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What are the top animation training programs in Spain?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Animum Creativity Advanced School | Malaga |
| 2 | Trazos School of Digital Arts | Madrid |
| 3 | FX Animation | Barcelona |
| 4 | Lightbox Academy | Madrid |
| 5 | 9Zeros - Escola de Cinema de Barcelona | Barcelona |
| 6 | Universal Arts School | Valencia |
| 7 | ESCAC | Barcelona |
| 8 | Pepe School Land | Barcelona |
| 9 | L'idem Barcelona | Barcelona |
| 10 | ESDIP Escuela de Arte | Madrid |
Our 2024 rankings of the top animation training programs in Spain.
For this ranking we only consider professional training programs, that is, non-degree programs such as certificate, diploma, and similar programs that are not formal 4-year bachelor's degrees. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
1. Animum Creativity Advanced School, Malaga, Spain
Animum Creativity Advanced School (Animum) provides an endless number of flexible programs and courses for artists looking to pursue a career in animation. Examples of “master” programs include 3D Animations, Games, and Interactive Environments; Digital Drawing and 2D Animation; Animation of 3D Characters; 3D Character Modeling; Rigging and 3D Animation; and Concept Art of Characters.
Examples of shorter programs include Animation for Video Games (nine months); 3D Character Animation for Video Games (nine months); Advanced 3D Character Rigging (six months); Cartoon Animation (three-months); and Fundamentals of 2D Animation (course, 30 hours).
Across programs, students will use industry-standard software to work on classroom projects and films for their professional portfolios. Software includes Autodesk Maya, Unity, Adobe Photoshop and Substance 3D Painter, Zbrush, Nuke, and Marmoset. In addition, all Animum students will benefit from tutors and guest speakers who work at major studios such as Disney, Sony Pictures, Gameloft, and Weta FX.
Graduates of Animum Creativity Advanced School will have the opportunity to promote their professional portfolios or reels to major studios, companies, and agencies in Malaga and around the world. With an 80% job placement rate, Animum alumni have established careers at animation studios, game design companies, VFX studios, creative firms, and motion graphics production studios.
Top studios such as Framestore and Illumination Studio Paris often hire Animum graduates. Framestore has locations Los Angeles, New York, Mumbai, Chicago, London, Vancouver, Melbourne, and Montreal. Animum alumni have also been hired at places such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Ubisoft, Skydance Animation, Disney Animation Studios, MPC, Digital Domain, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, and Jellyfish Pictures.
Founded in 2002, Animum Creativity Advanced School provides Art and Design, 3D Production, and Postproduction training programs. Curriculums are focused on the animated film, live action film, and video game industries. Each year, this postgraduate institution serves more than 500 professionals from all over Spain and Latin America. Since 2022, Animum has been a member of AD Education. This international training group consists of more than 20 European schools focused in the fields of design, animation, and video games, among others. Animum Creativity Advanced School is also certified by Autodesk, Houdini, and Adobe.
2. Trazos School of Digital Arts, Madrid, Spain
Trazos School of Digital Arts (Trazos) is the first school of its kind in Spain. This Houdini, Toon Boom, and Apple Authorized Training Center has programs for individuals seeking a career in animation or single courses for established professionals looking specialize in an additional tool or area. Examples of single courses include Adobe After Effects; Cinema 4D; Nuke X; DaVinci Resolve; Premiere; ZBrush; Unreal Engine; Maya; Illustrator; 3ds Max; Framer; and InDesign.
Examples of professional training programs include 2D Animation; 3D Animation; Illustration; Visual Effects; Composition; Concept Art; 3D Production; Digital Art; Motion Graphics; and Digital Design. Students can complete a Trazos PT program in two to three years (to receive a “higher degree”) or between five and 10 months (to receive a “masters”). Courses are 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 hours.
All programs feature small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art facilities that function like professional studios; personal studio spaces; project-based learning; courses taught by industry professionals; and the opportunity to produce a number of animated productions, including a final industry-ready film. Trazos students also benefit from the school’s numerous partnerships with Autodesk, Unreal, Unity, Pixar Renderman, Nuke, The Foundry, HP, Pixologic, V-Ray, and Wacom.
Trazos graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles across industries such as entertainment, games, advertising and marketing, fine art, and education. Trazos alumni have been hired at places such as Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Autodesk Training Centers, Y&R, and Adecco. Animation graduates have also been hired at studios in Spain and around the world.
Trazos School of Digital Arts launched in 1990 as the first school of digital arts in Spain. When it opened, the school provided a Photoshop course in a small office in Madrid. Since then, Trazos has trained more than 15,000 students for careers in animation, motion graphics, visual effects, game design, digital production, graphic design, UX/UI design, web development, and more. Programs lead to a “higher degree,” “master,” “expert master,” or certificate of completion.
3. FX Animation, Barcelona, Spain
FX Animation provides a number of paths to study animation. Options include Certified FX degrees in Character and Creature Animation, Modeling and Concept Art, and 2D and 3D Animation; and Higher Master programs in 2D Animation and 3D Cartoon Animation.
Features across programs include small class sizes (up to 15 students); partnerships with companies such as ASUS, HP, Wacom, Polford, and 22 Barcelona; access to state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, labs, studios, and technical classrooms; and the opportunity to complete one or more internships. FX Animation students have interned at studios such as El Ranchito, Digital Legends, Scarecrow Studio, The Game Forge, Entropy Studio, Deluxe, Music Has No Limits, and B-Water Animation Studios.
Students in the Certified FX degree programs will master industry-standard software such as Maya, Mudbox, MotionBuilder, Unreal Engine, Sketchbook, Zbrush, Painter, Alchemist, Blender, and Photoshop. Programs are delivered in a module format. For example, the Character and Creature Animation program include modules such as 3D Advanced Character Animation; Realistic Animal Animation; FXExperience; Fantastic Creatures Animation; Animation Film Production; and CGI.
Modeling and Concept Art students will compete modules such as Digital Drawing and Painting; 3D Techniques; FXExperience; Concept Art; 3D Advanced Techniques; Preproduction and Production in Concept Art; and Training in Companies (250-hour internship). Students in this program will work in teams to complete several projects. Programs culminate with a final project (industry-ready film), a professional demo reel, and portfolio.
Higher Master students will master industry-standard tools and software such as Maya, Mudbox, TVPaint, Sketchbook, and MotionBuilder. All FX Animation students also benefit from intense training in other industry-standard tools and software such as Houdini, Nuke, Avid, LightWave, Premier Pro, V-Ray, 3ds Max, After Effects, DaVinci, Cinema 4D, RailClone, Mari, SynthEyes, Cara VR, Forest Pack, and Pro Tools.
Higher Master programs explore everything from the 12 principles of Animation to cartooning and illustration to advanced creature animation. Students will graduate with an industry-ready film, demo reel, and portfolio.
FX Animation has a near perfect 99% job placement rate, with graduates landing positions at more than 800 companies in Europe and around the world. Examples include DreamWorks, Disney, Gameloft, DNEG, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Ubisoft, MPC, Framestore, Method Studios, Mikros Animation, BMW, Technicolor, Digital Legends Entertainment, Cubica VFX, Volkawagen, Ilion Animation Studios, El Ranchito, Zinkia, Hampa Animation Studio, Warhorse, Digital Legends Entertainment, Mediapro, Arx Anima Animation Studfio, Gestmusic, and 3 Doubles Productions.
Established in 2007, FX Animation provides training in 3D Animation and Film. Programs are led by more than 40 professionals with expertise in animation, filmmaking, and education. FX Animation serves approximately 300 students. FX Animation is SideFX Certified.
4. Lightbox Academy, Madrid, Spain
Lightbox Academy (Lightbox) is the only school in Spain founded by a major animation studio. The school is also accredited by Erasmus—the EU’s program to support education and training in Europe. Other Lightbox features include participation in events, workshops, and masterclasses; access to an extensive job and internship bank of more than 500 companies and institutions; and the opportunity to create animated, visual effects (VFX), and other productions.
For students looking to pursue a career in animation, Lightbox Academy has a number of flexible programs lasting anywhere from five months to 2.5 years. Options include the Double Master in Animation; 3D Animation for Cinema Master; 2D Animation Higher Master; 3D Animation Higher Master; Advanced 2D Animation Master; Advanced Animation Master; 2D Animation Master; and the Animation Master.
Students in all programs will work and learn in state-of-the-art classrooms and studios equipped with the latest industry software and tools. All programs culminate with an industry-ready project and portfolio of the student's best work.
Around 95% of Lightbox Academy graduates find employment in the entertainment industry shortly after graduation. Alumni can be found at major companies and studios in Europe and around the world.
Lightbox Academy is the learning institution of Lightbox Animation Studios—one of the top animation studios in Spain. This digital arts school employs a team of active professionals with at least 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Areas of specialization include animation, illustration, visual effects (VFX), motion graphics, video games, graphic design, and web design. Lightbox Academy training programs lead to direct employment in the entertainment industry.
5. 9Zeros - Escola de Cinema de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
9Zeros - Escola de Cinema de Barcelona (9Zeros/ECIB) is in one of the only institutions in Europe that integrates all aspects of film in its training programs. For animators, the school has degree programs, courses, and workshops in the following categories: 2D Animation; 3D Animation, Concept Art, and Stop-Motion Animation.
With a focus on cartoon animation, 2D Animation options include the Master in Animation and 2D Realization, and the 2D Animation Initiation course. 3D options focus on developing skills that can be applied to the film, animation, video game, and advertising industries. Programs include Master in Character Animation, Generalist 3D Animation, and 3D Modeling and ZBrush; the Animation course in Autodesk Maya; and the Intensive Introductory course in 3D Modeling and ZBrush.
For Concept Art, 9Zeroes/ECIB has a Master in Concept Art and Character Design that focuses on concept art for the animation, video game, and live action industries. Stop-Motion programs include the Master in Stop-Motion Animation and Production, and the Stop-Motion Animation Workshop. The 9Zeros/ECIB Stop-Motion Master is the oldest program of its kind in Spain and the only master’s degree in the country to help several students land positions at stop-motion animation studio Aardman Animations.
Across programs, features include state-of-the-art production facilities, labs, and classrooms; collaborative projects; both module and course learning formats; the chance to enter projects in dozens of national and international film festivals; and career guidance through 9Zeroes own production studio. Sample modules and courses across programs include Body Mechanics and Pantomime; Digital Animation; 2D Animation; Storyboard; Drawing (visual development); Character Design and Manufacturing; Script; Scenography; Stop-Motion Animation; Production; Acting; Concept Art; Rigging; UVS and Textures; Modeling; Development of the 9ECTS Project; and Polishing the Demo Reel.
Graduates of the animation programs at 9Zeros/ECIB have gone on to land positions at major studios such as Pixar, DNEG, Weta Digital, Lightbox Animation Studios, and Aardman Animations. 9Zeros graduates have worked on productions such as Brave, The Hunger Games, X-Men: Apocalypse, The Chronicles of Narnia, Cars 3, The Jungle Book, and Inside Out.
Since 2015, Escola de Cinema de Barcelona has incorporated the 9Zeroes Training Program into its curriculums. Founded in 1995, this private school serves hundreds of students from Spain and several other countries. Escola de Cinema de Barcelona is associated with the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic) and Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC).
6. Universal Arts School, Valencia, Spain
Universal Arts School (UArts) has an animation program with six pathways. Options include Animation Training Essentials (two weeks, Photoshop); the Character Animation certificate (12 months, Maya); High-Level Animation (five years, diploma and certification); Senior Animation (four years, diploma and certification); Animation (two years, diploma and certification, double master); and Animation )two years, diploma and certification, master).
With the exception of the Animation Training Essentials program (on-site only), all pathways can be completed on campus or entirely online. Features across programs include access to more than 200 mentors; internship opportunities; nearly 100 speakers and collaborators from top game and film studios; and the Start-Up component, which helps students develop skills to start their own businesses.
Across programs students will take courses such as Fundamentals of Animation; Character Animation; Rigging with Maya 3D; VFX with Houdini; Illustration Concept Art; Digital Film; Game Design; Matte Painting; Videogame Art; Matte Painting; Sculpting Extreme; Videogame Programming with Unity; Body Mechanics; and Acting.
In the final year of all Universal Arts School programs, students will enter Studio Production—a workspace for creating high-level reels and portfolios for entry into the creative industries. All reels will be customized to the studios students are interested in applying to. Students in Studio Production will then apply to companies or studios or begin setting up their own studios.
UArts graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Animator/3D Character Animator for short feature films; Animator/3D Character Animator for Pre-Vis; VFX 3D Character Animator; Animator/3D Character Animator for video games; Animator/3D Animator for animated series; Animator/3D Character Animator for virtual reality (VR); and Animator/3D Character Animator for advertising, multimedia, medical reports, documentaries, and scientific reports.
Program alumni have landed positions at major studios such as Industrial Pixar, Lucasfilm Animation, Ubisoft, Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Framestore, Weta Digital, Blizzard Entertainment, and LightBox Studios. Some UArts alumni have launched their own studios or freelance businesses.
Universal Arts School was established in 1994 as a Specialized Training Center. Today, the school has campuses in Valencia, Spain (main and cinema), and West Hollywood, California (Sunset Boulevard). With more than 10 program options, UA has more than three million hours of training to its credit.
7. ESCAC, Barcelona, Spain
ESCAC has an interdisciplinary Film and Screen Studies master’s that explores areas such as experimental film, animation, virtual reality (VR), documentary film, video games, interactivity, television series production, auteur cinema, popular cinema, fiction, 360 cinema, XR cinema, and augmented reality (AR). Over two academic years, students will complete 120 credits including compulsory subjects (78 credits); optional subjects (24 credits); and the Master’s Final Project (TFM), totaling 18 credits.
Course examples for the program include Animated Films; Sonic Universes; Contemporary TV Studies; Video Game Imaginaries; Cinema and Avant-Garde; Introduction to Immersive Narratives and Experiences; Creation on the Internet; and Trends in Contemporary Documentary. The Animated Film course covers Computer Animation; Flat and Volume Animation; Fictional Tricks and Effects; Origins and Techniques of Animation; Experimental Cinema and Credits; and Animated Film and Screen Studies.
Other program features include courses taught by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production facilities, labs, and studios; internship opportunities; and the chance to enter films in a variety of film festivals.
At the end of the ESCAC Film and Screen Studies program, students will complete the TFM under the guidance and supervision of an academic tutor. The project will consist of a written and/or audiovisual work that will be presented to the Master’s Coordinating Committee (CCM).
Graduates of the Film and Screen Studies program at ESCAC are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as animation, traditional film, games, television, VR/AR, special effects, documentary filmmaking, experimental film, and advertising.
Established in 1993, ESCAC is affiliated with the University of Barcelona. The school serves hundreds of students enrolled in film programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. ESCAC adheres to the standards set forth by the Agency for the Quality of the University System of Catalonia (AQU); the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA); and the Agency for the Quality of University Studies of Galicia (AGSUG).
8. Pepe School Land, Barcelona, Spain
Pepe School Land (Pepe School) Pepe-School-Land has two programs for animators including Modeling, Animation and Narrative (MAN), and the DemoReel Creation (CDR) workshop. Recently, the school changed to a biennial format (every two years) in which the MAN program alternates with the CDR workshop. So the MAN program will be taught for one year only with 20 students. The following year the CDR Workshop will be taught with a maximum of six students.
MAN students will master 3D animation, narrative, and the latest industry-standard animation software. CDR students will focus solely on creating a professional demo reel.
Graduates of the MAN and CDR programs at Pepe School Land are prepared for immediate employment in animation, narrative and modeling, advertising, television, video games, and education.
Pepe School Land launched in Barcelona in 2006. Created by Daniel Martínez Lara, a prominent Director and Educator with more than 22 years of experience in animation and art education, the school serves just six or 20 students in alternating years. Operating as a 3D animation school, Pepe School Land provides focused training in character animation, narrative, and modeling.
9. L'idem Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
L'idem Barcelona (L’idem) has partnerships with studios and film festivals such as Digital 113, Animac International Animaton Film Festival, Annecy, and Animayo Summit, Conference, and International Film Festival. L’idem also has a network of more than 1,000 international companies that collaborate with the school as advisors, internship providers, and recruiters.
L'idem Barcelona provides a number of programs that prepare students for careers in animation. Options include a bachelor’s in 2D/3D Animation and Video Games; a 2D/3D Animation master’s; and a master’s in Japanese Animation. The school also has summer courses including Introduction to 2D Animation; Introduction to 3D Animation; and Character Design.
Program features across all options include small class sizes; mandatory internships; classes led by instructors who are active in the entertainment industry; creativity workshops; access to state-of-the-art facilities in an industrial setting; masterclasses, and career guidance.
The L’idem 2D/3D Animation and Video Games bachelor’s requires 240 credits (ECTS) completed over four years. The program provides the option to specialize in Art, 2D/3D Animation, or 3D Generalist. Course examples include Animation Drawing; Creativity Workshop; Storyboard; Visual Effects; Nuke; Animation Culture; and 3D Organic Modeling. Consisting of 240 credits completed over four years, the program culminates with a professional showreel.
Graduates are prepared to pursue titles roles such as 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Game Artist, Modeler, 3D Generalist Artist, Storyboard Artist, VFX Artist, Digital Sculptor, Rigger, and Concept Artist.
The L’idem 2D/3D Animation master’s is a one-year program that can be completed on-campus or online. For on-campus students. the program takes place in an environment that functions like a professional studio. Consisting of 60 credits, the program features modules such as Fundamentals of Design; Watercolor; Video Games Level 1 Unity; Atomic Sculpture; and Post-Production-Nuke.
Course examples include Animation 2D and 3D; Rigging; Soundtrack and Sound Design; Matte Painting, Storyboarding; VFX; Games; Culture of Animation; and 3D Tutorial-Maya Software. Master’s students will also complete a mentored project, required internship, and final project.
L’idem graduates enjoy a 92% job placement rate with companies and studios across Spain and abroad. Graduates of the 2D/3D Animation master’s program are prepared for advanced roles in animation, visual effects, games, and related fields.
L'idem Barcelona: International School of Creative Art has been preparing students for careers in the entertainment industry since 1996. The school serves hundreds of students enrolled in animation, visual effects (VFX), game, digital design, and graphic design programs leading to French and European degrees certified by the French Government. With campuses in Barcelona and France, L’idem Barcelona is also authorized by the Department of Education of the Generalist de Catalunya.
10. ESDIP Escuela de Arte, Madrid, Spain
ESDIP Escuela de Arte (ESDIP) provides workshops, master’s degree, and diploma programs led by professionals from the animation, games, publishing, comics, and advertising industries. The school also houses its own production company known as ESDIP Animation Studio, which provides the opportunity for student teams to gain experience by working on an industry-ready short films. Other ESDIP features include additional team projects; workshops; and access to state-of-the-art studios and technology.
For students seeking careers in animation, ESDIP has a one-year professional program—Introduction to 2D Animation; a two-year 3D Animated Cinema and Character Creation master’s; a three-year General Animation diploma; a three-year Animation Film diploma; and a three-year Artistic, Graphic and Digital Creation diploma.
The Introduction to 2D Animation requires 370 hours and explores areas such as character design, audiovisual language, and movement. Students will also receive training in Photoshop and Toon Boom. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to pursue positions in the animation industry or move directly into the second year of the General Animation diploma program.
This 1110-hour program covers the 12 Disney Principles, the art of animation, and professional tools such as Adobe animation software and advanced Toon Boom. Students can complete the General Animation program in-person, online, or a combination of the two.
The two-year 3D Animated Cinema and Character Creation master’s at ESDIP requires 1480 hours and covers all phases of the production process from idea to writing the script to finished film. Students will build characters, create stories and storyboards, and study texturing, lighting, compositing, animatics, rendering, editing, and 3D modeling. In addition, Toon Boom, Zbrush, Pixologic, 3D Blender, and Substance Painter.
The three-year Animation Film diploma at ESDIP requires 2220 hours, with the option to complete the program in-person, online, or a combination of the two. The program explores drawing techniques, the use of industry-standard animation tools, storyboarding, stop motion, layout, digital effects, and more. In addition to the final film, students will complete a professional portfolio.
The three-year Artistic, Graphic and Digital Creation diploma program requires 2,220 hours of study. Delivered online, on-campus, or a combination of the two, the program allows students to specialize in animated film production, comics, digital illustration, graphic design, or tattooing. Students will complete an industry-focused internship and master software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, ZBrush, and Clip Studio Paint.
All ESDIP animation programs end with a physical and digital book of works or portfolio, as well as the final professional film made at ESDIP Animation Studio. Depending on the degree level, graduates of the animation programs at ESDIP Escuela de Arte are prepared to pursue roles across the entertainment, games, and advertising industries.
Potential roles include Film Animator, Comic Artist, 2D or 3D Animator, Game Artist, Animator (games), Cartoonist, Animator (television), Concept Artist, Animator (advertising), Storyboard Artist, Animator (web), Animation Technical Director, Layout Artist, Animation Producer, and Effects Technical Artist.
ESDIP Escuela de Arte was established as an Animation School in 1981. In 1997, Disney hosted an event that featured seven of Europe’s most prominent animation schools. This included ESDIP. Today, the school produces least one major animated short film each year—entirely by ESDIP Animation students.