Introduction to Digital Arts — Certificate (VANAS)

Curious about a career in Animation, Visual Effects, or Video Games but not sure where to start? VANAS’ Introduction to Digital Arts certificate is a hands‑on, three‑month program designed to give beginners a practical tour of creative roles and the skills studios use every day.

This course is taught live online in small classes, with a schedule built for busy learners: short weekly lessons, mentor‑led support sessions, and regular milestone assignments that push you to create, iterate, and learn by doing.

What you’ll learn

• Industry roles: clear, practical overviews of Concept Art, 3D Modeling, 2D & 3D Animation, and Visual Effects so you can decide where to specialize.
• Hands‑on practice: weekly assignments and milestones that build a small but meaningful body of work.
• Workflow awareness: how projects pass between concept, modeling, animation and VFX, and what each role contributes to a production pipeline.
• Tools and terminology: an introduction to common software and the technical vocabulary employers expect.

By the end of the program students who pass with at least a B‑ (73%) are eligible for admission into their chosen VANAS diploma program, giving a direct bridge from exploration to deeper study.

Who this course is for

• Complete beginners with a creative interest — no portfolio required. The course is intentionally accessible to the general public.
• Learners aged 15+ (parental consent required if under 19).
• Creative‑first students: recommended profile is ~70% creative ability, 30% technical ability — we teach the technical skills you’ll need.

Format & time commitment

• Duration: 3 months (12 total program hours per term; the program runs across 3 terms)
• Weekly workload: ~20 hours per week including homework and project work
• Class schedule (Pacific Time): Saturday 9:30 AM; Wednesday 12:00 PM

Delivery and meeting rhythm:

• 1 × live class per week (1 hour)
• 1 × live support class per week (1 hour)
• 1 × live homework class per week (30 minutes)
• Daily student networking session (1 hour)

Attendance is mandatory and webcams must be on for live sessions — this ensures active participation and real‑time feedback from instructors and peers.

Assessment & admission standards

• Assessment: weekly assignments, milestones and instructor reviews. Prospective students must also pass a general application assessment testing computer and internet knowledge, and English reading/writing skills.
• English proficiency: courses are taught in English; students should be able to read, write, listen and speak at a functional level to fully benefit.
• Outcome: this certificate is introductory and does not guarantee employment. Successful students (B‑ or higher) can apply into their VANAS diploma of interest.

Student experience & workload

Expect structured weekly tasks and clear deadlines. Typical students spend about 20 hours per week on course activities; small class sizes allow instructors to give personal feedback and targeted guidance.

The course balances active instruction with studio‑style practice: short demonstrations, followed by hands‑on exercises and coach reviews so students learn both technique and creative thinking.

Why take this course at VANAS?

• Live online, mentor‑driven learning that mirrors studio feedback cycles.
• A direct academic pathway: pass with a B‑ (73%) and move into a diploma program.
• Small classes and mandatory participation create a focused, collaborative environment.
• Practical orientation: the curriculum emphasizes real tasks studios expect — concept, modeling, animation basics and VFX introductions — not just theory.

How to apply

1. Complete the online application and general assessment (computer, internet, English reading and writing).
2. Confirm availability for scheduled class times and weekly workload.
3. Enroll and prepare to participate live — webcams required.