CapU’s School of Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX) offers career-oriented programs that are dedicated to inspiring and training a new generation of talent in the animation and visual effects industries.

Why study animation or visual effects at Capilano University?

The curriculum is rigorous and industry-focused; it is designed to feel like and prepare you for work in the field. You'll expand your skills, build an impressive portfolio and begin to build your network through our well attended grad show.

Our computer labs are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment for digital production, and you’ll learn the skills needed to produce original, high quality work that is in demand. Faculty are all industry professionals who take great pride in running one of the best schools in Canada.

Depending on which program you choose, you will improve your abilities in drawing, design for animation, lighting, composition, 2D layout and backgrounds, art direction, character design, storyboard art, environmental design, effects simulations, live action-CG integration, augmented reality-virtual reality and more.

CapU animation and visual effects graduates are working in a wide range of fields at many top digital production studios in Vancouver and around the world. Others have gone on to form their own companies or successful freelance careers.

While Vancouver is known for its work on features and series, our programs can also lead to careers in game cinematics, commercials, advertising firms, educational content, not-for-profits and other content creation services. For a look at our recent graduates, please visit CapU Gradshow.

Featured programs

Career paths

  • 2D / 3D builds artist
  • Animation director
  • Background painter
  • Character animator
  • Character/prop designer
  • Compositor
  • Concept, layout or storyboard artist
  • Effects artist
  • Environment artist
  • Hard surface modeler
  • Modelling and texture
  • Lighting artist
  • Production designer
  • Rigger
  • Rotoscope artist
  • Surface artist

About the School of AVFX

In the School of AVFX, we prepare students for success in the animation and visual effects industries.

You'll build your skills in drawing, design for animation, lighting, composition, 2D layout and backgrounds, art direction, character design, storyboard art, environmental design, effects simulations, live action-CG integration, augmented reality-virtual reality and more.

Show your portfolio at the AVFX Gradshow

Diploma programs in the School of AVFX culminate with the opportunity to showcase your skills and portfolio at our Gradshow, where you'll start building your personal industry network.

Employers locally and internationally are looking for CapU grads and the show is attended by industry leaders each year.

This event brings together graduates from all three of our diplomas, allowing students to showcase their talents and potentially get a head start on their careers.

For a look at work created by School of AVFX graduates, visit the CapU Gradshow.

Unreal Engine Authorized Training Partner

Unreal Engine Training Partner 2024 - 175 x 175The School of AVFX is an authorized Unreal Engine training partner.

The school also offers custom Unreal Engine workshops, designed to boost the skills of students, designers and developers in the world's most advanced real-time 3D creation tool, all facilitated by Unreal Authorized instructors.

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment

Student working at a drawing tablet.

Industry standard labs equipped with drawing tablets

Using high-end graphics workstations with advanced 2D and 3D animation software, you'll develop an eye for quality imagery, virtual environments and media while embracing your natural curiosity.