In honor of Black History Month, Black creatives from the TAP collective were invited to share one piece of artwork and a reflect on what Black History Month means to them. Click HERE to view the showcase!

TAP is MADE IN NEW YORK!

Through TAP’s partnership with NYC Department of Media Entertainment and Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON), The Made in NY Animation Project provides hands-on curriculum-based groups for young people aged 12 to 24 facilitated by a licensed creative arts therapist and a professional animator. We work in schools, community centers, clinical and court-mandated settings. Exposure to team work, animation technology, storytelling techniques, and professional roles encourage the animation career path.

TOGETHER WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES.
Click HERE learn more!

“Those who tell the stories rule the world.”

-A proverb from The Hopi Tribe

Watch some of the most recent stories told by TAP’s studio, trainees, and participants!

“This program has opened my eyes to the truly infinite possibilities of obtaining a career in the art industry… I feel more inspired to appreciate the artwork that I do despite it not being the norm. [TAP] is helping me realize that even though we aren’t physically together, art is one of the greatest ways to create a safe and calm environment, it creates a reminder that we are not alone, even when apart.”

— Mikiel - Animation Training Program Graduate

“TAP has brought functionality and a sense of community to our highest needs and most challenging classrooms.”

— PS 96 - Joseph C. Lanzetta School of the Arts - Harlem

Studio Showcase

A sample of work created by TAP’s professional animation studio.

Frog Legs - The Animation Project STUDIO's first independent animated short!

TAP Studio for Children's Service Council, Broward County FL - PSA (2020)

TAP Studio for PACE Center for Girls, Inc. - PSA (2019)

TAP Studio for NeON Inspires - Logo (2019)

TAP Studio for Pinkerton Foundation - TAP Tool Box (2017)

TAP Studio for Animation Nights New York - Intro (2016)

TAP Studio for Youth Represent - Raise the Age (2017)

TAP Studio for Neighbors in Action - PSA (2018)

Frog Legs - The Animation Project STUDIO's first independent animated short!

TAP Studio for Children's Service Council, Broward County FL - PSA (2020)

TAP Studio for PACE Center for Girls, Inc. - PSA (2019)

TAP Studio for Pinkerton Foundation - TAP Tool Box (2017)

TAP Studio for Animation Nights New York - Intro (2016)

TAP Studio for Youth Represent - Raise the Age (2017)

TAP Studio for Neighbors in Action - PSA (2018)

Virtual Programming Showcase

Work created by TAP’s free virtual program for 12-24 year old New Yorkers from 2020-2021

Our Staten Island *B* Virtual NeON group further developed their 3D environment for their final animation of the Spring 2020 semester. This magical forest is for people who really need it and can only be entered in your dreams. It is a neverland where the weather is always good, animals respond to song, you have eternal youth, dirt turns into gold, it comes with the power of transformation, and you have the freedom to take any shape & form or be any animal.

We must look upon the past and the future to make change NOW. The future's environment looks bleak. A mystical tiger appears from a portal and shows a young person how the past was much different.

This is the final project created by the participants in TAP's Jamaica Virtual NeON animation group.

Once upon a time, there were three iconic friends: Rock, Paper, and Scissor. However, a game was created to turn Rock, Paper, and Scissor into enemies instead of friends. Watch what happens to these 3 friends!

This is the final project created by TAP's Brownsville *B* Virtual NeON animation group.

The participants in our Brownsville *A* Virtual NeON group designed the character of Slimy Tim, added a background, and brought him to life with the help of the TAP animator! This is version A of how Slimy Tim enters the scene.

The participants in our Brownsville *A* Virtual NeON group designed the character of Slimy Tim, added a background, and brought him to life with the help of the TAP animator! This is version B of how Slimy Tim enters the scene.

Participants in Brownsville *B* Virtual NeON group designed three characters. TAP animator then demonstrated how to animate the middle character doing the group's chosen action: a back flip.

Our Staten Island *B* #VirtualNeON group created a 3D environment. This magical forest is for people who really need it and can only be entered in your dreams. It is a neverland where the weather is always good, animals respond to song, you have eternal youth, dirt turns into gold, it comes with the power of transformation, and you have the freedom to take any shape & form or be any animal.

Brownsville *A* NeON - Asset Design

Harlem NeON - Castle + Dragon

Environment

Harlem NeON - Castle

Staten Island *A* NeON - Monster Character Design

Staten Island *A* NeON - Monster Character Designs

Staten Island *B* NeON - Designing Characters to Uplifting Action Music

South Bronx *B* NeON - Unreal City Environment

South Bronx *B* NeON - Unreal Environment Pan

South Bronx *A* NeON - Collaborative Utopian Society

Harlem NeON - Battle Axe

Brownsville *A* NeON - Drawing with Music

JamaicaNeON Animation5 14 20

HarlemNeON_participant lizard person_4.30.20.jpg

SouthBronxNeONA_CollaborativeCityUtopianSociety_4.28.2020.png

SouthBronxNeON_CollaborativeCharacterBruce_4.21.2020.png

StatenIslandNeON_BillieJean_4.22.2020.png

HarlemNeON_collaborative lizard army_4.30.20.png

Our Staten Island *B* Virtual NeON group further developed their 3D environment for their final animation of the Spring 2020 semester. This magical forest is for people who really need it and can only be entered in your dreams. It is a neverland whe

We must look upon the past and the future to make change NOW. The future's environment looks bleak. A mystical tiger appears from a portal and shows a young person how the past was much different. This is the final project created by the participan

Once upon a time, there were three iconic friends: Rock, Paper, and Scissor. However, a game was created to turn Rock, Paper, and Scissor into enemies instead of friends. Watch what happens to these 3 friends! This is the final project created by T

The participants in our Brownsville *A* Virtual NeON group designed the character of Slimy Tim, added a background, and brought him to life with the help of the TAP animator! This is version A of how Slimy Tim enters the scene.

Participants in Brownsville *B* Virtual NeON group designed three characters. TAP animator then demonstrated how to animate the middle character doing the group's chosen action: a back flip.

Our Staten Island *B* #VirtualNeON group created a 3D environment. This magical forest is for people who really need it and can only be entered in your dreams. It is a neverland where the weather is always good, animals respond to song, you have ete

South Bronx *B* NeON - Unreal Environment Pan

In-Person Programming Showcase

a collection of work created by TAP’s in-person School and NeON groups from 2018-2020.

TAP Intensive Training Graduate Reel - Fall 2019 and Spring 2020

The Work of TAP Harlem and Brownsville Animation Labs - Spring 2020

The Fear - Henry Street Settlement

What if...you were bet $100 that you couldn't enter a haunted house? Thats exactly what happened with Bob. Between getting over his fears and peer pressure, Bob has an experience he will never forget.

Group Reflection:
Writing the script and coming up with the story was the hardest part because everyone had different ideas and some things were easier to come true than others. Working on the computers was the most fun but it was also really hard when you didn't know what you were doing to get used to the different options. The best part was recording the script, even though it was hard to find a quiet place to do it, and recording each other's screams.

Cycle01 - 2019-2020

Life is Real - Jamaica NeON

Grief is hard, but by following Deen you can make it through the emotions.

Group Reflection:This was hard work and a labor of love. We had too much fun and voice acting can be awkward.

Cycle03 - 2019-2020

After The War - Judith Kaye JSK

The President of the United States releases the member list of the illuminati and World War III begins. Red, a legendary fighter pilot is called in to save the world.

Group Reflection:
This group found ways to work quickly and make executive decisions in a timely manner due to their desire to change the film half way through the production cycle. The group had a desire to change the story to current events that relate more closely to them.

Cycle02 - 2019-2020

The Misguided Judge - Wildcat B

An elusive and unclear judge with concealed intentions and a monster accused of murder. How will this play out? Is he guilty?

Group Reflection:
At times our group worked together and had only one voice in the room. However, there were some times when it was a bit dysfunctional. But we stood true to our guns and succeeded in the end.

Cycle02 - 2019-2020

Life After Death - Wildcat B

For every person that dies, there’s always something new that’s born.

Group Reflection:
We believe in reincarnation. We all went to the same school.

Cycle02 - 2019-2020

Lesson Learned - Mott Haven / ReStart

Two young people, cheating. One mishap leads to the doctor, the other leads to getting pregnant.

Group Reflection:
Everybody worked individually; at the end, it all came together. Everybody had different ideas. We kept on changing the story around, trying to put pieces together. But at the end, we all decided to agree on on thing. Everybody had great ideas and the story came out great.

Cycle02 - 2019-2020

A Magical Winter Wonderland - South Bronx NeON

A boy who suffered a trauma seeks encouragement from the snowman he made who comes to life.

Group Reflection:
We were a team that was dedicated to making this film. People focused on different parts of the film but some people were able to be versatile and try new things. We weren't able to get everything done in the initial time given, but we were patient enough to perfect the film.

Music Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h63LGA3F2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsTz8T4ZBEA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcGEBptSSQk
The Big Decision - https://audionautix.com

Cycle02 - 2019-2020

Dj Fendi Tech - Staten Island Family Court

An up and coming DJ loses sight of his dreams due to drugs.

Group Reflection:
This small group enjoyed kicking back, talking about life, and making music.

Cycle01 - 2019-2020

Homeless - St. Marks ALC

3 homeless contestants compete on a cooking show in the hopes of winning a home. Who is really there for the right reasons? Who will come out on top?

Group Reflections:
"I enjoyed feeling part of the group, and I enjoyed watching all the good work my classmates did on the film."
The group was especially proud of the original theme song they created.

Music Credit:
Audionautix.com and Audioblocks.com

Cycle03 2019 2020

The Button - MS358

When a teddy bear sees that his favorite button is missing, he sees that a new doll has it. The bear soon realizes that their owner is growing up.

Group Reflection:
This group found the creative process to be exciting, provoking, and challenging. Overall, it was a fun experience where amazing stuff happened.

Cycle03 - 2019-2020

Hidden Truths - Brooklyn West ALC

After a fatal accident happens, Katrina is forced to move away leaving juice behind with a deadly secret. Will fate bring them back together or will the odds stacked against them prosper?

Group Reflection:
Everybody contributed. Trying new parts of the production.

Cycle01 - 2019-2020

Family Business - St. Marks ALC

A self-made drug lord has his last supper.

Group Reflections:
This group had an incredible attention to detail and wanted to create a specific ambiance for this single scene animation. Many participants expressed pride in the assets they built in the software.

Cycle02 - 2019-2020

TAP Intensive Training Graduate Reel - Fall 2019 and Spring 2020

The Work of TAP Harlem and Brownsville Animation Labs - Spring 2020

A Magical Winter Wonderland - South Bronx NeON

Dj Fendi Tech - Staten Island Family Court

“When I first started out at TAP, I had never experienced working in 3D, which made it very confusing, but by working through the program, I now understand 3D modeling, lighting, shading, animating, and compositing.”

— Ausar - Animation Training Program Graduate