Our Foundations Year is a new 1-year certificate program built from the first year of all MTM diploma programs.
Instead of committing to Animation, Concept Art, or Illustration right away, you begin here:
Build strong fundamentals.
Develop real technical skill.
Then move forward with clarity.
This is the same high-level training our diploma students receive in Year 1, now offered as a flexible, standalone program.
Because this is a certificate program, it’s open in a way our diplomas are not.
You can attend:
• In-person (Canadian students in Torotno)
• Or online from anywhere in Canada OR internationally
If you can’t relocate or attend every class in person, you can:
• Join classes live via Google Meets
• Receive live instruction, real time feedback and critique
• Stay connected through Discord + Google Classroom
Same training. More flexibility. A powerful place to start.
Most artists trying to improve hit the same wall:
They practice… but don’t know what to focus on.
They draw… but don’t understand structure.
They improve slowly… or not at all.
This program is built to change that. You won’t just “draw more.”
You’ll learn:
how to see
how to construct
how to understand what you’re doing
So your work improves fast, and correctly.
Not sure where you’re at or what path to take?
Tell us a bit about your experience. We’ll help you figure out next steps.
✏️ Life Drawing & Figure Construction
📐 Perspective & Spatial Thinking
🧠 Structural Drawing
🎨 Representational Painting & Colour Theory
🧩 Design & Composition
These are the skills everything else is built on, whether you go into animation, concept art, or illustration.
After one year, you will have:
• Strong drawing fundamentals (anatomy, perspective, structure, light, colour)
• A clear understanding of how to build and improve your work
• A solid portfolio for applying to advanced programs
• The confidence to choose your path moving forward
Students consistently say this is where everything starts to make sense. This is where technical skill click.
Most programs expect you to already be strong before you begin. We don’t.
At MTM, we look for:
• commitment
• curiosity
• willingness to improve
Because fundamentals can be taught, and when they are taught properly, the results are dramatic.
Our first year is known for how much students grow in a short period of time.
After completing the Foundations Year, you can:
→ Continue into any MTM diploma program
(Animation, Concept Art, or Illustration)
→ Or apply elsewhere with a significantly stronger portfolio
This program gives you both skill and flexibility.
Basic Life Drawing 1 (no labs)
Representational Painting 1 (no labs)
Perspective 1
Constructive Figure Drawing
Design & Composition
History of Visual Arts
Basic Life Drawing 2 (no labs)
Representational Painting 2 (no labs)
Perspective 2
Structural Drawing
Colour Theory
Career Development for the Visual Arts
Domestic Student Tution Costs
8,639.70 CAD
Click Here for information on funding your post secondary education with us.
Our class sizes are extremely limited, but we are still accepting applicants for Fall 2026. If you are interested, fill out the form below and start your application journey. We can’t wait to see your work!
Get detailed program information and guidance on your next steps.
