A great idea for an animation or game is only the start. To turn it into a real project you usually need to show your skills, pitch your idea, write a project proposal and find funding. This post walks you through each step.

E-portfolios: showing what you can do

An e-portfolio (electronic portfolio or online portfolio) is a collection of your work that you keep online. It can include images, animations, game builds, videos, sketches, blog posts and links. There are three main types:

• Developmental (working) portfolio – shows how your skills improve over time.
• Assessment portfolio – shows your skill in a particular area, for example for a course or exam.
• Showcase portfolio – shows only your best work, usually for employers or clients.

Tips for a good e-portfolio

• Put your best and most relevant work first.
• Add a short description for each piece: what it is, the tools you used and your role (especially for team projects).
• Show your process too, for example sketches, storyboards and early prototypes.
• Keep it up to date and easy to navigate. Include your contact details.
• Only include work you have the right to share (see our post on ethics and copyright).

Pitching your idea

A pitch is a short, persuasive presentation of your idea to people who might fund, publish or approve it. For an animation, a pitch focuses on the main characters, the conflict and the genre. For a game, it also explains the gameplay and what makes it special. Pitches can be very short (an “elevator pitch” lasting a minute or two) or longer presentations.

Structure of a pitch

1. Beginning – open with a hook to grab attention. Common hooks include an interesting statistic, a quote, a question or a short story. (Always use real, checked facts.)
2. Middle – explain the idea: story, characters, gameplay, target audience and why it will succeed.
3. End – say clearly what you are asking for (funding, approval, a partner) and finish with a memorable line.

Effective written and oral communication

• Know your audience – choose your diction (choice of words) to suit them. Investors may want business details. A class may need simpler language.
• Know your purpose – are you trying to inform, persuade, instruct or entertain?
• Use correct grammar and clear sentences, especially in written proposals.
• Tone and pitch of voice – speak clearly, vary your voice and sound confident.
• Body language and movement – stand tall, make eye contact and avoid distracting habits.
• Visual aids – use multimedia such as concept art, a short animated clip or a playable demo.
• Equipment and room check – test the projector, sound and files before you start.
• Edit – rehearse, time yourself and cut anything that does not help your message.

Writing a project proposal

A project proposal is a document that explains your plan and tries to convince the reader to approve or support it. A proposal commonly has five parts:

1. Introduction – what the project is.
2. Background – why it is needed and who it is for.
3. Strategy – how you will make it: the team, tools and schedule (key milestones and deadlines).
4. Budgeting or financing – what it will cost and where the money will come from.
5. Outcome – what will be delivered and how success will be measured.

Preparing a good proposal needs research, time management and clear communication. If people will be hired, contracts should set out who does what, when, for how much, and who owns the finished work.

Our video brief post shows a similar planning document for video: The Video Brief – Professional Video Creation (Part 2).

Funding your project

There are two main types of funding:

• Loans – money that must be paid back, usually with interest.
• Grants – money given for a specific purpose that usually does not have to be paid back, but often comes with conditions and reporting.

Common sources of funding include:

Source	How it works	Things to consider
Crowdfunding	Many members of the public each give a small amount, often through a website, usually in return for rewards or early access.	Needs a strong pitch and marketing. Rewards must be delivered.
Angel investors	Wealthy individuals invest their own money in early-stage projects or businesses.	Usually want a share of the business or profits.
Venture capitalists	Firms that invest larger amounts in businesses they believe can grow quickly.	Expect high growth and may want a say in decisions.
Investors (general)	People or companies who provide money in return for a share of future profits.	Agree clearly on what they get in return.
Lending institutions	Banks and credit unions provide loans.	Must be repaid with interest. May need security or a business plan.

Evaluating funding options

When comparing options, ask: How much money do we need? Do we have to pay it back? How much ownership or control do we give away? What are the deadlines and conditions? What happens if the project is late or fails? A realistic budget and schedule make these questions much easier to answer.

Video

Extra Credits gives practical advice on shaping a game idea, including writing a short elevator pitch and identifying your unique selling point.

Exercise

1. Create a simple e-portfolio page (for example using a free website builder) with at least three pieces of your work and a short description of each.
2. Write a one-minute elevator pitch for an original game or animated short. Start with a hook.
3. Draft a one-page project proposal using the five parts above.
4. Compare crowdfunding and a bank loan for a small indie game. Which would you choose, and why?

Next: The 12 Principles of Animation – Plus Software, Programming Languages and Basic Sound Editing

Syllabus link: This post is relevant to the CAPE® Animation and Game Design Syllabus, Unit 1: Fundamentals of Animation and Game Design, Module 1: Understanding Animation and Game Design – Specific Objective 12 (“demonstrate the use of e-portfolios and use of pitching”); Specific Objective 13 (“identify project funding opportunities for animation and game design”); Specific Objective 14 (“evaluate project funding opportunities available for animation and game design”); Specific Objective 15 (“present project proposals”).

Attributions to media used in this post:

Snjezana Kordic keynote presentation Hokkaido University.jpg – Mozel W. – CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Piggy-bank-968302.jpg – stevepb – CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

© 2026 Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved.