Digital Animation program!
The Digital Animation program prepares graduates for successful careers in 3D modeling, texturing and animation.
Apply today to become one of the select 22 students to study in Western Canada’s most powerfully-equipped computer animation facilities. The eight-month Digital Animation program at Capilano University offers students the training necessary to bring 3D computer generated characters and environments to life! Utilizing advanced animation software, students will develop the artistic skills necessary for a rewarding career in the computer graphics and animation industry.
The $1500 Capilano Program Award
Each year Capilano University will award a $1500 scholarship to a student enterting the program from high-school or transferring from another post-secondary institution based on an outstanding entry portfolio. All students who submit a portfolio by the application deadline who are eligible for the award will be considered. You can read more about the CAPP award here.
Program Objectives
Consumer demand for high quality animation and visuals has fueled the growth of the computer animation industry over the last decade. Visual artists with excellent design and character animation skills and a firm understanding of computer animation technology are in demand worldwide. With the assistance of new computer animation technologies, skilled artists are producing stunning visuals for computer games, multimedia, web, television and feature film.
The goal of the Digital Animation program is to prepare talented artists for a successful career in the computer animation field. This intensive eight-month training program is designed for accomplished artists and animators wishing to develop the artistic and technical skills necessary to work in the computer animation industry. This production-oriented approach to training prepares students for a successful animation career in the entertainment industry.
The program is focused on developing students’ creative and artistic skills in the areas of drawing, design, character animation, and storytelling. Using leading edge software tools, students will develop their 3-D modeling, texturing and animation expertise. Successful graduates will complete a professional quality demo reel showcasing their 3-D design and computer animation abilities.
Prior Learning
In our opinion, computer animation training is a waste of your money if you are coming into this field “cold.” The following describes areas of competence which should be considered for success in the Digital Animation Program at Capilano University:
Art and Design Experience
A portfolio of work which demonstrates your ability to draw and design will be required for application to the program. Excellent creative and artistic vision are necessary in order to develop good quality animation skills.
Basic Computer Skills
If you are familiar with computer operating systems and a variety of software including 2D and 3D programs, it will be easier for you to learn the high-end computer animation packages.
Animation Experience
A knowledge of traditional animation principles and timing will be an important asset for success in our Digital Animation Program. We have a number of part-time and summer courses available to get your started.
Personal Vision
You should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you want to do with the knowledge and experience you will acquire. You should have researched your options and come to the conclusion that this program is the “tool” to realize your goals.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Digital Animation Program will be qualified to produce computer generated designs, characters and animation using a variety of software tools. Graduates may find work in computer games, multimedia, web, film and television production companies. Students may specialize in:
- Character Design, Sculpting and Texturing
- Environment Design, Modeling and Texturing
- Material Shading and Lighting
- Character Rigging and Technical Direction
- Character Animation
Graduates have found work at the following companies:
- 20th Century Fox
- Aardman Animation (UK)
- Bardel Animation (Vancouver)
- Big Sandwich Games (Vancouver)
- Blue Castle Games (Vancouver)
- Core Digital Pictures (Toronto)
- Electronic Arts (Vancouver)
- EA BlackBox Games (Vancouver)
- Image Engine (Vancouver)
- Frantic Films (Vancouver)
- Nerd Corps (Vancouver)
- Nitrogen Studios (Vancouver)
- Pixar Canada (Vancouver)
- Radical Entertainment (Vancouver)
- Rainmaker Entertainment (Vancouver)
- Rockstar Vancouver
- Relic Entertainment (Vancouver)
- Topix Animation (Toronto)
- And many others (Toronto, Montreal, Germany)
