Digital Animation Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long has the program been in existence?
A: Following the success of our Commercial Animation program, the Digital Animation program began it's first limited-enrollment program in February '99. We have had full classes each year since April 2000.

Q: Is this a computer animation program?
A: Yes,but... This program was designed on the basis of strong traditional animation and design skills. Even though we make extensive use of computer animation software and hardware we haven't forgotten the traditional roots of animation - drawing and design.

You work hard to learn how to refine your drawing and design skills and how to make characters live and breathe. These are essential skills no matter what you end up doing in animation. Students who choose computer animation as a career will succeed because of their animation skills first; their computer skills second. Plus if all you learn in a program like this is computer skills you've just wasted a lot of money learning a technology that will have changed before you've even graduated. Great design and animation skills will last a lifetime.

Q: What type of facilities do you have for your students?
A: We're better equipped than many animation studios. Custom designed workstations, dvd/laserdisc players, large studio rooms with natural light and more technology than you'll need during your stay. All this makes for an efficient and comfortable learning environment. Each student in the Digital Animation program has a dedicated graphics workstations running the latest 3D software. Graduates will leave with the workstation and basic software as it is included in the price of tuition. We also have a huge resource library of books and DVD's to supplement your education.

Q: What kind of computer equipment do you have in your labs?
A: We have two computer animation labs; One shared lab running the latest versions of TV Paint and the Adobe Production Premium suite (including Photoshop, Flash and After Effects).  The Digital Animation lab highend 3D graphics workstations running Softimage XSI, Alias Maya, Pixologic Zbrush, Adobe Photoshop/Premiere/AfterEffects and a variety of other applications. Each computer is capable of outputting computer animation directly to DVD.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: As a community University, our tuition is partially subsidized by the provincial government. We are one of the least expensive computer animation programs available in Canada. Visit the Capilano University Fees and Payment page for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees and expenses.

Q: Why does your course cost so much less than others?
A: Due to our subsidized courses and our small class sizes we are able to offer some of the best animation training in Canada. Our graduates success is proof of our commitment to quality animation training. What you won't find here is over inflated tuition fees since our courses aren't designed to generate profits. You won't find slick expensive promotional materials and campaigns. Your fees pay for excellent quality instruction and a great learning environment. We won't win awards with designer furniture and workspaces.

Q: How long is the Digital program?
A: The program runs for 8-months from the beginning of September to the end of April each year. 

Q. How much can I expect to spend on books and supplies?
A. About $1000 during the 8-months. This covers all the incidental materials you will need including pencils, paper, books, computer supplies and DVD's.

Q: How much time can I expect to spend studying/working on projects?
A: Classes run 28 hours per week. You can expect a minimum of 30 extra hours of homework each week just to keep up. Most of our students work on campus until closing each night.

Q: How late are the computer labs open for students to work on projects?
A: The labs are open from 7am until 2am from Sunday to Thursday. The labs are closed at 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. During the last few weeks of the program we extend access to 24hours for students to complete the rendering of their reels. We don't have 24hour access during the year because everybody needs sleep! Not to mention that students that stay up too late usually miss morning classes.

Q: What kind of preparation can I do before entering the program?
A: Drawing, drawing, and more drawing! Take life drawing classes, study traditional animation and design. Design animated characters and locations. Sculpture is also a great way to develop 3D skills. Build up your computer graphics and animation skills.

Check into taking some animation courses. We offer part-time evening courses through Continuing Education. Our eight-week summer school programs (Animation Fundamentals and Computer Animation and Visual Effects) will help you build foundation artistic skills and develop a portfolio.

Q: How do I get into the program?
A: An amazing portfolio will get you into the program. Excellent drawing and animation skills will provide a foundation for learning 3D computer animation. Graduates of our Commercial Animation program have first choice in taking Digital Animation. After that we review submitted portfolios and choose the applicants with the strongest artistic and computer skills.

Q: How much can I expect to earn upon graduation in the animation industry?
A: The average starting salary for a full-time cg artist is between 35,000 to 45,000 per year Canadian. These are entry level positions. As people gain experience in the industry, many will make double or more if they have the right combination of people and artistic skills.

Q: What types of jobs can I do after graduation?
A: We train people primarily as character animators, modelers and texture artists. Companies who have employed our graduates are feature film studios, television production studios and game companies.

Q: Which 3D software packages are taught?

A: Currently we teach Softimage XSI for character rigging, animation and rendering. Alias Maya and Pixologic Zbrush for modeling and texturing. We also use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere and After Effects to complete projects for your final demo reel. The animation industry changes very quickly and we respond to that by continually reviewing and upgrading the equipment and software used in our courses.

Q: What types of students enroll in your course?
A: We always have a range of students from those out of highschool for a few years to professional animators who want to retrain for computer animation jobs. All the students have excellent artistic skills. Generally the students are grouped into two categories: those with strong animation skills (industry professionals and graduates of classical animation programs) and those with strong artistic and computer graphics skills. This helps build a team of people with technical and animation skills who can help one another become great computer animators.

Q: Can I apply straight to the Digital Animation course without the previous two years of traditional animation training?
A: Yes you can. People with traditional animation training usually have excellent drawing, design and animation skills. We also accept people with strong portfolios and little on no schooling.

Q: Who is the right type of person to take this course?
A: You love computer animation, character design and want to bring your own characters to life. You dream about working on the next blockbuster game or feature film. On a daily basis you spend a great deal of your time drawing and designing your own characters and locations, dreaming up new ideas and concepts for future games or films. You also spend time working on computer graphics projects. Ultimately you know this is hard work and your have a portfolio that shows how dedicated you are to the craft.

Q: What living accommodations are available in Vancouver?
A: Most of our students rent either a room, a suite or share an apartment. Many students live in North Vancouver and either walk to the campus or take the city transit. There are plenty of options with monthly rents between $400 (single room) and $1200 (2 bedroom apartment).