Animation

The art of motion
KCAI’s award-winning animation department provides students with a comprehensive education in the history and practice of animation. We encourage our students to think and act critically in accordance with their unique creative practices and goals.
Majors receive intensive instruction in traditional, experimental and digital animation methodologies but one solution is never prioritized over another. Instead, our approach is multi-tiered and grounded on the theory that self-directed creative exploration, supported and guided by experienced mentors, results in well-rounded animation artists who display excellence upon graduation. To that end, our curriculum is prioritized into a suite of sequential courses with built-in synergies that develop the essential skills and work habits necessary for mastery. Senior animation students are offered a six credit studio each semester in which to design, manage and fully produce an animated work. This year-long project prepares students to confidently enter the field with experience, professional practice and a representative portfolio/body of work.
The animation department features technologically integrated classrooms and studios utilizing Google Fiber. Students work in environments designed to facilitate inspiration and to provide a variety of essential creative tools within reach.
“One of the biggest bonuses to our animation department is the wide range of projects that are possible and encouraged...”
Elizabeth DavisAnimation, 2016
Classes
Once you declare your major, animation students take the following core courses as they progress from sophomore to senior year. For additional electives and liberal arts courses, download the complete Course Catalog.

Sophomore
- Principles of Animation
- Digital Methods
- History of Animation
- Visual Communication
- Contemporary Animation History
Junior
- Explorations in Animation
- Ideas in Motion
Senior
- Senior Studio I
- Senior Studio II
- Professional Practice

Professional Practice
Professional practice is a compulsory component of the KCAI program in which students benefit enormously from insights provided by world-renowned visiting artists, scholars and professionals.

Technical Requirements
Current software applications being used include Adobe Creative Suite, Cinema 4D, Dragonframe and Shotgun.
Recommended systems/tools: 15” MacBook Pro with retina display (minimum) or PC w/Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Phenom II processor with Windows 8 or 8.1 and 64-bit support. Recommended add-ons: carrying case, min. 1TB external hard drive, mini display to VGA adapter and damage/theft insurance.

Jobs + Internships
Our graduates have gone on to work in many studios and production houses including: Disney, Warner Brothers, ShadowMachine, Titmouse, Stoopid Buddies, Digital Domain, Bill Plympton Studios, Hallmark, Bazillion and Nickelodeon. Additionally, many have gone on to pursue graduate studies at top colleges like Cal Arts, UCLA, SVA and UMKC.
Visiting Artists
Professional practice seminars are a compulsory part of the department and all three levels benefit from exposure and interaction with visiting artists and animation professionals who present lectures, demonstrations and engage with students one on one. The department has been honored to host many artists over the years including the following: John Canemaker, Suzan Pitt, Jorge Gutierrez, Sheila Sofian, Joanna Priestley, Phil Mulloy, Jeff Scher, Rob O’Neill, Laura Harrison, Nathan Fariss, Claudia Hart, Chris Sullivan, Corky Quakenbush, Bill Plympton, David Levy, Sarah De Gaudemar, Betsy Nofsinger
Awards
Student Academy Award, Multiple Emmys