The Animation major at LCAD has been carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of the entertainment industry and to exceed the industry’s standards. In addition to teaching a mastery of digital technologies, such as Maya software and digital production systems, the LCAD Animation major is distinguished by requiring a solid grounding in traditional skills.

Largely inspired by Chuck Jones’ approach to animation, LCAD’s Animation program promotes the development of individual artistic skills and enhancing the creative imagination. Because animators are visual storytellers and use movement as a primary medium, the feature animator learns—often by acting—to observe humans and animals and to recreate their movements in a series of images that are dynamic and believable. Guest lecturers, mentors from the industry, and ACME Animation complement coursework by providing additional relevant insight.

As an Animation major, you will master the principles of hand-drawn animation as instructed by master animators. You will immerse yourself in industry-standard computer software and learn to translate your knowledge of hand-drawn animation to digital media. As a senior, you will choose a portfolio emphasis in one of the following areas of focus: Storyboarding, Visual Development, Character Design, Layout, Special Effects / Lighting / Modeling / Textures, Animation Reel, or Short Film.

You will be invited to demonstrate your skills and professionalism at an open house before representatives from the gaming, television, and animation industries. Graduates of our program have entered into positions at top studios such as Pixar and Nickelodeon, working on films such as Barnyard and Happy Feet.