3D Character Animation Diploma
The 3D Computer Character Animation Online Diploma Program welcomes aspiring Animators and prepares them for entry level positions in the Animation, Visual Effects and Video Game industries.
Accredited. Trusted. Respected.
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Quick facts
| Online Diploma |
| 12 months |
| Portfolio required |
Student profile
How this program works:
Watch video (3 min)
3D Computer Character Animation
Online Diploma Program Description
Who Should
Attend this program
Aspiring Animators, people that demonstrate problem-solving skills, people that like to create, entertain and have a wild imagination.
Artists with the ability to convey their thoughts through computer animation software.
Our
Target Student
Aspiring Animators who are deeply passionate about motion, emotion, performance in Animated Movies, Video Games and Digital Visual Effects.
Students who recognize and understand their strengths of what they can be best at, and can build a rewarding career.
Not Our
Target Student
Artists looking for general education, undecided or unknowledgeable about career paths.
We recommend taking our other short introductory courses to find and recognize their strengths.
Admission Requirements
Age
High school graduate (with transcript), or 19 years of age or older
Assessment Test
Successfully pass general
assessment test
Portfolio
If no portfolio is submitted,
student must successfully
pass the corresponding
Introductory course.
English Proficiency
International students with English as a second language must demonstrate a good oral and written level of English. A telephone, Skype, or in-person interview may be required to verify this.
Program Duration
Terms
per week
hours
Months
Study and Work in Canada
International Students have the option to study from their
home countries or within Canada.
This full-time online program meets the Ministry of Education requirements to Study and Work in Canada. Students may study from their home countries or in Vancouver, Canada. When studying in Vancouver, Canada, all classes are conducted online and 20 hours per week of on-site lab access is available for students to interact with one another.
Program Outline
3D Computer Character Animation Diploma
Term 1
Drawing Preparation &
Animation Principles
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of animation. Various aspects and functionality of the 3D software ‘Autodesk Maya’ are introduced. Proper animation workflows and methods are used to learn the 12 principles of animation. Animation exercises begin with basic movements and evolve into complex actions and acting.
Duration: 3 months
Term 2
Body Mechanics &
Locomotion
This course provides an introduction to body mechanics. The focus of the course is on learning the physics, locomotion and kinematics of a body in motion, to use as the foundation for creating believable animated performances. Students learn the mechanic principles of each body part, in order to move them correctly. Acting for animation is introduced. Animation assignments begin with basic walks and evolve to advanced versions of bi-pedal and quadruped walk cycles.
Duration: 3 months
Term 3
Introduction to
Acting
This course introduces students to Acting for Animation. Beginning with the study of pantomime (non verbal) acting, students will study Body Language, which incorporates gestures, postures, eye movements and blinking. Final animation assignments will include dialogue, requiring the study of facial performance including the mouth shapes, teeth and tongue positions to portray phonemes. Bringing life to an animated character and obtaining a believable performance is the ultimate goal.
Duration: 3 months
Term 4
Advanced
Acting
This course is a continuation of in depth techniques of Acting for Animation studies. Students will go through a series of milestones in order to complete an animated sequence, which includes the performance of two computer-animated characters. Such milestones encompass writing the story, storyboarding, creating 2D/3D animatics, filming live-action reference and editing video and sound. This final term advances the students’ understanding and ability of storytelling, entertainment, acting and animation skills.
Duration: 3 months
Students must obtain a minimum grade of a B- to successfully pass.
Course codes: ANIM-100, ANIM-200, ANIM-300, ANIM-400.
Vancouver Animation School reserves the right to review and change without notice the curriculum design to meet the industry requirements.
100% Online
Live Classes
- Small class sizes
- 2 live session per week, one hour per session - Full time
- 1 live session per week, one hour per session - Part time
- 1 live support classes per week, one hour per session
Assignments
Workload
- Weekly assignments comprised by milestones and deadlines
- Online activities
- Assignments workload 20 - 25 hours per week
Times
Schedules
- Schedules are assembled by time zone
- Applicants will provide 3 time preferences in the application form.
- We do our best to match those preferences between students and teachers.
Bonus Live
Mentorship Classes
Every week, students have access to additional live classes of their preference.
Software Requirements
Students are responsible for supplying their own Computer Software.
Academic discounts are available to our students.
Maya Animation Software
Free for VANAS Students
Adobe Creative Cloud Software
VANAS Students save 60%
System Requirements
Students are responsible for supplying their own Computer Hardware.
Windows System
Processor: 3 GHZ or higher
8 GB RAM (12 GB recommended)
Firefox or Chrome internet browsers
Flash Player
Apple Mac OSX
Processor: Core Duo / Intel
8 GB RAM (12 GB recommended)
Firefox or Chrome internet browsers
Flash Player
Internet
Broadband, High Speed connection
10 Mbps Download (Recommended)
1 Mbps Upload (Recommended)
Webcam & Headset
These are essential tools for Online Programs
Recommended Books
Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams
Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair
Canadian Designation
An official transcript is the VANAS' certified statement of your academic record. The official paper transcript is printed on security sensitive paper and contains the Institution seal and signature of the Institution Registrar.
The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is British Columbia’s brand for quality post- secondary education.
The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education administers associated regulations.
A joint initiative of the provinces and territories, through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC),
Established in 1990 to fulfill Canada’s obligations under the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers. It ensures that a school is educating its students and meeting quality standards. If you choose a school that isn’t accredited, it may be difficult to use your academic credentials. Few employers will take your education seriously. Additionally, you may not be able to transfer your credit hours or degree to an accredited school.
If you are learning for personal enjoyment, accreditation may not be important to you. However, if you want to use your academic credential in the workplace or plan on furthering your education at a later date, accreditation is essential.
Degree Pathways
Post-Graduation Work Permit
While VANAS programs do not qualify for the post-graduation work permit, some of our educational partners do.
The post-graduation work permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. For more information, visit: cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp
Meet your teachers
Blaine
Toderian
Known For:
Adrian
Enciso
Known For:
Calvin
Leduc
Known For:
Susan
Campbell
Known For:
Chris
Woods
Known For:
Christopher
Vacher
Known For:
Some of the Studios VANAS alumni work at
“I wanted to move to the next level in my career, for a long time I wanted to learn
character animation because I love movement and the possibility to make a
digital 3d character come to life, make feelings believable!”
Hermann TroegerEducation by real Artists who love helping Artists succeed.
Your Tuition is Protected
The Student Training Completion Fund is established under the Private Training Act
and provides consumer protection to students enrolled in programs at institutions
registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB).
Career Pathway
VANAS 3D Character Computer
Animation Diploma
1 year
1 year
VANAS Animated
Short Film Diploma
(Optional)
VANAS Advanced 3D
Modeling Diploma
(Optional)
1 year
4 weeks
VANAS Professional Career
Development for Artists
(Optional)