One year
- Artistic fundamentals
Tuition fees
€8,000
Fine Arts Preparatory
Applied Arts Program
An intensive program to master the fundamentals (drawing, color, composition, observation) and succeed in entrance exams, at École Méliès as well as other schools of animation, illustration, design, and visual arts.
Educational objectives
- Acquire solid drawing fundamentals: observation, proportions, perspective, values, and color.
- Strengthen anatomy and volume: structure, masses, poses, and models.
- Master composition, framing, and lighting principles for still and moving images.
- Develop a creation methodology: research, sketchbooks, iterations, and critique.
- Initiate visual storytelling: staging, storyboard, characters, and environments.
- Broaden visual culture (art history, animated cinema, illustration, design).
Program overview
A comprehensive curriculum combining theory and artistic practice
The École Méliès Applied Arts Preparatory is built on mastering academic fundamentals, balancing hands-on studio courses with theoretical classes.
Intensive artistic practice develops essential bases: observational drawing, life drawing, perspective, color techniques, and modeling. These fundamentals are key to entering a high-level art program.
Theoretical courses deepen knowledge in art history and film history, enhanced by museum and exhibition visits.
Sample student work
Déroulé de la formation
Description précise du contenu du programme.
A preparatory class accessible to people with a passion for image and creation
This course is for any student at a beginner’s level or wanting to improve their skills, who is already passionate about visual arts, cinema, or new creative technologies. It is the perfect step to gain the necessary basics before joining one of the École Méliès’ courses, or any other specialised art or audiovisual school.
Opened, strict, and enriching, this preparatory year gives each student the possibility to build a substantial portfolio, to better understand their professional project, and efficiently prepare for their art school entrance exams.
The preparatory class is evaluated through continuous assessment, without a final exam. The students are evaluated throughout the year based on their progress, engagement, and artistic improvement. With this, the students can directly join one of the École Méliès’ training courses, without having to pass another entrance exam.
On the syllabus
- Observational drawing
- Perspective drawing
- Color
- Museum visits
- Life drawing
- Film analysis
- Film culture
- Modeling
- Art history
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Admission requirements
For the 2026–2027 academic year
A 3-step admission process.
Application process
- Online application.
- The School will contact you to schedule an interview.
- Decision within 5 to 8 days after your interview.
Student testimonials
I completed a year rich in learning that helped me progress in several areas. Whether in modeling, observational drawing, or color, I have now deepened my skills. A door opened onto animated cinema!
This preparatory year enabled me to acquire solid foundations in drawing, sculpture, art history, and cinema. The teaching approach encourages students to work together and support one another. Essential training for entering image-related professions.
Ready to join the adventure?
Browse our booklet and apply today to bring your projects to life.
Need help?
If you run into any issue during the application process or have a question,
don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
