Foundation Visual Art & Design Program

Build a foundation in traditional art techniques combined with training in modern visual media.

Creative Economy

VFS’s signature programs and facilities are at the heart of a creative economy worth $3.4 billion in B.C. alone. From film production and 3D animation to game, digital, and VR/AR design, VFS is shaping the entertainment and media industries’ transformation. In 2019, VFS alumni were credited on 17 of the 20 highest grossing films and on 6 of the 10 best-selling video games worldwide, in a global industry set to generate US$2.3 trillion in revenues in 2020.

Alumni Success

Vancouver Film School grads are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in the entire entertainment and creative arts industries. You will find our alumni working all over the globe, pushing boundaries, discovering new frontiers, winning all kinds of awards and honours, and leading today’s creative economy.

Poster highlighting credits by Vancouver Film School students.

Image featuring industry projects worked on by VFS program graduates.

Image highlighting film & TV credits from VFS program alumni.

Image showcasing film, TV, & game projects worked on by VFS program graduates.

Image showcasing credits by Vancouver Film School students.

A VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design Education

In 12 months you will graduate with:

A diploma in Foundation Visual Art & Design
A portfolio showcasing your work
Access to the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board
Industry connections that will help guide your career

Foundation Visual Art & Design
Program Overview

Term 01

Explore 2D composition while investigating histories of art, ideas, media and filmmaking, with an emphasis on documentaries.

Term 02

Delve into the psychology of art and media history alongside classes that introduce design concepts, and develop your writing and drawing skills.

Term 03

Apply media production principles in motion graphics, and animation.

Term 04

Complete a personal project that draws upon the creative skills you’ve developed in previous terms.

Term 05

Define concept development and fully commit to the creation of your final project.

Term 06

Complete your final project and assemble your portfolio, or show reel to prepare for graduation.

See Full Course Description View Faculty

Specializations

In the final months of the Foundation program, students select one of three specializations. They will conceptualize, pitch and produce a key portfolio project to showcase skills specific to the next steps of their education or career. There are numerous project types available to students to choose from including animated shorts, narrative or documentary short films, cinematography reels, concept art packages, web/app design, and game design. Each specialization includes advanced curriculum and mentorship by instructors and industry professionals.

Animation

Film

Design

Admissions Info

To make sure you have accurate admissions information please select your region based on country of citizenship.

Tuition

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Start Dates

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Requirements

You will be asked to submit one of the following along with your application. Your advisor can help with selecting the best option.

There are no program-specific entrance requirements.

The Foundation Visual Art & Design program is ideal for those needing to develop a portfolio required to enter one of VFS's professional programs, or for those that enjoy more than one entertainment arts discipline and are unsure of what they wish to pursue as a career. There are no program-specific entrance requirements.

For more about language requirements and other information for international students, visit the International Students page.

Student Work

While training at VFS, students are immersed in the entertainment and creative arts industry, and spend a lot of hands-on time creating professional-quality work. And, nothing is a greater testament to the incomparable industry resources and career preparation that define VFS’s education model, than the top quality work our students produce. Here, a portfolio of outstanding work is just the beginning. Just take a look.

Warbot

Created by Eric McDonald

Our Time at the Park

Created by Antonio Cortes

A Knight to Remember

Created by Liam Gordon

Industry Partners

VFS doesn’t just teach you about the industry, it IS the industry. With veteran instructors, mentors and an education Advisory Board recruited straight from the professional world, we are able to constantly update our award-winning curriculum to keep up with an ever-evolving industry. Plus, students also have lots of opportunities to connect and network with industry leaders during special workshop sessions, training presentations, and industry social events hosted by VFS.

Campus Life

Your year inside Foundation Visual Art & Design will put you in close contact with students in a host of other VFS programs, from animators and filmmakers to designers and actors. This downtown training facility features near round-the-clock access to computers, work space, and production resources. You'll also be surrounded by the city's best cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions – not to mention some of the leading animation studios, film productions, and design agencies.

Foundation Visual Art & Design Program FAQs

We're here to help you submit an application that best reflects your abilities, and gives you the best chance of being accepted. We've helped thousands of people complete a single year at VFS by answering questions like these:

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View Foundation Visual Art & Design

You know you’re creative, but you’re not sure where to get started? Explore visual media, screenwriting, drawing, filmmaking, animation, design, acting, and more. Discover what you can do in just one year.

Learn How

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