Your imagination has characters. Stories. Worlds waiting to be animated. So why keep them locked in your sketchbook or your head? Whether you dream in hand-drawn frames or dynamic 3D rigs, it’s time to bring those visions to life—with purpose, skill, and professional direction.
Enter VanArts—one of the most recognized animation schools in Canada and home to a world-class, certified animation program. For over 25 years, VanArts has helped creative minds like yours turn passion into a profession through focused, industry-led training in 2D animation and 3D animation.
VanArts gives you the tools, mentorship, and momentum to turn talent into a career.
Why Choose VanArts?
VanArts has trained thousands of students from around the world, helping them break into animation studios, game design companies, and film production teams. The school focuses on helping students become studio-ready with practical skills, creative discipline, and a portfolio that employers notice.
Here’s what makes VanArts different:
- Small class sizes for more 1-on-1 mentorship.
- Instructors who are working professionals from Disney, DreamWorks, and Industrial Light & Magic.
- Access to cutting-edge software and tools used in professional studios.
- A supportive learning environment that mimics real-world production pipelines.
Learn Character Animation Like a Pro
VanArts’ 2D Character Animation and 3D Character Animation programs are standouts for anyone looking to build strong foundations and advanced techniques. Students choose to specialize in either 2D or 3D, depending on their creative goals.
If you’re interested in 2D Character Animation, VanArts covers classical drawing and digital workflows. You’ll learn how to bring characters to life using Harmony with expressive timing, storyboarding, and traditional techniques that are still in high demand.
For those leaning toward 3D Character Animation, you can enroll in a program that dives deep into Maya, teaching skills like character rigging, modelling, and acting. You’ll master every stage of the 3D animation pipeline—from blocking to final render.
Most importantly, you’ll graduate with a professional demo reel that reflects industry-standard work.
Check out the full 2D or 3D Character Animation program and see what makes VanArts one of the most reputable animation schools in Canada.
Fast-Track Your Career in Animation
VanArts’ diploma programs are designed for completion in just 12 months. This fast-paced structure means you won’t waste time, and you’ll enter the workforce sooner, with a strong portfolio to show.
By focusing solely on character animation within the diploma, VanArts ensures students don’t get sidetracked. There are no filler classes. Every hour is dedicated to practical learning, personal feedback, and portfolio development.
Students also benefit from:
- Weekly reviews with industry mentors
- Guest lectures by working professionals
- Opportunities for networking and studio visits
This accelerated model is perfect for anyone ready to level up—whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning from another creative field.
VanArts Alumni Are Everywhere
Graduates from VanArts are now working at top studios around the globe, including:
- Pixar
- Sony Pictures Imageworks
- EA Games
- Industrial Light & Magic
- Animal Logic
- Weta Digital
Their success stories are proof that VanArts is one of the most trusted names among animation schools.
Whether you dream of working in film, games, or digital media, VanArts prepares you to compete on an international level.
What You’ll Learn
Here’s a quick overview of what VanArts’ animation courses cover:
Core Topics:
- Animation principles (timing, squash & stretch, arcs)
- Character performance and acting
- Storyboarding and visual storytelling
- Animation software mastery (Autodesk Maya for 3D | ToonBoom’s Harmony for 2D)
- Life drawing and anatomy
- Demo reel production
Throughout the program, your instructors—who are real-world animators—will guide your growth, critique your progress, and push your skills further every week.
By the end, you won’t just “know” animation. You’ll be an animator.
Flexible Study Options
International students are welcome and supported at VanArts. You can apply to our 2D or 3D animation courses from anywhere in the world.
You’ll find a clear path to success by enrolling in our character animation course.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re searching for the best animation schools in Canada, it’s time to explore VanArts. The combination of world-class faculty, studio-level curriculum, and a certified character animation program in Canada sets this institute apart.
Take the first step toward an exciting career in animation. Visit our official program page to learn more and begin your application for 2D or 3D Character Animation courses.
Make your creativity your career. With VanArts, the future is animated.
Join Us at Our Next Open House!
Are you curious to see VanArts in person? Join us at our next Open House on May 7! Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our talented instructors, and learn more about our programs.
Attend Our Online Info Session!
Do you want to learn more about what VanArts has to offer? Register for our next Online Info Session on May 14! Learn more about our programs designed to unleash your creative potential.
Enroll Today for September Intake
Are you ready to take the next step towards your creative future? Enroll today for our September intake and embark on a transformative educational journey.
Now is the perfect time to take control of your future and embark on a journey towards a fulfilling career in art and design. Now is the time to Make Art Your Life!