School of Animation & Visual Effects

We Make Art Work

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Real films. Real credits. Real careers.

Train with Pixar pros and studio veterans shaping today’s stories in our STEM-designated program. Lock in the core skills—art, software, storytelling—then go deep in CG, 2D, 3D, stop-motion, modeling, rigging, lighting, and more. With rLab, your laptop becomes a powerhouse studio with pro-grade rendering. StudioX is no simulation; it’s a real-world training ground for film and TV work. Walk away with IMDb credits, a killer portfolio, and proof you’re not just learning the craft—you’re already in the industry.

Join us: On campus in San Francisco, online, or virtually via Zoom (select classes)

Companies that Employ Our Students

Students & Alumni

Always Creating. Always Moving Forward.

At the Academy, creativity doesn’t pause at graduation. It accelerates. From day one, students bring bold ideas and leave with portfolios that speak louder than résumés. And when they graduate, they launch into creative careers.

This is where passion meets purpose—on campus, in studios, and on global stages.

Our alumni are out there now winning awards, leading teams, and shaping culture.

See More Success Stories
Dan Cox Academy of Art University

Dan Cox

“The community at the Academy pushed me forward, with classmates who are now some of the most successful people in the business. The faculty, who work as industry professionals by day and teach at night, gave us unmatched insight. To this day, I still recommend the Academy above all other schools for its incredible education and industry access.”

MFA Animation and Visual Effects, Visual Effects Supervisor at WetaFX

Annalisa Benavente Academy of Art University

Annalisa Benavente

“Studio X was a huge opportunity, getting real production experience and working on projects I could put on my resume really helped me land my first job at Atomic Fiction. ArtU has some of the best teachers. It was also amazing to reconnect with fellow AAU students and see how our paths crossed again in the industry.”

BFA Animation & Visual Effects, VFX Producer, worked at Luma Pictures and recently finished contract with Sony Amazon

Jan Philip Cramer Academy of Art University

Jan Philip Cramer

“Going to the academy was quite important to my career. I learned more than just animation. It really helps to have a more well-rounded education and an understanding of art in general. Now that I’m back and part of the Academy, I can give back to the community, and I am super proud of that.”

BA Character Animation, VFX Sup at Digital Domain | Godzilla x Kong: Supernova

Summer Hwang

Summer Hwang

“The experience I had at Academy of Art was fantastic. Studio X gave me the chance to work on real productions with directors from Disney, and the faculty helped me refine my reel, résumé, and interview skills. People were always there when I needed help.”

BFA 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Compositor at PowerHouse VFX

Facility Highlights

    Two people in black caps work on music production at a studio, facing dual monitors displaying digital audio workstations, surrounded by speakers.

    rLAB

    Our rLAB gives students access to high-end graphics workstations without needing expensive hardware or software. From any device with a basic internet connection, you can use professional software, GPUs, and network storage remotely. With 24/7 access through our broker checkout system, you can work anytime from anywhere.

    Green studio lights and a large green screen backdrop in a production or recording space.

    Green Screen Studio

    You’ll use real-time composite monitors and a full array of lighting equipment, including grid lighting, scrims, gel frames, green props, key lights, and more to bring your creations to life.

    Recording Booth School of Animation and Visual Effects Academy of Art University San Francisco

    Sound Recording Facilities

    Our studios are fully insulated to block outside noise. The controlled environment lets you capture clean, professional audio for film, animation, and games.

    Woman working on a miniature landscape with a house and colorful trees.

    Stop Motion Stage

    The stop-motion stage is a controlled set where you can position characters, props, and backgrounds for frame-by-frame capture. Built to eliminate vibration and unwanted movement between shots, it ensures stability and continuity—so the motion plays back smoothly, seamlessly, and exactly as you intended.