Q: What makes VanArts unique compared to other media arts schools?

A:VanArts has many advantages over other schools.

We are a specialized "media arts school" and not a "department" within a larger institution. Other schools may have a wider variety of subjects to choose from, but we are much more focused on all things related to 2D and 3D Animation, Game Art & Design, Visual Effects and Digital Photography. As a result, you get a highly focused real-world training experience.

The atmosphere of the school has more of an "art-school" quality. We are situated in historic Yaletown and heritage downtown buildings with a professional yet cozy look and feel.

A major advantage our students have is a dedicated personal computer workstation. Many other schools only provide scheduled access to shared computers and light tables. Our students are given their own space to "move in" to and personalize; they are free to decorate it with pictures or models such as toys, and often work late into the evenings and on weekends.

Our class sizes are kept deliberately small (20 students or less), so students have more opportunities for one-on-one personalized instruction from their teachers who are industry-experienced professionals.

Students' work are evaluated in personal critique sessions with their classroom instructors, not by outside parties. Their final work is always critiqued in the context of their progress, skills, and work ethic. Teachers get to know their students personally and serve as excellent mentors during the program and beyond.

Q: Does VanArts provide job placement?

A: Getting a job in the industry depends on the student's professionalism and skills, displayed through their demo reel and work ethic. At VanArts, the goal and responsibility of every student is to finish the program with a professional demo reel, a drawing portfolio and industry contacts.

We have real connections to several local studios and often bring in guest speakers to inform students about job opportunities at the studios. We have instructors who have worked in studios all over the world. They can give references and advice on application process and international work visas. Several students have landed freelance jobs and full-time positions through referrals by their instructors or classmates. This is what industry-experienced staff can provide and students who take advantage of the resources we offer and work hard can succeed in finding a job in anywhere from a few days to a few months after graduating. Our high placement rate shows that our persistent students are succeeding!

Q: Where do your students get jobs?

A: Since we bring in students from all over the world, our students find employment all over the world, working for studios large and small. Vancouver itself is one of the hottest cities for animation, gaming and film production, employing several thousand. Several grads have found work locally and most of our grads end up working on projects for feature films, TV series, commercials, web cartoons and video games. Others become independent and work on their own projects. Visit our Alumni page to see where our grads have landed!

Q: Can international students find work in Canada?

A: Some of our international students have been hired by Canadian studios upon graduation, so it's not impossible, but can be more difficult. Like everyone else, it depends on their qualifications for the job and if the studio is able to hire an international employee. It is more difficult for an international student to work part-time in Canada while studying at VanArts full-time. For more information on studying and working in Canada, go to the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website: http://www.cic.gc.ca

Q: Does VanArts provide housing for students?

A: We do not provide housing. However we have a list of housing resources that student have found is useful for finding accommodations. We recommend booking a room in advance as a temporary accommodation while searching for an apartment in the local area. It is common for students to share apartments with one or two of their classmates. Most affordable apartments in Vancouver range from $600-$900 CDN per month for rent.

Q: Why do I need art and drawing skills to be a CG animator? Don't computers do it all?

A: Technology for animation is increasing and changing rapidly, and it's no surprise that computers are being used increasingly in all aspects of the medium. However, the computer is just a tool. Computers do not create animation, artists do! Computer animation studios want to hire people with knowledge of 3D software, but more importantly, strong fine-art skills! The ability to visualize ideas and an understanding of color theory, composition, lighting, perspective, life drawing and anatomy is vital for the computer animator or modeler. You will be able to illustrate concepts with traditional art first, and then create the final product using the computer. The highest quality computer animation, seen in feature films, TV or video games, is all created by artists who understand these concepts and have a strong foundation in classical art/animation.

Q: Do I need to submit a portfolio for a part-time or summer intensive course?

A: No, you will not need to. Portfolios are only required for acceptance into our full-time diploma and certificate programs. To register for a part-time or summer course, you simply fill in the online registration form and pay the course fee.

Q: Is there a deadline for applying to VanArts?

A: We have no set deadlines for any of our courses. Applications are processed in the order they are received. It is always wise to apply sooner rather than later in order to secure your seat in a course before it fills up.

Q: Can I get a tour of VanArts?

A:Yes! The school is open for tours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. To schedule a personal tour, call 604-682-2787, 1-800-396-2787, or .

Q: How long has VanArts been around?

A: VanArts has been offering its animation courses since 1996. The founding Director of the Classical Animation program was the late Lee Mishkin. Lee was an Academy-Award winning animator with over 50 years of industry experience.

Q: Is VanArts accredited?

A: Yes, VanArts is accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia.

Q: Is financial aid available?

A: Yes, there are full student loans available for residents of Canada and the USA. Applicants from other countries should contact their ministry of education for enquire about any financial aid options that may exist.