinished).

IF I FAIL TO JOIN THE CAREER ACCELERATOR, CAN I SUBMIT ANOTHER APPLICATION THE FOLLOWING SESSION?

Yes. In fact, we encourage applicants to engage the process, and submit new material each session that reflects their evolution in the artistic movement. Since the review process is unbiased, your previous submission will not be taken into account. Yet, please be advised that you may only apply to a single program at a time: Storyboard Artist Certificate OR Environment Artist Certificate.

HOW DOES ECA ENSURE THEY ARE PROVIDING AN “EQUAL OPPORTUNITY”?

We are laying the groundwork for inclusivity that requires a sincere approach to ensure our admissions process accommodates those whose lives have been dominated by challenges, who have been historically ineligible or on the periphery. Our desire is to level the playing field. Acceptance into ECA is not dependent on racial or ethnic background, standardized test scores (like SAT or ACT), family financial history, socioeconomic status, gender identity or sexual orientation, or any other distinguishing feature aside from the applicant’s pure talent. In addition, we uphold our pledge to inclusion by offering art education at no cost to our students; ECA is funded through the philanthropy of donors, foundational gifts, private support, and application fees.

IF I AM NOT ACCEPTED THROUGH THE EXISTING PROCESS, THEREBY INELIGIBLE FOR THE FULLY SPONSORED TUITION, MAY I PAY THE TUITION FEE AND ATTEND ANYWAY?

No. Our program is designed to offer the most talented prospects with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand their artistic abilities without financial worry. The fully sponsored tuition is the only option for entry, which is why the admission rate is limited to only a few talented individuals per session.

DO YOU HAVE IN-PERSON COURSES?

Currently our Career Accelerator is online only. The current COVID-19 crisis has moved some of our efforts online. However, we still believe that collaborative learning requires an immersive setup. ECA’s team is working hard on making our in-person program available for the upcoming years, which will be held on our campus, located at 2826 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90007.

WHEN DOES EACH CAREER ACCELERATOR SESSION START AND END?

ECA offers two four-month-long sessions per year.

• March 1st – June 25th
• September 1st – December 22nd

DOES ECA CAREER ACCELERATOR AWARD A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF DIPLOMA?

The Emile Cohl Atelier Career Accelerator awards graduates with a Certificate of Completion at the end of each session. Our curriculum is designed to match the requirements of studios in the entertainment industry. Executives and recruiters are not interested in a diploma, but are instead captivated by a candidate’s skill, versatility, personality, and cost-effectiveness. Degrees have never guaranteed a job in the entertainment industry, but skill, knowledge, and network have–and this is precisely what ECA offers to its students.

THE CAREER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM IS LISTED AS INTENSE, AND HIGHLY FOCUSED. WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK A PART-TIME DURING MY ENROLLMENT?

Like most college students — in art school and elsewhere — having the ability to balance classes and employment is a necessity. Although our curriculum is designed as an immersive experience where attendance is mandatory, our curriculum is specifically planned so all assignments are completed in class, and there is little to no homework. School hours are from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm PST, Monday through Friday, so our talented enrollees have afternoons, evenings, nights, and weekends available to supplement their incomes. Please note that school attendance is mandatory.

DOES THE CAREER ACCELERATOR INCLUDE GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES?

No. We train future professionals in the animation, gaming and VfX industries. Therefore, our program does not include any off-curriculum courses (Kinesiology, Geology, Calculus, Geography, etc.) as traditional colleges would instruct. We focus our curriculum around the skills recruiters will require you to master when entering the competitive artistic fields the program is preparing you for.

IF I HAVE A JOB OPPORTUNITY BEFORE GRADUATION, AM I ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE PROGRAM?

Yes! If you have an amazing opportunity, we would be happy to endorse your exit from the program. Because our Academy offers fully sponsored tuition, we have no financial obligation to keep you on campus. Please know that any exit from the Academy is final, and that the purpose of delivering a certificate of completion at the end of the 4-month long program is designed to sharpen your portfolio for prospective employers to view. The goal of an ECA education is to open doors for our graduates throughout the world, and includes connections in the entertainment and gaming industries, but the opportunities are endless!

WHAT COURSES ARE OFFERED BY THE EMILE COHL ATELIER PREPARATORY SCHOOL PROGRAM?

The ECA Preparatory School is a paid program geared toward high school students who plan to apply to prestigious art programs that require advanced portfolios for consideration. Our complete list of courses is designed for students to hone their drawing and integration skills, curate their portfolios, and prepare for admission essays and interviews at the nation’s top art institutes.

HOW LONG ARE THE ECA PREPARATORY PROGRAM SESSIONS?

We offer two 16-week sessions per year at our Los Angeles campus. Classes are in session on weekdays from 4pm – 7pm.

HOW DO THE ECA PREP SCHOOL PROGRAM COURSES HELP ME GET INTO A PREMIER ART INSTITUTE?

For over 35 years, our flagship Emile Cohl school in France has invested in the futures of thousands of students, placing them in some of the most elite and selective art institutes around the globe. The Los Angeles-based ECA Prep School Program courses are designed to give students the same resources and tools they need to maximize their admission opportunities through finely curated courses led by skilled instructors. We provide creative guidance and portfolio design sessions to prepare students for admission essays and interviews, so they can successfully compete with other applicants for limited enrollment in premier art institutes across the nation.

WHAT ARE THE ARE REQUIREMENTS TO ENROLL AT ECA PREP SCHOOL?

Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day of their chosen program session.

IS THE ECA PREP SCHOOL FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY?

Not at all! It’s designed for anyone who wants to improve their art fundamentals (figure drawing, observational drawing, perspective). But unlike our other programs, it’s open to anyone 16+ which includes most high school juniors and seniors.

WHAT ARE THE PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY AT ECA PREP SCHOOL?

Unless they are applying for a scholarship, students do not have to submit a portfolio for review to enroll at ECA Prep School. Our program is specifically designed to help students hone their fundamental skills and build the strongest portfolio possible for college, art school, and other elite program admissions, no matter their creative level.

DO I HAVE TO BE AN ART/DRAWING EXPERT TO ENROLL AT ECA PREP SCHOOL?

ECA provides students with the fundamental skills they need to hone their drawing and integration skills, curate their portfolios, and prepare for admission essays and interviews. You do not have to be an art “expert” but should have a desire to learn what it takes to present a well-designed portfolio to premier art programs that exhibit expert drawing skills, no matter where your creative level stands at enrollment. There is also no minimum GPA, SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, background checks, or letters of recommendation required to enroll.

CAN I ATTEND ECA PREP SCHOOL REMOTELY?

No. Currently, all ECA Prep School Program courses are held in person, on our campus, at 2826 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007, and will remain that way unless remote classes are mandated by safety officials in the future.

PARKING

Street parking is readily available near campus. Our campus is near LATTC’s campus parking lot; access to guest parking on their campus may also be available. Please refer to their website to secure guest parking passes.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation is accessible via Bus Stop 38, which is located directly in front of our building. The Jefferson/USC Expo Line is within walking distance, just three blocks away. There is also a Blink Mobility car-sharing service station within a five-minute walk.

TOUR THE CAMPUS

You can plan a visit to the campus before enrolling by contacting us via email at contact@cohl.art to schedule a tour of the facility and grounds.

IF THERE IS A MANDATORY PUBLIC LOCKDOWN, WILL CLASSES MOVE TO A REMOTE PLATFORM?

Yes. Should we need to move all our in-person classes to remote/virtual learning sessions, we are ready. Your schedule, fees, instructor(s), and curriculum will remain the same, and you will be notified about how to access your classes online.

HOW DO THE ECA PREP SCHOOL PROGRAM COURSES WORK?

The ECA Prep School Program Courses are available in two separate sessions. Session One: March – June; Session Two: September – December. All courses are held on weekdays from 4pm – 7pm with a short break included.

• Mondays: Figure Drawing & Anatomy
• Tuesdays: Observation Drawing
• Wednesdays: Figure Drawing & Anatomy
• Thursdays: Traditional 2D Animation
• Fridays: Perspective & Background Design

There are no courses during Spring Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, or the Thanksgiving holiday.

HOW MUCH ARE THE ECA PREPARATORY PROGRAM COURSES?

Program courses cost $1,500 each, but discounts apply for multiple course enrollments during the same session. We also offer scholarships for eligible students. More info here.

DOES ECA PREPARATORY SCHOOL OFFER FINANCIAL AID?

Besides a few scholarships we offer to eligible students, ECA does not offer financial aid. More info on our Prep School Scholarship Program here. However, our extremely competitive pricing averages $32/hour and ensures we stay accessible to the largest audience possible as one of the most affordable in-person courses in Los Angeles.

CAN I PAY FOR ECA PREPARATORY SCHOOL USING A PAYMENT PLAN?

Yes. Please refer to the Tuition Fees Policy for more details.

DOES ECA PREPARATORY SCHOOL HAVE A REFUND POLICY?

Emile Cohl Atelier Preparatory School offers a full refund, minus a $150 administrative fee, to participants that provide a cancellation notice 24 hours before the first day of their course(s). Once the program course begins, the month is non-refundable, but any following months will be refunded, minus the $150 administrative fee.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN EACH COURSE AT ONCE?

Each course is capped at 20 students to ensure a 1:20 teacher/student ratio, which provides the perfect balance for both individual instruction and personal time to work on your own, understand any potential missteps in your existing process, and improve.

ARE ART SUPPLIES PROVIDED?

No. ECA participants must provide their art supplies from a provided list. However, all ECA enrollees have access to a 10% student discount at Blick art stores.

HOW CAN I ENROLL FOR ECA PREP SCHOOL COURSES?

Visit our Enrollment page, select your desired session, program, and courses, and proceed to the payment portal provided by PayPal, where an existing PayPal account is not required to enroll.