Classical Animation

How to Apply

Create an attention-grabbing reel of animated work that showcases your traditional animation techniques, storytelling skills, and grasp of modern digital tools at the world’s best Classical Animation school.

Creative Economy

VFS’s signature programs and facilities are at the heart of a creative economy worth $3.4 billion in B.C. alone. From film production and 3D animation to game, digital, and VR/AR design, VFS is helping shape the entertainment and media industries’ transformation. In 2024, VFS alumni were credited on all 10 of the highest grossing domestic films, grossing more than $3.8 billion. 

The VFS Advantage

The future belongs to creative thinkers who practice hands-on and collaborate in production environments – while also learning & embracing the rapidly-developing technologies used by the industry and changing how productions work.

PRODUCTION FACILITIES MATCHING INDUSTRY:

Go beyond computer labs and classrooms. VFS’s Production Centre gets you creating & collaborating in a real studio environment from day one, working with industry-level tools in pro-grade spaces: motion capture volume, render farm, 180° green screen studio, & more.

MUCH GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROSS-PROGRAM COLLABORATION:

Many schools offer only one program/discipline. At VFS, you’ll create alongside students from our Film, Game, Acting, & other Animation programs – giving you the full scope of a 3D & VFX pipeline.

UNMATCHED INDUSTRY INTEGRATION:

We define ourselves as being the school that industry comes to first. VFS works directly with the industry to ensure students are training to current, real-world standards from day one. Our curriculum and Production Centre are shaped by active industry practices, workflows, and expectations. Through partnerships with the world’s leading companies, students gain meaningful exposure to professional pipelines and environments.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS / EMPLOYERS:
vfslogos

vfslogos

A VFS Classical Animation Education

In 12 months you will graduate with:

  • A 2D Classical Animation diploma 
  • A master demo reel of your final project
  • A strong portfolio for classical animators
  • Access to the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board
  • Industry connections that will help guide your career

Program Overview

 

Term 01

Delve into animation fundamentals in drawing, hand-drawn animation, and basic art direction.

Term 02

Enhance your drawing skills with storyboarding in traditional animation and background design exercises.

Term 03

Explore more complex animation concepts like animating a character’s thoughts and emotions through acting principles.

Term 04

Create storyboards for an animated film, character model sheets, layouts, and final artwork for rendering.

Term 05

Progress to the art direction, digital ink and paint phase of production on your final project.

Term 06

Focus on portfolio-building for 2D animators in preparation for graduation.

View Faculty

Book a 1-on-1 Portfolio Review

Have you ever wondered about your true creative potential? Book a review to get valuable insight into your creative work and find out if you’ve got what it takes to go to VFS.

Find Out More
VFS Book a 1-on-1 Portfolio Review

Admissions Info

To make sure you have accurate admissions information please select your region based on country of citizenship.

Tuition

Select Your Region

Start Dates

Select Your Region
How to Apply Request Info

Requirements

You will be asked to submit one of the following along with your application. Your advisor can help with selecting the best option.

Send samples of your work that include still-life drawings, life drawings, and character sketches (maximum 12 pieces). You'll find information on how to send your work in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.

When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.

For more about language requirements and other information for international students, visit the International Students page.

Student Work

While training at VFS, students are immersed in the Animation industry and experience hands-on, studio-based 2D animation training, creating professional-quality work. And, nothing is a greater testament to the incomparable industry resources and career preparation that define VFS’s education model, than the top quality work our students produce. Here, a portfolio of outstanding work is just the beginning. Just take a look.  

Play a video showcasing the Classical Animation program student work.
Pause video showcase of the Classical Animation program student work.

Serio

 

Created by Ana Gusson

Open Classical Animation student work info. Close Classical Animation student work info.
Play a video of a VFS student project from our Classical Animation Program.
Pause video of VFS student project from our Classical Animation Program.

Tragaluz

 

Created by Eduardo Garcia

Open Classical Animation student work info. Close Classical Animation student work info.
View student work from Vancouver Film School's Classical Animation Program.
Pause showcase reel of VFS Classical Animation student work.

The Signal

 

Created by Elisa Hernandez

Open Classical Animation student work info. Close Classical Animation student work info.

Campus Life

The new 42,000 square-foot Animation campus is located in the middle of downtown Vancouver. This facility closely mirrors a real-world professional studio and gives you access to every amenity you will need to create amazing work, from studio space to a custom-built life drawing theatre.

Program FAQs

We're here to help you submit an application that best reflects your abilities, and gives you the best chance of being accepted. We've helped thousands of people complete a single year at VFS by answering questions like these:

Application Tips

  • What does VFS look for in an application?
  • Can I apply if I haven't met all the requirements yet?
  • What does this part of the application form mean?

Expenses

  • How much does my program cost?
  • Can I pay in installments?
  • How much will I need for living expenses in Vancouver?

Logistics

  • How do I get to Vancouver?
  • Where will I live in Vancouver?
  • Do I need a visa?
How to Apply Request Info Refund Policy

Testimonials

Learning the fundamentals of animation from a great faculty, with an intensive time schedule, helped me learn so much in a short time frame. I am currently working in the animation/gaming industry as a 2D artist, and I animate in my spare time, none of which I could have done without my experience at VFS.

Hyunwoo (Mac) Ko

Classical Animation Student

Crunchy Games

I put in long, time managed, focused hours of hard work every day of the week for months at a time. As a result I was blown away by my rapid improvement as an animator and an artist.

Johanna Schread

Classical Animation Student

Bardel Entertainment

It will try and test you in a thousand areas that you didn’t expect. Leech every drop of information and experience you can out of every millisecond that you’re there because I guarantee that when it’s over you will weep bitter tears that you couldn’t stay another hour.

Sarah Jolley

Classical Animation Student

Rainmaker Entertainment

I wake up every day full of energy and happiness with a smiling heart because I know I’m learning from the best and also in one of the best animation schools in the world.

Silvia Prieto

Classical Animation Student

 

There were a lot of reasons why I chose VFS: The first being the faculty and the second being the glorious city of Vancouver. It was the first time in my life I ever felt like I was somewhere I belonged.

Tamara Knoss

Classical Animation Student

Big Fish

VFS Premiere

Sign up to VFS Premiere and be the first to receive the latest exclusive content, news, and special offers from Vancouver Film School — straight to your inbox.

*I understand that by submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by Vancouver Film School via email, phone, and text message regarding enrollment information, program updates, campus events, and important school notifications. I understand that message frequency may vary depending on enrollment periods and school activities. Message and data rates may apply. For help with text messages, reply HELP. To stop receiving text messages, reply STOP at any time. I reserve the right to withdraw my consent at any time. For more information about how we handle your data, please see our privacy policy.