Programs / Creative Animation
Stop doodling.
Start animating.
In 12 weeks you learn 2D animation, motion graphics and 3D, then animate and cut your own showreel for industry directors. No experience needed.
No experience needed.
Is this for you?
No experience needed. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Evenings, 6 to 9pm
I'm a college graduate
You have the degree. Now get the proof employers want. Twelve weeks of Tuesday and Thursday evenings. You finish with your own showreel for industry directors, a portfolio and a certificate of completion.
See start datesHigh school graduates
I'm a high school graduate
You've doodled in a notebook or played with an animation app. Now learn the principles of animation, then build 2D, 3D and motion graphics work. You start from the basics.
Start your applicationFour courses, 24 classes
Pick a course to see its six classes, and what you make in each.
Foundations of Animation
Develop fundamental animation principles, techniques, and software skills.
- Class 1
Animation Principles
Exploring the 12 principles of animation and their application.
You makeAnimate a bouncing ball demonstrating key principles.
- Class 2
Introduction to 2D Animation
Learning traditional animation techniques and software (e.g., Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate).
You makeCreate a short 2D character animation.
- Class 3
Storyboarding and Concept Art
Developing visual narratives and character designs.
You makeCreate a storyboard for a short animated film.
- Class 4
Character Design and Development
Designing appealing and expressive characters.
You makeDesign a character sheet and model sheet.
- Class 5
Animating with Sound
Integrating sound effects and music into animations.
You makeAdd sound to a previously created animation.
- Class 6
2D Rigging and Puppeting
Creating digital puppets for efficient animation.
You makeRig a 2D character for animation.
3D Animation and Modeling
Learn 3D modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering techniques.
- Class 7
Introduction to 3D Modeling
Learning 3D modeling software (e.g., Blender, Maya).
You makeModel a simple object in 3D.
- Class 8
3D Texturing and Materials
Applying textures and materials to 3D models.
You makeTexture and shade a 3D model.
- Class 9
3D Rigging and Animation
Rigging 3D models for animation and creating keyframe animations.
You makeAnimate a 3D character walking.
- Class 10
3D Character Animation
Advanced character animation techniques, including walk cycles, runs, and acting.
You makeAnimate a short scene with a 3D character.
- Class 11
3D Lighting and Rendering
Setting up lighting and rendering scenes for final output.
You makeRender a scene with appropriate lighting and shadows.
- Class 12
3D Special Effects
Creating visual effects for 3D animations.
You makeAdd a special effect to a 3D animation.
Experimental Animation and Motion Graphics
Explore various experimental animation techniques and motion graphics principles.
- Class 13
Stop-Motion Animation
Creating animations using stop-motion techniques.
You makeCreate a short stop-motion animation.
- Class 14
Motion Graphics Design
Designing engaging motion graphics for various media.
You makeCreate a motion graphics sequence for a title sequence.
- Class 15
Experimental Animation Techniques
Exploring different animation styles and techniques.
You makeCreate an experimental animation using a unique technique.
- Class 16
Compositing and Visual Effects
Combining different elements to create visual effects.
You makeComposite different elements into a single scene.
- Class 17
Animation for Web and Mobile
Creating animations for web and mobile platforms.
You makeCreate an animation for a website or mobile app.
- Class 18
Data Visualization through Animation
Animating data to create engaging visualizations.
You makeAnimate a data visualization.
Animation Production and Portfolio Development
Develop professional skills in animation production, portfolio creation, and career planning.
- Class 19
Animation Production Pipeline
Understanding the animation production process.
You makeCreate a production plan for a short animated film.
- Class 20
Portfolio Development for Animators
Creating a professional animation portfolio.
You makeDevelop a professional online animation portfolio.
- Class 21
The Business of Animation
Understanding copyright, licensing, and contracts.
You makeResearch and present on legal considerations for animators.
- Class 22
Networking and Self-Promotion
Building connections and promoting your work.
You makeAttend a networking event or create a self-promotional video.
- Class 23
Career Paths in Animation
Exploring different career options in the animation industry.
You makeResearch and present on different animation career paths.
- Class 24
The Future of Animation
Analyzing emerging trends in the animation industry.
You makeGroup discussion and presentation on the future of animation.
What you'll make, and what you'll have
Four courses, from your first bouncing ball to an online portfolio.
What you'll make
- COURSE 12D animation, storyboarded and riggedA bouncing ball, a 2D character animation, a storyboard, a character sheet and a rigged 2D character.
- COURSE 2A rendered 3D character sceneModeled, textured, rigged, animated, lit and rendered, plus a 3D special effect.
- COURSE 3Experimental and motion graphics workStop-motion, a title sequence, a composite, an animation for web or mobile and an animated data visualization.
- COURSE 4A production plan and an online portfolioPlus research on copyright, licensing, contracts and career paths.
What you'll have at the end
- A showreel for industry directorsCut from the work you make across the 12 weeks.
- A portfolio and a certificate of completionPrograms are avocational, so this is a certificate, not a degree.
- An animation kit that is yours to keepA director goes over exactly what's in it on your call.
- An instructor who works in the industryJ. D. Smith is a senior animator on Marvel’s Midnight Suns.
The gear you keep
Yours when you graduate.
The animation kit you learn on is yours to keep. A director goes over exactly what's in it on your call, so you know before you enroll.
Dates and tuition
Two animation classes are on the calendar. The tuition is the same for every program.
| Starts | Ends | Meets |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 30th, 2027 | Jun 17th, 2027 | Tue & Thu, 6–9pm |
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Full creative Animation program4 courses, 24 classes, 12 labs | $8,925 |
| Payment planThree payments over the 12 weeks | 3 × $2,975 |
| Single courseAny one of the four | $2,975 |
Apply online
Five minutes to apply.
Talk to a director
After you apply, you book a consultation with a director about your goals and schedule.
Confirm your seat
Sign your agreement and make your first payment.
Start class
Meet your class and your first instructor, live online.
Questions about animation
Do I need experience?
No. The program starts from the basics, and the only requirement is a short consultation with a director.
Do I need a parent's approval?
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian approves your enrollment.
Do I have to buy a computer or drawing tablet first?
No. The animation kit you learn on is yours to keep, and a director goes over exactly what's in it on your call.
What if I can't pay all at once?
You can pay in three installments of $2,975 over the 12 weeks.
Where do classes meet?
Classes are live online. Join from home or from a desk at any partner Venture X office.
Other programs
Every program is 4 courses over 12 weeks, at the same price.
The next animation class starts Mar 30th.
Seats are limited by the size of the room. Apply and we'll email you a link to book your consultation.