Testimonials
Madeleine McAllan graduated from our Visual Effects Diploma Program last year and began working at Zoic Studios in Vancouver. She just recently posted a great review of our program at ArtSchoolReviews.ca.
In her own words, "Studying at Vanarts was the best decision I ever made. I've gone from making silly little videos with friends to working at the company that inspired my effects fascination (Zoic Studios). I got my job less than a month out of school and just 2 months after I finished school, my work could be seen online and on TV! A fantastic feeling!
Just about everyone in my class is working now! If you're serious about a VFX career, and willing to put in the effort, this is the school for you!"
Our Visual Effects graduate Max Schroeder shares with us about his effects artist position at Tinderbox Studios in Burnaby, BC.
Jason Dowdeswell - Head of Image Engine, Vancouver
"Of all the local schools that we look to hire for our junior positions in visual effects, we always start with VanArts. The grads are consistently the most production-ready, with the right attitude and the broadest & best understanding of how production workflow occurs in a professional environment. There is a high success rate for continued employment for VanArts graduates."
Matt Welford - VFX Supervisor @ MPC / Former Head of Compositing @ WETA Digital
"The Vanarts model of running the VFX program as a production house is the only way to train for success in this industry."
Luca Giorgio - VFX Artist, Spin FX
"The training I received at VanArts gave me the knowledge and expertise to think and transform into an artist. The Visual Effects program taught me the process of the entertainment pipeline and how to achieve the quality level required by the industry. The greatest satisfaction is being able to get paid doing what I love to do. I am grateful that I made the choice to become an artist and attend VanArts."
Sanjeev Kumar - Compositor @ Prime Focus, India
"I started my career as a programmer at Greenfield Online Pvt. Ltd. in on-campus placement during my masters in computer science. Since I had an interest in films, I researched other schools and found the VanArts curriculum fit exactly what I wanted to do. Upon coming to Vancouver, I learned theory and practical knowledge from talented industry professionals in visual effects and filmmaking. I really loved the time I spent studying at VanArts."
Sanjeev's website: www.devilsan.com
Shane Wicklund - Compositor @ Prime Focus, Los Angeles
My experience at VanArs was a real game changer. It was a truly life-changing experience being taught and guided by such established, talented artists, as well as being surrounded by classmates who shared common interests and goals. Even better than graduating with a demo reel is that you graduate with a network of potential co-workers.
VanArts did a very good job of preparing me for the real thing, and gave me a true sense of what a real work environment would be like. Starting my job search, I had a very accurate sense of what to expect and which common mistakes to avoid. My work ethic and sense of professionalism to this day are very much based on the standards set by VanArts."
Shane's Website: www.shanesaddiction.com
Shane Wicklund on IMDB
Nik Brownlee - Compositor @ Double Negative, UK
"Upon graduation from VanArts, I started my career in London, UK and have since worked on 25 feature films. 5 years working at Double Negative has been some great times, running down the hall wearing Batman's cape and IronMan's mask, meeting some celebrities and attending cast & crew screenings for films I've worked on. The screening of The Dark Knight, before anyone knew how good it would be, was insane with the buzz of my co-workers coming out of the theatre!"
Nik Brownlee credits at IMDB
