What can you create in 48 hours?
That’s the challenge behind Anim8 in 48, Digital Media Connecticut’s animation challenge for Connecticut college students. Participants receive a theme at kickoff and have 48 hours to take an idea from concept to a finished animation. Students can work solo or in teams of up to five.
The inaugural Anim8 in 48 challenge took place in spring 2026, giving students the opportunity to put their animation skills to the test, work under a tight deadline, and see what they could create in just two days.
With the next challenge coming up October 9–11, 2026, we’re looking back at the experience of Sophia Jortner, the first-place winner of the inaugural challenge.
Meet Sophia Jortner
Sophia is currently a student at the University of Connecticut. For this challenge, she decided to take on this 48-hour deadline solo. Sophia took the theme “Connection” in an unexpected direction, exploring technology, digital communication, and modern society through her own creative lens.
Starting With a Single Word
Every Anim8 in 48 begins with the same starting point: a theme revealed at kickoff. From there, each creator gets to decide what that theme means to them and where they want to take it.
Where did the idea for your animation come from?
The moment I was given the theme of ‘Connection, ‘ I knew that I wanted to interpret this into something to do with modern day society. I began to think about our daily devices that link the world together, and even though we have not actually met these people face-to-face, we communicate with each other every day. Apple and Steve Jobs came directly to mind as one of the world’s biggest pioneers of digital communication. I saw a chance to approach this challenge in an unconventional way which would allow me to be able to deliver a result on theme while weaving in my own personal style and interests of social commentary.
Against the Clock
Once the concept is there. The clock is running. Participants have to move from idea to storyboarding, animation, and final submission within the same 48 hour window. We asked Sophia what her process was like from the perspective of a solo creator.
What was it like creating an animation in just 48 hours? What was the biggest challenge?
Designing an animation in 48 hours was an exciting challenge and an amazing experience. The hardest part about the whole thing was not having a team of people to reflect back on ideas that you weren’t sure of but at the same time having ownership to do what I wanted was freeing, but lacking other collaborators to discuss ideas with led to a lot of stressful moments. When you’re stuck on an incredibly difficult transition or animation, there’s no quick brainstorm session with your teammates or days to be able to conceptualize. But at the same time, I loved the challenge. Moving from storyboarding and conceptualization to final execution under a tight deadline is a crucial industry skill, and pushing myself to deliver a complete project in two days was incredibly rewarding.
More Than the Final Animation
A design challenge like this is more than the final animation. It also gives students a chance to work through creative decisions, problem solving, and a deadline that keeps moving. For Sofia, the experience became an opportunity to build confidence in her own creative process.
What did you learn from the experience?
I believe it is fundamental in my ability to brainstorm and problem solve rapidly and on my own. This is vital in much of the professional studio environments where rapid turnarounds are the norm. It has been most valuable to be able to work within a super tight brief, take an existing theme, give it my distinctive approach and some of my creative flair, and be able to produce a high-quality result. To win first place was a hugely rewarding affirmation of my approach and has given me a huge confidence boost in what I can achieve as I dip my toe into my early career.
Thinking About Participating?
For students considering Anim8 in 48 this October, the idea of creating something from scratch in just 48 hours can be exciting, but it can also feel a little intimidating. We asked Sophia what she would tell students preparing to take on the anime in 48 for the first time.
What advice would you give students participating in Anim8 in 48 this year?
If I could give advice to those who are participating in the upcoming 48-hour challenge, I would emphasize that solid planning is the key to surviving a 48-hour challenge. Whether you’re in a group or on your own, taking the time to map out your concept and storyboard thoroughly before animating will save your project. For solo participants, my advice is to embrace the process and be confident in your decisions. Working alone can feel daunting, but it’s actually a huge advantage for speed and artistic control. For teams, my advice is to truly collaborate. It’s easy to fight for your own vision, but the focus should always be on what makes the end result as strong as possible.
Connect With Sophia
Want to see more of Sophia’s work or connect with her creative work? Keep up with her on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sophiajortner/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiajortner/
Website – https://www.sophiajortner.com/
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
The First Anim8 in 48 showed what students can create when they’re given a theme, a deadline, and the freedom to make the idea their own. Now, it’s time for the next challenge.
Anim8 in 48 returns October 9–11, 2026. You have 48 hours. What are you making?
Register today! http://digitalmediact.com/anim8