Undergraduate | Media Arts

2D + Experimental Animation

Program 2 D animation

Clockwise from left: Helena Escauriaga, Nastenka Alava Calle, Edward Madojemu, student works on stop-motion video.

Find your potential as an animation artist and filmmaker within the creative industries.

The field of animation is growing and filled with opportunities. Our 2D + Experimental Animation program equips you for a fulfilling career as an artist, animator, narrative storyteller, and filmmaker.

What You Will Learn

Through traditional and digital drawing methods, students will learn everything they need to succeed as animation artists and filmmakers, with opportunities to experiment along the way. Our program prides itself on creative approaches to animation using a wide range of media, including the latest digital technologies, stop-motion, and motion graphics.

The program is designed to give you a thorough understanding of animation creativity and production.

You'll study all aspects of animation—from fundamental design principles and character development to storytelling, filmmaking, and advanced production techniques. You'll learn critical thinking skills, media theory and aesthetics, and the history of animation. You’ll also master the latest digital drawing techniques and animation software, and direct your own short films. Best of all, you'll be mentored by seasoned animation practitioners with contemporary skills and insights gained from the diverse cultural and entertainment sectors.

Our program is unique in its balance of critical learning and hands-on creating, starting with animation principles, technical skills, and organizational abilities through smaller projects. Next, students focus on conceptual grounding in cinematic language, partnered with skill development and larger self-directed or collaborative projects. The program culminates with advanced courses and a capstone project in fourth year, through creative and conceptual development, production, and post-production methods, ending in a final public exhibition.

With these stand-alone experiences and projects under your belt upon graduation, you'll be prepared to jump straight into your career in the creative animation industries.

"I have a hands-on approach to work and really enjoy the artistic stage of iteration within animation. At Emily Carr, I learnt to push myself and really experiment with new styles, mediums and techniques."

Tisha Deb Pillai

BMA Animation

Program Structure

Credits: 120
Year 1:
First-Year Foundation Studies
Year 2-4:
2D Animation courses and electives
Designation
: Bachelor of Media Arts, Majoring in 2D + Experimental Animation (BMA, 2D + Experimental Animation)
Faculty
: The Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media

For application information, including admission requirements, see Admissions.

Example Courses

  • ANIM 215: Storyboarding
  • ANIM 223: Character Design

  • 2DAN 303 | 313: Character Animation I & II

  • ANIM 300: Story & Structure for Animation

  • ANIM 345: Layout

  • ANIM 339: Experimental Animation

  • 2DAN 310: Creative Development for Animation Filmmaking

  • 2DAN 400 & 410: Senior Animation Production I & II

Students also have the opportunity to complete a Minor in Curatorial Studies, Art + Text, or Social Practice + Community Engagement.

Shops + Studios

2 D animation lightbox

Studio culture is at the heart of your educational experience at Emily Carr, as spaces where you can create, learn, collaborate, experiment, and play.

Animation students have access to our spacious and well-equipped Animation Studio, which offers access to industry-standard 2D, 3D and post-production software. You will also work in our stop-motion studios and editing suites, Film + Screen Arts Studio, and Sound Lab, among others.

Students may also access a wide variety of shops and studios on campus, such as the Soft Shop, Sculpture areas, Basically Good Media Lab, Integrated Motion Studio (motion capture), Digital Fabrication Lab, Mixed Reality Lab, and more.

Each space is maintained by expert technical staff who collaborate with faculty to provide students with instruction and guidance. Technical staff ensure safe and accessible working environments, provide individual project support, and lead instructional workshops to enhance your learning.

    Beyond the Classroom

    Meet Your Future Community

    MG 1899 FORWEB

    Edward Madojemu

    Breaking new ground in VR.

    Image 2

    Lia Fabre-Dimsdale

    Landing a prestigious internship with Atomic Cartoons.

    01

    Catelyne Ma

    Winning festival accolades with her animated short.

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