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Course Description

Designed for experienced artists interested in professions and college programs in animation, High-Touch Animation gives students the opportunity to work one-on-one with CalArts faculty to improve foundational skills, develop an understanding of their creative goals, and find a pathway to advance artistically and professionally. Modeled in the spirit of our very popular on-campus programs, High-Touch Animation is designed to deliver the same high-quality, interpersonal experience without traveling to campus.

In order to fully participate and be successful in the class, you will need to have access to specific materials. If you already have any of the general supplies listed, you may use what you have. Links are provided for specific required items. You must purchase the exact item listed, but are welcome to purchase it from your seller of choice. 

During this 6-week online program, students earn 4 CalArts credits studying Drawing, Design, and Story under the guidance of faculty who are seasoned professionals. Through workshops, projects, and regular discussion, students advance foundational skills while enriching their portfolio and receiving creative mentorship in a supportive and constructive learning environment.

In workshops, faculty will observe students at work and have private discussions with them during the session; projects will be completed outside of class and submitted to our virtual classroom for live critique. While there is a great deal of independent work allowing for schedule flexibility, students are expected to attend classes that take place in real-time (Pacific).

In the last week of the program—to synthesize six weeks of skill building and personal mentorship—each student will meet with the teaching team for a final mentor session. This is an amazing opportunity to prepare and present your work, and gain the insight and guidance needed to achieve your animation goals.

Here is an idea of what a typical week will look like:

A sample schedule for High-Touch animation that reads: Monday: Story Live Class Advance visual storytelling skills while enriching your portfolio.  Tuesday:  Design & Drawing Live Class Advance design and drawing skills while enriching your portfolio.  Wednesday:  Creative Mentorship Live 1-on-1 Sessions Talk face to face with Robert Lence and Linda Dorn to get personalized feedback.    Thursday:  Story Live Class Advance visual storytelling skills while enriching your portfolio.  Friday:  Design & Drawing Live Class Advance design and drawing skills while enriching your portfolio.

Application Instructions

Enrollment in High-Touch Animation is based on submission of the online application form and the review of:

  • A 1-2 minute video statement addressing the following: 

    • What film has most inspired you to want to be an animator?
    • What artist is your animation role model?
    • What do you hope to gain from being in this program?
  • 5 digital images of original artwork, consisting of:
    • 3 life drawings of people or animals (not from photographs)
    • 1 self-portrait (from looking in a mirror; not from a photograph)
    • 1 character design

Applications must be accompanied by a $25 fee.

Prerequisites

Open to artists aged 17 and up who will have completed high school by the course start date.

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Section Title
High-Touch Animation: Drawing, Design & Story
Type
Online
Dates
Jul 07, 2025 to Aug 15, 2025
Delivery Options
Online-Synchronous  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition credit (4 units) $4,080.00 or $500.00 deposit Click here to get more information
Section Fees
Adobe Creative Cloud $250.00 Optional
Available for Credit
4 units
Section Notes

Click here to view a sample syllabus for High-Touch Animation.

Application Deadline: June 24th, 2025.

THIS COURSE IS ACCESSED THROUGH CANVAS

The Canvas platform provides an instructor-led learning experience. These class sizes are small to facilitate discussion and engagement with your instructor and other students. You have access to recorded content from CalArts instructors and may complete the course work at your own pace with set deadlines. The instructor is available in live sessions to answer your questions and provide individualized feedback on assignments.

Most Canvas online courses qualify towards a CalArts Certificate.