Classical Animation Program

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. 

Alumni Success

Vancouver Film School grads are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in the entire Animation industry. You will find our alumni working all over the globe, pushing boundaries, discovering new frontiers, winning all kinds of awards and honours, and leading today’s creative economy.

Poster highlighting credits by Vancouver Film School students.
Image featuring industry projects worked on by VFS program graduates. Image highlighting film & TV credits from VFS program alumni. Image showcasing film, TV, & game projects worked on by VFS program graduates. Image showcasing credits by Vancouver Film School students.

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

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

Classical Animation
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.

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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.

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Admissions Info

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

Tuition

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Start Dates

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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.  

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Serio

 

Created by Ana Gusson

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Play a video of a VFS student project from our Classical Animation Program.
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Tragaluz

 

Created by Eduardo Garcia

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View student work from Vancouver Film School's Classical Animation Program.
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The Signal

 

Created by Elisa Hernandez

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Industry Partners

VFS doesn’t just teach you about the industry, it IS the industry. With veteran instructors, industry mentorship in classical animation, and an education Advisory Board recruited straight from the professional world, we are able to constantly update our award-winning curriculum to keep up with an ever-evolving industry. Plus, students also have lots of opportunities to connect and network with industry leaders during special workshop sessions, training presentations, and industry social events hosted by VFS. 

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.

Classical Animation 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:

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Expenses

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  • How much will I need for living expenses in Vancouver?

Logistics

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