Comments on: Capilano University – Well Worth It

By: Yumiko

Yumiko — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:46:41 +0000

Hi everyone. Thanks a lot for your comments! I really appreciate it :) I’m happy to see some of my classmates commenting too!

To Manuel: The coordinator from Capilano is helping to create an animation program in Mexico city. There was a 4 week session happening this month. If you email me, I can refer you someone who can tell you more.

In regards to the other schools offered in our area, I can say that I work with many very talented people from both VFS and Capilano. Many other coworkers come from schools across the country such as Sheridan and even a school in Saskatchewan. Whatever school you choose, it is not a guaranteed ticket into a successful career in animation. Like a lot of reviews state, it is what you make it and hopefully you find teachers and classmates that believe you can make it too.

I feel I cannot really comment on a school I have never attended so I’ve asked my coworkers for their opinion. What I can say is that the person who told me to go to Capilano was a VFS grad. My VFS friends recommend: if one chooses VFS, one should already have an artistic foundation because the program is short and is focused on producing a good short film. They have good teachers who are from the industry. They agree the tuition is high and you must be extremely disciplined to get your money’s worth. They have a huge marketing campaign which spreads their (and successful students’) reputation quite wide, which I assume is possible from the tuition they charge, considering they can afford an office in Mexico. Also keep in mind that their tuition fee is much higher for international students like yourself, and VFS has a high admission of international students. (The tuition stated on this site is only for Canadian residents.) Because of the international status, it can be difficult to find work and stay in Canada, especially during difficult economic times like now. Many of my colleagues know coworkers who have been deported or denied work visas. Others have fortunately been able to stay. Please research this.

As for other schools, I did not attend Emily Carr because I felt they were more fine arts-like and I already went through fine arts school and wanted something more commercial and job focused. They’re still a good school though – I’ve been taking night courses there since I was a teenager. I’ve met one coworker from Emily Carr and none from AI or Van Arts so I do not know anyone to ask for their testimonies. I’m not sure if that reflects the job outcome from those programs, or just my circle of 2D studios I’ve worked at. We will have to wait for more reviews to be written!

Again, successful students can come out of crappy schools. Crappy students can come out of great schools. Focus, work hard and read sites like this and ask questions and decide what you can afford money-wise and time-wise. And which goals you must reach to not live in regret :) Education is never a waste.

Best wishes!
Yumiko

By: Manuel

Manuel — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:08:29 +0000

First, sorry for my bad grammar. I found very useful this info, specially because i’m from another country ( not USA ), and its very hard to find opinions of students about the schools. Now, i have a big dilemma, i’m from Mexico, so, this industry (animation) sucks, no joke, sucks as hell itself, but as you said, being an animator my most big desire since i was kid, now i’m older, and i’m studying the most similar career of animation in my country, graphic design. But then, the light shined upon me, and i discovered VFS, it looked pretty amazing at the first time, but then, i felt that VFS was a commercial school, but the good point of this one, it’s that it’s more easy to get in contact, they have a office in my country. and then, i discovered Capilano university, that looks much better. I wanna know your opinion about those schools, and thanks again for your opinion, see ya!

By: Ronaldo pipeen

Ronaldo pipeen — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:52:57 +0000

You make good points, and yes it’s good to see there are schools in Vancouver that require portfolios. Any one can pay their way into a school these days but good things don’t come easy and the quality of instruction and the fact your teachers care about your progress really do show in your great drawing/animating ability.

By: Donna Leong

Donna Leong — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:24:16 +0000

Thanks, Yumiko, for the review of our incredible school. Yes, the program is really good. They focus on teaching you solid drawing and animation skills that you would benefit from throughout your career. It is the best choice for anyone who loves drawing very much.

By: Sean Gillen

Sean Gillen — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:29:02 +0000

I think most everyone would agree with you. Cap was definitely the best choice when it comes to the quality of instruction and resources available for students.

We had a great class too. So many good times…

By: Bill Chung

Bill Chung — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:38:20 +0000

Yumiko, I feel the strongest point you make is certainly what you describe as the bare humility of the students you met at the Open House. Being able to easily identify with the people who, in a sense, represent a future you, is an encouraging prospect indeed.

You also mention the need to “relearn” illustration – clearly this program was designed well enough to force you to challenge your established core skills. This is, I feel, a marking of a practical and effective education program.

It seems that you made the right choice attending Cap – your Grad work blew my pants off.

By: Jared B

Jared B — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:02:11 +0000

As one of Yumiko’s fellow graduates, I really enjoyed the Capilano experience. It is a great program. If you are considering animation as a career I highly recommend it.

By: Mike Rodriguez

Mike Rodriguez — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:31:45 +0000

Great advice! Your factors for choosing Cap U make a lot of sense…both practically and financially.

Definitely worth the read, everyone!