I chose VFS because I had heard of its good reputation for some years before enrolling. I also read in detail about the courses offered and chose Digital Design because of its focus on Motion Graphics and emphasis on other skills needed to become a balanced designer. I also knew that VFS was very dedicated to being a hands-on school, with the 1 year course fitting in as much as a 4 year program elsewhere.
The Decision
Before choosing VFS, I had not done too much work with computers, mostly I was creating art using paints, pencils, and other analogue instruments. I had done some graphic design work in the past, but mostly by hand. Upon deciding to go to VFS, I started teaching myself some basics in the computer programs that I knew were staples in the courses ahead.
I did submit a portfolio. Though I don’t think they paid much attention to it because other students got in without a portfolio, or a very minimal one.
I did submit a portfolio. Though I don’t think they paid much attention to it because other students got in without a portfolio, or a very minimal one. I think that if you can afford to pay, they will accept you. Though my suggestion is to have some work or practice with whatever it is you are taking beforehand, otherwise you will be left behind due to the fast pace the courses are designed to move at.
The Program
VFS definitely lived up to my expectations and more. I had heard that it would be one of the most stressful years of my life, and it also lived up to that expectation as well. If you are going to VFS, don’t plan on having much of a life outside of it, if you want to make the most of your time there.
Most of my teachers were great and not only knew what they were teaching, but taught it well. Teachers change often there, and I’ve heard of some students having bad luck, but mine were great, and that’s the case with any school. Being in a small class of 11 students really provided me with a good space to learn, with help from the teachers and other students as well. Though I think some classes are bigger now and that it is much harder for both teachers and students.
We did have a couple projects that involved students from other courses, like making a movie trailer, title sequence, and product packaging for film students. These were valuable training experiences that reflected client based projects. There were other projects that involved real-life/work scenarios that were all quite effective for technical skills and also learning how to work in groups.
I do think that VFS prepared us quite well for having the technical skills needed for certain jobs. Though I don’t think we had much time to learn how to actually FIND the jobs. I’m not really sure how much can be taught on that anyway. The technical side of VFS will make you come out seeming like a pro if you put your time in. The equipment at VFS was lacking sometimes, but overall did the job quite well, just make sure to get a big external hard drive to back up your files.
The Verdict
The Digital Design course I took at VFS was good overall and I would recommend it to anyone who really thinks that they want to pursue that type of work, and if you can afford to go. I think the cost of going is as high as it could be for Canadian students, though they do charge almost twice as much for international students, and I personally think that is ridiculous and way too much to spend for a 1 year program. I wouldn’t recommend it to international students that have to take out massive loans to pay almost double the prices. Paying back that loan will likely bring more pain for you than it’s worth going to the school.
I am primarily an artist, and my main intention with going to VFS for Digital Design was to broaden my palette of skills into the digital realms to potentially find work relating to my specific creative flow. Currently that is how things are for me now; I mostly work on my own art, while doing the odd freelance job that is aligned with how I want to be in the world.
I do know other students that are trying to find work in Vancouver in the commercial industry, and they find it very difficult, even though they are very skilled and talented designers.
I do know other students that are trying to find work in Vancouver in the commercial industry, and they find it very difficult, even though they are very skilled and talented designers. VFS does a great job at creating cookie-cutter robots prepared for the technical and commercial world, and it also does a great job of allowing you to explore your creative potential. I went to VFS when I was 25 and I had thought about going when I was 18. I’m glad I went when I was 25 because I had much more focus, a quality that is needed for this program.
My closing statement to potential students would be to really prepare yourself before even deciding to go -get some software for your computer and play around to see if you like it; use tutorials online or whatever means necessary to explore your potential. Also, see if you like sitting in front of a computer for 8–14 hours a day up to 6 days a week, because that is what it is like in the course and the commercial industry. That is one of the main reasons I don’t work in the commercial industry, because I saw that even after school, people still work long hard hours unless you are your own boss. I also just don’t like the commercial industry and the mind numbing garbage that it generally produces. So I warn you not to get sucked into creating things just to get paid while capitalists trash our minds and fragile world in the name of endless production and greed. Learn skills to create your own future, not theirs!
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