Global Recognition and Industry Leadership
Sheridan College’s animation program has achieved unprecedented recognition within the global entertainment industry, earning the distinction of being called “the Harvard of animation schools” on “a worldwide basis” by animator Michael Hirsh in 1996. This reputation has been consistently validated through industry rankings, with Animation Career Review naming Sheridan as the top animation school in the world outside the United States in 2019.
The program’s excellence is demonstrated through remarkable achievement statistics: 84 graduates have been nominated for Emmy Awards, 19 graduates have received Oscar nominations, and the program has produced seven Academy Award nominees and two winners. These achievements reflect not only the quality of education provided but also the program’s ability to prepare students for the highest levels of professional success in competitive global markets.
Academy Award Excellence and Notable Alumni
The program’s most celebrated achievement came in 1984 when student Jon Minnis won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for “Charade,” a five-minute film animated with Pantone markers on paper during a single three-month summer term. This recognition established Sheridan’s reputation for nurturing exceptional talent and demonstrated the program’s ability to compete at the highest levels of artistic achievement.
Notable alumni continue to shape the animation industry globally, including Domee Shi, who became the first woman to direct a Pixar animated short, and Jon Klassen, who was named to the Order of Canada in 2018 for his contributions to children’s literature as author and illustrator of the award-winning book “This is Not My Hat.” These achievements represent the diverse career paths available to Sheridan graduates and the program’s success in preparing students for leadership roles across multiple creative industries.
Industry Integration and Professional Development
Sheridan’s Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design distinguishes itself through its commitment to industry-relevant education delivered by faculty members who come directly from professional practice. This approach ensures that students receive instruction that reflects current industry standards, emerging technologies, and evolving professional practices. The integration of industry professionals as faculty creates authentic learning environments where students develop both technical skills and professional networks essential for career success.
The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning with the latest technologies, combined with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, provides students with comprehensive preparation for the collaborative nature of modern entertainment production. Students graduate with a rare combination of artistic talent, professionalism, and technical sophistication that makes them highly sought after by leading studios worldwide.
Comprehensive Program Portfolio
The Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design offers an extensive range of programs across five key areas: Animation and Game Design, Design Illustration and Photography, Film TV and Journalism, Material Art and Design, and Visual and Performing Arts. This comprehensive approach allows students to specialize in their areas of interest while maintaining awareness of the interconnected nature of contemporary creative industries.
The flagship Bachelor of Animation program provides a four-year Honours degree that combines classical and computer animation techniques, ensuring graduates possess both traditional artistic foundations and cutting-edge digital skills. Post-graduate programs in Computer Animation, Visual Effects, Character Animation, and Digital Creature Animation – Technical Direction provide advanced specialization opportunities for students seeking to develop expertise in specific areas of professional practice.
Global Industry Impact and Alumni Success
Sheridan graduates have achieved remarkable success at the world’s leading animation studios, with significant numbers holding key positions at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Don Bluth Productions, Pixar Animation Studios, and DreamWorks Animation. This success spans both traditional and CGI animation, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for diverse technological approaches and artistic styles.
The program’s impact extends beyond individual career success to influence the broader development of the Canadian animation industry. Sheridan graduates have been instrumental in establishing and leading Canadian studios, contributing to the growth of a domestic industry that now competes successfully in global markets while maintaining distinctive Canadian creative perspectives.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology
Sheridan College operates across three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area: the Davis Campus in Brampton, the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, and the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga. These facilities provide students with access to professional-grade equipment and technology that mirrors industry standards, ensuring that graduates are prepared to contribute immediately to professional productions.
The college’s investment in facilities reflects its commitment to providing students with authentic learning environments that prepare them for the realities of professional practice. From traditional animation studios to cutting-edge digital labs, students have access to the tools and technologies they need to develop their skills and explore their creative vision.
Commitment to Diversity and Innovation
Sheridan’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is infused throughout its programs, ensuring that the unique identities and talents of students and faculty contribute to the rich diversity of the arts programs. This approach recognizes that creative excellence emerges from diverse perspectives and experiences, and that the entertainment industry benefits from inclusive representation both behind and in front of the camera.
The college’s focus on innovation extends beyond technical capabilities to encompass new approaches to storytelling, character development, and audience engagement. Students are encouraged to explore emerging technologies and experimental techniques while maintaining strong foundations in traditional artistic principles and storytelling methods.
Academic Excellence and Professional Preparation
The Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design’s approach to education emphasizes the development of both artistic vision and professional competency. Students learn not only technical skills and creative processes but also the business aspects of creative industries, project management, and collaborative work practices essential for professional success.
The program’s structure provides multiple pathways for student development, from undergraduate degrees through post-graduate specialization programs. This flexibility allows students to customize their education based on their career goals while ensuring that all graduates possess the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for success in competitive creative industries.
Research and Entrepreneurship
Sheridan College maintains active research and entrepreneurship centers that support innovation in creative industries and provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects. These initiatives connect academic learning with real-world applications and help students develop entrepreneurial skills that enable them to create their own opportunities in evolving creative markets.
The college’s research activities contribute to the advancement of animation and digital media technologies while providing students with exposure to emerging trends and techniques. This research focus ensures that Sheridan remains at the forefront of industry development and continues to prepare students for future opportunities in rapidly evolving creative fields.
International Recognition and Global Reach
Sheridan College’s reputation extends far beyond Canada, with international recognition as a leading institution for animation and creative arts education. The college attracts students from around the world who seek access to world-class education and the opportunity to develop skills that will enable them to compete in global creative markets.
This international perspective enriches the educational environment for all students, creating diverse learning communities that reflect the global nature of contemporary entertainment industries. Students graduate with cultural awareness and international networks that enhance their ability to work effectively in multicultural professional environments.
Future Vision and Continued Excellence
Under the leadership of President Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan College has unveiled a strategic vision that brings together key elements of colleges, polytechnics, and universities to create a new, standard-setting model of higher education. This vision positions Sheridan to continue its leadership role in creative education while adapting to evolving industry needs and educational approaches.
The college’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation ensures that it will continue to produce graduates who shape the future of animation, film, and creative industries. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve with new technologies and changing audience expectations, Sheridan’s combination of artistic excellence, technical innovation, and professional preparation positions its graduates to lead these transformations.
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