Animation brings stories to life by combining creativity and technology, but each animated picture is the result of a time-consuming, skill-intensive, collaborative process. The Quickdraw Animation Society is at the core of Calgary’s animation scene where artists bring their ideas to life. This distinct studio has fostered a thriving community of animators who not only bring their creative visions to reality, but also share, support, and motivate one another to push the boundaries of their craft.
A platform for established and emerging artists
Quickdraw Animation Society, established in 1984, is an integral part of Calgary’s artistic environment. It’s more than just a studio — it’s a community where animators of all skill levels can learn, create and grow. Quickdraw is committed to developing animators and encouraging collaboration by providing seminars, equipment rentals, mentorship opportunities and community activities.
Quickdraw is dedicated to helping animators through courses, equipment rentals, mentorship and community outreach. Annual memberships up to $50 include studio rentals, classroom use, a resource library and savings on workshops and screenings with keyholders having after-hours access. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced animator, Quickdraw’s in-person course can improve skills and creativity at all levels.
Ryan von Hagen, the studio’s Artistic Director, is instrumental in achieving this aim.
“My job is to meet artists where they’re at,” says von Hagen. “Whether it’s learning new skills, getting professional opportunities, using new gear that they haven’t used before, getting money, those are all the different ways that we support artists.”
Developing confidence through creativity
An artist’s idea is frequently the starting point for animation, but turning that idea into a film takes confidence and skill. Quickdraw focuses on more than just technical training — it also helps artists discover their own voices.
“The key phase,” says von Hagen, ‘is building the confidence you have as an artist.”
Quickdraw offers introductory and advanced workshops for professional animators, allowing artists to explore the medium. The association also provides scholarships which can offer free mentorship and courses and access to professional quality studios and equipment. In addition, the program covers supplies production costs and a public screening of the finalized animation, which has helped many young animators, such as artists like Mide Kadiri, achieve their goals.
A collaborative community
Quickdraw thrives on community. Animators meet for feedback sessions, where they analyze each other’s work and share insights to improve their projects. This collaborative attitude is crucial, especially in a subject that frequently requires long hours of lonely work.
The Quickdraw community had a transformative impact on Mide Kadiri.
“I don’t think I’d have an animation career if it weren’t for Quickdraw,” he says. “Quickdraw provided me with the platform. They offered me the room and community to create this project and scholarship.”
Kadiri’s path exemplifies the difficulties of animation, from mastering software to generating complex motion sequences. But he says Quickdraw’s mentorship and resources helped him overcome obstacles.
“If I never got it, I don’t know where I would be right now in terms of animation.”
Animation’s future in Calgary
As Quickdraw moves forward it aim remains unchanged focused on assisting artists, pushing the boundaries of animation and fostering a welcoming environment for creative discovery. With artists like Kadiri giving back to the community, the society’s impact continues to spread.
Animation is a challenging art form, but as Quickdraw demonstrates, it is also incredibly rewarding. For Calgary animators, the society is more than just a studio — it’s a creative home.
Quickdraw’s 40th anniversary is more than just a celebration of its past accomplishments, it’s also a glimpse into the future which holds endless possibilities. Quickdraw is establishing itself as a leader in the global animation community with an expanding list of products, an ever-growing network of artists and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation.
“I’m excited to connect those and, take over the world with space, time and art,” said Von Hagen.
As they approach this significant milestone, Quickdraw Animation Society will keep supporting Calgary animators and determining the future of the art form, ensuring that creativity, innovation and community remain at the core of animation in Calgary for decades to come.
“I’m really excited to bring more animation productions happening here, supporting artists in their emerging career as well as mid-level career. And we’re going to continue to offer classes for beginners, animation for adults as well as youth,” says Von Hagen.