Animation
Start a movement with motion.
Life is full of movement, and you’ll learn how to capture it in CCAD’s Animation program. Here, you’ll learn the latest in animation tools and techniques, including 2D, 3D and experimental forms (think claymation, stop-motion, or other forms of animation made with unexpected materials). That’s not all: You’ll also learn about creating motion graphics, digital modeling, and virtual reality. And you’ll make work using professional-grade tools and facilities, all with the support of our expert faculty.
You’ll also sharpen your creative skills through other activities, like CCAD Sketch, a one-of-a-kind program where we bring in animals for live-sketch sessions (like this one). The Animation Student Collective is where you’ll meet new friends and take your creativity to new places. And you won’t want to miss out on fun creative competitions like the worldwide 24-Hours Animation Contest for Students.
Recent employers
- Aardman Animations
- Aha Media
- Amazon Studios
- AXIS Studios
- Bartha
- Buck
- Cartuna
- Epipheo
- Final Pixel
- Framestore
- Hornet
- Illumination Entertainment
- Netflix
- Nickelodeon
- PIXEL Park
- Respawn Entertainment
- Riot Games
- The Shipyard
- Titmouse
- ZeniMax Media
Animation student work
Shell For Victory
Landon Shell
3D Sim
Khang Van
Demons Day Out
Eleanor Hauck
3D Modeling Character
Jonathan Young
Untitled
Joel Simon
Particles
Anastasia Smith
Experimental Animation
Jay Dickson
Sign Here
Gia Kornfeld
3D Lighting
Landon Shell
Color Script
Mollie Malizia
Abstract
Liv Jones
When We Are Home Again
Sophia Reza
Fishy Fishay
Riley Ellis
Shell For Victory
Landon Shell
2025
Digital Painting
Demons Day Out
Eleanor Hauck
2025
DragonFrame
3D Modeling Character
Jonathan Young
2025
Maya, Zbrush
Untitled
Joel Simon
2025
Maya, Unreal
Particles
Anastasia Smith
2024
Houdini
Experimental Animation
Jay Dickson
2023
Various Media, DragonFrame (Digital)
Sign Here
Gia Kornfeld
2025
Digital
3D Lighting
Landon Shell
2025
Maya, Unreal
Color Script
Mollie Malizia
2024
Digital
Abstract
Liv Jones
2023
Motion Graphics
When We Are Home Again
Sophia Reza
2023
Animation
Fishy Fishay
Riley Ellis
2025
Animation
Spaces to Make
Our campus has the tools and the spaces to help you make your vision real.
Faculty
Meet the people who will help you along your creative and professional journey.
Course Spotlight
Visual Development
Gain a better understanding of visual development for animation through a combination of exercises, workshops, demonstrations, film analysis, and critiques. You’ll learn practical, in-depth approaches to 2D, 3D, and experimental techniques in support of creating production-ready materials that tell your story.
Animation First Year Experience
Academic Year
Freshman Year - Fall
| Course Title |
|---|
| 2D Creative Practice |
| Systems of Drawing |
| Collaboration |
| Mod Contemporary or Historical Art History |
| Writing and the Arts |
Freshman Year - Spring
| Course Title |
|---|
| Intro to Animation |
| Drawing for Entertainment Design |
| 3D Making with Care |
| History of Animation |
| Liberal Arts Self and Society Course |
Animation Careers
Animation majors often end up with one of the following roles after graduation:
- Architectural visualization producer
- Augmented reality designer
- Character animator for feature films
- Effect house animator
- Game artist
- Live theater effects designer
ALUMNI STORIES
Mission-driven media company Aha Media and CCAD have partnered to develop coursework that prepares students for creative careers. Students collaborate with animation studio professionals, providing real production support on a film and earning production credit. This hands-on experience equips students with skills necessary for creative careers.
Meera Ralhan (Animation, 2024) debuts capstone film Nanis’ Kitchen, which explores the connections–and conflicts between generations when it comes to culinary cultural traditions.
