The art of animation and motion and graphic design are not only key components of storytelling in the entertainment industry, but also expressions of cultural and national identity, tools for education, and drivers of creative innovation. From beloved childhood cartoons to award-winning films and powerful, enduring images, these art forms shape how we see the world. For 60 years, GOBELINS Paris has helped propel these mediums to new heights.
Recognized as the world’s top animation school, GOBELINS Paris is renowned for its hands-on, studio-integrated approach, producing graduates who consistently shape the future of the global animation industry.
Based across two campuses in the heart of Paris—as well as one in Annecy, the seat of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival—today the school hosts nearly 1,200 students and offers a variety of undergraduate, Master’s, and continuing education in all image-related fields, from design to production.
France has a rich history in animation and image design. From the pioneering work of Charles-Émile Reynaud and Émile Cohl, who created the first animated films at the turn of the 20th century, to animated adaptations of beloved characters like Astérix and Le Petit Prince, French animation has long blended artistic innovation with strong narrative traditions, influencing generations of creators around the world.
GOBELINS students and alumni are behind many of today’s most recognizable films, shorts, and visuals. The iconic yellow sidekicks known as “the Minions,” from the Oscar-nominated film Despicable Me, were created by GOBELINS alumnus Pierre Coffin. Ernest and Celestine, the heartwarming bear-and-mouse duo that also garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, was created by fellow GOBELINS alumnus Benjamin Renner.
Student films and projects are equally acclaimed and recognizable, garnering many nominations and awards, including the coveted Annie Award and BAFTA award for Best Student Film. In an official partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics, GOBELINS students created animated jingles and posters showcased during ceremonies and programs. “This collaboration highlights the trust major public institutions have in our expertise in visual storytelling and impactful image creation,” explains Nathalie Rodet, Brand Director and Head of Communication and Promotion at GOBELINS.
“What distinguishes our program is its strong professional grounding: from their first year, students work on concrete projects, often collaborating with leading studios,” explains Nathalie.
The rigorous and multidisciplinary environment sets up students for success: many go on to join major studios, including Disney, Sony, Pixar, and particularly DreamWorks, where about fifty graduates have been employed since the studio’s inception. Many American studio hits—including El Dorado, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and How to Train Your Dragon—had GOBELINS alumni on the team.
GOBELINS’ influence on the art of animation is so profound that it has given rise to the “GOBELINS look”—a distinct style, particularly recognizable by its clean, stylized, and anatomically-aware character animation, that has shaped the broader animation industry.
In 2022, renowned American storyboard artist John Coven was appointed Director of GOBELINS’ animation department. Coven, whose film credits include The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Jurassic World, Captain America, Civil War, Wolverine, and X-Men, stepped back from a prolific career in Hollywood to support the development of the animation department, as well as foster key partnerships with American animation studios.
“I would not have left Hollywood for any other school in the world,” Coven has remarked. “As soon as I set foot on the GOBELINS campus in Saint-Marcel, I fell in love with the place. The classrooms and hallways vibrate with the excitement of creations coming to life! Great drawing skills, as well as a keen understanding of movement and animation, will always be the foundation of the education at GOBELINS.”
Coven’s mission is to help prepare students for the future of the industry, and face the reality of new technologies and innovation, including AI. “The school must remain up to date with the new technologies and animation software used by the studios that will hire our students. GOBELINS has to offer students the opportunity to experiment with these new tools.”
Yet the school is not only dedicated to upholding the highest standards in animation and image creation education. It is also committed to fostering diverse perspectives by offering scholarships to ensure that all promising talent can develop their skills. In an industry where diverse voices are still underrepresented, access to training at GOBELINS can help shift the landscape and ensure that future films, shows, and stories reflect a broader range of perspectives.
“GOBELINS has long been committed to promoting equal opportunities. Through long-term partnerships with foundations and companies, we have established scholarship programs to foster diversity both in France and internationally,” voices Nathalie.
One standout is a scholarship program dedicated to African students. Since 2019, Netflix has supported GOBELINS Paris in offering scholarships to African students pursuing master’s degrees, supporting emerging talent from countries including Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa.
“This scholarship is not just a steppingstone; it’s a cornerstone of my commitment to shaping a more inclusive and enlightening world through the stories I tell.”
Njolai Pachomius, a character concept artist and 3D generalist from Cameroon, in the class of 2025 of GOBELINS’ Master’s in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking.
The school’s scholarship programs have also garnered support from leading creators like Guillermo Del Toro and companies including Sisley, Mediawan, Ellipse Animation, Fortiche Production, and Xilam, among others. “Their commitment is based on shared recognition of GOBELINS’ excellence and a desire to support the education of diverse talent, essential for renewing creative industries and shaping tomorrow’s stories,” says Nathalie
The school also works to build opportunities for animation students outside France. “GOBELINS has designed tailor-made animation training programs in Benin, South Africa, Mexico, Vietnam, and Madagascar, boosting local talent skills. These initiatives, developed alongside local partners, help create new creative ecosystems and democratize access to creative careers,” explains Cécile Blondel, Director of International Development at GOBELINS.
GOBELINS’ commitment to shaping a more inclusive and innovative animation industry is powered by strong international partnerships—particularly with the United States. From longstanding academic exchanges with institutions like CalArts and ArtCenter to scholarship funding partnerships with Netflix, these relationships help prepare students for successful studies and careers.
French-American philanthropy plays a vital role in sustaining this exchange—supporting access to world-class training for international talent in France that continues to power excellence across the entertainment industry in the U.S. and beyond.
To expand access to emerging talent, GOBELINS has partnered with Friends of Fondation de France since 2019 to facilitate U.S.-based philanthropic support. “Through Friends of Fondation de France, we benefit from a structured and reliable framework to receive donations from the United States, enabling us to further open our programs to talented individuals from modest backgrounds both in France and internationally,” voices Nathalie.
GOBELINS’ special status as a Grande École means it receives no public funding and does not generate profits—all resources are reinvested directly into its programs and students. Philanthropic support is therefore essential to ensure GOBELINS can continue advancing its mission to shape the future of animation and cinematic storytelling.
Contributions made through Fondation de France help to directly cover tuition, living expenses, or graduation projects, enabling talented individuals to study at GOBELINS regardless of their geographic or financial constraints. “Each donation opens doors, changes trajectories, and helps build a more inclusive, innovative, and humane industry.”
To learn more about GOBELINS and how to support their talented students, visit their page on our website.
Photo credits: © GOBELINS
