The goal of the Motion Mentorship program is to
provide free advice, tutorage, and connections to artists in the Motion Design Industry.

By pairing Demo Duck and dash staff with emerging creatives from underrepresented communities, we’ll use our resources and network to help prepare a new generation of artists, with a variety of backgrounds, for a career in the Motion Design space.

Dash Studio

Dash is a high-end animation and motion design studio that believes in the power of creativity and community. We think the best work happens together which is why every project utilizes teams of creatives to solve problems and find the best solutions possible.

Demo Duck

We’re the ducks—a crew of kind, thoughtful creatives who’ve been crafting killer videos since 2011. We’re marketers, advertisers, writers, animators, designers, editors, directors and producers. But above all else, we’re your video partners. Over the years, we’ve worked with businesses of every size—from plucky start-ups to the Fortune 500. And every time, our approach is the same.

This is not an internship and we will not be making work together.

What we will be providing is bespoke advice tailored towards your needs. Each mentee will be assigned a mentor from either Demo Duck or dash to be a creative resource for any questions, connections, and feedback they’re looking for. Interested? Here are some more details about the mentorship:

  • This is a 6-month, online-only program that starts in March of 2024

  • Mentors and mentees must meet at least once a month during Demo Duck and dash office hours over a 1:1 video call for the duration of the program.

  • Additional educational programming will be provided by Demo Duck and dash.

  • Meeting agenda set by mentor ahead of time

  • US-based participants only - we hope to grow this to become an international program eventually.

Expectations

Eligibility

Any self-identified underrepresented individual pursuing a career in the Motion Design industry. Underrepresented communities are groups that are not represented in the majority with respect to gender, race, sexual orientation, mental health, ability, religion, education, socio-economic status, age, etc.

Applicants must have a portfolio reflecting a strong desire for design, illustration, animation, directing, or producing.

Mentees must be committed to attending monthly meetings for the six month duration of the mentorship.

Application

Top candidates will be chosen based on their portfolio and video or cover letter submission. Finalists will then be awarded the mentorship based on a subsequent interview. Click the “Apply Now” link and send through:

  • Your work! This could be a link to your portfolio, social media pages, or anything that represents you.

  • Why you’re a good fit! A 200 - 400 word cover letter, a video message, or an audio note about why you would be a good fit for the mentorship program

  • What you want to learn! Include your preference for design, illustration, animation, writing, directing, or producing mentorship

Timeline

  • Deadline to submit: Feb. 8th, 2024

  • Top candidates contacted on: Feb. 16th, 2024

  • Phone interviews: Feb. 26th - Feb 29th, 2024

  • Mentorships Awarded by: March 8th, 2024

  • Mentor assignments: March 15thth, 2024

  • Mentorships begins: March. 18th, 2024 - Sept. 2024