Chicago’s Top Animation & VFX Hub!

Learn more about Columbia College Chicago’s thriving animation and vfx programs.

We had a chance to catch up with Joseph Cancellaro, chair of Interactive Arts and Media department at Columbia College Chicago about the school’s popular animation programs. Here is what he told us: animation and game art developmental spaces. They are actively working in the industry and bring this knowledge back to the classroom. Particularly important are the professional expectations presented to the students, better preparing them for employment in this highly competitive field.

Can you tell our readers a bit about your school’s animation and vfx programs?

Joseph Cancellero: The Animation program offers three options for degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in either Computer Animation or Traditional Animation. The Animation BA interests those who want to explore multiple animation techniques (hand-drawn, stop-motion, computer, experimental) and take on a minor or second major. The BFA allows specialization within an area of animation interest and you’ll complete two animated films by your final year.

2000s. Originally it was housed in the Film Department, eventually finding great success when it transferred to the Interactive Arts and Media Department in 2013.

What are some of the popular courses students can take at Columbia College Chicago?

What kind of assistance do you offer students in terms of finding employment after school?

The Interactive Arts and Media Department works closely with the Career Center at Columbia College Chicago in building internships that have the potential to lead to employment. Over the years, Columbia animation students and graduates have participated in internships at such companies as Sony Pictures Animation, Jellyvision, and Disney Television Animation. We also hold an Industry Night in the department that al-

The VFX program introduces students to the principles of VFX in cinema and games. The program is now, in conjunction with the Cinema and Televisions Arts department, building pipelines and pathways for a Virtual Production degree which includes VFX as well as many other aspects of authoring media content.

When was the program established? The program was established in the early

The Animation program offers a wide range of courses to help the student acclimate to both team and individual production environments. Popular courses include Storyboarding for Animation, Motion Graphics, Cartooning, Environmental Design & Modeling, and our capstone experience Animation Production Studio.

Can you please tell us a bit about your faculty?

The Animation faculty in the Interactive Arts and Media Department all have extensive professional experience in both the linear lows students to present their work and get hired on the spot.

What is your best advice for future applicants who would like to study animation and vfx arts at Columbia College Chicago? Come open-minded and prepared to immerse yourself fully in developing and elevating animation skills. ◆

For more info, visit colum.edu/iam