I was in my 3rd year at Simon Fraser University working towards my BBA, a boring office life ahead of me. I thought to myself if this was it for me, being a marketer or salesman for the rest of my life. But one sentence completely changed my life.
I had followed a friend to a business conference about how to exceed in the business world. I wasn’t very interested until a short-haired blond woman came to the platform and said something that resonated with me ever since, “Go look for a job that makes you want to get up in the morning”. I had always loved graphic design and videogames and I knew it was something I would wake up for. Coincidentally at the same conference, the CEO of Riptown was there. I walked directly up to him, and asked where I could go to get a proper education. And that’s how I learned of Vancouver Film School.
I went to VFS admissions and met an advisor right away. At first I wanted to pursue Game Design, and then realized that 3D was better suited for me. I wanted to create visual work instead of designing levels. I submitted 13 pieces of artwork; all black and white sketches of simple objects or people. A month later, I was accepted.
Nonetheless, I was able to register for the Digital Design program with no background in design at all.
Leading up to the course, I became very worried about my eyesight. I am very near-sighted and heard that 3D work could be quite intense. With my eyesight in mind, I looked for another program. I learned of the existence of the Digital Design program and requested to be transferred. I didn’t have a background in design, so my advisor recommended the Foundations program. I would have loved to go to Foundations but it was financially impossible. As an international student, both programs would have cost $65,000. Nonetheless, I was able to register for the Digital Design program with no background in design at all.
The School
At the time, I thought the program was only about graphic design…I was completely wrong. Digital Design offers a lot more than I had initially imagined. Motion design, print design, communication design, and flash development seem to be the four key areas of study. Flash is always popular because of the increasing demand in the job market. Motion design is something relatively unknown to the public, but one of the more popular streams. Print and communication design are exactly what they sound like.
An interesting note of the program was that more than 50% of my class came from abroad.
An interesting note of the program was that more than 50% of my class came from abroad. Being an international student myself, I welcomed the diversity. The differences made everyone unique. Coming from different cultures and places, students were able to bring in varying perspectives towards their projects. I had the pleasure of working with some great designers.
The campus is open 24/7 and there’s a Tim Hortons/Starbucks across the street so you’re set for the long nights ahead. The campus only has PC’s available which some students were not used to. For some reason, the teachers preferred Macs as well.
The Program
Digital Design is divided into six terms; two per month. The first 2 terms are focused on getting everybody on the same page, basic training in Photoshop, Flash, After Effects, and other graphics software.
Term 3 is when students begin to advance further. It focuses mainly on advanced techniques in After Effects and higher-level Flash concepts. Term 4 is similar to term 3 except with fewer assignments giving students more time to polish their work.
I was struggling because I had great ideas in my mind, but wasn’t skilled enough to execute them.
The first 3 terms were amazing for me. I was learning more than I could have ever imagined. But by the 4th term, I knew that I was too far behind. I was struggling because I had great ideas in my mind, but wasn’t skilled enough to execute them. Up until that point I wasn’t aware of the skills I needed until I saw how the experienced designers began to excel. The problem was simple; I didn’t know anything about design. I came in without knowing what the program truly had to offer and what I needed to be capable of.
The final two terms are designated towards the final project. The main goal of the final project is to allow students to show what they are capable of after all the intensive training. It is the last project students complete before they graduate. Students have the freedom to choose the topic of their liking and create a motion, flash, branding, web, or print projects accordingly.
Prior to term 4, I was divided between choosing web design or motion graphics as career choice. I have to admit that salary did affect my decision making. But after talking to three brilliant people in the program, I realized if I set money aside I would choose motion design between the two. Remembering the reasons why I left university for VFS, to live a fun and creative life, I knew I wanted to become a motion designer. I changed the subject of my final project and rushed into creating a motion graphics piece, Flying Machines.
The remaining time in the program was spent mostly in employment preparation courses (mock interviews and resume building) and preparing a required demo reel to showcase my work.
After the final projects students have the chance to meet industry professionals to get feedback on their work. Needless to say, it’s a great way to get in contact with future employers. Some people were hired right away, while some did not. Most people will have interviews for positions while still at school. Some talented students were even hired before their final projects.
If you have the time and the money, you can get started in the Foundations program at VFS, something I wish I could have done as well.
The Verdict
Digital Design is not the place to be when you’re still undecided about your future. When you get there, you should have a clear vision about what you want to do. For those who are fresh out of high school, I would recommend going to university or college to get started. In a four year program, you have time to think about the different areas that you might want to get into, and build some foundational skills while you’re at it. If you have the time and the money, you can get started in the Foundations program at VFS, something I wish I could have done as well.
Still, I’ve very glad that I took a chance and went to VFS. I wanted to change my life and I did. Even if it might not have been the most direct path, I’m having fun moving forward in life. I’ve gained so much knowledge in only one year. And most importantly, I know what I want to do in the future.
After graduation, I spent three months hunting for full time jobs in Vancouver but didn’t find anything. So, I’ve been freelancing to support myself since. In May, which is next week, I will be interning at a motion graphics studio. I’m very excited that I’ve taken steps in the right direction.
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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