Classical Animation focuses on telling a story through movement using traditional animation and Flash. By learning the cornerstones of animation, you develop an understanding of motion, weight, balance, colour, and design, as well as the discipline and intensity required for studio work, as you take your animated short films from concept all the way to completion.
The Results – Alumni Credits
"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 Graduate
Lead Animator, Amaze Entertainment
To read about graduates doing what they love in the industry, check out the Animation & VFX stories on the VFS Blog.
What You Will Learn
From character design to 2D animation to using digital tools, what you will learn in Classical Animation will allow you to create two professional-quality short films.
To tell a story in animation, you need a full understanding of movement, performance, colour, design, and effects. more
Creating and interpreting storyboards is a key part of the creative process. more
The characters you design put a face on your story: a vital step in creating compelling animation. more
Learn Flash while creating a complete short film, as well as digital ink & paint techniques for classically animated films. more
Your Professional Films and Reel
You graduate having completed a festival-ready classically animated short film, a professional-quality Flash short, and a reel showcasing your work from those projects as well as exercises that demonstrate your versatility as an artist and animator. For examples of student films, check out the Classical Animation showcase.
Faculty
The Classical Animation program is led by accomplished industry professionals. They are award winners and industry pioneers whose work has screened at major international animation festivals and have held key creative positions as animators, directors, producers, and artists at such companies as Atomic Cartoons, Bardel, Disney, Dreamworks, International Rocketship, and Warner Bros.