[Introduction] With the rapid development of online games and the popularity of animation films, the demand for animation talents in various regions of the world is increasingly high in demand. Animation has become a growing trend in recent years. As a result, art and design majors have gradually become the choice for many international art students.
Introduction to the Canadian Animation major
It is also a major that includes a variety of art forms. 2D or 3D animation, stop motion, experimental animation, etc. are all different forms of animation, giving artists a lot of room for development. Animation involves a wide range of work areas. From character design and storyboarding in the early stages, to the editing and synthesis in the later stages. Every step is imperative. Nowadays, the animation field in China and other countries is thriving, and more talents are needed.
What knowledge and skills do students learn in the Canadian animation major?
In the Canadian animation major, students will acquire skills and knowledge in traditional animation and computer animation. In the process of learning about the art of storyboarding and designing animated characters and scenes, students will also practice applying theories of motion, timing, storytelling and digital technology to produce high-quality animations and designs. The practical learning in the major will enable students to use the equipment, facilities and computer software currently used in the industry to acquire and develop knowledge and skills related to the production of network, television, games or animation films. The program’s courses include: Introduction to Animation, Fundamentals of Animation Directing, Camera Language, Image and Editing Technology, Layout Design, Character Design, 3D Modelling, Animation Principles, Animation Sketching, Timing Control, Drawing Techniques, Character Roles, Special Effects, Stop-frame Animation, Storyboards, Animation Software, etc.
Employment prospects of Canadian animation graduates
Animation has many employment sectors: original painting, digital painting, model, special effects, animation binding, synthesis, etc. Students who have good drawing skills and prefer traditional hand-drawn animations can choose between pre-animation work and 2D animation work. If students have good software and technical skills, they can choose animation post-production and 3D animation work areas. Generally speaking, animated cartoons, especially large-scale lengthy animations, are produced by a team, so students can choose the corresponding position in the team according to their expertise.
Job description a Canadian animation graduates
Animator: They must have strong art and design skills and proficiency in animation technology; able to use 3D Studio Max, Maya, Photoshop and Dreamweaver, as well as digital cameras, digital paper, digital pens and video compression coding processes. They need to combine 3D art with advanced computer technology to design and create 3D motion graphics for science, business, medicine, advertising, video production, video games, and computer or mobile device applications. Many animators work long hours. This may include nights and weekends around deadlines.
Interactive Media Developer: They often work closely with graphic designers, illustrators, 2D-3D animators and artists, and will have an aptitude for collaboration and team work. Mainly responsible for designing and creating user interfaces for games, gadgets and graphics (such as mobile applications or multiplayer video games), writing, modifying, integrating and testing Internet applications, computer-based software, games, movies, videos and other computer coding for interactive media.
Salaries for Canadian animation graduates
So ,what are the decisive factors for the income of Canadian animation graduates and how much money do they make each year?
Animator
Average hourly wage: $34.38/hr Average annual salary: $67,040/year
Average starting salary: $27,300/year Highest future salary: $108,254/year
Interactive Media Developer
Average hourly wage: $38.46/hr Average annual salary: $74,997/year
Average starting salary: $60,741/year Highest future salary: $79,697/year
List of related majors in animation in Ontario, Canada (1-to-4-year programs)
| Name of Program | School | Type of Credential | Open to International Students | Start Date |
| Honours Bachelor of Animation | Sheridan College | Bachelor Degree | Open | September |
| Bachelor of Media Arts（2D & Experimental Animation Major/ 3D Computer Animation Major） | Emily Carr University of Art Design | Bachelor Degree | Open | September |
| Drawing & Painting: Digital Painting and Expanded Animation Drawing Painting | OCAD University | Bachelor Degree | Open | September |
| Animation | Seneca College | Advanced diploma | Open | January/September |
| 3D Animation | Seneca College | Graduate Certificate | Open | January/September |
| Game Art and Animation | Seneca College | Graduate Certificate | Open | January/September |
| Animation -3D | Humber College | Advanced diploma | Open | January/September |
| Animation | Conestoga College | Diploma | Open | September |
| 3D Computer Animation | Conestoga College | Graduate Certificate | Open | September |
| Video Game Design & Animation | Toronto Film School | Diploma | Open | January/April/July/October |
Summary: UtoCanada's views on the animation major
The animation major in Canada is well-developed. Students can learn the complete process in animation and master production skills in an environment that focuses on cultivating an innovative spirit. Canadian animation graduates are also very popular in North America. Many graduates work for major animation production companies in Hollywood, such as Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic, etc. It is also true that most of the Canadian animation majors have higher admission requirements for portfolios, so it is more difficult to get in. Students who are interested in animation must prepare their applications in advance to enter their ideal school.
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