Wacom was proud to lend our support – and a bunch of Wacom pen displays – to the Next Top Storyboard Artist Competition at the 2025 Afro Animation Summit on April 5th, 2025!
The Afro Animation Summit is a three-day event in Burbank, CA for animators, creators, storytellers, gamers, innovators, artists, and industry leaders. In 2025, the theme was Redefining Creative Opportunities, and the event expanded into gaming, immersive media, and emerging technologies. The 2025 summit and set the stage for learning, upskilling, new career opportunities, collaborations, growing networks, and new industry partnerships. One way that the Summit supports the next generation is with the annual Next Top Storyboard Artist Competition.
The competition
The Storyboard Competition was supported by Wacom and software partners Toon Boom, and was open to aspiring storyboard artists looking to break into the animation industry. The competition consisted of three 15-minute rounds, each showcasing 15+ young creatives. The competition was judged by industry professionals Qamdhyn Hale (Disney TV), Raha Dabiri (Disney TV), and Ryan Agustin (Titmouse).
The contestants were judged on clarity, staging, and storytelling. The top winner took home a trophy, a subscription to Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, as well as a cash prize! Congratulations to the winners: Patricia Deogracias, Isabella Nuqui, and Dustin Gage Perez!
Wacom is continuing to support the team at Afro Animation with upcoming events and workshops. We’re also planning for further support for their 2026 summit!
