Sundays

Ashley Gerst ↗

I am a 2D, 3D and motion graphics animator based in New York’s Hudson Valley region. I’m an Associate Professor of Animation and Game Design at William Paterson University, where I previously served as Chairperson for the Department of Art. I hold a BFA in Digital Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Art and an MFA in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts. In addition to teaching, I am a freelance animator and motion designer for a variety of studios throughout the greater NYC area. I have collaborated on projects for clients including Sesame Street, Nissan, Nivea, American Express, JBL, Red Bull and more. Notably, I animated the title sequences for the feature films Can You Keep A Secret? (2019) and The Con is On (2018). For Sesame Street, I produced, directed and served as lead animator on a one-minute animated short for Season 54, Episode 29: “Brave Bessie By Brave Gabrielle” which follows a dog walker getting five dogs ready for a walk in the park. I am also an independent filmmaker whose work explores nostalgia, memory and family. My newest animated short, Sundays (2026) had its world premiere at the Sarasota FilmFestival and continues its festival run with screenings across the United States and Canada with more to come. My previous film, The Spirit Seam screened at over 100 film festivals internationally and won over 25 awards! Lastly, I have served as a Co-Lead for the NYC Chapter of WIA (formerly Women in Animation) where I have helped strengthen the local animation community through mentorship, networking and public programming. I have moderated industry-led panels, represented WIA by moderating filmmaker discussions for Animation First, presented the WIA NYC Award at the ASIFA-East Animation Festival, helped organize the annual holiday mixer at Titmouse Studios and founded the WIA NYC Animation Festival. I will direct its third edition in November, 2026, continuing its mission of celebrating student and professional animation while fostering the local animation community.