After finishing high school, I applied to Humber’s 2 year computer animation program and got accepted. Back then the course was very new, so a lot was still being developed as to its content and what direction it should take in the future. I also came back for the 1-year post graduate program.
It’s important to note that the 3D application used in the program is 3D Studio Max.
In A Nutshell
The program touches base on many aspects of 2D and 3D (modeling, texturing, animation, rigging, drawing, storyboards, compositing). After a year, you are encouraged to focus on one specific technique and specialize in it. Most people realized that this one year wasn’t enough to create a specialized reel and returned for the post-graduate program. Generally, the workload was very heavy and had me working almost every night. The classes themselves were only a few hours long, but you would have to put in twice as much work at home. It’s important to note that the 3D application used in the program is 3D Studio Max. Here’s something to keep in consideration: There are only a handful of visual effects studios that use 3Ds Max while there’s a fair amount of game studios that use the application.
The Good
Instructors seemed to genuinely care about the students’ work and goals. They are very approachable and are knowledgeable in their realm of animation. Whenever we had a problem with the course, the program coordinator was always there to listen and find out solutions.
The program provides an online forum where you can post your work and get critique from peers and instructors. There was also some peer tutoring at nights so students who are further in the program can provide help. I believe some students even started life drawing sessions on certain nights. These are some fantastic perks that I really enjoyed.
Since there are classes on many areas of 3D, Humber is a good place to learn most positions. Usually it’s tough to find a College that offers teaching in the technical side of 3D. Fortunately for Humber, there are some instructors that have great knowledge to get into rigging, visual effects technical director, or lighting and rendering. On the other hand, if you already know on what area you want to focus on, let’s say animation, you may want to find a program that focuses more on animating.
2 years isn’t nearly enough time to learn the fundamentals, focus in an area, then create a reel.
The Bad
2 years isn’t nearly enough time to learn the fundamentals, focus in an area, then create a reel. You are almost guaranteed to either commit to the 1 year post-graduate program or take some time after school to polish your reel.
We were forced to take a few extra classes that had no relation to animation (Humanities, English, history, etc) All this did was take time away from working on things that actually mattered. You can get more information by checking out their curriculum.
I stayed in campus for my 3 years at Humber. I highly recommend staying somewhere off campus if you are serious about getting any work done. It’s full with people who are more interested to party than to get a job after school. It’s not fun when you are trying to finish some work when there’s a bunch of half-drunk guys yelling in your hallway. I should mention that they force you to buy a meal plan for the cafeteria (which is god awful).
Before graduation, I landed a job at Prime Focus (formerly Frantic Films) at Vancouver. I’ve been working on feature films ever since.
Post-Graduation
Before graduation, I landed a job at Prime Focus (formerly Frantic Films) at Vancouver. I’ve been working on feature films ever since. I know a bunch of people who’ve graduated from the same program and are in the industry at some great companies. On the other hand, most people either dropped out, or couldn’t catch any opportunities. As a result, I believe Humber will reach most people’s expectations as long as they are willing to put in the work. The program can provide a good foundation of skills and techniques, but when it comes down to it, it really depends on the individual and how hard he/she is willing to work. Simply going through the course isn’t enough. It takes the drive to stay up extra nights, work on personal projects, ask questions after class, and to reach that extra mile to make your reel standout.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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