WdKA Animation Department combines movement, narratives, sound, technology and visuals. It is not merely a technique, nor is it a genre, it is a means of communication.
The WdKA focuses on innovative and relevant stories. Upon arrival, students dive directly in the fundamentals of animation, during the course students choose to develop themselves as animators, directors, visual designers or creative producers in various contexts.
Animation can be seen everywhere, not only in films and television series but also in games, VR, apps, commercials, simulations, educational material, museums and in the public space. There is a wide variety of tools that are used today such; 2d drawn animation, 3d CGI, stop motion and digital cut-out. At the start of the study, students are introduced to a variety of applications and tools, while building a foundation of knowledge, skills and attitude that transcends one specific technique or software package. Over the course of the programme, students choose their own profile as a maker.
The term ‘animation’ derives from the Latin ‘anima’, which means 'soul', 'spirit' or 'life'. Thus literally animation means ‘bringing to life’. Animation rose to prominence by technological advances during the 19th and early 20th centuries when illusionists became filmmakers. Anyone who has ever made a simple flip book has experienced the enchantment of seeing your own drawings come to life. This element of magic is an essential element of animation, both in appearance as well as conceptually. Whereby the artist makes possible that which is impossible and visible that which can’t be seen.
Technological developments continue to shape this art form. The animator who is aware of these evolutionary developments also knows the future of the profession and, perhaps more importantly, is in tune with relevant developments in society. The WdKA aims to educate creating pioneers, this means that students are encouraged to innovate new technologies, explore the boundaries of this art form and tell relevant stories that resonate with contemporary society.
Cover project: Hayat by Rümeysa Önal.
Open Days & Recruitment activities
Want to know more about life at the Willem de Kooning Academy?
Check out our extended programme, full of (online) activities and interaction with student ambassadors and tutors via this link.
Knowledge & skills
- Research and concept development
- 2D/3D animation
- Stop-motion techniques
- Character and background design
- Sound design
- Storyboarding and scenario writing skills
- Drawing
- ...and more
Animation enables me to give magic powers to things.
Career opportunities
- Director
- Creative producer
- (Character) animator
- Motion designer
- Concept artist for various formats (commercials, movies, tv series, documentaries, informational films, educational materials, games, interactive applications)
- ...and more
Next to 13 majors and three Practices WdKA offers its students high-tech meeting interdisciplinary spaces - Stations. Stations are the place for creating prototypes, experimenting, remixing and improving your ideas. All of the Willem de Kooning Academy’s students and staff members are welcome to work in our Stations, regardless of their major specialisation, minor, elective module or study year. The Stations are where you can explore the viability of your ideas and find out how to turn them into fully-functioning creations.
Dual Degree programme
Do you have an artistic or a musical talent, as well as a hunger for academic knowledge? You can now mix arts and academia in metropolitan Rotterdam. Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) and Codarts offer you the possibility to combine theory and practice in a five-year Dual Degree programme.
