Alchemy VFX Presents: Animation Magic Spring Break Workshop Series

A 3 part class for creating animation and visual effects

What if you could learn to Make Magic? 

Developed by specialists in visual effects animation for video games, this highly experiential course is a beginner-friendly 3D art class for creative kids aged 10 to 14. 

Students will get a behind-the-scenes understanding of how 3D visual effects are made in their favourite games, and a chance to design their own wizard character and magic spells. 

With a focus on bridging the gap between imagination and digital reality, we teach that the best animations don't just appear on a screen—they start with a sketch, a story, and a clear creative vision.

The course is split across 3 days, with 2 hrs of creative activities each day giving hands-on practical learning. Each class builds on skills gained the previous day, and is focused on the art and design principles of animation and visual effects (no coding required).

Students must participate in all three 2 hour sessions in the given week they are signed up.  There is a refundable $50 registration fee that will be reimbursed once the child has participated in all three sessions, and parents complete our feedback form. There are three options for participation:

Week 1 (AM only) - March 17, 18, 19th from 9:30am to 11:30am (5 student max)

Week 2 (AM) - March 24, 25, and 26 from 9:30am to 11:30am (5 student max)

Week 2 (PM) - March 24, 25 and 26 from 1:30 to 3:30pm (5 student max)

There is a maximum of 5 students per weekly offering so make sure to register sooner than later!  

All instructors have completed a Criminal Record Check, and parents are welcome to drop off youths and pick them up after the workshop, or you are welcome to sit in on the workshops. 

The workshop will be held at the Community Art Hub located in the lower floor of the Quadra Village Community Centre.  The space is located at 901 Kings rd, and is accessible via our stairs or wheelchair ramp.
 

3-Class Journey (6 Hours Total)

Class 1: 3D Character Design (2 hours)

• Concept Art & 3D Modeling: Learn to translate initial concept art into unique 3D wizard characters using our custom app.

• Storytelling & Theme: Apply artistic design principles to develop a rich backstory and cohesive theme for your  personal wizard.

Class 2: Visual Effects Animation (2 hours)

• VFX Fundamentals: Gain a  behind-the-scenes understanding of how visual effects are created for video games and 3D animations.

• Hands-On Magic: The primary activity is having fun creating your own dynamic cauldron visual effects and developing a unique potion recipe.

Class 3: Advanced Spell Casting & Final Movie (2 hours)

• Artistic Storytelling: What kind of magic does your wizard cast?  Apply artistic principles and storytelling design to conceptualize a unique magical spell.

• Final Production: Utilize the custom companion app to create the magic spell and bring all elements together. The class culminates in recording a complete movie file of your Wizard, cauldron and spell casting that you can take home and share with your friends.
   

Who we are

Alchemy VFX (https://alchemyvfx.com/) is a local animation studio in Victoria BC. For over two decades, we have been crafting professional visual effects for video games. Now, we are bringing that industry expertise directly to youth in B.C., creating a pathway for the next generation of creative talent. 

https://alchemyvfx.com/introducing-animation-magic-cast-your-first-vfx-spell-in-2026/

About DigiBC and the DigiCamps program

We are proud to announce our partnership with DigiBC, the creative industry association of British Columbia, and our participation in their DigiCamp program. Through DigiBC’s support, in partnership with Netflix, we are able to, allowing us to offer Animation Magic completely free of charge to a limited number of students in 2026. Students will be eligible for a  full refund of the registration fee upon completion of all 3 classes and completing a  feedback form.  All refunds will be processed by Alchemy VFX.”

Read more about this partnership here : https://digibc.org/2026/01/07/digicamps-are-expanding-how-our-netflix-partnership-is-powering-a-new-era-of-creative-tech-learning-for-b-c-kids/