Ignite your imagination: Learn to animate in 2D and 3D 

 
Do you dream of working in the animated film, television, or gaming industry? Cambrian’s talented Animation professors are veterans of favourites like the Tom and Jerry Show, 9, and Tarzan. 
 
You’ll gain a working knowledge of traditional, 2D, and 3D methods of animation, and master the 12 principles of animation. Our program is concept-based and still emphasizes the importance of drawing techniques. Your storytelling skills will come alive using the latest technology in our 13,900-square-foot studio. When you graduate, you’ll jumpstart your career as an animation artist with a professional portfolio and demo reel. 

Program highlights

  • Develop dynamic storytelling, drawing, design, and animation skills 
  • Graduate with a production-ready portfolio 
  • Train at Cambrian’s 13,900-square-foot animation studio 
  • Toon Boom Centre of Excellence 
  • Opportunity to showcase your work to industry representatives on a field trip to Toronto

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ANI 1001 Life Drawing I 3
ANI 1002 Animation I 3
ANI 1003 Design I 2
ANI 1004 Drawing and Painting I 3
ANI 1005 Digital Methodologies: Tools 2
ANI 1006 Visual Language 2
ANI 1121 Animation History and Styles 2
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits23
Semester 2
ANI 1008 Animation II 3
ANI 1009 Design II 2
ANI 1010 Story Concepts 2
ANI 1011 Drawing and Painting II 3
ANI 1039 Life Drawing II 3
ANI 1040 Digital Methodologies-3D I 3
ANI 1018 Digital Methodologies -2D Animation 2
 Credits18
Semester 3
ANI 1014 Animation III 3
ANI 1015 Design III 2
ANI 1016 Story and Visual Narrative I 2
ANI 1050 Digital Methodologies - 2D II 2
ANI 1041 Life Drawing III 3
ANI 1042 Digital Methodologies-3D II 3
ANI 2315 Layout and Design I 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits21
Semester 4
ANI 1020 Animation IV 3
ANI 1021 Design IV 2
ANI 1022 Story and Visual Narrative II 2
ANI 1051 Digital Methodologies - 2D III 2
ANI 1025 Digital Methodologies-Modeling I 2
ANI 1043 Life Drawing IV 3
ANI 1044 Digital Methodologies-3D III 3
ANI 2415 Layout & Design II 3
 Credits20
Semester 5
ANI 1026 Production Processes-Story 2
ANI 1028 Animation V 3
ANI 1029 Design V 2
ANI 1030 Production Processes-Layout 3
ANI 1032 Design and Art Direction 3
ANI 1045 Life Drawing V 3
ANI 1046 Digital Methodologies-3D IV 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits22
Semester 6
ANI 1034 Animation VI 6
ANI 1035 Design VI 2
ANI 1036 Production Processes-Background 3
ANI 1038 Digital Methodologies-Modeling II 3
ANI 1047 Life Drawing VI 3
ANI 1048 Digital Methodologies-3D V 3
ANI 1052 Digital Methodologies - 2D IV 3
 Credits23
 Total Credits127
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Submission of a portfolio (see additional admission requirements)

Additional admission requirements

Portfolio requirements

In order to be accepted for admission in Cambrian College's Animation Program, students are required to submit a portfolio.  All entries should be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" paper (no original artwork) and should include the following elements:

Life Studies

Two (2) drawings are from life, either a human model or an animal.  The drawings should reflect an attempt to understand:

  • structure and anatomy
  • proportion
  • perspective
  • mass and volume
  • visual appeal and rhythm
  • balance

One (1) drawing of the artist's hand and forearm that shows and understanding of the above elements.  The drawing can be loose.

Character Study

Design a character and draw this character in a variety of poses (minimum of 5 poses).  Each pose should show a different emotion.  It is important to think about the character as an actor.  Students should pay close attention to the following:

  • structure and solid 3D construction 
  • perspective
  • mass and volume
  • appeal
  • continuity of model (is it the same character in each pose?) 

Perspective Study

One (1) drawing of a room in your home.  This drawing should showcase knowledge of the following:

  • perspective
  • depth and 3D space
  • proportion
  • visual appeal

This drawing should be a clean line drawing.

Personal Work

Six (6) to ten (10) pieces that reflect your style and skill.  These can be drawings and paintings.  If you would like you can show a mix of classical and digital art.

Submission Process

Please mail your portfolio to the following address: 

James Munro
c/o Cambrian College
1400 Barrydowne Road
Sudbury, ON, Canada
P3A 3V8

Portfolios can also be submitted digitally to the following email address: james.munro@cambriancollege.ca

Remember, presentation says a lot about who you are and your work ethic.  Good luck!

Recommended:

  • Grade 11 or 12 credits in visual arts and/or media arts (M) or (O)

Program delivery

2024-2025

Fall Term Start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 5:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 6:   Winter 2027

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find employment in entertainment, information, and education, and training industries that include the following:

  • Feature
  • Television
  • Advertising
  • Internet
  • Video games
  • Visual aids

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.