I had just completed high school and knew that I was not going to attend a university like all the other boys and girls. Even as a child, I knew what I wanted to be, an ARTIST! I wasn’t into anything else. All my math text books and socials binders were filled with sketches and doodles. Don’t get it twisted now…I did get great grades.
Not As Originally Planned
Originally I wanted to attend the IDEA program at Capilano, a very artistic curriculum consisting of painting, typography, sculpture, and more. Apparently, I was too young for the program. They wanted more “mature” students who weren’t 18. After I was denied, I went into a rut because I put so much emphasis into my portfolio presentation and got nothing in return.
That summer I got a job working construction, thinking that I would just wait a year to try again. Thankfully, my girlfriend pushed me to try other schools or programs otherwise I probably wouldn’t go back. That’s when I received a call from the Interactive Design program asking me to bring my portfolio in for an interview. Let’s just say I killed it because I was accepted to start that Fall.
The Interactive Design program was in its 1st year and we were its test subjects. Let’s just say it had a lot of kinks, but ultimately it worked out for the best.
The First Grad Class
Capilano College (*now University) was amazing, and that has nothing to do with it being 5 minutes away from my house. The Interactive Design program was in its 1st year and we were its test subjects. Let’s just say it had a lot of kinks, but ultimately it worked out for the best. After the first year went by, a handful of people dropped the program thinking it was a waste of time; a program that didn’t promise anything for its students. Now our class consisted of about 15 people. So working one on one with the professors was amazing. They really gave us their undivided attention and would spend lots of time after hours helping us with our projects (shout-out to Matt Anderson and the rest of faculty).
A Faulty Practicum Process
The program was 2 years and I really can’t say anything negative about it, but I’m sure there are a few students who can. Actually, now that I think about it, in our second year we had a 6 week practicum that we had to arrange for ourselves. We had to research and find companies, and then hope to god that they would let us work with them in that period of time. It was a terrible idea, especially since it took place right after the Christmas break. The timing for the practicum just didn’t fit in considering we had to go back to school to finish off the semester. Most practicums tend to take place at the end of the year in hopes of students being offered jobs afterwards. This wasn’t the case for any of us. Administration then decided to hold a show for us in an attempt to get industry studios to come and see what we had to offer. This too was unsuccessful, though some people were able find jobs from this.
The Verdict
I would recommend this program to other students wanting to pursue a path in Interactive design. I have talked to others that graduated after our ’06 class and they have told me the program has made some great adjustments which better prepared them for the real world.
As for my plans post graduation, I finished a Marketing program at BCIT and got the tools I needed in order to start up my own freelance business. I wasn’t sure how far this would take me, but some would say I lucked out.
I ended up getting a Creative Director position with a company in Miami called King of the Streets which opened many possibilities. I was flying down to Atlanta, and Miami to participate in huge car shows and hip-hop concerts every few months. Since things were taking off fast, I chose to move to the east coast in order to be closer to Miami. I packed up my bags and moved from Vancouver to Montreal. Not knowing how long the magazine would last, I figured I would search for a full-time job while working on the magazines at night. This ended up being the best thing I ever did.
By the end of the week I was their new Lead Graphic Designer…and have worked with such clients as Pepsi, T-Mobile, Lipton Brisk, and Molson.
A company by the name of Track Entertainment contacted me to come in for an interview on a Monday. By the end of the week I was their new Lead Graphic Designer. I have now been there for over a year and a half, and have worked with such clients as Pepsi, T-Mobile, Lipton Brisk, Molson, and many high profile companies. Additionally, I was hired by an urban lingerie company to design their entire first line. If you got time, check it out, I have a feeling you’ll like it.
Overall, the Interactive Design program helped me get to where I am today. It provided me with the tools I needed in order to succeed and ensured I knew what I was doing when working on the web. However, this is just the start of my career. I’m only 22 years old and have the rest of my life ahead of me. Who knows where ill be next, not knowing is the best part!
(2 votes, average: 2.50 out of 5)
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ily
wow this is a great read. You really opened my eyes as to what I should take!
thanks guy!