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VDK Animation Fast Track Method

Just Make it Move!

Learn how to animate the right way. Courses, workshops, and expert guidance to take your skills to the next level.

About

VDK Animation

Your Guide to Animation Mastery

With over 30 years of experience in the animation industry, I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most iconic films that have shaped the animation landscape. My journey began in 1989 at Disney as an inbetweener on The Little Mermaid, and from there, I honed my craft at top studios such as Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Sony Imageworks, and Blue Sky Studios.


Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to beloved films like The Iron Giant, where I was nominated for a Best Animator Annie Award, and I’ve been a part of both traditional 2D and cutting-edge CG projects.

30+

Years Of Experience

14+

Years of Animation coaching

Annie award for the Iron Giant jim vanderkeyl

JIM WAS NOMINATED FOR AN ANNIE AWARD IN 1999 FOR HIS WORK IN THE IRON GIANT FOR BEST CHARACTER ANIMATOR IN A FEATURE ANIMATED FILM.

Start

Your Animation Journey

Animation is more than just making things move—it's about bringing life to your creations. My courses are designed to teach you the core principles of animation that every animator needs to master. The first course, ‘Timing and Spacing,’ will guide you through the key concepts that are the foundation of smooth, dynamic animation. Whether you're working in 2D or 3D, these skills will transform your work and set you apart from the rest.

“Limited time only Launch Special Save 60%! “

Use SAVE60 in the coupon code section of the checkout page.

Timing and Spacing online course

Cracking the Code of Timing and Spacing

This is the full digital version with introduction to using software as the medium of choice. Create simple animations digitally and eliminate doubts about how things move. Say goodbye to confusion and anxiety, and embrace a learning journey that builds skills and fosters confidence. Your story as an Animator starts here.

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Look over my Shoulder: The Making of a Flip Book 
(Click on the picture to see the Rocketship move)

Look over my shoulder as I show you how to build a flip book lightbox and demonstrate how to animate on a flip book. Using the spacing and timing skills learned from the Ebook, you can start animating simple shaped objects right away! See how I animate a rocket ship takeing off from a planet!

How to animate consultation

Level Up with

1-on-1 Consultations & Workshops

Looking for personalized feedback and guidance? My consultations offer a tailored approach to your learning, whether you’re preparing a portfolio, working on a project, or simply looking to improve your skills. I also host specialized workshops for 3D artists, in collaboration with iAnimate.net, where you can learn from industry professionals and elevate your craft.

Explore

My Animation Work

See for yourself the projects that have shaped my career. My portfolio spans a variety of styles and techniques, from personal passion projects to professional collaborations. Whether it’s character animation, motion graphics, or 3D modeling, my work reflects a commitment to excellence and creativity.

Testimonials

See how Jim’s courses help animators find their spark again

I’ve done Animation for many years and even working in a small studio. I was never classically trained so everything I learned was from books or studying. I wish this course would’ve been around 20 years ago when I started.

Bob East, Caricature and Comic Artist and Animator

As a CG animator I wasn't thinking about how spacing was calculated by the computer. After the course I was able to more easily visualize how to separately judge the spacing and the timing and get them to interplay to effect the visual texture of my animation.

Sophia Smeaton, Animation Student

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