2D ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION

Bring your drawings to life with a full-time, studio-style program that blends traditional art skills, digital illustration, and 2D animation. Build a polished portfolio using Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Creative Cloud, and industry production pipelines. Ideal for artists, storytellers, and anyone ready to turn their creativity into a visual career.

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OVERVIEW

Next Start Date: September 8, 2026 (Late Registration Available)
Spots Remaining: 2
Intakes: Every Fall and Spring
Delivery Mode:  Full-time; In-Person Classes
Duration: 7.5 Months (30 Weeks); 1,125 Hours
Tuition: $21,995 CAD

Pixel Blue College’s 2D Animation & Illustration Diploma Program is a comprehensive exploration of the art of visual storytelling. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, concept artist, or illustrator, this project-based program gives you the hands-on training to turn your passion into a profession. From traditional drawing to digital rigging, you’ll explore every step of the animation and illustration pipeline while building a portfolio that reflects your personal voice and technical skill. 

Students gain a strong introduction and deep dive into vector-based design, a skill increasingly in demand across digital and web-based platforms. Instruction is led by working professionals who bring current industry tools, trends, and processes into the classroom.

With mentorship from working professionals and small class sizes that support focused learning, this immersive 30-week program is designed to help you grow creatively and professionally. Instruction is led by working professionals who bring current industry tools, trends, and processes into the classroom—offering real-world insight. You’ll complete real-world projects, develop a professional website portfolio, and graduate with the confidence to enter the 2D industry or continue freelancing. Pixel Blue is proud to be the only Toon Boom Authorized Training Centre affiliate in Western Canada.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
THE VISUAL STORYTELLING FRAMEWORK
TOOLS AND SOFTWARE USED
TUITION COSTS
CLICK TO APPLY NOW

 

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"Pixel Blue is about creating. Creating art, yes, but also friendships, powerful connections, and so much more."

 

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CURRICULUM

1. DRAWING & DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS
2. ILLUSTRATION
3. ANIMATION FOUNDATIONS
4. ANIMATION PRODUCTION
5. PORTFOLIO & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Pixel blue College is a designated Toon Boom Advanced Training Centre (ATC), emphasizing our commitment to delivering the highest-level of 2D Animation & Illustration education.

As an ATC, we are recognized for providing unparalleled education in the industry's leading 2D animation software, Harmony and Storyboard Pro. Our comprehensive animation program caters to professionals in various creative domains, such as television, film, gaming, and advertising. The ATC certification guarantees that our students receive training in the most up-to-date techniques and best practices utilizing Toon Boom software.

JOIN OUR ONLINE INFO SESSION!

Learn more about our Digital Arts and Media Diploma Programs and chat with our instructors to see if Pixel Blue College is the right fit for you. Click on the link below to sign up!

CLICK TO SIGN UP NOW

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Pixel Blue College’s 2D Animation & Illustration Diploma prepares you for a career in both visual storytelling and commercial illustration. Whether your goal is to work on animated films, build an independent comic brand, design characters and props for games, or become a grant-funded creator, this program gives you the training, portfolio, and confidence to pursue meaningful work across creative industries.

You’ll graduate with a portfolio of animation and illustration projects, a portfolio website, and a deep understanding of your strengths as a visual storyteller. Our program combines traditional drawing with digital production, providing a foundation that’s adaptable to studio pipelines, freelance projects, and self-directed opportunities.

ANIMATION CAREERS
ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
CONTENT CREATION & DIGITAL MEDIA
FREELANCE & INDEPENDENT CAREERS
OTHER CAREERS
CLICK TO APPLY NOW

 

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YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE.

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FEATURED ALUMNI

HUNTER MURRAY

Digital Designer,
West Edmonton Mall

STORY
Before enrolling at Pixel Blue, Hunter Murray had a deep passion for drawing but wasn’t sure how to turn it into a career. Through the 2D Animation & Illustration program, he gained hands-on skills in character design, storyboarding, and digital illustration that transformed his creativity into professional expertise. Hunter applied these skills and now works as a Digital Production Designer and Illustrator for West Edmonton Mall’s Galaxyland, powered by Hasbro—bringing characters and experiences to life for thousands of visitors.


STUDENT EXPERIENCE
“The 2D Animation & Illustration program taught me everything from character design and expression sheets to storyboarding, animation, and digital illustration techniques. The hands-on projects gave me real experience bringing characters and scenes to life. The mentorship from the instructors helped me refine my workflow and creative problem-solving. As a Digital Production Designer and Illustrator for Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall, I use those skills every day to create engaging experiences for visitors.”

BRIANNA ROSE

Assistant Gallery Curator, Freelance Artist

STORY
Before Pixel Blue Brianna was working as a part-time receptionist at a tattoo shop, slowly easing into a mentorship under the owners. However, once the opportunity to move from Prince George BC, to Edmonton, and to attend college came into view, she jumped ship and made the big move.


STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"My time at Pixel Blue was amazing. Though older than most of my classmates, I felt like it was easier to learn and connect with Scott, Buck and Tony as well as help mentor my classmates (while also learning so much from them in return!). Pixel Blue is about creating. Creating art, yes, but also friendships, powerful connections, and so much more."

CHRISTOPHER TWIN

Illustrator and Cartoonist

STORY
Before coming to Pixel Blue Christopher had taken the Fine Art program at Grant MacEwan. He had done a few illustration and cartooning jobs and wanted to find a program more focused on those skills. He found the the projects and environment at Pixel Blue to be great at simulating actual jobs to prepare the students. Although he already had an art background he learned many new things from the instructors. He is now working on his second graphic novel while doing freelance work.


STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"Pixel Blue gives a great entry point into many creative fields."

STUDENT WORK

Browse through some of the work from our past 2D Animation & Illustration students.

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INSTRUCTORS

SCOTT CARMICHAEL

Senior Illustration Instructor

Scott Carmichael is a senior illustration instructor at Pixel Blue College and a highly respected illustrator, concept artist, and arts educator based in Edmonton. With over 15 years of professional experience, Scott brings a rich blend of industry knowledge, creative mentorship, and drawing skill to the classroom. His diverse portfolio includes editorial illustration, video game art, backgrounds for animation, board games, apps, and large-scale mural work.

Before joining Pixel Blue, Scott built a successful career in the video game industry, where he art directed the award-winning titles Super Motherload and The Low Road. Both games received international distribution and recognition, earning accolades such as “Best Gaming Experience” and “Best Character Design.” His editorial illustrations have been published across Canada and acknowledged by the National Magazine Awards and Alberta Magazine Awards.

Scott’s visual style balances nostalgic charm with contemporary themes, often exploring how both rural and urban communities are portrayed through art. As a mentor, he encourages students to develop their voices while honing professional-level skills through digital illustration workflows. His classes are known for their warmth, humour, and technical rigour.

When he’s not teaching or freelancing, Scott continues to grow his personal and commercial practice through ongoing collaborations, commissions, and independent projects.

TONY GRILLO

Senior 2D Animation Instructor

Tony Grillo is the senior 2D animation instructor at Pixel Blue College, bringing more than 20 years of experience in professional animation, storytelling, and creative direction. Known for his mentorship-first approach, Tony specializes in helping students transform foundational drawing and animation skills into industry-ready portfolios and demo reels.

Based in Amsterdam and originally from North America, Tony has worked across studios in the U.S., Canada, and Europe on a wide range of animated series, films, and commercial projects. His career includes credits as an animator, director, and storyboard artist, as well as leading creative teams through the whole animation pipeline—from concept to final frame. He has a deep passion for traditional animation principles and loves blending classic techniques with modern tools like Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe After Effects.

At Pixel Blue, Tony teaches both in-person and remote classes, using a project-based structure that emphasizes storytelling, character performance, and professional workflow. Students appreciate his direct, supportive feedback and his ability to break down complex animation challenges into clear, achievable steps.

Whether he's guiding a storyboard critique or demonstrating lip sync techniques, Tony creates a dynamic studio-like environment where students are challenged to grow and encouraged to experiment. His classes are infused with international insight, technical mastery, and a deep respect for the craft of animation.

BUCK KOHL

2D Animation Instructor

Buchanan “Buck” Kohl is a 2D animation instructor at Pixel Blue College known for his sharp storytelling instincts, high-energy teaching style, and deep commitment to student mentorship. With a background in independent animation, short films, and collaborative projects, Buck brings a dynamic blend of technical expertise and creative exploration into the classroom.

Buck’s work as an animator spans narrative-driven shorts, cut-out animations, and experimental formats that challenge convention while staying grounded in the fundamentals. A passionate advocate for the power of visual storytelling, Buck helps students develop their own artistic voice while mastering industry-standard tools like Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe Creative Cloud.

At Pixel Blue, Buck leads core animation blocks and supports students throughout their portfolio development, group projects, and final demo reels. He’s especially known for pushing students to think beyond the frame—encouraging them to dig into character, emotion, and timing to elevate their animation work.

Whether guiding a storyboard jam or a three-day production sprint, Buck creates an inclusive, hands-on learning environment that mirrors the intensity and collaboration of a real-world animation studio. His teaching blends critique, creative freedom, and a whole lot of laughter—making him a student favorite year after year.

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FAQS

Below are some frequently asked questions about our 2D Animation & Illustration program. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.

DO I NEED PREVIOUS DRAWING OR ANIMATION EXPERIENCE?
IS THIS PROGRAM FOCUSED ON ANIMATION, ILLUSTRATION, OR BOTH?
WHY CHOOSE PIXEL BLUE FOR 2D ANIMATION AND ILLUSTRATION?
WHAT SOFTWARE AND TOOLS WILL I USE?
HOW IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURED?
CAN I BUILD A FREELANCE CAREER WITH THIS DIPLOMA?
CLICK TO APPLY NOW

 

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YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE. YOUR FUTURE CAREER STARTS HERE.

 

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ADMISSION & APPLICATIONS

At Pixel Blue College, great illustrators, animators, and artists come from diverse backgrounds. Whether you're just finishing high school or returning to school after a time in the workforce, our admissions process is designed to be accessible while ensuring students are well-prepared for the creative and technical demands of the program.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

STANDARD ADMISSION
MATURE STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

HOW TO APPLY

1. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM
2. SUBMIT SAMPLE CREATIVE WORK

JOIN OUR ONLINE INFO SESSION!

Learn more about our Digital Arts and Media Diploma Programs and chat with our instructors to see if Pixel Blue College is the right fit for you. Click on the link below to sign up!

CLICK TO SIGN UP NOW

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GET STARTED

Whether you’re ready to apply, want to learn more, or prefer to explore the campus in person, we’ve made it easy for you to get started.

APPLY NOW
SIGN UP FOR OUR INFO SESSION
BOOK A TOUR

 

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