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The professional way of studying Japanese animation.
The professional way of studying Japanese animation.
Mastering Japanese Animation Skills
Mastering Japanese Animation Skills
The Anime Training Program (ATP) is a continuous, online mentorship with professional instructor corrections and guidance designed so that students take a practical look at the major topics every animator needs to know in depth to become a professional in the anime industry: drawing, painting, animation, and storyboard.
The Anime Training Program (ATP) is a continuous, online mentorship with professional instructor corrections and guidance designed so that students take a practical look at the major topics every animator needs to know in depth to become a professional in the anime industry: drawing, painting, animation, and storyboard.
Why is ATP different?
Why is ATP different?
Nowadays, you might have come across multiple courses and tutorials on how to draw or produce an anime project. However, you may have also noticed most of them require only passive learning, meaning there is no teacher/director to follow up or review your work.
On the other hand, there might be too much focus on the theoretical differences between the animation produced in America, Europe, and Japan. But in practice, how does that apply? How much can that impact your storytelling?
Those answers can only come to us through experience. And that is what our instructors want you to have.
1) Great animators were born under the guidance of good and experienced teachers;
2) Information can only be retained when put into practice.
That is the basis of our program.
The Training Format
The Training Format
The top-level an animator can reach in the Japanese pipeline is “Layout” (LO), which requires not just classic character animation skills but a broader understanding of everything on frame: character emotions, animated visual effects, volumes, and their light/shadows, understanding the storyboard and visual storytelling, basics of environment art, etc.
To help artists gradually approach that final level, we've created a cyclical program that covers the four main areas (subjects) of focus for animators: drawing, painting, animation, and storyboarding.
Immersive training
Immersive training
Learn by diving into an environment that simulates a Japanese animation studio, and have your assignments revised considering the demands of a real anime project.
A common advice for someone who's learning a language is to go to a country where that language is spoken and immerse yourself in that culture.
Animation is not different.
Cyclical Approach
Cyclical Approach
Artists don’t simply study drawing, painting, storyboard, or animation once in life and learn it forever; they have to practice an area of focus multiple times during their careers to reach a professional level.
This cyclical approach aims to nurture individuals to practice all these elements in a back-and-forth manner continually. Hence, they evolve with us, repeatedly working on something.
Inverted Class
Inverted Class
You learn by putting your skills into practice through the assignments. The instructors will point out the weaker points of your deliveries so you can improve more efficiently.
Instead of passive learning and waiting for everything to be explained first, we encourage you to notice both your strengths and weak points while you work. Instructors then send corrections in text, image, or video format as needed, and private calls with your main instructor are also available.
Program Content
Program Content
Cycle 1 - Mastering the Fundamentals
Cycle 1 - Mastering the Fundamentals
Drawing 01
Structure of the human body vs anatomy of the human body
Head structure in perspective/Eyes - anime style
Realistic hands/Realistic feet
Hair - anime style
Painting 01
Color theory and digital painting variables
Color palette
Realistic painting
Expressive painting
Animation 01
Animation principles part 01 - Settings
Animation principles part 02 - Design
Animation principles part 03 - Movement
Extra principles
Storyboard 01
Sequential art
Visual storytelling
Turning a video into a storyboard
Turning a storyboard into a video
Cycle 2 - Advanced Techniques
Cycle 2 - Advanced Techniques
Drawing 02
Draping of clothes (dresses, loose shirts, skirts, hoodies etc)
Shadow - anime style
Forced perspective with foreshortening
Realistic Background - anime style
Painting 02
Painting of organic/natural objects - part 01
Painting of organic/natural objects - part 02
Painting of non-organic objects - part 01
Painting of non-organic objects - part 02
Animation 02
Hair animation
Wide clothing animation
Effects animation
Camera animation
Storyboard 02
Thumbnails
Beat board
Visual narrative typology
Finishing styles and levels
Cycle 3 - The Anime Pipeline
Cycle 3 - The Anime Pipeline
Drawing 03
Character sheet
Expression/posing sheet
Prop sheet
Background board
Painting 03
Style frame painting
Board painting
Character Design painting
Color script painting
Animation 03
Layout
Genga
Douga
Shiage
Storyboard 03
Ekonte - part 01
Ekonte - part 02
Animatic from Ekonte - part 01
Animatic from Ekonte - part 02
What results can I expect after concluding the program?
What results can I expect after concluding the program?
Given the customized approach of individual-focused corrections, all students will improve their craft at the fastest possible speed. So, ideally, by the end of the 1-year worth program, students who started close to basic levels will be, if not ready to work on professional, anime-style projects, very close to starting roles. Students who started with more advanced knowledge will be able to join professional projects.
These are some roles students could apply for after the program.
Story artists (E-konte)
Concept Artists (characters and backgrounds)
Animators (L.O. to douga)
Shiage Artists
Additionally, upon achieving a satisfactory performance and completing the program, students receive a certificate of completion. See more about it in the grading system and more details of the course in the Student Specifications for the Anime Training Program!
Meet your Instructors
Meet your Instructors
Instructors will be available on Discord to answer your questions about assignments and the corrections you received. These are the same types of questions you would normally ask in a live class.
Depending on the option you choose, there are included and additional private 45-minute meetings with your instructor available.
Instructor selection:
You can choose Mar or Pedro, to be your main instructor for corrections and private meeting(s).
The other instructor will still be available on Discord for group chat, so you can learn from both.
We invite you to select your preferred instructor during registration. Although we’ll do our best to honor your choice, placements are subject to each instructor’s schedule and workload.
Mar Exposito
Mar Exposito
Kantoku (Studio Director)
Kantoku (Studio Director)
She holds a degree in Audiovisual Communication from Barcelona. In 2014, she moved to Japan and passed the JLPT N2. She later graduated with distinction from the 2D Animation department at Tokyo Design Academy, earning both honors and the Presidential Award for her work.
Since 2020, Mar has been running her Tokyo-based studio, Maru Exposito, leading a remote team creating anime-style videos for musicians, brands, and filmmakers worldwide. Her expertise lies in high-emotion character animation, storyboarding, and team management, bringing heartfelt storytelling and strong visual direction to every project.
Pedro Marcelino
Pedro Marcelino
Sakuga Kantoku (Animation Director)
He's a Brazilian animator who has worked with visual storytelling for over 15 years. His experience includes 5 feature films, short films, animation for games, TV series, etc. After working for years in Western productions, he decided to venture into the Japanese industry and is now an animation director and animator for anime productions.
From 2021 to 2024, he had an important role as head of animation of the first anime studio in Brazil, 555Comic, directing the TikTok animated series CRC Luna and Ame Kicks. Another important highlight of his career was the book Nausicaa and Bakhtin, in which he analysed Hayao Miyazaki's Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa from the perspective of the philosophy of Bakhtin's circle.
Lessons System
Lessons System
Cyclical Learning
Cyclical Learning
Each cycle lasts four months. So, in the first month, you'll study drawing with a focus on the fundamental elements. In the second month, you'll be studying painting, also focusing on practicing the basics, and the same goes for animation and storyboarding.
When the second cycle begins, in the fifth month, the focus for the 4 major areas changes to artistic and more complex aspects.
In the third rotation, from the 9th month onwards, the focus shifts to more technical concepts specific to mastering anime.
The benefit of this rotation-based methodology is that students can study continuously until they feel satisfied with that area. Let's say a student has done the program for 1 year and wants to focus more on the technical aspects. They could enroll in just that module and study that specific area again, gaining a deeper understanding of nuances that they might have missed the first time around due to a lack of experience.
Inverted learning
Inverted learning
The key to our program is PEOPLE LEARN THROUGH PRACTICE!
The key to our program is PEOPLE LEARN THROUGH PRACTICE!
Just like in a Japanese animation studio, you receive an assignment with clear instructions and resources. Afterwards, your supervisor (in this case, your instructors) reviews your work and sends you notes on how to correct it and push your skills further.
1. You receive a weekly assignment document. It explains exactly what you need to create and deliver, and includes resources to help you complete it.
1. You receive a weekly assignment document. It explains exactly what you need to create and deliver, and includes resources to help you complete it.
2. When you are ready, you submit your assignment piece(s) to the shared Drive folder.
Submitting weekly is ideal, but you can go slower; there are no harsh deadlines. You have about 2 years' leeway to complete a 1-year program. For details, see "maximum enrollment period" in Student Specifications for the Anime Training Program)
2. When you are ready, you submit your assignment piece(s) to the shared Drive folder.
Submitting weekly is ideal, but you can go slower; there are no harsh deadlines. You have about 2 years' leeway to complete a 1-year program. For details, see "maximum enrollment period" in Student Specifications for the Anime Training Program)
3. Within about a week of your submission, your instructor sends you offline corrections. These can be written notes, draw-overs, video recordings, or whichever format is clearest so you understand what could be improved.
3. Within about a week of your submission, your instructor sends you offline corrections. These can be written notes, draw-overs, video recordings, or whichever format is clearest so you understand what could be improved.
Depending on your billing option, you may also receive a full redraw of one of your assignments as a bonus.
Depending on your billing option, you may also receive a full redraw of one of your assignments as a bonus.
Each month, or subject, contains 4 assignments total, but you can take longer to complete the assignments.
Each month, or subject, contains 4 assignments total, but you can take longer to complete the assignments.
Assignment example (instructions summarized!):
Drawing Cycle 01 - "Gesture drawing practice"
Create 3 gesture drawings in HD format: Draw a character doing some action, while (1) inside a building, (2) outside the building, and (3) on a panoramic view with or without living beings.
To guide you, see this X explanation about gesture drawings and these X two short ideo tutorials. This X book is also recommended.
Assignment example (instructions summarized!):
Drawing Cycle 01 - "Gesture drawing practice"
Create 3 gesture drawings in HD format: Draw a character doing some action, while (1) inside a building, (2) outside the building, and (3) on a panoramic view with or without living beings.
To guide you, see this X explanation about gesture drawings and these X two short ideo tutorials. This X book is also recommended.
Students should allocate 3~6 hours on average to complete each assignment.5
Grading System
Grading System
All students will be graded after completing three full cycles (12 months) and, if they are successful in meeting the minimum requirements, will receive a PDF to certify their program achievements. If students enroll in only one subject or cycle, they will receive a specific certificate for that cycle and subject.
Evaluation process
The focus of our program is to train artists so that they can work in the Japanese animation industry and/or create their own projects in the language of Japanese animation. As such, the assessment method will be rigorous and detailed to fulfill this objective. Everyone who works as a professional animator knows that artists need to be highly developed and technically proficient, but they also need to be responsible, open to criticism, and highly organised. To encourage this, in addition to specific technical guidance, soft skills will also be evaluated.
Therefore, the final grade will have two parts:
Part 1 - Soft skills
Intrapersonal skills such as the ability to communicate well, organization, openness to feedback, interpretative skills, capacity to work in a group, etc.Part 2 - Hard skills
Specific skills for animators, such as drawing skills, colour-painting skills, the ability to tell stories with images (storyboards), and the ability to bring drawings to life (animation).
You can apply at any point in the program!
You can apply at any point in the program!
Students can start at the beginning of any month, booking a starting date as early as 6 months in advance of it. You might, for example, begin in April and move slowly, or reserve a start in May or June.
Start you journey here!
"But, what if I want to join one cycle? Or take only one subject? Can I still join?"
"But, what if I want to join one cycle? Or take only one subject? Can I still join?"
Definitely!!
For the best experience, we recommend following the full 12‑month path in order:
Cycle 1: Drawing 1 → Painting 1 → Animation 1 → Storyboarding 1
Cycle 2: Drawing 2 → Painting 2 → Animation 2 → Storyboarding 2, and so on.
You can follow the same order at a slower pace if needed. Another option is to focus on a single subject, such as Drawing 1 → Drawing 2 → Drawing 3. This is not ideal if your goal is to become a well‑rounded animation layout artist, but it will still help you level up that specific skill.
Important note:
Important note:
Bookings are done one month in advance so we can prepare your lessons and our schedule. For example, if you want to start a subject in March, please reserve your spot by the end of January.
There are also 4 weeks for holidays during the year. See the Student Specifications for the Anime Training Program for details.
Enrollment Process
Enrollment Process
Step 1
Step 1
The applicant fills in all required information in the form and submits the portfolio for evaluation.
Step 2
Step 2
The instructors review the portfolio and application content, and decide if the applicant has passed the screening.
Step 3
Step 3
ATP's production assistant or an instructor emails the applicants to inform them whether they were accepted.
Step 4
Step 4
If approved, we'll proceed to the payment process to secure the slot.
Step 5
Step 5
After the payment is confirmed, the student receives the Maru Exposito Community’s Discord server invitation
You're welcome to join the community anytime. ATP areas unlock with your first cycle. The ATP-students-only area contains peer and instructor chats. That access opens only after completing enrollment and when your chosen start month begins.
To fulfill this program, you will need:
To fulfill this program, you will need:
Internet access and a device capable of participating in online meetings held on Discord
English fluency
Clip Studio Paint EX license
Experience in animation-related fields (there is a portfolio screening during the enrollment process)
Payment options
Payment options
The more months you pay in advance, the more ⭐bonuses you get
The more months you pay in advance, the more ⭐bonuses you get
Per subject
29,000 JPY monthly
Per subject
29,000 JPY monthly
Regular lesson structure (offline corrections to assignment deliveries).
Recommendation of the cycle and subject that best match your goals.
1 private online meeting with your main instructor (45 minutes).
This meeting can be at the start of the program to review your portfolio and goals, or later (for example, at the end) to help you decide your next steps.
Per cycle
116,000 JPY every 4 months
Per cycle
116,000 JPY every 4 months
Regular lesson structure (offline corrections to assignment deliveries).
Recommendation of the cycle and subject that best match your goals.
1 private online meeting with your main instructor (45 minutes).
This meeting can be at the start of the program to review your portfolio and goals, or later (for example, at the end) to help you decide your next steps.
⭐One of your assignments will receive a full drawover by Mar or Pedro. Once every 12 months.
Full 1-year
348,000 JPY once
Full 1-year
348,000 JPY once
Regular lesson structure (offline corrections to assignment deliveries).
Recommendation of the cycle and subject that best match your goals.
1 private online meeting with your main instructor (45 minutes).
This meeting can be at the start of the program to review your portfolio and goals, or later (for example, at the end) to help you decide your next steps.
⭐One of your assignments will receive a full drawover by Mar or Pedro. Once every 12 months.
⭐Access to Maru Exposito Studio’s Staff Guidelines, the internal document used to train studio animators.
Additional Private Meeting
Additional Private Meeting
8,000 JPY per 45-minute session
8,000 JPY per 45-minute session
You can purchase extra 1:1 meetings with your main instructor anytime, before or after booking the program. Limited to once per week maximum, depending on instructor availability.
Add to any package.
Note: This special price is for ATP students we are already working with. For a similar standalone experience with Mar, see the Anime Career Consultation product on our shop.
Let's start your application!
Let's start your application!
To secure your spot in the program, fill out the form below and submit your portfolio for the instructors' evaluation. Be sure to write the information as clearly as possible, and don't forget to read all terms and conditions carefully.
Find the detailed program information in the Student Specifications for the Anime Training Program, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions, please contact the ATP team at: hello [@] maruexposito.com
Notable changes from 2025's program format
Notable changes from 2025's program format
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Instead of live classes, now there are 1:1s (private video call) available with your instructor. The number of 1:1 calls varies depending on the plan you select. From just once in 12 months, to as often as weekly.You do not need to be available at a specific time each week, so no more timezone issues.
Reviews are given in written notes, draw-overs, or screen recordings.
Subject assignments are made accessible to you monthly, but you can deliver them to the instructor more slowly than weekly. The full program is intended to last 1 year, but you can take around two to complete it. (See “maximum enrollment period” in Student Specifications for the Anime Training Program).
LEARN FROM PEERS
Just like in a physical studio with regular teamwork, you will also learn from fellow students.
Corrections will be shared with the full group, so everyone can see each other’s work, feedback, and growth. This is a key part of peer learning. Because the program is flexible and self-paced, your classmates may be working on different assignments at any given time.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PROGRAM
The shift to offline corrections and customized meetings allowed for more flexible pricing options, with additional meetings for those interested. For pricing and customizable options, see "Payment options" above.
For the updated 2026 program format, please refer to the text and images above on this page.
The videos below describe the 2025 program but are kept online to introduce the instructors and give you a sense of the teaching style.
Watch Pedro Marcelino's teaching style!
Trial 1 of 2025 format lessons, July 31st 2025
Watch Pedro Marcelino's teaching style!
Trial 1 of 2025 format lessons, July 31st 2025
Watch Mar Exposito's teaching style!
Trial 2 of 2025 format lessons, August 14th 2025
Watch Mar Exposito's teaching style!
Trial 2 of 2025 format lessons, August 14th 2025
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