Zero-to-Animator

A Free Animation Workshop for Local Kids

A community-outreach project by Mr. Bray Labs

How It Started

Back in 2016, I ran a free animation workshop at the Tigard Public Library in Oregon. I figured maybe a few curious kids would show up.

Instead, the room was packed—kids, parents, teens, even a couple of curious seniors. People were sharing computers, helping each other, laughing while they learned. And by the end of one hour, they were animating their own creations from scratch.

I shot a video of the workshop, just for fun. Threw it up on YouTube and thought nothing of it.

That could’ve been the end.

It wasn’t.

What Happened Next

The animation software company we used saw the video—and invited me to help them build a full online animation course. That course ended up teaching over 50,000+ students worldwide.

That one little library session turned into years of teaching animation—at colleges, in art camps, at community events. Not because I had a grand plan, but because people kept asking, “Can you do that here too?”

And I kept saying yes.

Where We Are Now

In 2021, I moved my studio—Mr. Bray Labs—from Oregon to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I brought the workshop model with me.

Now it’s called Zero to Animator.

We run it for free across Middle Tennessee—real software, real drawing tools, real skills. No fluff, no pressure. Just kids learning to create.

Workshops have been hosted in:

  • Murfreesboro, TN

  • Smyrna, TN

  • And more towns coming soon

Every student walks in with no experience—and walks out with something they made from scratch.

Why It Works

100% FREE for families

  • No experience required

  • Pro-grade tools and animation software

  • Encouraging, no-ego atmosphere

  • Ends with a project showcase kids feel proud of

This isn’t a franchise or big nonprofit.

It’s just Mr. Bray Labs, showing up for kids—with everything we’ve got.

Want to Help?

We’re building something special—and we can’t do it without you.

Whether it’s donating tech, sponsoring a student, volunteering, or even helping us find a venue or van, every bit of support makes a real difference.

Fill out the short form below. We’ll follow up personally with more info and send you a private link to our live Dropbox Paper guide.