Mighty Oak Ed
Learn animation and more from our talented team.
Mighty Oak ED is an educational initiative that offers in-person and online animation classes to the public.
Each workshop is designed and taught by our staff of directors, producers, designers, writers and executives who have created award-winning work for clients like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Adult Swim, HBO, The New York Times, TED Talks and more.
Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn more about the animation process, or a professional looking to continue your education and hone new skills — Mighty Oak ED has something for everyone.
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This two-session course explores Photoshop’s advanced tools and techniques for illustrators of all levels through the lens of professional retouching studio best practices, providing advanced techniques to streamline their workflows, create more flexible and organized files, and apply high-end finishing touches. The first session (9/9/25) focuses on advanced Photoshop fundamentals, industry techniques, and the strategic use of AI tools where appropriate. The second session (9/16/25) offers personalized feedback, live file adjustments, and tailored guidance to help students refine and elevate their own work.
Basic Photoshop knowledge is recommended but fundamentals will be covered during the class.
Date: Starts Tuesday September 9th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
RSVP for this workshop here!
Must be 18+ to sign up.
Want to place your stop-motion puppet into any background? Or extend your scene with multiple layers of extra mountains or buildings? In this Mighty Oak ED workshop, we'll cover the basics on how to plan out, light, photograph, and edit green screen. This hands-on learning experience is the perfect way to add green screening to your skillset. We'll be using seamless paper, C-stands, light stands, a variety of lights, bounce boards, gels, and other common film equipment, as well as Adobe After Effects to edit our scene.
*This course does require some light to medium lifting and active listening. It is important that participants are always aware of the space around them to reduce the risk of accidents and/or injury.
Date: Thursday September 18th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
RSVP for this workshop here!
Must be 18+ to sign up.
Your instructor: Anthony Galante
Children’s publishing isn’t always a straight path. It twists, it turns, and there are often gatekeepers guarding the next step. This class offers a practical guide to finding your way—covering how to craft a pitch, query agents, and work with editors and art directors. We'll also weigh the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing, and explore what happens after a book deal to carry your story through to the final page. Along the way, we’ll dive into craft—discovering your story’s theme, shaping the plot, and building characters who bring your book to life. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of the publishing world—and the tools to face the dragons along the way.
Your instructors: Joy + Noelle
Annie-nominated JOY + NOELLE are illustrators, animators, and, as it happens, twins. They are driven to tell stories through illustration, animated short films, and children's books. Joy and Noelle both studied Media Arts at Pratt Institute; their thesis film was their first collaboration and they haven’t looked back. Based in NY, Joy is in the city and Noelle is in the mountains. Living apart yet working together, they keep rooms in each other’s house and nooks in each other’s heart. They also keep an exquisite collection of charming objects and charming pets, from which they draw inspiration. Clients include Anthropologie, NBC Universal, Hornet Inc, Transistor Studios, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Amazon Studios and Sesame Studios, among others. Ever the visual storytellers, Joy and Noelle are currently creating a middle grade graphic novel with Mighty Oak about twin witches (not at all autobiographical).
Date: Thursday October 9th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
RSVP for this workshop here!
Must be 18+ to sign up.
In this hands-on class, students will explore the fundamentals of stop motion animation with a focus on lip syncing using clay mouths. From shaping expressive mouth shapes to timing dialogue with precision, you’ll gain the skills to make your characters speak, emote, and engage. Perfect for beginner animators, this class combines creativity, technique, and storytelling in a fun, supportive environment.
All material will be provided by Mighty Oak.
Date: Thursday October 16th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
RSVP for this workshop here!
Must be 18+ to sign up.
Your instructor: Anthony Galante
Join Emily Collins and Michaela Olsen, the founders of Mighty Oak, a women and queer-owned animation studio based in NYC. In this presentation, they’ll take you behind the scenes of their creative journey—sharing how they brought Mighty Oak to life, the magic behind their original animated projects, and their work for clients. Plus, they’ll reveal insider tips and actionable advice on how to launch your own animation career. Whether you're aspiring to animate, create, or simply explore the world of animation, this session is packed with inspiration and practical advice!
Date: Thursday November 6th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
RSVP for this workshop here!
PAST WORKSHOPS
Check out our past workshops to see what kind of courses we offer.
