As a new feature to the 3D Animation Diploma Program at VanArts, local industry mentorships have started being implemented into the curriculum. The top three students in each student group will have the opportunity for regularly scheduled individual critiques from a local industry professional. Students in this program already have the advantage of being taught by professionals from Disney and Pixar, so the new mentorship program is simply another enhancement to the high-quality education they receive at VanArts.

Agata Matuszak has taken Intro to Basic Drawing and our 2D & 3D Animation Diploma Programs at VanArts. Now a working professional in the industry, Agata is currently serving as a mentor to our 3D Animation students. Here is what she has to say about her experience...

"My experience at Vanarts has been amazing. During the 2 years studying 2D and 3D animation, its been a lot of hard work and many late nights, but without those challenging exercises and well balanced classes that gave us more one-on-one time with the teachers and hard work, I wouldn't be where I am now!

After graduation I had the opportunity to go work in India as a Lead animator for Veda Games. A year later I came back to Vancouver and began my dream job as an animator at Rainmaker Motion Picture VFX. There I worked on films such as Night At The Museum, Blades of Glory, and many other projects. At Rainmaker I've met some incredibly talented artists that I've learned so much from.

I have to say a Thank You to all the Vanarts teachers for their dedication, and knowledge; you know who you are, and I wouldn't have done it without you!"

-Agata Matuszak, Animator, Rainmaker Entertainment