I have always loved art and drawing, especially comics, movies, and games. After going to university, I decided I wanted to take a different path and train for a career in Animation.
One of the most important things I learned during the program was quality control. Sometimes you get caught up thinking the work you do is the best of the best especially when you've grown up being the best artist in your school, but the world is a big place and is very competitive. The instructors I had really showed me that you need to push the envelope to succeed in this industry.
After graduation, I entered a lot of contests and continued to work on my portfolio, which helped me my current job working as an animation artist for a large game design studio.
I always tell people that you need to love drawing and creating new things everyday to be in this industry – you have to love what you do, and persevere. And you always have to be learning, because animation is an industry that is constantly growing and evolving.
I decided to do the Animation program at CAT because I was interested in game production and the program seemed to cover all aspects of it in depth. The program not only gave me technical skills, but also the skills to succeed in a professional environment.
As a student, I did freelance work for City Interactive on the upcoming game 'Sniper Ghost Warrior 2' and I am now starting at Slant Six Games working on 'Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City'. I currently work as an environmental artist, and would like to one day become a technical artist. I like that in this industry, you start off as a junior, and then as you grow you move into senior positions, and can specialize in whatever you want. There is a lot of room for growth, and you always have the option to switch things up.
I always tell people interested in the game development industry to be extremely passionate about it; it's more of a lifestyle than a career.
The Digital Filmmaking program definitely prepared me for all of my business adventures-it gave me the right skills and technology to move forward in the film industry. I loved the people that I met and went to school with. I'm still in contact with them today and have even worked with a few since I graduated.
During my time at the Centre, I started my first company DCD Productions, now in its 4th year in business. As a student, I also worked on a film called The Union which won the National Film Board's Best Canadian Documentary, and many other awards. From there I worked on several other features and produced many television commercials. I just finished producing my first television show called David Lea's Fight Camp and am now producing a film called The Canadian Surfer - it's really exciting to watch it grow from an idea to reality.
I would just like to say that if you are passionate about something, try and do it, you only live once. It's not going to be easy, but hard work pays off eventually!
After attending an Interior Design session at Bootcamp, the Interior Design Department Head said that I had some real potential-that's when I started to look at Interior Design as a real option for me.
At the age of 21 and just over a year out of school I am beginning to earn some projects where I am taking on the Lead designer position. I have worked on a ski resort, a staff recreation space for a gaming company, and recently I took a fire damaged Ferrari and incorporated it into the design of a residential bar.
Although creating a really great portfolio is how you traditionally get a job in this industry, my practicum also helped; I just kept coming into the office long after the practicum was up and by the time they realized it, I was pretty much a part of the team.
This program is not about picking colours and fabrics. It's a serious design program with both technical and creative aspects that will push you in ways that you never imagined. If you want to be a designer you really need to be self driven and willing to sacrifice your blood, sweat, and tears to make it in the industry.
After graduating from the Graphic and Digital Media Design program, I got my start working at Red Cow Marketing as a graphic designer. Now I work as a graphic designer/web developer at Creative Juices. It's awesome work, fun and I learn something new every day.
I originally chose the Graphic and Digital Media Design program because it seemed to be an awesome learning environment with all the latest technology, with programs that I use every day in my job. I loved getting hands-on experience working on real world projects, and learning from instructors that have many years in the industry.
Don't just expect the school to give you everything you need, you also need to apply yourself, and even do projects outside of school so you can learn even more. Networking is also important in the design industry-I always try to get out and meet others in my field.
Just remember the simplest things you can do, can change your career around. I'm talking from experience-I got my current job just by slipping my business card under my new boss's windshield wiper!!
I really liked the diversity of places and teachers. We were in big studios, small studios, analogue, digital, etc.
Now that I am graduated, I work as audio director at a large, suburban church, and as a freelance audio engineer in live and studio environments. I really like the flexibility that the industry offers. There are tons of different things you can do, and the hours are quite flexible.
My experience at CAT taught me that you get out what you put in. I worked hard, and did well, and I now have editing credits on albums.
I first attended the annual Digital Bootcamp at CAT during my grade 12 year. During my time spent there, I decided that the GDMD program would be fitting for the career path I wanted to take. I liked that the instructors were industry professionals. They had real world experience that they shared with us. They told us how important portfolio building was, how to have a great interview and that we'd need to network and make new connections with other people in the industry. Now I'm working at a media group, and getting to do a great mix of both Print and Web design.
Aside from the technical side of the program, I feel like I was well prepared to have a solid interview and I had good knowledge on the importance of networking and getting my name, and my work out into the world. I love that I get excited about what I'm going to be designing, whether it be personal or professional. It's a great feeling to be able to do what you actually want to be doing with your life! I thought about all my friends that were in University and having midterms, papers and classes that they didn't want to be in. I was happy that I was doing what I wanted to be doing. It was fun and educational at the same.
I have a passion for audio, especially music, and decided that I really could gain a lot by having a full understanding of how digital audio works and how it can be manipulated and perfected. The best part was the projects I got to work on, the feel of working at a professional recording studio, and the instructors. After I graduated, I continued doing both sound editing and musical composition for the New Brunswick Film Co-op. This led to me gaining a 6-week job doing location sound recording for Cinegraphe's feature-film 'Killing Ruth: The Snuff Dialogues'. I now work as a full-time sound designer and composer at Spielo Gaming in Moncton NB.
I now have an excellent understanding of the ins-and-outs involved with digital audio, and also preparing it with the highest quality for multimedia projects. I like the creativity of the industry, as well as being able to always do something different, while still remaining in familiar territory. Working with sound, there's nothing better than getting the sound design down perfectly for a game, and having other people really take notice and appreciate the effort you've put in to it all. I'm very proud of what I've accomplished, as well as what I'm still accomplishing.
I chose the Centre for Arts & Technology so I could explore different programs while studying photography. My favorite part about the program was the frequent location work. We would constantly be visiting different places for various photography jobs, allowing us to explore many different styles of shooting with and without studio lighting equipment. Since graduating, I've been teaching photography and stop motion animation. I've recently written photography basics articles for a local newspaper, instructed digital photography camps, and hosted photography seminars.
The photography program was great for demonstrating the many different career paths a student might take after graduating. By practicing different styles and meeting industry professionals, a student is able to discover what they truly love about their field. Since there are literally infinite possibilities with regards to digital imaging, photographers can demonstrate their own style in a way that is completely unique.
Filming was the ultimate experience at CATO, and together with other creative minds, we would form film crews and go out into the community to shoot. Working together on as many projects as possible was the real experience at CATO. You will get out of CATO what you put in, so give 100% every day - you will be so happy you did!
You get to work on many crews, getting experience in all positions; writing, directing, art direction, AD, producing, cinematography, gaffer, grip, PA, or editor. It is important to be well rounded on set and understand the crew as a whole so that you can do your job more effectively. You will work on crews of all sizes and smaller crews are expected to fill multiple roles and an understanding of each position gives you greater versatility on set. Above all, positivity and attitude will play the largest contribution to your success.
An instructor recommended me for a one night on call PA position on the film "Wind Chill". From my beginnings as PA, I have garnished further experience as Key PA, Assistant Director, Jib Operator, Art Department, Camera Assistant, Cable Puller and I am currently pitching a proposal for a new reality television series.
The Centre for Arts and Technology was a great hub for me to hone my audio skills, as well as realize what I wanted to do for my career. Since graduation, I have done work for FM Radio as a commercial producer, cut dialogue for major video game companies in Vancouver, released my own music and records on 14 different labels, and toured the world as a DJ / Producer.
You get out of the program what you put in; students that work the hardest and really dedicate themselves to their projects and school assignments will go the furthest. That is the kind of work ethic you need to really be successful in this field, or any field really.
My favourite part about attending the Centre for Arts and Technology was that most, if not all, of our instructors were working or had worked in the film industry. While still in school, I worked on two feature films; the first as a Production Assistant on the Big Year, and the second as an assistant editor on Pressed. CATO definitely helped me have the drive and knowledge I needed to help obtain those positions. With the help of one instructor, I was lucky enough to get a job with Media Button, one of Kelowna's video production companies. I am currently running my own multimedia business with some family.
Some advice that I would give new students, make friends with students in the other departments, especially audio. They will turn your short films into so much more.
I chose 3D Game Animation at the Centre for Arts and Technology because 3D animation and visual effects had been an interest for a long time, and after years spent in careers that were not my passion I decided to make a change. My favourite part was taking guidance from the instructors to learn new skills on my own and challenge myself.
I am currently developing 3D courseware for the Department of National Defense on an internship, contracting from home, and instructing at CAT.
This program not only helped me garner the skills I would need to be successful, but helped me to understand what to expect when I went into this unique industry. Everyday is an education. It sounds cliche but I literally learn something new everyday.
The instructors I had were great. They are your best resource. If you need to know something, they are there for you. The program is fun, and challenging. But in the end, it is definitely worth the challenge.
I chose Centre for Arts and Technology for the hands-on training combined with small classes. My favourite part about the program was the high level of engagement with instructors.
I started working as a web designer for an IT company. After some experience, I worked with a design and marketing agency until I finally took the leap to start my own business as an Internet Marketing Consultant - Flipside Marketing.
Centre for Arts and Technology gave me the confidence in my own ability to start a career doing something I love. There is a lot of competition and you always have to be a step ahead of industry trends. But if you love it, you'll stand out and find your own success.
My favourite part about attending the Centre for Arts and Technology was being at a school with other students who had a common interest. I have always wanted to express myself with my design, and CATO offered me a great opportunity to do just that. Being exposed to both print and web design has given me a good grounding in the design world, and the school helped me to realize that you can take this career anywhere in the world. After graduating, it took me awhile for me to settle down into a job that fit my skills, and I am now working in marketing and design at STC in Vernon B.C.
You must be focused on the end goal; there is a lot of work to be done, but being focused really helps you get the most out of each class.
The Centre for Arts and Technology has not only given me the skills and knowledge I need, but also shown me how to take what I've learned and produce a career in the Audio Industry. They also provided me with the time and facilities I needed to test my new abilities and gain the experience that is so crucial in this industry. During my time at CATO I worked for a local production company, worked on audio for local films, became the front of house tech for a local cafe, and had one of my compositions internationally recognized for a Lenovo product release.
The Centre for Arts and Technology showed me the door and how to turn the handle, but then it was up to me to open the door and run through it. I'm currently still quite busy with the jobs that I acquired while in school, and have plans to move to Vancouver to further pursue audio production for film, TV, and my own music.
I decided to go into the Events & Promotions Management program because I always had a natural passion for organizing small events among friends growing up, and had a desire to do bigger things.
Since graduating, I've started my own event production and promotion company, specializing in live music events. I've also gone more in-depth with some musicians themselves and taken on roles as talent manager and booking agent. My ultimate career goal is to overlook my own major festival or chain of festivals throughout the world.
The events industry is very competitive and requires a lot of patience and determination to succeed. My advice to future event planners is to be prepared to get out there and gain experience whenever you have the opportunity. You learn a lot in school, but it's important to gain practical knowledge by volunteering with events. This is also the easiest way to get your foot in the door and it gives you the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.
My favourite part of attending the Center for Arts and Technology was the environment of the school. It was different than most other schools and colleges and it really felt like you were part of the "family" so to speak. It was a very laid back learning environment that fit me perfectly!
The Network Security Specialist program is really in-depth and I guarantee you that people from other schools teaching Computer Science will be amazed, surprised and jealous when they hear what you have been covering in class. I had people that I knew taking a computer science programs somewhere else and in month six they were learning content that I had learned in week two, with less in-depth material!
I am currently the Network Administrator at the Halifax campus and I couldn't be happier with the position I got right out of school. I had a number of opportunities with other companies such as including Blackberry, RIM and Convergys.
CAT connected me with lifelong friends and provided me with the technical skills that have allowed me to express my creativity professionally in an industry that I love. During my program, having the lab time during the day and at night helped me get all of my work done. I enjoyed all the late nights working with my friends and the bond that was created while working on projects.
I now work full time as a graphic designer but have worked on side projects as well. I've done graphics for the web, print, magazines (Zamoof Magazine), and branding (Youth Hockey) - all of those things I learned while I was in school. I would tell students considering the school that it is a lot of hard work, but that the end result is spectacular!
Two months after graduation, I was doing contract work for an advertising company in Calgary. From there, I continued to freelance and grow my portfolio. Six months after graduation, I was transferred from my job at Sport Chek to the Head Office to take on the role of National Training Support Specialist for E-Learning. It's challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. My job incorporates graphic design, computer programming, film, photography, layouts and so much more. I feel since my program developed us into well rounded artists, I am able to offer more to my company than just a graphic artist. I work every day doing almost everything I learned at CAT.
Industry never stops evolving, so instead of keeping up with the times and accepting change - be the change! Revolutionize your time spent at school and make your education there worthwhile! Make yourself stand out and be innovative in your thinking. It's worth it - having the opportunity to be creative every day in your job is incredibly rewarding!
I went into CAT with nothing but a love for video games, a mind that loved math and problem solving, and a knowledge on how to work a computer and that's it. No previous experience, no artistic talent and no idea what to expect. Upon graduation I had learnt that I had a particular talent for 3D animation as well as a love for 3D creating that I never knew existed. The system CAT has builds you from the ground up, allowing students new to this world to learn at a very fast pace and giving those who already have a background the chance to refine their skills further.
The teachers at CAT felt more like people sharing their wisdom as opposed to just people who lecture. With so many teachers being from the industry, they know what works and what doesn't due to real experience. Compared to what I have heard at other schools, CAT definitely has a phenomenal staff.
Don't be intimidated if you are not artistically gifted by those who are. My class had three students - myself included - who had no artistic background and through our teachers, our peers and a heaping amount of hard work we were able to gain the abilities to keep up and even catch some of our classmates talents in 2D and 3D.
After working extensively in other fields, I wanted to be inspired by what I did for a living. With the support of my wife and family, I decided to go back to school and pursue a career in a creative field that had previously only been a hobby. Now I get to do the work I love, learn new skills every day, collaborate with people that inspire me, and create a business in an exciting field with no limits. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I really loved the instructors at the Centre. They all had industry experience and could teach us the hard skills to succeed in the business world. Anybody can come in and teach from a book, but our instructors throughout the program always offered more – they taught us how to succeed not only as a designer, but as a business-savvy designer - this made all the difference.
Job opportunities are definitely out there. You have to be willing to start out on a junior level and break into the industry that way, but once you gain experience and broaden your portfolio and network, work often tends to find you. Even in a bad economy, my freelance business went from start-up to thriving in under a year.
My advice to potential students is to keep learning everything you can. My background is that I am coming from the New Brunswick Community College system, and I saw a gap in my education in the area of security. So I used my Centre for Arts & Technology program to fill it in. In spite of being legally disabled, I don't let anything hold me back.
The truth is that in one of these programs, you will learn and continue to learn. I also learned a lot doing the Digital Bootcamps for Network Security and Audio Engineering.
"Possibilities are limitless if you're willing to fight for what could be yours."
My name is Robert Romans, and I'm a recent graduate from the Graphic & Digital Media Design program at the Centre for Arts and Technology in Halifax. I am pleased to say that the school and the teachers there were great.
They made 18 months seem like 18 weeks and lucky me landed a job within the first week out of school. New education, new career, new success.
The main reason I choose the Centre for Arts and Technology to further my skills in event planning was because they had a campus in Kelowna,BC, the program was only a yearlong, and what the program had to offer was fantastic.
My favourite part about attending the school was the hands on training that I experienced; we planned and executed three events, fundraising over $7000 for an animal sanctuary. In October of 2010, I graduated with a diploma in Event and Promotions Management, and with my connections from the Centre for Arts and Technology school, I was able to get a career in my field immediately after graduation, with Festivals Kelowna as their Program Coordinator.
The training I received from the Centre for Arts and Technology has given me the confidence to feel comfortable in taking any task that I am assigned.
My favourite part of attending the Centre was the small class sizes. I got the opportunity to develop deep friendships with my professions, which has luckily turned into film work upon graduation.
Aside from getting a job at the Centre as a TA, the school has opened up opportunities for me to work on film productions around New Brunswick as well as doing work for production companies that do commercial/television work.
I would recommend that students take advantage of the availability of the Centre's equipment. Use it as much as you can and never be afraid to approach a teacher with questions. They're all very friendly and willing to help!
The Centre for Arts and Technology in Halifax provided the facilities and instruction I needed to acquire a job in the ever changing world of audio/video. The instructors went "over and above" helping me gain the skills I needed to succeed and here I am a month before graduation with a full-time job in my field.
When I first started looking for a college, I had no idea what I should be looking for. I only knew type of job I wanted afterwards.
When I came to the Centre for Arts and Technology, not only did I get to meet teachers who actually worked on the tv-shows and movies I adored as a child, they showed me what they did to get their jobs and what I could do to get hired too. The teachers at The Centre don't just want you to pass, they want you to succeed. They help you every step of the way and teach you what you need to know so you can do what you love and get paid to do it.
In late October 2007 I was biking to my nowhere job and I had an epiphany. Although I had a BA under my belt, I was going nowhere in my professional life. In fact, I was a call centre agent. I knew something had to change, and after looking at the economy and what jobs would best suit me I decided I would become a computer network administrator. I checked out several colleges that offered networking programs, but I knew as soon as I spoke with the staff at the Centre for Arts and Technology that I had found the school I wanted.
In spite of the fact that I was almost 40 years old and had little computer experience, the networking instructors took the time necessary to ensure that I understood all the subjects and was keeping up with the class. They also made certain I didn't feel out of place amongst the 20-something's that made up the vast majority of the student body. After I graduated I was able to quickly find work, in spite of the recession that we were in. I would highly recommend the networking course offered by the Centre of Arts and Technology. I now feel as though my career is definitely on track!
The Centre for Arts and Technology has taught me the skills needed to succeed in today's very competitive digital arts industry. Learning from instructors, who are also industry professionals, has given me the knowledge and confidence to land an exciting career with Electronic Arts.
I've always had a passion for network security and the Centre for Arts and Technology helped turn that passion into a career. Working with students and instructors who were as passionate as me was an enjoyable experience that I wouldn't trade for the world.
My instructors were very knowledgeable and professional. They all had real world experience that I was able to draw on to better my learning and understanding of the career I was pursuing. Through the Centre for Arts and Technology, I was able to "network" with contacts who helped me to step up to my full potential. The instructors worked so hard at what they did; it was obvious they enjoyed sharing their knowledge and experience to another generation.
The course material was at the cutting edge of the industry - learning both the old and new technology to be better prepared for whatever we may experience in the field. The course was challenging but well worth the effort!
The Centre for Arts and Technology has provided me with an opportunity to further my passion for audio and music production. I really enjoyed my time at the school and I have learned a lot of interesting and important information relating to sound and music. I met a bunch of valuable industry contacts while enrolled in the program. Every teacher at the school is a studio owner or industry professional with plenty of experience in the field.
Throughout my time in the course I have had the opportunity to get hands on experience with professional equipment such as the Neve V3 recording console at The Sonic Temple and the Soundtracs DS-3 console in the school's studio. My own personal music productions have seen a significant increase in production value since my enrollment in the program. Before I even graduated the program, I had a paying job doing sound design and dialogue editing for a TV series . The Centre for Arts and Technology is a really fun place to learn and develop the skills required to work in the field of audio engineering.
One of the best decisions I have ever made was to attend the Centre for Arts and Technology in Halifax. I entered their Digital Filmmaking program with little knowledge but with high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. The program itself was more than I ever expected.
The film department head, Thor Henrikson, eagerly helped me reach my goals and find the appropriate pathway to the career I have always wanted and now have (Editor: Best of Bull Run, Wild TV). With Thor's vast knowledge and skills of the film industry, along with the helpful staff and students, I would recommend the Centre for Arts and Technology to anyone looking to learn, have fun and meet amazingly talented people all in one place.
Employability is up and the Centre for Arts and Technology can help you find your career path. Pursue your passion in Digital Filmmaking; trust me it's worth it.
I never thought you could get away with getting a job out of something that you literally love. The Centre helped me to pursue a passion and provide me with the tools and the instructors to help me understand professional filmmaking. Although it is very hard work, the program is extremely rewarding and pushes you to move on and take on more in real life situations.
The CAT Halifax Campus is THE place to start your career in the 3D industry. From a very young age I wanted to know how they made computer graphic dinosaurs. So when I applied to the school after I finished grade 12, it was the first and only option I considered. My favourite part of the program was the instructors, definitely. They made everything I know about the industry fun and enjoyable.
Once I graduated, I was working at a smaller animation company for a few months, and then got the chance to work on a feature film and short film which both played in the Atlantic Film Festival. Since then I've been working with various companies within the Maritimes, creating work that I was prepared for with the help of the school. The instructors brought me from the ground up. They've helped me get connected with the people that I now know and work with.
The instructors are there to help you become an artist, but most of all, help you get the career that you've always wanted. They know what it requires and will do everything they can to get you where you need to be. If you've got the motivation and drive to learn, then you will get everything and more that this program has to offer.
I really enjoyed being a student at The Centre for Arts and Technology. I've always had passion and enthusiasm for photography and through the lessons I learned at CATO I've now developed that passion into a wonderful and rewarding career, even getting the chance to become a teacher myself. The lessons were challenging and incredibly informative, the instructors were very involved with the program and all that was put into it, and it was obvious that they enjoyed what they were doing.
My favourite parts of the program were when we got to spend time learning from the instructors through their own experience and knowledge. It really helps to know your learning from someone who is out in the industry and has up-to-date real world knowledge.
The Centre has been an important milestone in my career and although the experience was very challenging and I was pushed in ways I have never been pushed before, the outcome has been a very rewarding professional career in an area I am passionate about. I gained experience in all aspects of film production, was exposed to new mediums in areas directly and indirectly related to the film industry and made life long relationships with others who share a passion for the same things I do.
Since Graduating from the Audio program at the Centre, I have worked full-time in the professional live production industry.
Working both as an audio engineer and later learning electrics and becoming a professional lighting technician, I have been lucky to work with many headlining acts: Buddy Guy, Loverboy, Sean Kingston, Collective soul, Chilliwack... just to name a few.
The creative environment at "CATO" helped me focus on my goals and find the right path in the industry for me, as well making life-long friends and contacts along the way.
Taking Audio Engineering at the Centre for Arts and Technology was definitely worth my time and money. I felt all the instructors truly cared about my success and tried hard to prepare me for what I could expect after school. I feel confident in the skills I have learned during my time at CATO to succeed in my dream career.
My education at Cato opened the door to a professional world I never imagined being a part of. The knowledge I received laid the foundation for a fast developing career in video production, giving me access to all the latest tools that I could only dream of using.
The Disney Guru. I've always been fascinated with animation. The first resume I wrote was to the Walt Disney Animation Studios when I was nine years old. Finally my passion for art and animation brought me to the Centre for Arts and Technology and the 3D Animation program. With the guidance of my instructors I was able to create a number of works I am proud of. My days at CATO were always exciting because I was doing what I love, as well as spending time with people who inspire me. I learned a lot and have fulfilled my childhood dream! I now work for the Walt Disney Company, working hard to one day reach my dream job as a Disney animator.
