Bachelor in Character Animation (BFA)

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

The Bachelor in Character Animation program at California Institute of the Arts is a four-year degree for students who want to develop their skills in animation. This program provides an intensive curriculum that covers life drawing, color and design, storytelling, and character animation. Students graduate with a professional-caliber portfolio and experience in traditional and CG animation.

The curriculum includes courses in life drawing, color and design, storytelling, and character animation. Students also attend lectures, demonstrations, and screenings as part of a visiting artist series, featuring noted animators and filmmakers. This approach helps students develop their skills in animation and storytelling.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Character Animators, Storyboard Artists, Visual Effects Artists, Animation Directors, or Comic Book Artists. They can work in industries such as film, television, or video games, and can be employed by organizations like animation studios, production companies, or game development companies.