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The 2D Animation & Visual Development Diploma is a full-time two-year career program that focuses on drawing, design and classical animation skills.

In the program, you'll study historical and current techniques of the animation industry to boost your skills in design elements, form, timing, character design and industry principles.

Taught by industry professionals, the animation courses at CapU will help you develop an impressive portfolio of your work to show to future employers. 

Upon graduation, you'll have the skillset to start a real world career working in Vancouver's growing TV and film production fields.

Learn more about this diploma in 2D Animation & Visual Development by contacting us today.

A 2D Animation student practices life drawing.

Become an animation artist

You'll learn the fundamentals and gain new abilities in animated character drawing, production design - including digital production tools - visual development and concepting, while also learning about emerging animation & digital technologies and storytelling.

Career paths

  • 2D builds artist
  • Animation director
  • Background painter
  • Character animator
  • Character/prop designer
  • Concept, layout or storyboard artist
  • Production designer

A diploma program that will put you to work — fast

As you complete your two-year diploma, you’ll be building your portfolio, creating a complete representation of your artistic skill sets and abilities as an animator, perfect to help get your foot in the door in Vancouver’s growing digital arts industry.

Learn from veteran animators

Our faculty will help you grow and develop your arsenal of skills, across pre-production, production and post-production, including 2D character drawing skills, life drawing, animated body mechanics, production design, visual development and speed painting.

2D Animation & Visual Development at CapU

Learn more about the outstanding instructors, equipment and facilities you'll have access to as a 2D Animation student at CapU.

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Contact us

For more information about the diploma in 2D Animation, contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions and open houses.

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Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply Now to CapU

Intakes

Applications are closed for the most recent program intake; however, applications will re-open shortly. Check this space frequently or visit the Request Information page to get in touch.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.

Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.

upload to SlideRoom

Your portfolio should consist of 15–24 images. There are specific areas that you should cover in terms of what you are drawing. These areas, in order of importance, are:

  1. Life drawing
    We'll look for your ability to draw the human form accurately. This means proper proportions. Also, the more you draw, the more confident your line will look. Show structure as well as the outline.
  2. Sketches of people (about as important as life drawing)
    This will consist of drawings of a wide variety of people at rest, at work, at play. Again, go for drawing accuracy. Sketches may be long studies of people at rest or quick "memory" drawings (where you quickly grasp the essential lines of a figure in motion and "fill it out" after the person has moved on). The best places for sketchbook drawing are cafes, airports, markets, skateboard parks, buses...anywhere you can find a lot of people doing different things.
  3. Sketches of locations (there can be people in the drawings too)
    This shows us again, your ability to draw from life but also shows us your perspective drawing. Places that are interesting or challenging for you to draw: architecture, staircases, exteriors, interiors, technical drawings (a motorcycle parked at the curb or a bicycle against a gate...etc.).
  4. Life drawing of animals
    Rather than draw an entire zoo, just pick two or three different animals and really get to know them well. Learn their anatomy and proportions, then sketch them in different poses or from different angles.
  5. Your "cartoony" stuff
    Original character designs, doodles, comics and cartoons. Best to show a variety of styles. Creating two or three characters that fit the same style is good. Once you have a character, draw them in different situations...falling down, climbing a ladder, getting attacked by a little dog, etc.
  6. Anything else you think would support your application
    Animation or motion graphics, 3D work, fine art, experimental work. While not as important as the first five categories, feel free to post miscellaneous work to your online portfolio.
  7. Animation experience
    If you have work experience in animation or have taken courses elsewhere, or if you have a specific interest that would help your application, feel free to write it in the comments section of the online portfolio submission form.

Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.

Once you create your account in SlideRoom you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!

What not to include in your portfolio

Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.

Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have lots of examples of life drawing and sketchbook work.

Good Luck!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2024

  • Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom. 
  • Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed. 
  • The deadline for uploading a portfolio is 11:59 p.m. on March 12, 2024.
  • Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed. 

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Birch Building, Room BR230
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Birch Building, Room BR230
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.

Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.

upload to SlideRoom

Your portfolio should consist of 15–24 images. There are specific areas that you should cover in terms of what you are drawing. These areas, in order of importance, are:

  1. Life drawing
    We'll look for your ability to draw the human form accurately. This means proper proportions. Also, the more you draw, the more confident your line will look. Show structure as well as the outline.
  2. Sketches of people (about as important as life drawing)
    This will consist of drawings of a wide variety of people at rest, at work, at play. Again, go for drawing accuracy. Sketches may be long studies of people at rest or quick "memory" drawings (where you quickly grasp the essential lines of a figure in motion and "fill it out" after the person has moved on). The best places for sketchbook drawing are cafes, airports, markets, skateboard parks, buses...anywhere you can find a lot of people doing different things.
  3. Sketches of locations (there can be people in the drawings too)
    This shows us again, your ability to draw from life but also shows us your perspective drawing. Places that are interesting or challenging for you to draw: architecture, staircases, exteriors, interiors, technical drawings (a motorcycle parked at the curb or a bicycle against a gate...etc.).
  4. Life drawing of animals
    Rather than draw an entire zoo, just pick two or three different animals and really get to know them well. Learn their anatomy and proportions, then sketch them in different poses or from different angles.
  5. Your "cartoony" stuff
    Original character designs, doodles, comics and cartoons. Best to show a variety of styles. Creating two or three characters that fit the same style is good. Once you have a character, draw them in different situations...falling down, climbing a ladder, getting attacked by a little dog, etc.
  6. Anything else you think would support your application
    Animation or motion graphics, 3D work, fine art, experimental work. While not as important as the first five categories, feel free to post miscellaneous work to your online portfolio.
  7. Animation experience
    If you have work experience in animation or have taken courses elsewhere, or if you have a specific interest that would help your application, feel free to write it in the comments section of the online portfolio submission form.

Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.

Once you create your account in SlideRoom you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!

What not to include in your portfolio

Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.

Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have lots of examples of life drawing and sketchbook work.

Good Luck!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2024

  • Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom. 
  • Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed. 
  • The deadline for uploading a portfolio is 11:59 p.m. on March 12, 2024.
  • Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed. 

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $13,541 $1,746 $15,287
Year 2 $15,802 $1,746 $17,548
Total $29,343 $3,492 $32,835
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $29,671 $1,746 $31,417
Year 2 $30,807 $1,746 $32,553
Total $60,478 $3,492 $63,970

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

Calculate my fees

Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

Required Courses

First Term

Total credits: 17.25

Required:
ANIM 103Design Elements in Animation I3.00 credits
ANIM 104Studio: Gesture and Form2.25 credits
ANIM 105Survey of Western Cinema: Animation3.00 credits
ANIM 116Animation: Timing and Principles3.00 credits
ANIM 117Animation: Introduction to Character Drawing3.00 credits
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits

 

Second Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
ANIM 106Animation: Quadrupeds and Effects3.00 credits
ANIM 107Character Animation I3.00 credits
ANIM 108Design Elements in Animation II2.25 credits
ANIM 109Studio: Advanced Drawing Techniques I2.25 credits
ANIM 110Production Design for Animation1.50 credits
ENGL or CMNS 100 level or higher3.00 credits

 

Third Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
ANIM 200Character Animation II4.50 credits
ANIM 201Visual Storytelling3.00 credits
ANIM 202Studio: Advanced Drawing Techniques II2.25 credits
ANIM 203Digital Production Tools for Animation2.25 credits
ANIM 204Advanced Production Design for Animation3.00 credits

 

Fourth Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
ANIM 205Character Animation III3.00 credits
ANIM 206Studio: Drawing Master Class3.00 credits
ANIM 207Visual Development and Concept Design3.00 credits
ANIM 208Professional Studies in Animation3.00 credits
ANIM 209Animation: Emerging Technologies1.50 credits
ANIM 210Entrepreneurship in the Animation Industry1.50 credits

Total program credits: 62.25

Additional information

Continuation Requirement: Students must successfully complete all courses in one term before continuing to the next term.

Learning outcomes

  • Develop interpersonal and leadership skills through collaborative and applied projects. demonstrate the skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional attitude necessary to function as a 2D production artist in the animation industry.
  • Develop a plan to continue with lifelong learning, creative achievement, and professional growth.
  • Work in a creative production in a professional, responsible and confident manner.
  • Define and apply the concepts and production skills required to develop professional quality animation from initial concept through final production.
  • Create and maintain a professional portfolio that meets industry expectations and showcases their artistic and technical achievements.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, dedication and work ethic required to be a successful member of a production team.
  • Collaborate on team projects while being responsible for creating and managing time, resources and outcomes.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Animation & Visual Effects
604 983 7516
Bosa Centre for Film and Animation
animation@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca