July 2, 2026 By: Nicole McDavid, Career and Internship Coordinator This past April, Art students from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHS) traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend Animation Y’all Expo 2026 at Lipscomb University. The event brought together students, artists, animators, recruiters, studio representatives, and creative professionals from across the country for two days of networking, professional development, portfolio reviews, workshops, and industry discussions. Supported by CAHS, a group of 20 students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in an environment dedicated to animation, storytelling, illustration, design, and entertainment arts. The experience provided a valuable look at the realities of creative careers while helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. Throughout the event, students attended panels and masterclasses on worldbuilding, pitching creative projects, portfolio development, studio pipelines, and emerging trends in the animation industry. Industry professionals openly discussed their career journeys, including the challenges, setbacks, pivots, and persistence required to build successful careers in highly competitive creative fields. One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was the opportunity for students to engage directly with professionals. These conversations offered practical advice, as student Grace Walton, stated: “I learned that for a person wanting to “break in” to the industry, networking through email and follow-ups is essential. I learned this from panels, as well as a friend I made who worked at Sony Animation and was volunteering at Animation Y’all. She told me that she never got a job that didn’t start with emailing and follow-ups.” Students noted that hearing firsthand experiences from professionals helped reduce uncertainty about their own career paths and reinforced the value of persistence in pursuing creative opportunities. The event encouraged students to rethink how creative careers develop. Rather than viewing success as a single destination or job title, students gained a deeper understanding that professional growth is built over time. Conversations with industry professionals helped students see that there are multiple pathways to a meaningful career and that early experiences can play an important role in shaping future success. As student Lilia Pierce stated: “I saw that people from big companies can be so down to earth and understanding, with telling the non-sugar-coated truth of their journey, but the persistence and self-building it takes to get there.” Animation Y’all also had a lasting impact on the students who attended together. The shared experience strengthened relationships among classmates while fostering a greater sense of belonging within the broader creative community. As student Allison Bailey stated: “Animation Y’all was an all-around strong experience for any artist who’s interested in industry insight. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the industry, or looking to make beneficial connections– it’s certainly a worthwhile event to attend.” The trip reflects CAHS's commitment to helping students connect their academic experiences to future careers. By providing opportunities to engage directly with professionals and experience industry environments firsthand, the college creates meaningful learning experiences that help students better understand their fields and envision the possibilities that lie ahead after graduation. About the Department of Art, Art History, and Design The Department of Art, Art History, and Design at UAH prepares students to become creative thinkers, skilled artists, and innovative professionals through a combination of studio practice, critical inquiry, and hands-on learning experiences. Students have opportunities to develop expertise across a variety of disciplines while building portfolios and professional networks that support their future careers. Through internships, exhibitions, collaborative projects, visiting artist programs, and participation in professional events such as Animation Y’all Expo, the department emphasizes experiential learning and career readiness. Students graduate with both the creative foundation and the practical experience needed to succeed in an evolving, dynamic creative economy. Photos of Students Attending Animation Yall'