Art & Animation School for Seasonal In-Studio Classes, Online Classes & Summer Camps with Real Disney Animators.admin2026-09-02T01:15:55+00:00

Art & Animation School for In-Studio Classes, Summer Camps & Online Classes with Real Disney Animators.

Elite Animation Academy · Orlando

Now Enrolling

Draw, Animate & Create This Fall

A full 10-week term, taught by former Disney animators — in our College Park studio or live online from anywhere.

10-Week Term Ages 8–17 & Adults In-Studio + Online Step Up for Students accepted

Fall Courses at Elite Animation Academy — In-Studio & Online

In-Studio · College Park

Sept 12 – Nov 19, 2026

Hands-on at our Orlando studio, 3107 Edgewater Drive. Weekly sessions, supplies included.

In-Studio schedule (PDF)

Live Online

Sept 12 – Nov 21, 2026

The same curriculum, taught live online. Great for out-of-area and homeschool families.

Online schedule (PDF)

Foundational Drawing Character Design 2D Animation 3D Animation Anime & Manga Storyboarding Comics & Sequential Art Digital Painting

Enroll for Fall See Fall Courses →

Elite Animation Academy · Orlando

Draw, Animate & Create This Summer

Hands-on, beginner-friendly camps for all ages — drawing, character design, 2D & 3D animation, anime, comics, and more, June 1 to August 7, 2026.

Now Enrolling

Elite Animation Academy Summer Camps — a cartoon pencil mascot in sunglasses and a sun hat relaxing in a hammock with a tropical drink

Drawing & animation, from the very first sketch

June 1 – August 7, 2026 All Ages!

Choose a single week or the whole summer — ten weeks of beginner-friendly camps, four classes each week, all supplies provided. Just bring a lunch.

Drawing & Sketching
Character Design
2D & 3D Animation
Anime & Manga
Comics & Cartooning
Video Editing & FX
Digital Painting

Fall Courses 2026 — Orlando, FL

Step Inside the Studio Where Creativity Comes Alive

Elite Animation Academy is an art and animation school in Orlando, Florida that teaches both traditional and digital art to students of all ages. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the studio — from traditional drawing easels to professional digital workstations running Adobe Photoshop and Maya.

Fall courses run September 12 through November 19, 2026 at the studio — a full 10-week term, one two-hour session a week on Saturdays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. Choose group or private instruction in foundational drawing, anime and manga, character design, 2D and 3D animation, traditional animation, and digital painting in Photoshop. Live online runs through November 21.

✎ All Ages & Skill Levels
🎨 Traditional & Digital Art
🎬 10-Week Term
🎓 Step Up for Students accepted

Enroll for Fall Ask Google About Us

🔥 Spots are limited — weekly classes fill up before the September 12 start

📍 3107 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 · 407-459-7959

Not Sure Where to Start?

Let a Disney Animator Guide Your Journey

Meet Woody Woodman — former Disney animator on films like Mulan, Tarzan, and Brother Bear — and one of our lead instructors at Elite Animation Academy. In this video, Woody walks you through our course road map so you can find the right starting point whether you are a complete beginner or ready to level up.

From foundational drawing and traditional animation to digital illustration, 3D modeling, and storyboarding, our curriculum is designed to take students step by step. Woody explains which courses build on each other and how to chart a path based on your goals — whether that is building a portfolio, preparing for art school, or just having fun this fall.

🎓 Taught by Disney Veterans
🗺 Beginner to Advanced Paths
✎ Traditional & Digital Tracks
🚀 Portfolio & Art School Prep

Explore Fall Courses Ask Google About Us

📌 See the full course road map or call 407-459-7959 for guidance

📝 Year-round courses · In-studio & online · Browse all courses

Elite Animation Academy Orlando, FL · Est. 2012 · Taught by Former Disney Animators

Your Animation Road Map

21 courses. 5 career paths. Taught by former Disney animators — in our Orlando studio or from anywhere online. Find exactly where to start and where each course leads next.

Foundation Path

✏️ Drawing

Foundational Drawing class — learn proportion, perspective and shading at Elite Animation Academy

The foundation of everything in animation. Master observation, proportion, perspective, and shading — then branch into digital or traditional specializations.

Foundational Drawing People, Places & Things Gesture / Sketching Digital Painting

See Full Drawing Path →

Most Popular

🎭 Character Concept Art

Character Design in Photoshop — digital character art pipeline course

Design memorable characters for animation, games, and film. Learn anatomy, expression, and costume design — taught the Disney way.

Anime / Manga Character Design Photoshop Pipeline Figure Drawing

See Full Character Path →

Industry-Ready

💻 Digital Animation & 3D

3D Character Animation in Autodesk Maya — rigging and keyframes

2D animation in Adobe Animate, 3D in Autodesk Maya, game design in Unity, video editing, VFX, and digital storyboarding. English & Spanish.

2D Animation 3D Animation Game Design Video & VFX

See Full Digital Path →

Also explore: Illustration Path Sequential Art Path Courses by Age (8+) Full Course Catalog

21

Courses

5

Career Paths

3

Ways to Learn

8+

Ages Welcome

50+

Years Instructor Experience

Student Assessment & Studio Tour

Discover Your Strengths & Level Up!

Schedule an Appointment

(407) 459 7959

Click to Hear Pip

Portfolio Submission PDF

Discover the Art of Animation...

Our Class Enrollment Instructions

eaa-enrollment-tut

Step Up for Students Payment Instructions

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Elite Animation Academy · Orlando

Three Ways to Learn With Us

Why Do I Need Elite Animation Academy?

Elite Animation Academy is the ideal choice for aspiring animators due to several key reasons:

Expert Instruction: Learn from former Disney and Marvel animators who bring professional experience and a passion for teaching.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses cover 2D and 3D animation, video editing, special effects, and game design, tailored to all skill levels.

Flexible Learning: Offering both in-studio and online classes, accessible from anywhere.

Personalized Attention: Small class sizes ensure individualized feedback and support.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to the latest industry technology and software.

Successful Alumni: Graduates have been accepted into prestigious art schools and built successful careers.

Engaging Programs: Popular summer camps and regular courses keep students inspired and learning year-round.

Community and Networking: Join a supportive and vibrant community of artists and animators.

Why Should I Choose Elite Animation Academy?

Elite Animation Academy is the ideal choice for aspiring animators due to several key reasons:

Click to Expand: Why Elite Animation Academy

Expert Instruction: Learn from former Disney and Marvel animators who bring professional experience and a passion for teaching.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses cover 2D and 3D animation, video editing, special effects, and game design, tailored to all skill levels.

Flexible Learning: Offering both in-studio and online classes, accessible from anywhere.

Personalized Attention: Small class sizes ensure individualized feedback and support.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to the latest industry technology and software.

Successful Alumni: Graduates have been accepted into prestigious art schools and built successful careers.

Engaging Programs: Popular summer camps and regular courses keep students inspired and learning year-round.

Community and Networking: Join a supportive and vibrant community of artists and animators.

Who is Elite Animation Academy?

We are "Developing Young Minds Through The Art Of Animation"

Click to Expand: Who We Are

We are a YEAR ROUND Academy. We offer Regular and VIRTUAL (online) Courses, after school and on Saturday’s. The courses are available for children and Adults. Our popular Studio & Virtual Online Courses are in the Months of June, July, and August for children ages 8 & up. We focus on basic to advanced levels the classes are small to provide you with a more personal connection with the teachers and get the most out of the lessons. Instructors are professionals in their area of expertise. Available in English & Spanish.

Animators create 2D and 3D images in motion for animated films, video games, commercials, and music videos. They create images, as well as special effects and other visual images, using video, film, or computer software. Some of the most common technology used by animators includes Adobe, AutoDesk 3DS Max, MAYA, VectorDesigner, and Photoshop.

toddwestavatar

toddwestavatar

“Elite Animation Academy provides art and animation training. Bringing students together with experienced animation instructors to maximize marketability and opportunities. Our vision is to become the best Animation Academy in the world. Elite Animation also hosts the Digital Arts for Autism (DAFA) school for adults with autism. DAFA is a program partner for the Florida Gardiner Scholarship Step Up program, a statewide initiative designed for children with special needs.”

Todd J West, Elite Animation Academy - Director & Founder

Featured By:

“Elite Animation Academy has plenty of qualities which makes it the ideal learning center for young kids who show any artistic interest. It’s mentors are quite experienced in their fields, coming from big name companies like Disney and Marvel among others. The only trait these educators share which is greater than their artistic skill is their patience and ability to teach. From someone who has been around Elite Animation for plenty of years, I can assure anyone that with dedication, results are very easily attainable.”

Ali Malik

Ringling College of Art and Design

“Elite Animation Academy provides an ideal environment for any student to further their artistic skills & style. The instructors are not only knowledgeable, but bring their own experiences working in the arts to class. In addition to the talent the instructors share with students, they are encouraging and engaging. On several occasions, instructors have given me to tools and confidence to push myself to a higher skill level. My involvement at Elite Animation Academy has led me to attend summer seminars at SCAD, where the instructors were impressed by my previous training. Next year, I hope to use the skills I’ve obtained at Elite Animation Academy to explore other summer seminars at CalArts”

Peyton Cantle

SCAD or CalArts

“I really enjoyed attending Elite Animation Academy! The courses I took were fun, and gave me a useful foundation in Character Design and Animation, as well as helping me build my portfolio. The mentoring I received there was also very helpful, and I’m thankful for that guidance. Taking courses at Elite Animation Academy helped solidify my love for animation and illustration, and I hope to keep growing the skills I learned there in the future.”

Izzy Robe

Ringling College or Art & Design

enroll today and get started

Ready to know more?

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Full News and Event Listing

Side-by-side anime eye comparison from Elite Animation Academy's 2026 industry analysis: a clean hand-drawn anime eye labeled "Intentional. Symmetric. Earned." versus an AI-generated anime eye with four visible artifacts annotated — broken line, five catchlights, offset artifact, melted edge — labeled "Generated. Glitched. Caught." Headline reads "Anime AI Backlash 2026: What real anime art still requires."

Anime Studios Are Apologizing for Using AI in 2026 – Here’s What That Means If Your Kid Loves Manga

01 / 10 The headline shaking the creative world Anime & Manga · Industry Analysis · April 2026 Anime Studios Are Apologizing for Using AI in 2026 — Here’s What That Means If Your Kid Loves Manga WIT Studio just replaced an opening sequence. Toei walked back AI plans. Beloved mangaka are leaving social platforms. And yet the anime/manga market more than doubled in five years to over $30 billion. Here’s the real story underneath the headlines — and what aspiring manga artists actually need to learn now. By Todd West, Founder & Director, Elite Animation Academy Published April 28, 2026

May 12, 2026 No Comments

Promotional thumbnail for a free animation summer camp for Florida families using Step Up for Students scholarships, showing students drawing in an Elite Animation Academy classroom with bold camp details and the Pip the Pencil mascot.

Free Animation Summer Camp for Florida Families: How to Use Step Up for Students at Elite Animation Academy in 2026

01 / 10 The headline shaking the creative world Florida Families · Scholarship Guide Free Animation Summer Camp for Florida Families: How to Use Step Up for Students at Elite Animation Academy in 2026 Step Up for Students scholarships cover educational summer camps. Most Florida parents don’t realize their FES-UA, FTC, FES-EO, or New Worlds Reading award can pay for every week of EAA’s June 1 – August 7 program. Here’s exactly how it works — and how to enroll in time. By Todd West, Founder & Director, Elite Animation Academy Published April 28, 2026 ~9 min read · interactive Registered

April 29, 2026 No Comments

Editorial thumbnail contrasting fast AI image generation with hands-on drawing practice, showing a wall of generated images beside a human hand sketching a portrait, with text reading “AI can generate 1,000 images a second” and “It still can’t teach you to draw.”

AI Can Generate 1,000 Images a Second. It Still Can’t Teach You to Draw – and That’s Never Mattered More

01 / 10 The headline shaking the creative world Industry Analysis · AI & Skill Development AI Can Generate 1,000 Images a Second. It Still Can’t Teach You to Draw — and That’s Never Mattered More Drawing isn’t just an art skill. It’s a perceptual, cognitive, and motor practice that rewires the brain — confirmed by peer-reviewed research. Here’s what AI tools can never replace, for kids, autistic adults entering the workforce, and the working pros sharpening their edge. By Todd West, Founder & Director, Elite Animation Academy Published April 28, 2026 ~10 min read · interactive Industry analysis: AI image

April 29, 2026 No Comments

Elite Animation Academy - Orlando - Virtual (Online)

4.7

Based on 42 reviews

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4 years ago

We started coming to Elite Animation Academy the fall of 2022. My child first took the 2D Animation Course with Joe and loved it! She was motivated to go every Saturday morning - which speaks volumes. She has now added a drawing class which is helping her with the foundations of drawing and she has shown steady improvement in developing her skills. The third class that she is taking is with Thomas Thorspecken, who has an amazing way of working with kids and has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. She was so inspired and excited about learning more on one and two point perspective drawings after the first class. We are so glad to be a part of Elite Animation Academy!

4 years ago

The best in its class! Truly professional treat for your kids. My daughter love it. She took two courses this year 22, planning to continue next spring.

4 years ago

My daughter went to their Summer Camp two years ago. After she finished, even that she already was doing all kind of designs and effects on her phone, after she finished the camp, she was very interested in the art. She just graduated high school and started her first semester at Valencia College to earn an Associate degree in Graphic Design and looking for a bachelor's in Film production. It all started with going to a Summer Camp at Elite Animation Academy. Thank you all for showing her her future career.

4 years ago

My daughter liked the classes during summer break. She attended video editing and foundational drawing.

Aimie Bissonnette

4 years ago

A wonderful place to learn from amazing teachers! I have been going for the last 3 years having taken 4 classes, and I have learned so much and have improved my art through the guidance of all teachers at Elite Academy! They are amazing teachers who are always willing to help students follow their artistic dreams! I definitely recommend for everyone. Especially young artists!!!

4 years ago

My 10 year old son Graham just finished a wonderful 1 week in person session (2D animation with Joe) and every step of the way was a pleasure, starting with Todd via phone and email helping me understand the best options for my son and continuing through a week of wonderful instruction balancing being patient and challenging my son. Though we live hours away, we will look forward to staying in touch with the school and hopefully continuing with some combination of virtual and in person opportunities over time.

4 years ago

This was one of the best weeks of camp we've ever experienced. The instructors are professional, warm, welcoming & knowledgeable. Our sometimes shy teen really enjoyed the week at Elite Animation. Thanks for a great week!

amy gutman-enright

5 years ago

Amazing online instruction! We stumbled upon Elite Academy looking for virtual courses for our 12 year old who wants to be a professional animator. After corresponding with the owner Todd, we knew we had found the right place. Enrollment was easy, and the pricing was superb - ten 2 hour one-on-one sessions was incredibly reasonable compared to even a single weekend course elsewhere.

My son's instructor Joe has an amazing resume, and found his "interaction groove" right away. We were worried that kiddo would not be able to focus for the entire 2 hours weekly, but the sounds of laughter and excitement coming from the computer room weekly show that we were wrong! Kiddo cannot wait to show us what he learned in each session, and on animation class days, he gets up with a smile and races home from school.

We have been so impressed that we enrolled him in multiple summer camp weeks. Helping support your child's passion with the right people is wonderful and we are grateful to Todd, Joe and the Elite Animation Academy for helping start him on this career path.

5 years ago

My Daughter is a senior in Highschool and is applying to Art Institutions to pursue her higher education in Animation. She has taken two online courses and has had such a wonderful experience. Both her instructors were professional and extremely knowledge about their crafts. She has learned so much from her classes. Her current instructor (Tony Santos) is helping compile her Art Portfolio for her college submissions and wrote a letter of recommendations on her behalf. I have NEVER been more satisfied in an institution, and I am both impressed and thankful for their support, professionalism, and personable approach toward my Daughters future!

Tanya Feddern-Bekcan

5 years ago

I highly recommend Elite Animation Academy. My 13-year-old daughter plans to be an animator and manga artist and will spend hours a day at home, practicing drawing techniques on sketchbook and tablet. We are so glad to have found Elite Animation Academy. The Director, Todd West, and his instructors are professional and knowledgeable. She attended the Character Design and the Anime/Manga week-long summer courses taught by Brandon Burghard. The price is quite fair for the hours of instruction alone, not including that the instructors are working professionals in the field she plans to enter. She is looking forward to taking the 2D and 3D animation courses next. If you live out of town, it’s worth the drive—traffic was no problem from Saint Augustine to Orlando and back.

5 years ago

Our two 15-year-old grandchildren wanted to take the 2D Animation course. Both kids have talent in this area. We chose the one-week summer camp program and we have been extremely happy with the school, Todd (co-founder), the instructor, and what the kids learned. The entire experience has been very professional and high quality. Two thumbs up! Definitely recommend!

5 years ago

I recommend this place 100 percent. My daughter loved the summer week camp. So organized and professional. She will be back.

6 years ago

We highly recommend the courses offered by Elite Animation Academy - we have taken both in person and online courses with their school. The classes are well-run, entertaining, and offer great insight to the art and animation world. And, the instructors are experienced, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Very professional school with excellent communication from the instructors and management. We will continue to take course with Elite Animation Academy!

7 years ago

My daughter absolutely LOVES Elite Animation Academy!! She has taken several courses here and her art skills have improved exponentially. The teachers are AMAZING and they nurture your child's love of art in all aspects. I highly recommend Elite Animation Academy to cultivate your budding artists creativity and skill set.

7 years ago

My daughter loves this school, she has attended multiple summer camps and taken several classes. The staff is amazing, professional, and extremely patient. I highly recommend it!

7 years ago

Always a great experience at Elite Animation Academy! Teachers and staff are fantastic!

7 years ago

My son had a great experience here! Teachers and staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!

8 years ago

This place is awesome! I learned so much from Woody- he’s an amazing artist. Can’t wait to take the next class. By the way I’m 40 years old and if I can learn a lot here- anyone can :) Come and have fun with us. Thanks Elite- you guys are the best.

9 years ago

This was the best camp we enrolled my daughter in for this Summer (2017)! She had a lot of fun and enhanced more of her creative talent for drawing and illustrating. Todd, the director of Elite Animation and all his wonderful staff made her experience enjoyable and fun. She really thrived in learning more of what she loves to do! Thank you for such an awesome time and making a part of her Summer a fantastic learning experience. We'll definitely be back! :)

12 years ago

Mr. West and his staff are impeccable at their work, ethics & above all EXTREMELY Knowledgeably professional with all avenues of animation. My son is High Functioning Autistic and fell in love with the school, staff, curriculum set before him. This will be my sons career and I can not express the love and attention that Mr. West and all the teachers take a vital & intimate roll in each students curriculum. The staff and director allowed me to work with them and share my sons needs and then set an outstanding portfolio/curriculum for him to excel. I can not thank The West's and the staff for the steady hand and compassionate heart they have for their craft and these students. The ratio is perfect, learning environment is superior. We're currently working online as we're 650 miles away. Except for winter and summer where we travel and relocate. However, because of this phenomenal school we're seriously working towards living in Orlando. My sincere thank you to the West's and staff of Elite Animation. A special thank you to Mr. Jason. You make Reid's world every Saturday.

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