Vancouver Film School

[Mydrako]

Well, at least I know I wont want to be an animator. I cant act if my life depend on it... and i feel one of the key skill an animator needs is the ability to act. I still open to what I want to do but I guess I tend towards character modeling becos being a lover of fantasy novels, I always dream of creating all the characters I read. :)

Glad that there is a renderfarm at vfs. I thought of shipping my desktop over just in case I need the extra horsepower. Guess I dont need to now.

TheCyberSpy: Hmm since I havent go for my course yet, I cant be totally sure. But I think they use xsi predominantly with abit of maya and houdini. As for whether u need foundation course, I think u better describe ur situation / life story before we can give any comments. :P

[TheCyberSpy]

Mydrako: Well like i said, i am pretty new to the 3D world.
I am 17 right now and i don't really have a life story when it comes to art.

Growing up playing video games iv always wanted to make characters but i didn't know how. All i have ever done is play with photoshop till some of my friends online started showing me 3D models of cars they have made. After i saw what they have made i thought it would be a good time to give it a go. So a little more then a month ago i started looking into 3D modeling for myself. And 3 weeks ago i got my hands on a copy of 3DS Max, a tutorial dvd and i started working on my first model.

So far 3D modeling is everything i thought it was AND MORE!!! I love having a tool that will let me make just about anything i can think of (as long as i am willing to put in the time). And now that i have started ill never stop! :thumbsup:

I know i still have 2 or 3 years before i go to college, but i think it's always better to plan ahead.

[JamesMcPhail]

Hi everybody.

I am kinda new to the 3D world but so far i am loving it. Even though i am still working on my first model, i am already looking forward to learning more.

I really like what i see from VFS and i was just wondering........
1. What software do they use when they are teaching there?


No offence intended mate but if you read this admittedly enormous thread you would find that this question is answered many times by many people. Heck even if you read the last 20 pages or so you should find what you are looking for. You would probably find the answers to a lot of questions that you didn't even know you had :)

Not trying to be mean, just wanted to let you know that there is a lot of good info in there.

[TheCyberSpy]

JamesMcPhail: OK.....Thanks dude, ill check it out. :)

[bleumoon]

Glad that there is a renderfarm at vfs. I thought of shipping my desktop over just in case I need the extra horsepower. Guess I dont need to now.


Yes, there is a renderfarm but it's not perfect. Some stuff doesn't render on the farm well. Also, at least with me, there tends to be missed/bad frames that I have to queue a couple times to get right.

I would recommend bringing your computer up if you can. It's really nice to be able to work from home . . . not that you will a lot, but it's good to have that option if you need it . . . like during breaks for example. Also, having another computer at your disposal is always a good thing.

[elfenomeno]

hello i 'm from senegal and my dream is to fly for vfs although it is really expensive,and i need some help!especialy for living expenses i cannot pay 900dollars per month for living,someone can give some advice?

[Mydrako]

I thought the tuition fee is more of the problem normally since one year living expense is actually almost 1/4 of the tuition fee. So how are u settling the tuition fees? I suppose you should just save up by first working first? I really cant think of other ways. Good luck !

[JesseDavis]

hello i 'm from senegal and my dream is to fly for vfs although it is really expensive,and i need some help!especialy for living expenses i cannot pay 900dollars per month for living,someone can give some advice?

you probably won't be able to come then, because it costs around 1000-1500 per month for rent food utilities etc.

[Mydrako]

I think if you manage to find a room mate to share a room and you do ur own cooking, you can survive with 900. But of cos the living condition might not be the most conducive. I speaking from research since I havent gone over yet. :P Can update you when i go over in oct.

[ShadowM8]

But as I said before, now that we have a render farm you don't have to worry about that. I'm going to desperatly miss the render farm when I leave :cry:. That thing is a lifesaver.

This is good news, should spare students a lot of time that can be better spend polishing their reels.

[TheVision]

Hey everyone...let me first say thanks to all that contributed all this information about the school, very helpful to all who can't visit the school personally. Now I have a question that I don't think was talked about, I've browsed most of the previous posts, not all. For those that take the modeling route of the 3D Animation & Visual Effects program I was just wondering how the modeling software is taught? Is it mostly lectures and demostrations? I'm just curious about the setup for learning these programs. Thanks again!

[Intervain]

modeling's tought through hands on approach. Basically the teacher gives you a short presentation [modeling a little something] and then you're given a task to model the same thing. In the first couple of months that's what it's like - you learn through exercises - it was a bicycle, an animal, a mechanical creature, a human torso - in this order for us...

then in later terms you just learn by working on your own demo reel and solving problems by yourself with a little help from the teacher and your classmates when necessary.

[TheVision]

Thanks Intervain...so I guess it's safe to assume all the programs for the modeling course are taught like this?

[TrevorTang]

Thanks Intervain...so I guess it's safe to assume all the programs for the modeling course are taught like this?

Pretty much, A short demo then you get a chance to do it yourself and get hands on help by the instructor to see how your progressing. Although I don't think you hafta model a bicycle anymore, just rig the moving parts. And instead of a torso you model and rig a full character from a orthograpic sheet.

[TheVision]

Thanks TrevorTang...very nice demo reel by the way, I really like the opening and the look of the wolf!

[Intervain]

TrevorTang yeah well I was there ages ago :scream:

[TrevorTang]

TheVision: thanks

TrevorTang yeah well I was there ages ago :scream:

shows how suprising? little the curiculum changed.

[DagMX]

I need some advice. I read most of the thread, but wanted to just ask again and clarify somethings. A lot of questions follow so thankss to anyone who answers any of them.

Basically, technically I'm very grounded with a strong understanding of a lot of applications. I'm currently learning at a small studio till i finish my A levels. I have a basic knowledge of use of perspective and very basic anatomy. Never really taken art classes.

Anyway I'm interested in the foundation course and then the 3d course.

1)Is the foundation course worth it? It sounds very benneficial, but I'm not sure whether I should apply or not. It looks like it would cover a lot of ground and get me well versed with a lot of things. The way the counselor in India described it to me, it sounded like it would help a lot. However, is the stuff tought here very basic, or is it a bit detailed?

2)How is the 3d course these days? Planning to apply for Jan or march 2008 intake. Is it worth the high cost? I'm a fast and hard worker so I'm willing to give it my all, but I was also looking at AI-vancouver and vanart. Are these better value for the money, and are the course, faculty and facilities comparable?

3) How are the teachers? Often I find at my current studio that apart from two teachers, I rapidly outpace the rest once I've got the basics done. Not to say that I'm better than them, but growing up as a techno-geek, I understand things very quickly.

4) Will I need my own system? I'm considering buying a macbook pro on student discount for personal and work use, but should I just forget about it? Main concern is whether we are allowed to load any other applications on the computers in VFS. Most leisure applications I've got loaded on my phone, but I like to use a few apps that are non-standard if I don't have a personal system.

5) What are the systems like over there? What operating system is loaded? Are graphics tablets present?

6) Wi-fi access. I assume this is there, but how is the wifi reception in VFS? Of course I won't be doing huge torrent downloads, but I would like my phone to download mail automatically.

7) How open-minded are the teachers? Will they be pushing me in a direction they choose or will they let me develop into what I want?


Thanks guys.

[TrevorTang]

Hey DaxMX,

1) From what I gather from the people that took it is, they go over the basics of everything, from drawing, acting, and 3D.

2)Can't say, But I was impressed enough by the reels coming out of VFS to go there.

3)I found the teachers up to date, or least help point you in the direction, And I think all of them have worked in the industry prior teaching at VFS.

4)You don't neccecsarly need your own computer, but recommend one. Since for the first 6 months you'll be sharing computers, and won't have a dedicated one untill term 4 / 7th month.

5)Not sure, when I was there the systems were starting to get dated, but still good enough (ugh you get 2 tiny 20 gigs of space to save files). Tablets are there for a week rental, I think there are around 20-30 for the 3d animation program

6)Don't think there is wi-fi access, Internet is limited to a handfull of computers.

7)There generally open minded, and there abit of push and pull. If you can prove you can do your own thing they'll give some leanancy, if not they'll try and direct you to somthing you can pull off solid for your reel. Although you don't neccesarly hafta listen to them, it is your demo reel. Take things with a grain of salt, converse with your classmates.

[DagMX]

Thanks for the answer trevor.

BTW, what year did you graduate from VFS? just out of curiosity..

Also is there any limitations to what one can bring into the labs? For example, do they have any rules regarding USB drives and getting your own laptop to the classes?

[TrevorTang]

Thanks for the answer trevor.

BTW, what year did you graduate from VFS? just out of curiosity..

Also is there any limitations to what one can bring into the labs? For example, do they have any rules regarding USB drives and getting your own laptop to the classes?

Graduated last April. You can bring your own hardware, but if your connecting to a school computer you need to get it check out by the schools tech dept, to make sure you don't have malicious software and viruses etc. Don't really need to bring a labtop to class unless your using a program the school hasen't licensed such as UV Layout, or playing Quake or Starcraft :P

[minkey]

Hey DagMX,
I'm actually trying to get into the jan 2008 class myself as I missed the Oct opening for variuse reasons. As trevor said the computers were starting to age based on the technology which is why as we speak all the systems are being updated and changed as needed. (campus tour got cancelled till next week for it....guess they didnt want to let me see the guts of the computers all over the ground. =P )
If the cost is your question, I recommend re-checking teh cost to go to AI and VanArt once again.... AI is now more expensive than VFS and you can only try and major or specialize in one category from start to end with no chance to taste the waters before choosing what to specialize in..... hence why VFS offers 3D anim and VFX as a mix and a option for upgrading what ever later on such as the 3d anim course and the hudini and nuke for the VFX. This is good thing IMOH as allot of people even the few that posted on here about there experiance changed what they were planning to specialize in and specialized in what they found out they were stronger in.
Anywho hope that helped..... I'll update you on what they got after the tour. =o)

Cheers.

[DagMX]

thanks trevor and minkey.
**sigh** I wish I could try out for later next year, but my parents are pretty insistent I go in the earliest intake possible. Out of school and into more school..:'(
Oh well, atleast I'm doin something I enjoy..

BTW, just out of curiosity, is there any real value difference in the industry between a diploma and a degree course? VFS is only a diploma and not a bachelors. My girlfriend is getting on my case saying that a diploma isn't worth anything..

[JamesMcPhail]

thanks trevor and minkey.
BTW, just out of curiosity, is there any real value difference in the industry between a diploma and a degree course? VFS is only a diploma and not a bachelors. My girlfriend is getting on my case saying that a diploma isn't worth anything..

As far as the industry is concerned it really dosen't matter what peice of paper you have. Its going to be your demo reel that gets you an interview.

Thats not to say a degree is worth nothing over a diploma. A degree tends to be much more usefull if you are applying for work visas in other countries.

[DagMX]

As far as the industry is concerned it really dosen't matter what peice of paper you have. Its going to be your demo reel that gets you an interview.

Thats not to say a degree is worth nothing over a diploma. A degree tends to be much more usefull if you are applying for work visas in other countries.

yeah thats pretty much what I told her but , being indian, its 'you got a degree or you got nothing' sort of deal..

oh well, i should be applying online to VFS tomorrow.

[TrevorTang]

Do any of you VFS grads know classmates that lived at home but still managed?

There were a few. One quite far up North Van, mind you there was less time to hang around campus and need schedule your life around busses, especially after midnight when transit stops.

Living a hour commute is alright, but walking across the street and sleeping in a extra hour is better :)

[Rens]

Hey, welcome! Those who lived outside of downtown usually came in a lot less than those who lived nearby. If you want to make a really great demoreel you should be at school as much as possible. Usually the best reels are from those who come in every day (and night).
You could move closer to school at the end of term three, after that you start working on your reel.
I moved closer to school at the end of the second or third term. It was only a 15 minute bike ride to my old place but that's a long long distance at 4am... especially compared to a 3 min walk.
Having a roommate helps you save money as well.

[colesslaw]

Hi guys :D my first post on this forum.

Just checking into the VFS thread as I have just been accepted into the march 2008 intake~
I read a few of the latest posts and it seems the advice is to live as close to campus as possible, I'm starting to get concerned about that, as I am a local Vancouverite and I planned to live at home to minimize expenditures. It is really critical that I live close? Do any of you VFS grads know classmates that lived at home but still managed?

[JamesMcPhail]

Hi guys :D my first post on this forum.
It is really critical that I live close? Do any of you VFS grads know classmates that lived at home but still managed?

There were a couple of guys in my class from vancouver that lived at home while at VFS. While they certainly were at school less than others they both produced good reels. However they probably didn't have the same oppurtunities for learning off their classmates.

It is important to remember that number of hours spent at school does not equal how good your reel is going to be. If you can put solid work in at home then there is nothing to stop you doing well. Its just that you are giving up an oppurtunity to learn more when you work at home by yourself and not at school.

As far as myself in the first 3 terms I only came into school for classes and the time in between classes. And would do assignments etc at home at night. But from term 4 onwards I did all my work at school and put in some pretty long hours. I only lived 10 mins from school though so coming home early in the morning wasn't a big deal.

[ShadowM8]

I lived at home while attending. It took me nywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to get to school. And certainly from my experience I can say if I would've lived closer it would have helped me a great deal and as a result I most likely would've produced a better reel! So if you manage I'd suggest living within walking distance of school or really short bus route.

[colesslaw]

I lived at home while attending. It took me nywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to get to school. And certainly from my experience I can say if I would've lived closer it would have helped me a great deal and as a result I most likely would've produced a better reel! So if you manage I'd suggest living within walking distance of school or really short bus route.

What happens when I want to drive? Are there parking around at all?

[ShadowM8]

Assuming you are talking about Burrard campus then parking in that area is a nightmare! You might find a paid lot around but I think even those are not very close to the campus.

[colesslaw]

thanks for your input everyone, and shadow :)
I guess I have to figure out a way to commute, either find parking or bus (which will probably take 45min - 1 hour). Guess I will go there this weekend to scout for a paid lot :shrug:

[LittleDragonsTao]

Does anyone know if VFS accepts American Express for seat deposit? Thanks.

[JamesMcPhail]

Does anyone know if VFS accepts American Express for seat deposit? Thanks.

I don't know about amex. But the best people to ask would be their admissions department.

[LittleDragonsTao]

no one is there so i was wondering if anyone else knew? I have to make my seat deposit on tuesday.

[colesslaw]

I've dug deeper in this thread, it seems the 'ant farm' is mentioned a lot. So this 'ant farm' is separate from the general labs? is it in the same burrard campus??

And about the 'points' you receive at the beginning of the program, what can you exchange with it? just art supplies? Does it get you enough stuff to last the year?

[Mydrako]

Shouldnt you be in contact with a admission advisor? He or she should be able to answer your query. (i notice they dont check their email during weekends so maybe thats y they didnt reply u).

[colesslaw]

no one is there so i was wondering if anyone else knew? I have to make my seat deposit on tuesday.

no idea. advisors don't work weekends and its the long weekend, so I guess you have to wait until tuesday to find out. Best have a backup card incase they don't take AMEX

[TrevorTang]

I've dug deeper in this thread, it seems the 'ant farm' is mentioned a lot. So this 'ant farm' is separate from the general labs? is it in the same burrard campus??

And about the 'points' you receive at the beginning of the program, what can you exchange with it? just art supplies? Does it get you enough stuff to last the year?

The Antfarm is one big computer lab seperated into 3 sections for terms 4-6 (probably up to 90 comps if you had 3 full terms working away in the antfarm). This is were you get your own Computer to work with, and will be for the next 6 months working on your demo reel. (yes it's within burrard campus)

You can exchange your Points for Various art supplies, (Brushes, Pencils, sharpies, rulers etc) and DVD-R's to backup your data at the end of the term. I ended up with abit of extra points at the end, so I got myself a stack of DVD-R's and a few blocks of Super Sculpy. Not much else to do with the points otherwise.

[DagMX]

well i got in for may 2008, now its upto my parents whether they"ll send me

[colesslaw]

well i got in for may 2008, now its upto my parents whether they"ll send me

congrats Dag :)
how'd you end up in may 2008 tho if you were looking at the earliest intake possible?
the march one is already full?

[DagMX]

congrats Dag :)
how'd you end up in may 2008 tho if you were looking at the earliest intake possible?
the march one is already full?

parents want me to keep my options open...I probably could have gone for jan, but they wanted me to do something near may or june.

Plus it gives me a good six months after my A levels to relax and work on the guitar;)

[JamesMcPhail]

You can often move up to an earlier start date. I moved up my start date by two months when they had some spaces open up. So you can always talk to the admissions people if you are open to changing it.

[Neo - Seeker]

hi guys,


I would like to know abt the houdini program at VFS.
I know its for 6 months.
Is it worth doing?Are there any placements for it?how intense is it?
How are the teaching faculties?
Just some details abt it would be helpfull.

Thanks in advance.

[DagMX]

Reading through the contracts and acceptence letters is quite fun. For example, it says my orientation date is in the year 2006 when I'm applying for the year 2007:P

and I love the contract. 'I will agree to abide to the rules set out in the student handbook that will be given at the start of the program'

Now I trust them, but lets say I was evil and I could put in anything I want in the student handbook, then it would be a lot of fun since everyone would have to follow it or ditch the course...

BTW, out of curiosity to anyone who applied straight after highschool. Are grades important here? My councelor said it would be conditional, which for most 3d related colleges has meant a C grade overall at the least, but I haven't really seen any college enforce these conditions(my friends went to other colleges with Es and Ds).

Also, on the topic of ragging and terrorizing freshers, I'm guessing everyones too busy and most people would keep to their own classes and diff. classes would probably not meet up much? or is everyone very sociable on the whole?

[JamesMcPhail]

Also, on the topic of ragging and terrorizing freshers, I'm guessing everyones too busy and most people would keep to their own classes and diff. classes would probably not meet up much? or is everyone very sociable on the whole?

The idea of having "freshers" at a school when a new class starts every 8 weeks is funny. There is sometimes a bit of attitude from people in higher terms about you being in "their" lab etc. But that usually comes from the small percentage of jerks that exist in any school environment.

In general I found that I got to know the people in the the class ahead of me and behind me the most. The more effort you make to get to know as many people as possible the more better off you will be.

The student handbook dosen't have any surprises. Don't break stuff, don't cheat, don't steal etc. The only thing that raised my eyebrows was the prop weapons policy. Which pretty much makes it impossible to use guns in your stuff. Not that many people want to anyway.

[DagMX]

The idea of having "freshers" at a school when a new class starts every 8 weeks is funny. There is sometimes a bit of attitude from people in higher terms about you being in "their" lab etc. But that usually comes from the small percentage of jerks that exist in any school environment.
well you know what i meant :P
sigh, i guess ill miss out on messing with noobies when I'm about done with course..


In general I found that I got to know the people in the the class ahead of me and behind me the most. The more effort you make to get to know as many people as possible the more better off you will be.

Yeah, I was planning to be social, but it would be hard to be social if everyone was to be work obsessed or kee to their own groups.

The student handbook dosen't have any surprises. Don't break stuff, don't cheat, don't steal etc. The only thing that raised my eyebrows was the prop weapons policy. Which pretty much makes it impossible to use guns in your stuff. Not that many people want to anyway.

No prop weapons sounds kinda lame...wonder if they'd allow fantasy weapons, cus I'd love to see props like gunblades and stufflike that..

[colesslaw]

No prop weapons sounds kinda lame...wonder if they'd allow fantasy weapons, cus I'd love to see props like gunblades and stufflike that..

Gunblades haha, sounds fun :P I love gunblades.

Well I'll be in march so I guess I will be seeing you Dag

[DagMX]

Gunblades haha, sounds fun :P I love gunblades.

Well I'll be in march so I guess I will be seeing you Dag
hehe, yeah I guess I'll see you there if my parents let me go...they're a bit apprehensive about the whole diploma vs degree thing and my girlfriend isn't making things any easier.

BTW, will you be doing foundation irst or go directly to 3d?

[tuddel]

wuhuu il be going there january 2008.cant waiit!! any punjabi's going there? :buttrock:

[talk2stephen7]

I'm really thinking of studying computer animation & visual effects, so far only FullSail in Florida & VFS in Canada seem to really cover what I'm interested in. Do you know of any school that match or beat these 2 schools in computer animation & visual effects? If yes I would be very grateful if you could drop me a line.

[colesslaw]

BTW, will you be doing foundation irst or go directly to 3d?

directly into 3d, for one I dont have extra money for foundations, 2 i dont need foundations since i already have a BFA

[GRiNDFX]

Anyone take the digital design program at VFS? I'd like to talk to a grad of if you know anyone that took it to contact me. I've read some bad and some good "reviews" on the school but they were all from 199x to 2001 max. The main thing I wanna get into is motion graphics+effects (after effects) but I dont want the whole 4+yr university+theory stuff. I'd like to do this in Canada as well. Can anyone help me out?

[DagMX]

directly into 3d, for one I dont have extra money for foundations, 2 i dont need foundations since i already have a BFA

ah okay.

btw, anyone know what the age distribution is in VFS? mostly older people who have done some other education fiest, or mostly -straight-out-of-highschool students?

[JamesMcPhail]

ah okay.

btw, anyone know what the age distribution is in VFS? mostly older people who have done some other education fiest, or mostly -straight-out-of-highschool students?

My class had people from 18 - ~35. I'm not exactly sure how old the oldest was. The average age would probably have been around 25. Each class is different though. People go from a whole range of backgrounds. Which I found made school a whole lot more interesting.

[DagMX]

My class had people from 18 - ~35. I'm not exactly sure how old the oldest was. The average age would probably have been around 25. Each class is different though. People go from a whole range of backgrounds. Which I found made school a whole lot more interesting.
ah thanks.
I'll only turn 18 after I start so I guess I'll be among the youngest there..

[ShadowM8]

ah thanks.
I'll only turn 18 after I start so I guess I'll be among the youngest there..

Most people in my class had been through college already and had a BFA or some other degree. We only had 3 people out of highschool. The bummer about being so young is that you won't be able to go out for drinks with your classmates (legal drinking age is 19 in BC) so bonding would be a bit difficult. :)

[DagMX]

Most people in my class had been through college already and had a BFA or some other degree. We only had 3 people out of highschool. The bummer about being so young is that you won't be able to go out for drinks with your classmates (legal drinking age is 19 in BC) so bonding would be a bit difficult. :)
ah but do they still let you in to bars to just hang? cus I don't drink anyway..

[ShadowM8]

ah but do they still let you in to bars to just hang? cus I don't drink anyway..Depends on a bar, you can enter most without a problem, unless you look really young then they will card you. Clubs ask for id at the door.

[DagMX]

Depends on a bar, you can enter most without a problem, unless you look really young then they will card you. Clubs ask for id at the door.
thanks.
Wonder if I'll be able to start a small band once I'm in vancouver...

anyway, my admission process is done. I met with the people from VFS(the VP, director of admissions and the counselor) to see if I can get any scholarship. They sounded pretty positive and were nice. The counselor says that they can give between 1-10k Canadian $ but most students should expect about 2k. Hope I get more though. Saving any amount of money is good.

SO i guess I'll see evryone in may 2008 then

[Bartek|3D]

Depends on a bar, you can enter most without a problem, unless you look really young then they will card you. Clubs ask for id at the door.

know it all....

[colesslaw]

thanks.
Wonder if I'll be able to start a small band once I'm in vancouver...

anyway, my admission process is done. I met with the people from VFS(the VP, director of admissions and the counselor) to see if I can get any scholarship. They sounded pretty positive and were nice. The counselor says that they can give between 1-10k Canadian $ but most students should expect about 2k. Hope I get more though. Saving any amount of money is good.

SO i guess I'll see evryone in may 2008 then

Congrats! Good luck on the scholarship :thumbsup:
I can't wait to start - *ONLY* 5 months to go, ARG!

[DagMX]

Got 7.5k as scholarship. Thats roughly a tenth of the total tuition but any amount off is great. I'm so excited right now,

[Mydrako]

Hey,
how did u manage to get the scholarship? I ask them whether they offer scholarship and the admission advisor say that they dont offer scholarship to international student now.

[DagMX]

Hey,
how did u manage to get the scholarship? I ask them whether they offer scholarship and the admission advisor say that they dont offer scholarship to international student now.
I'm pretty sure they offer scholarships to all international students, but you have to meet with them directly but its probably for select countries.
The wikipedia entry mentions they have a million dollars set aside for scholarships.

For me, the councelor suggested I try out for the scholarship when VFS came to the canadian college fair here in delhi, India. They offer between 1-10k as scholarship and she said most students should expect about 2-3k...


perhaps you missed the deadline for getting into the line for scholarship?

[Mydrako]

Hmm ic, VFS never come to my country... (singapore)

Anyway, i am starting school in oct. Maybe I go bug them to give me one haaa, if possible...

[DagMX]

Hmm ic, VFS never come to my country... (singapore)

Anyway, i am starting school in oct. Maybe I go bug them to give me one haaa, if possible...
haha, good luck getting one...

btw, next october? or this month itself?

Im starting foundation in may next year.

[Mydrako]

This month... Flying over to vancouver in 2 days :) Will prob see you next year may.... (if i am still in a sane mind after many nighters :P )

[DagMX]

This month... Flying over to vancouver in 2 days :) Will prob see you next year may.... (if i am still in a sane mind after many nighters :P )
ah have fun...what courses you taking?

im gonna be screwed when I leave because I complete 2 years with my girl the day class starts:|

[colesslaw]

Got 7.5k as scholarship. Thats roughly a tenth of the total tuition but any amount off is great. I'm so excited right now,

Congrats! :D Still a whooping 42250 but any amount less than the original is good haha

[kristens1415]

Hello, I have a daughter that is an artist and she wants to get into 3-D animation for films. I don't really understand the terms "computer graphics". Is that animation for games? Does "special effects" mean film animation? And also what are the best schools out there that would offer what she wants to get into?
-Terry

[Mydrako]

ah have fun...what courses you taking?
I taking the 3d animation and visual effects course.

DagMx, about your scholarship, is it an event where vfs offer scholarship (like the Scholarship event now) ? or did you just ask for it and they give you?

[TheCaveman]

@Mydrako. I did my application in december 2005 and well had the same question if they did a scholarschip back then they didn't eventhough I'm living in France so it might actually be a country thingie? or meeting up with them or something?

anyways have a nice start. I got two months left to wait...
so I'll maybe see you there (the first two months you should be able to stay in some sort of life like form ;) )

@DagMX
Wonder if I'll be able to start a small band once I'm in vancouver...

Well if I'm still alive by may and u need a drummer let me know ;)

[DagMX]

Hello, I have a daughter that is an artist and she wants to get into 3-D animation for films. I don't really understand the terms "computer graphics". Is that animation for games? Does "special effects" mean film animation? And also what are the best schools out there that would offer what she wants to get into?
-Terry
Computer graphics basically means images created on a computer or with the help of a computer. Games are a form of computer graphics where the things you see being the computer gaphics.
Special effects are the less notcieable but very important parts of a film that are now mostly computer generated. For example, if you see movies with lasers in them like star wars, or ones with explosions etc... those are special effects.

Theres a list of good schools as a sticky thread in this forum. VFS is a really good one and offers houdini cpourses which if she wants to specialise in spcial effects is something she might be interested in. There are many more worldwide.

I taking the 3d animation and visual effects course.

DagMx, about your scholarship, is it an event where vfs offer scholarship (like the Scholarship event now) ? or did you just ask for it and they give you?

Well its a little complicated. I had no idea about a scholarship till the councelor told me. Basically I applied for admission first and got in. After that, VFS was coming to the canadian college fair in my city and the counselor said to apply for a scholarship. I'm not sure if this is the same in all countries but here they would only give you a scholarship if you met the admissions director on that given date. Basically I met him and the vice president(?) and they just talked to me generally, not really related to the course. Very nice people I must say though.

@Mydrako. I did my application in december 2005 and well had the same question if they did a scholarschip back then they didn't eventhough I'm living in France so it might actually be a country thingie? or meeting up with them or something?

anyways have a nice start. I got two months left to wait...
so I'll maybe see you there (the first two months you should be able to stay in some sort of life like form ;) )

@DagMX

Well if I'm still alive by may and u need a drummer let me know ;)

I belive the scholarship started this year itself? If i remember correctly, it only applies to the Jan 2008-May/June 2008 entries so maybe thats why..

I dont think its possible to get it for two courses(like I'm doing) under normal circumstances but the counselor was very nice and hyped me a lot to the admissions guy. The 7.5k i got is 5 for the first course(foundation) and 2.5 for the second(3d).

And I might just look you up for the drummer bit;)

[colesslaw]

I dont think its possible to get it for two courses(like I'm doing) under normal circumstances but the counselor was very nice and hyped me a lot to the admissions guy. The 7.5k i got is 5 for the first course(foundation) and 2.5 for the second(3d).

ah so u're going to both the foundation and the 3d? so u'll be at vfs for 2 years?

[DagMX]

ah so u're going to both the foundation and the 3d? so u'll be at vfs for 2 years?
yeah pretty much.

[Mydrako]

Bugging them didnt help. Guess they only give out scholarship only during fairs.

TheCaveman All right, i should be able to survive the first few months. :P Hope to see you ard.

[shy-guy]

Hi there. I got a question to ask regarding the tuition cost at VFS....

I´ve been searching and reading tons of info for some time now, on the internet (mainly here at cgtalk) about good schools to learn 3d. I just graduated from the uni here and i would like to do a program or course where i can learn and hone my skills at 3d and vfx.

Naturally, VFS pops out everywhere i search for info about what are the best options, so i´ve been reading lots of info on their page and stuff. Obviously, when i first saw the tuition cost i was like... ok... moving on... but anyway, i will search info for schoolarships and so, meanwhile i look for other options.

I havent read this entire thread (i plan to) but looking through the last few pages i was encourage by the way DagMX found a schoolarship, so maybe there is a chance for international students to get a schoolarship (dont know what kind of relation VFS has with latin america thought).

Anyway.. here is my doubt, some weeks ago, i was searching trhough the vfs web page, and i saw that the tuition cost for the 3d animation and effects course (the one that im most interested with) was 49.750,00 $CAD (im sure of that cause i wrote it).
Now,for some reason, it says 32,750 $CAD... Whaaaat? :surprised I dont want to get excited, but thats a huge difference right there... is it an error??

Well... i hope its not. Lastly, i would like to hear if some latinamerican fellow has get a schoolarship to go to vfs, it would be really cool for me to hear his story.

Thanks :)

[JamesMcPhail]

Anyway.. here is my doubt, some weeks ago, i was searching trhough the vfs web page, and i saw that the tuition cost for the 3d animation and effects course (the one that im most interested with) was 49.750,00 $CAD (im sure of that cause i wrote it).
Now,for some reason, it says 32,750 $CAD... Whaaaat? :surprised I dont want to get excited, but thats a huge difference right there... is it an error??

Well... i hope its not. Lastly, i would like to hear if some latinamerican fellow has get a schoolarship to go to vfs, it would be really cool for me to hear his story.

Thanks :)

Sorry to probably burst your bubble. But what probably happened is that you selected international fees the first time. The second time you probably selected fees for Canadians and Canadian permanent residents. VFS like most Canadian schools is much more expensive if you are not Canadian due to subsidies and such.

[colesslaw]

Sorry to probably burst your bubble. But what probably happened is that you selected international fees the first time. The second time you probably selected fees for Canadians and Canadian permanent residents. VFS like most Canadian schools is much more expensive if you are not Canadian due to subsidies and such.

He's right, $32,750 is the Canadian tuition.

And I can't say whether you will get a scholarship or not, but here are some relevant facts:
1) if you look at contact us page on vfs.com, vfs has an office in India, which would possibly explain why everyone else from other countries have mentioned that they couldn't get a scholarship, while DagMX did.

2) Dag is going to 3d $49,750 and foundations $29,750, which got him $7500 scholarship altogether. out of those only 2.5k is for 3d.. I'd say they have little scholarship towards 3d program, even if you got it its more realistic to assume 1-3k

[shy-guy]

Ohh.. i see... yea, normally when something seems too good to be true.. it isn´t :shrug:

Anyway, thanks a lot for the help JamesMcPhail and colesslaw :)

I wont let those facts discourage me though (well, i´ll try)... i´ll keep reading and searching for info about VFS and others schools. I will read this whole trhead when i have time, and pop out here again if a find something or have another doubt.

See ya.

edit: JamesMcPhail... oh man, i just saw your vfs reel on youtube; works like that are the reason why vfs seems to rock so much, i´ve seen sooo many amazing reels coming out of there (although i know i know, its not just the school you go to, its the effort you put in). Anyway... great reel, congrats :thumbsup:

[X-RaiZen]

Hi guys!

I'm just wondering, during the term breaks, has anyone tried going inside the labs?
I know that they said the school's closed, but is there any chance of getting in and working on your projects? My computer just died recently, and i'd like to get some work done during the break :sad: maybe i should just sneak in at night or something :D

cheers

[Rens]

They lock out the 3D student keycards during the longer breaks. After you crawl in through the a/c vents there's still the security guard(s) to deal with. After you've drugged and/or tied them up you can finally make your way to the labs... only to find that all the pcs are being reformatted! Oh no!

I know classical animation gets in and maybe foundation for some film stuff. But usually it's better to get some rest and go at it again the next term.

[willl]

hi guys. quick question. i have been planing to take the 3d program at vfs for acouple years now. my main concern is being prepared. and in the prosess of preparing, making sure i like the feild enouff. now i am out of highschool and starting working. my plan of builing a portfolio by drawing after work isent going so hot. and life drawing on saterdays doesnt seem to be enouff. Now i am taking a second look at the foundations cousre. i have always thought it wasent nesssary and everything i would do thier i could do at home in toronto. So now am i feeling i need some more school wether it is a fine arts program in toronto or the foundations course at vfs.

anyone take the foundations before the 3d? anyone prepare at home? if so how?


thanks guys. this thread is a god sent.

[X-RaiZen]

They lock out the 3D student keycards during the longer breaks. After you crawl in through the a/c vents there's still the security guard(s) to deal with. After you've drugged and/or tied them up you can finally make your way to the labs

if that's what it takes for me to work on my projects, i'd do it :thumbsup: haha
are they really formatting the computers though? from a previous term break experience, i came back to find that my computer wasnt even touched!

[JamesMcPhail]

if that's what it takes for me to work on my projects, i'd do it :thumbsup: haha
are they really formatting the computers though? from a previous term break experience, i came back to find that my computer wasnt even touched!

From memory they only wipe out the computers over the longer breaks. I'm not sure what term you are in at the moment but If I was you I would actualy use the breaks to... take a break. The hours and workload can get crazy enough without bending over and asking for more :)

[X-RaiZen]

From memory they only wipe out the computers over the longer breaks. I'm not sure what term you are in at the moment but If I was you I would actualy use the breaks to... take a break. The hours and workload can get crazy enough without bending over and asking for more :)


I'm on my last term :) that's why i really want to get work done... however, I keep reading the term 'longer breaks' does this apply to all term breaks? is the 4 days term break = longer break too? thank you for your advise James :) i'll definitely use at least 1-2 days to sleep..ah the sweet heavens...

[JamesMcPhail]

I'm on my last term :) that's why i really want to get work done... however, I keep reading the term 'longer breaks' does this apply to all term breaks? is the 4 days term break = longer break too? thank you for your advise James :) i'll definitely use at least 1-2 days to sleep..ah the sweet heavens...

By longer breaks I mean the ones that are over a week like the Christmas break. I really think though you are going to have a hard time trying to work. About the only time people manage to work over the break is when you have finished term 6 and you have submitted your reel. When you are in for edit/sound meetings over the break there is some access for work. But it is spoty at best depending on what IT is doing. But you are supposed to be finished by then anyway...

Seeing you are in term 6 by all means go nuts. But yeah, a couple of days of sleep will do the world of good :)

[X-RaiZen]

By longer breaks I mean the ones that are over a week like the Christmas break. I really think though you are going to have a hard time trying to work. About the only time people manage to work over the break is when you have finished term 6 and you have submitted your reel. When you are in for edit/sound meetings over the break there is some access for work. But it is spoty at best depending on what IT is doing. But you are supposed to be finished by then anyway...

Seeing you are in term 6 by all means go nuts. But yeah, a couple of days of sleep will do the world of good :)

aaahh...the up-coming break is less than a week, so i guess (and hope) that i can come in :) Its term 3 for me, not 6, since i'm on the digital character animation program

thanks James, i'll try coming in anyways, doesnt hurt to try,right? at least before the security guard starts firing his gun at me :D

[DagMX]

hi guys. quick question. i have been planing to take the 3d program at vfs for acouple years now. my main concern is being prepared. and in the prosess of preparing, making sure i like the feild enouff. now i am out of highschool and starting working. my plan of builing a portfolio by drawing after work isent going so hot. and life drawing on saterdays doesnt seem to be enouff. Now i am taking a second look at the foundations cousre. i have always thought it wasent nesssary and everything i would do thier i could do at home in toronto. So now am i feeling i need some more school wether it is a fine arts program in toronto or the foundations course at vfs.

anyone take the foundations before the 3d? anyone prepare at home? if so how?


thanks guys. this thread is a god sent.

Well I'm doing the foundation before 3d starting in May. I went through the same thing as you.

I'm pretty self-trained in almost everything that they'll be teaching there but at the same time I feel very amateurish. The reason being while I can do most of the stuff to a certain level(I mean most anyone can actually...its not that hard as I'm sure you agree), having a helping hand and guidance is important so that your work is good and you understand what works and what doesnt.
Plus the foundation course also offers a lot more than just the drawing segment and that stuff is pretty useful especially if you go freelance at any point(the web development, flash, photography/filmography etc...).

IMO, theres a lot of use in the foundation course. Its pretty much upto you really to analyze your skills and see whether you can do without it. For me, I could do without it, but I'd be much better off doing it.

[willl]

well said Dag, i think it would add alot more tools to the toolbelt.

i would still like to hear from some alumni or current student who have taken foundation or have class mates who took foundation, and see what thier oppinions are.

thanks.

[willl]

well said Dag, i think it would add alot more tools to the toolbelt.

i would still like to hear from some alumni or current student who have taken foundation or have class mates who took foundation, and see what thier oppinions are.

thanks.

[UzumakiNaruto]

well said Dag, i think it would add alot more tools to the toolbelt.

i would still like to hear from some alumni or current student who have taken foundation or have class mates who took foundation, and see what thier oppinions are.

thanks.

I have fairly good knowledge of VFS. The Foundation course originally didn't exist. It was just the 3D stream or the Maya stream. The 3D end hasn't changed much since the foundation program was setup. Most people can get through the 3D program starting from very little experience as long as they apply themselves and work hard.

Is the foundation program useful? Well, that's a matter of opinion. If you know you are heading for 3d, I would take a month with a trial version of Maya and / or XSI, get used to it, and you will be just as well prepared as if you went through the foundation program. The foundation program costs a lot of money in comparison to what you get out of it. The 3D program is pretty solid and well rounded. I think that the foundation program is more of a cash cow for VFS than anything else.

[DagMX]

I have fairly good knowledge of VFS. The Foundation course originally didn't exist. It was just the 3D stream or the Maya stream. The 3D end hasn't changed much since the foundation program was setup. Most people can get through the 3D program starting from very little experience as long as they apply themselves and work hard.

Is the foundation program useful? Well, that's a matter of opinion. If you know you are heading for 3d, I would take a month with a trial version of Maya and / or XSI, get used to it, and you will be just as well prepared as if you went through the foundation program. The foundation program costs a lot of money in comparison to what you get out of it. The 3D program is pretty solid and well rounded. I think that the foundation program is more of a cash cow for VFS than anything else.
while I'm not saying you're wrong, I think that your opinion applies only if you plan on specialising yourself in 3d. If you ever want to go freelance or break into other parts of the creative industry then you then a generalized course like the foundation is valuable. I can't talk about cost efficiency, but its all about how diverse you want to be

eg:
Digital Media
Life Drawing
2D Design
Flash
Lens-Based Media
Sequential Media
Art, Design & Media History
Written Communication
Intro to Animation
Sound Design
Cine and Location Sound
XHTML Authoring
Art Direction
Story Development
Editing
Directing
Animation, Drawing, & Anatomy
Character Design
Web Publishing
Interface Design
Fine Art
Communication Design

(Thats copy and paste from the site...), but if you ever go freelance or want to do something other than 3d, then well, you atleast have an understanding of how most of the industry works at a basic level

[JamesMcPhail]

My understanding of the foundation program is that it provides a general art introduction. It is not focused on going into 3d. Rather 3d is one of the subjects covered as well as photography, film, classical animation etc.

Whether foundation is useful to you or not would be more dependant on your art background as opposed to your 3d background.

Personally I don't think the 3d stuff taught in foundation is that important. The 3d program assumes zero knowledge in 3d so you probably would be doing some of the basics twice.

That said I didn't do foundation. These are just my impressions from when I was doing the 3d program.

[omorenof]

this is my first post...i had read tons and tons of post inside this forum for VFS...
well...i found out a lot of answers to my questions...but still...have a lot of doubts...
i know some would say...HEY KID!!! go back and read the whole forum!!..no way...haha..
i allready did it...
welll...
i have some doubts about the foundation...as you said JamesMcPhail...
"Whether foundation is useful to you or not would be more dependant on your art background as opposed to your 3d background."

I don´t have a strong background on art..i mean...i have all this creatures inside my head i would like to draw all of them...ive tried to do some drawins...there arent very bad...at least you can tell those are creatures...lol...anyways...
i wanna be able to make my own drawings (lifedrawins...creatures...environments...everything)...
what would you recommend me (anybody)...
should i take the foundation? (this program is really going to teach me the techniques to do whatever i want to on a piece of paper?)
OR....
should i see some other academys or colleges to develop this skills??...
i mean i really want to do my own work from the basics....from handrawin to 3d modeling...


this is why VFS...
i am actually studying in Mexico City (yes!! i am Mexican!!! tequila rules!!)...
i am studying at ITESM (supposed to be the best university in Mexico)...
i started to study Animation and Digital Art this semester, the career is 5 years long and i dont want to spend all this time in this institution...
now...my experience at this University...
people is great...ive made some friends that are very amazing...cute girls..etc...BUT!!
the curriculum is horrible...
i wont be able to get a job as soon as i am done with it... i would have to take an especiality in whatever i want...
i can tell...it is just a waste of time...i want to really prepare for the industry...
i am very looking to forward to move somewhere else...i have on the aim...Vancouver...i´ve been there for three weeks and i loved it...(i lived somewhere near Edmonton for a year when i was 17...now i am 22...)...
well...i think i am starting to write innecessary information lol...
but well...i need some advice from people who has allready taken the Foundation program or people who hasnt but still knows about it...
ill be very thankful to you guys...
i want to move to vancouver...i am not taking next semester here in mexico...i wanna get out....i have my parents support(at least my dads...my mom is with the deal that the degree is better than a diploma....
need some advice...
thanks guys!!

[minkey]

lol well if you go to VFS your mom's out. the best you can get as a degree at VFS is a diploma.... unless they brought in bacholars but you get that diploma in one year insted of 3 or 4 and you will be able to upgrade and "specialise" in the stream you want to go such as animation and VFX....(there isnt really anythin after the 3D animation and VFX for modeling as that comes with practice) but they offer certificate in Hudini and nuke *one of the only schools around B.C. to offer this* and advance animation for animators. But the fact of the CG industry is the requirement of a STRONG *solid* DEMOREEL. (STRONG and SOLID bothe equally important)

As for what you should take. Well this is compelitly up to you bud, Foundation course at VFS will really mainly open the door to the world of ART for you as in you will get your hands dirty with 2D and 3D work and I believe you do some sculpting as well. They also allow you to use a Mac and Windows OS system to get better familier with the systems. Now this would be good if you want to go into the work of CG but not exactly sure what you want to do.

If you are looking for someone to teach you how to draw from drawing a straight line to seeing the negative space and lighting and what not.....I doubt the foundation course could do it. But there are schools around Vancouver that will be able to do this in a 2 or more years. You could even take a ART class and then transfer to this school for there 3D as it is created to make you ready for the industry..... anyways thats my 2 cents bud.

No I have not attended VFS yet....but if all goes well I will be this Jan.

Best of luck and wishes.

Cheers.

Minkey

[omorenof]

minkey thanks for the feedback...
well...i am still making a plan...i am looking up for some other art schools arround vancouver...my main goal is to become a game designer (definetly at VFS)...but before that i would like to take that 3d program at vancouver or GNOMON in hollywood...i've done some work in maya...i am learning photoshop for textures etc...
i would say the drawing skills would be a plus...because i dont draw as bad as your imagination could think of....lol..
i was thinking while taking the Foundation Course i could take some drawing classes outside VFS...but...i heard once you get into VFS you will spend most of your time overthere (i heard this from the 3d program...dedication means a good demo reel....and i am very dedicated...at least with 3D...love it)...i dont know if this applies for the Foundation...if i see Foundation isnt giving me what i want...well...i could check out somewhere else to complement what i want...
This sounds sad...but...if Gnomon dont accept me...then ill stay at VFS...is not that i am making less VFS...but..at gnomon i know the CG-Certificate program offers you Animation, VFX, modeling, i mean...all the subjects on CG...you dont have to choose animation or VFX or modeling...you take all of them...anyways...i know to get to gnomon is very hard...you need a very strong art background as they say...
well...i guess i better make a summary from this...
i want to take a 3D program either at GNOMON or VFS...and after that i am definetaly (is this spelled right??) gonna take the GAME DESIGNER PROGRAM at VFS...i beleive is the best place for it...
that´s the story of my life till now...
well....i could add something...
yup...my mom is definetaly out of this...lol...
If everything goes well..ill be moving to Canada by the end of next year...
meanwhile...i am droppin university here in Mexico...it sounds kinda crazy i know...BUT!!!...
is not what i want...the curriculum sucks!!...and....theres no CG industry in Mexico...at least not for the next 5 to 10 years...so...i have to run away...cross the river!!!...lol...
thanks for the advice bud...
c ya arround....

PS: do i need a DEGREE OR BFA (dont know the difference)...to get a work visa in canada??
or is it like at school...once they accept me i go to the embassy bla bla bla...

welll...doesnt really matter...i could just marry a beautiful canadian girl....

[DagMX]

PS: do i need a DEGREE OR BFA (dont know the difference)...to get a work visa in canada??
or is it like at school...once they accept me i go to the embassy bla bla bla...

welll...doesnt really matter...i could just marry a beautiful canadian girl....
It helps for any work visa if you have a degree of some sort, however its not mandatory.
Usually they ask for 2 years work experience to get it, but again if you have a company thats willing to hire you, it eases the process a lot.
Another thing, if i understood correctly, is that the student visa lets you stay on for work for an extra year after you graduate from whatever course to work as long as its in the same field (i.e. you cant go off and become a cook in that one year), so if you get a job in that year, that should help you get a work visa too. However I suggest you look this up yourself in case I'm mistaken.



And on another note, VFS ranked 5th in this months 3D world.

[minkey]

This sounds sad...but...if Gnomon dont accept me...then ill stay at VFS...is not that i am making less VFS...but..at gnomon i know the CG-Certificate program offers you Animation, VFX, modeling, i mean...all the subjects on CG...you dont have to choose animation or VFX or modeling...you take all of them..



hey bud just wanted to correct your perception on this matter. The program that your talking about is the same as 3D animation and VFX program offered at VFS. In this program you will be doing Modeling, Animation and VFX for the first half of the year and will be building on that for the second half of the year to create your demo reel and farther your studies in the field. So lets say you want to be a game char designer and you start the 3D animation and VFX course and midway you realise hey I like animation a lot more and its more fun and hell I'm better at it than the other ones..... in this case you will be able to make your last 6 months at the school count and evolve on your selected "Stream" and still get out with the same diploma as everyone else in the class but with a strong demo reel on your "specialty" now as I was saying before if you look up VFS's website you will see that they offer Game Design (if that is what you want to do) , Digital Character Animation, Houdini™ Certification (Excellent program to take if you are planning on working in the feature film industy and for companies like Double Negative.... I believe DreamWorks now has a department dedicated to there "Houdini Specialists" .....I could be wrong but thats what a little birdy told me).
On other notes if you are planning to be a good animator I recommand taking courses in some Classical animation (2D animation) as this will built your foundation. Its like anything if you have weak foundation you will fail. Just like you dont see a doctor go from playing the board game operation to doing a brain surgery. =P (ok maybe that was a little bit to the extream but hey you get the idea tho. lol)

I know you will hear this again as you have heard it in previuse.... Out of anything in life you will get what you put in. I have seen people with drawing skills of a 4 year old go into school and come out in a year period doing art work that is simply no less than amazing. It really comes down to how much you want it and how hard you are willing for work for it.

as for the Visa here are some links to the canadian citizenship and immigeration pages. They will answer all your questions:

Studying in Canada: Study permits (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp)

and

Studying in Canada: Work permits for students (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp)


or as you said you could find some good looking girl to merry.

If you got any other questions bud feel free to ask.

Cheers.
Minkey

[omorenof]

wow!!! those are great news!!!...then...there wont be anymore thinking...ill go for Vancouver...i also read the information an advisor from VFS gave to me...and it is great...it is as you said minkey..thanks again for the help...
the links you sent me...i really appreciate dud...thnks...
thanks also DagMx for the info...
well...i hope ill ended up someday working for EA in Vancouver as a game designer...
ill be going for the 3d program...sounds great...what else could i say...i beleive i got all the information i needed....now ill have to wait till september to go to VFS...
i will only think about getting into the Foundation or go straight forward for the 3D..and then for the game designer program...
i know ill get the best from VFS bc ill put my guts while i am there....so...if anybody wants to introduce me to any canadian girl...thatll be also appreciate it...since i know i wont have a social life while i attend VFS...lol...well...thank you all again for the information...

PS: ill talk to my mom next week....Creepy!!!...lol...well...she´ll understand...
c ya arround guts

[omorenof]

i meant...
c u arround GUYS!!

[undream]

Hi there, I'm looking for houdini training stuff; any ideas ?
Checked tutorials of digital tutors,.

P.S. Beginner, want to be master.

Thank you.

[Mydrako]

There isnt alot of dvd for houdini. The few good one are from gnomon and cmivfx. And of course there are the houdini 9 book that just came out.

[DagMX]

There isnt alot of dvd for houdini. The few good one are from gnomon and cmivfx. And of course there are the houdini 9 book that just came out.
yeah, houdini is the mystery of the industry(relatively anyway)

[minkey]

Sorry to bring up this topic again but I'm starting at VFS this Jan and was wondering if anyone else was starting around the same time.... going to be hard finding a good place down there ne ways let me know if you are.... (PM me or add me to MSN)...or easier yet post on here. =o)

[colesslaw]

Sorry to bring up this topic again but I'm starting at VFS this Jan and was wondering if anyone else was starting around the same time.... going to be hard finding a good place down there ne ways let me know if you are.... (PM me or add me to MSN)...or easier yet post on here. =o)

I'm starting in march :)

[minkey]

I'm starting in march :)

HAHA you should see if you can start ealier cause that would be awesome! =P so hard finding a decent place out there... ='o( any sugestions besides the expensive real estater?

[JamesMcPhail]

HAHA you should see if you can start ealier cause that would be awesome! =P so hard finding a decent place out there... ='o( any sugestions besides the expensive real estater?

It really isn't hard to find an apartment in the west end as long as you look around the end/start of the month. Most rent in vancouver is monthly so it is much harder to find something mid month.

There is a site www.mywestend.ca that I used to find an apartment when I moved here. It costs a little bit but I found it a great help.

If you aren't looking to rent your own place then you should check out the vancouver craigslist site. You can find plenty of rooms to rent there.

[colesslaw]

I remember someone here mentioned that the 3d program is held on 2 different campuses. The 1380 burrard one and which other one??

And also what are the class hours/schedule like everyday/every week?

[Star-Scream]

Oh man i would like to got to the VFS but it's sooo expensive, I don't know how to pay that price (33.000 Euros) and what are the school conditions? I will have a Fachhochschulreife = I don't know what it is in the US.

How do the people pay this big price? Is it possible to pay by instalments, like every month an amount of dollars?

[Mydrako]

I am currently studying in VFS. I know of these few ways people can afford the incredibly high tuition fee.
1) Some of them take on student loans (Not so sure whether international student can take them)
2) Some of them work for a few years and save up.
3) Scholarship.
The fees have to be paid in one go and most people paid using the loans and probably pay back month by month.

I am in the 3D course and i am quite satisfied so far. The school is constantly upgrading their hardware and i heard they are going to upgrade all their computers in the lab reserved for the term 4 to term 6 (people here work on their demo reel from term 4 to 6). The teachers so far are professional. Not all are good at teaching but all of them know their stuff.

[TrevorTang]

I remember someone here mentioned that the 3d program is held on 2 different campuses. The 1380 burrard one and which other one??

And also what are the class hours/schedule like everyday/every week?

Yes 420 Homer Campus.

Although it's just for Animation History, Film Theory, and Reviewing wip of your Demo Reel (terms 3-6)

For the most part, classes are from 9 am - 4 pm w/ one hour lunch. And usually have one night course (6-8pm?) per week. Depending on what stream you are going for after term 3, night classes vary, and animation stream has a class on the weekend.

Modelers seem to have the most slack for terms 4-6 Only really having 1 signifigant class, the rest of the week you usually can come in at your own time, which what you put in is what you get out of vfs here.

[TheCaveman]

HAHA you should see if you can start ealier cause that would be awesome! =P so hard finding a decent place out there... ='o( any sugestions besides the expensive real estater?

Hey minkey, ur starting in january as well? (30 days left for me leaving France, looking forward to coming over)

anyways, the real estater from VFS really is worth the money. At least it was for me. Because I'm stuck here in France it would have been impossible to go and look for an apartment so I decided to use the services they provided.
So when I was there in June this year I had a meeting with him to see what he could really do and all.

Three weeks ago I send in all the information he needed, one week later I had an apartment that is a 15 min walk from VFS (burrard street) in the price range I gave. I then had some problems with my french bank (they don't know how to do an international wire transfer :s...) so I asked if I could transfer the money to him and he took some extra time to pick up the money and go and pay the landlord for me... (something u would never see here in France)

So don't want to do any publicity here but if you don't feel like spending a lot of time looking for an apartment or don't know where or what to look he is definitly worth the price :)

Otherwise just like said by JamesMcPhail look for apartments during the end and beginning of the months.
Good luck and well see you in January probably?

Cheers
Jozef

[minkey]

thanks for all the advice and suggestions guys/girls =o)
and yeah thats a really good idea jozef I might actually end up doing that if i couldnt find anything by the end of this month.... hopefully find a nice place close enough to school. And will see you in Jan 2008. =o)


Cheers.
Farhad M

[Star-Scream]

I don't think they will give international student loans (red it at the academy of art site) hmm how you can get a scholarship?


And work for a few years to save money lol i am 25 years old this is a crazy idea.

[colesslaw]

I don't think they will give international student loans (red it at the academy of art site) hmm how you can get a scholarship?


And work for a few years to save money lol i am 25 years old this is a crazy idea.

Canadian Student Loans offered by the government is only offered to Canadians. As an international student, you need to look in your own country to see if they offer any financial support to students studying abroad. Although abroad-studies is usually not government supported, because governments want you to serve your own country and benefit from education of their own country :wise:.
Banks also offer private loans, but those usually means higher interest rates.

Otherwise, after a quick google I found this website:
http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/
VFS is listed on here as an approved Canadian school. But then again this IS a PRIVATE student loan, and it is just a result from a quick google, I don't know anything about terms or credibility of this website, you would have to look into it yourself.

As for scholarships you need to ask an advisor at VFS if they are offering any, but chances are slim as established by some previous discussion on this thread. Otherwise, the school is not the only offer-er of scholarships, there are other organizations out there that offer scholarships to eligible candidates. But you often have to have really really outstanding achievements to be able to fight past all the applicants to get the few scholarship spots.

[Star-Scream]

Thank you very much colesslaw ;)

[Mydrako]

Hey Star-Scream,
sorry if i mislead u, the scholarship i mention are those that are offered by your own country. VFS do offer scholarship but they are rare and sometimes they are restricted to canadians.

As for age, i dont think thats a problem. There are some pretty old people in my class now. There is one 27 and there is one who is 30+. So if u want it badly, age dont matter :) Good luck by the way.

[Star-Scream]

Ah ok thank you, now i have to find out how I can get a scholarship :)

[Intervain]

There are some pretty old people in my class now. There is one 27 and there is one who is 30+. So if u want it badly, age dont matter :) Good luck by the way.

that`s old :eek:? - honestly... then my class comprised of true antiques :rolleyes::shrug:

[JamesMcPhail]

that`s old :eek:? - honestly... then my class comprised of true antiques :rolleyes::shrug:

Mine too. I think the average in my class was 27 or something along those lines. The oldest was late 30's .

[Mydrako]

Surprisingly my class average is pretty low. There are quite a few people fresh out of high school in my class. though most are ard 23-26. Well.. anyway, age doesnt matter...

[MikeRhone]

Back in 98-99 the class was pretty varied. the youngest was a fresh out of highschooler, the oldest were 30,45, and one guy in his fifties. For the most part, the fresh out of highschool people tended to take it less serious. Those of us that were 23+ knew what non-cg working life was like, so we paid more attention. The older people were CRAZY dedicated, but were a bit slower due to the technology curve (Which is WAY smaller these days IMO... Everything is much easier to find, search... More people around to get help from, faster PC's)

I laughed when I read that 27 is considered pretty old... :)

[DagMX]

Back in 98-99 the class was pretty varied. the youngest was a fresh out of highschooler, the oldest were 30,45, and one guy in his fifties. For the most part, the fresh out of highschool people tended to take it less serious. Those of us that were 23+ knew what non-cg working life was like, so we paid more attention. The older people were CRAZY dedicated, but were a bit slower due to the technology curve (Which is WAY smaller these days IMO... Everything is much easier to find, search... More people around to get help from, faster PC's)

I laughed when I read that 27 is considered pretty old... :)
well considering I'll be 20 when I'm done with the course, if the otherpeople will be10 years older thats quite a big gap...

but age really doesnt matter. It's just the older people seem to be able to concentrate more. However, I find the younger people are faster on the uptake.

Hell, at the place I was learning over here, I was the youngest and they had to change my batch every week because I could get it done almost as fast as I was taught. In contrast though, there was a 60 year old lady learning who took a long time but was still doing things correctly.

oh, and I'm starting in september now. Had a few problems because I would have been under-18 if I started in may. Anyone else starting about then?

[Immortus]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post here, so I'll try and put a couple of lines about myself. I'm a 37 year old guy from Portugal, I've been working for about 7 years as a freelance illustrator in my country. Right now I felt that it was time that I went for a new direction in my career, and since I love the gaming a movie fileds, I dicided to go for a course in 3D Animation. I chose the Vancouver Film School, since it looks like the right place for a guy of my age (not that I consider myself that old...).
By the way, if anyone feels like checking my stuff, my online gallery is at:

http://www.artwanted.com/samsantos

I'll be starting the 3D Animation and VFX program at VFS next March. I'm now in the process of finding a studio or a room in a shared apartment, as I'm aware that even for a studio, it would be pretty expensive. I would prefer something at walking distance from VFS 3D campus. If anyone knows of anything interesting regarding housing, or is about to start at around the same time as myself, we could get in touch and try to deal with it together.

Oh, and by the way, any portuguese people around?

Cheers everybody!

P.S.: Sorry about my english... :)

[OmarFernandes]

e mais um portugues na vfs, ehehe ja vou ter alguem com quem falar :D ca te espero.

[colesslaw]

... is about to start at around the same time as myself ...

Just want to say Hi and I am starting coming March as well :D. But I am not looking for housing so can't help you there :sad:.

[Immortus]

What happened to the reply I posted two weeks ago?
Strange...

[Immortus]

OmarFerandes:

Olá Omar!

Tudo bem? E que tal umas dicas para um principiante na VFS? :)
Se puderes, entra em contacto comigo via PM, por favor.

Obrigado! :)

Sherry:

Hi! I'll see you there then! :)

Cheers!

[dutchtilt]

i was in the class of 3d59, we were a very solid class---mostly because we asked a ton of questions and helped each other as best we could. I highly suggest anyone reading this, does the same---as we saw tons of classes just fall apart.

check for housing on the west side. anything west of burrard, near davie is decent.

i had a guy from portugal in my class, he turned out to be one of the most talanted, so good luck!
----biggest piece of advice----listen hard, but always question---your education is purely based on how much you can extract from your teachers AND teach yourself. This is a great education, but it is a base. try new things, and look at previous classes----try to kick their ass and you are in a good spot. check 3d55 and 3d59 for some good reference.

ciao---

[dutchtilt]

I don't think they will give international student loans (red it at the academy of art site) hmm how you can get a scholarship?


And work for a few years to save money lol i am 25 years old this is a crazy idea.


i was 24 when i wanted to go to vfs, saved for two years, then went. there are international Sallie Mae loans available as well. scholarship is something that is very rare. it is worth the price, ONLY if you are dedicated. understand it is a race, a sprint! you have very little time to absorb as much as possible. make a solid demo reel, and get a job. most people from our class (3d59) got jobs straight away in various countries at varying levels. I know personally there is tons of work in germany with several very decent companies.

good luck!

[Baltasound]

Does the VFS reqcuires drawing skills? Because, I cant draw at all. At. All. :sad:

[Fumetsu]

Does the VFS reqcuires drawing skills? Because, I cant draw at all. At. All. :sad:

Nope ;)

But it is definitly a very handy skill to have! :twisted:

[colesslaw]

Does the VFS reqcuires drawing skills? Because, I cant draw at all. At. All. :sad:

VFS doesn't require drawing skills, they will give you drawing lessons.
But drawing skills is definitely required in the industry if you plan to become an artist.

[colesslaw]

most people from our class (3d59) got jobs straight away in various countries at varying levels. I know personally there is tons of work in germany with several very decent companies.

I have always wondered, how big is the fraction of people that actually stayed in vancouver to work after vfs?

[feefunk]

I have always wondered, how big is the fraction of people that actually stayed in vancouver to work after vfs?


the exact percentage is hard to guess... but people who are Canadian residents find it easier to stay in Vancouver for work after their studies. A lot of companies might not be willing or capable of hiring someone from another country who does not possess a work visa, nothing personal, it's plain and simple economics.

[JamesMcPhail]

I have always wondered, how big is the fraction of people that actually stayed in vancouver to work after vfs?

Not many in my class. Maybe 4 or 5. And in general it was those that either were canadians or had PR. the hardest thing about coming out of school is getting a work visa. Don't expect a company to get one for you. You will have more success if you do the legwork yourself.

However there is no gaurantee that you will be able to get one straight out of school. I would say job wise about half of my class is working in the industry now 9 months after finishing. With about half of those getting hired straight out of school.

A lot of the time your sucess in getting hired quickly depends on what the industry is doing at the time. Obviously you need to have a good reel but if there are more jobs about when you graduate you have more of a chance of getting hired quickly.

[colesslaw]

However there is no gaurantee that you will be able to get one straight out of school. I would say job wise about half of my class is working in the industry now 9 months after finishing. With about half of those getting hired straight out of school.

half of your class is in the industry after 9 months.. sounds tough.. or it is personal choice? :S

[JamesMcPhail]

half of your class is in the industry after 9 months.. sounds tough.. or it is personal choice? :S

For a couple it is personal choice. For most others they either didn't have a strong enough reel coming out or haven't tryed hard enough in their job hunt.

I'm not sure if you have started yet. If you have go down to resources and get out the class reels for the last couple of years. If you watch them you will see that some classes as a whole are stronger than others. In general those are the classes that worked well together. There are always some standout individuals in each class. But you will quickly start seeing a lot of reels that aren't going to get people jobs straight away.

I guess the trick is don't end up with one of those reels.

[Baltasound]

VFS doesn't require drawing skills, they will give you drawing lessons.
But drawing skills is definitely required in the industry if you plan to become an artist.

Ill find me way around that :wise:

[bleumoon]

VFS doesn't require drawing skills, they will give you drawing lessons.
But drawing skills is definitely required in the industry if you plan to become an artist.
It’s a common misconception that people think you need to be a good drawer in order to succeed in 3D, and I’m not sure why that’s the case. Yes, there are a few areas in the industry where drawing is either necessary or very useful. However, there are also a lot of things in 3D that don’t require any drawing. There are many people in the industry who are very successful but couldn’t draw themselves out of a paper bag if their life depended on it.

Do you need drawing skills? Well, that depends on ultimately where you want to go and what you want to do.

However, I would like to add that from my perspective the people who came in with some sort of artistic background as a whole did much better than people who were starting from scratch; be it drawing, painting, graphic design, illustration, web design, photography etc. . . . I think it’s because they already had an artistic sensibility as they already understood how to work creatively in a medium.

Any previous artistic experience is just going to help you when you come to VFS, but it’s not necessarily vital to your success.

[Immortus]

i was in the class of 3d59, we were a very solid class---mostly because we asked a ton of questions and helped each other as best we could. I highly suggest anyone reading this, does the same---as we saw tons of classes just fall apart.

check for housing on the west side. anything west of burrard, near davie is decent.

i had a guy from portugal in my class, he turned out to be one of the most talanted, so good luck!
----biggest piece of advice----listen hard, but always question---your education is purely based on how much you can extract from your teachers AND teach yourself. This is a great education, but it is a base. try new things, and look at previous classes----try to kick their ass and you are in a good spot. check 3d55 and 3d59 for some good reference.

ciao---


Hey dutchtilt!

Thanks a lot for the great piece of advice!
I really intend to take as much as I can from the school, as this really is a golden opportunity in my life.

Cheers!

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[Molte]

It’s a common misconception that people think you need to be a good drawer in order to succeed in 3D, and I’m not sure why that’s the case. Yes, there are a few areas in the industry where drawing is either necessary or very useful. However, there are also a lot of things in 3D that don’t require any drawing. There are many people in the industry who are very successful but couldn’t draw themselves out of a paper bag if their life depended on it.

Do you need drawing skills? Well, that depends on ultimately where you want to go and what you want to do.


Allthough it has nothing to do with VFS, I just want to quote what this guy said.

Drawing, painting, photography, all is very good practice on elements that is important
shape, light, color, composition.
But in itself, its only a limited amount of jobs that require those skills within 3D.

[TrevorTang]

half of your class is in the industry after 9 months.. sounds tough.. or it is personal choice? :S

Personal choices could be a bad one, I skipped out on a oportunity 1 month after vfs. The result is I couldn't find work 7 months after. But all is good now ;)

[MikeRhone]

I had the same story as Trevor. Right after school I passed up working right away and went traveling... Coming back in December right into a work shortage. It took a long while for me to get my footing (and find my niche). Things could change, but for time time being life is peachy.

(Though the writers strike has me out on the street in 3 weeks... Time to bust out the snowboard ;) )

[omorenof]

hey guys
i am going to start at VFS in june
with the Foundation Program
and after that, ill go for the 3d program or probably the game design
dont know yet
anyway...
is there anyone starting at this date??
i am really looking forward to improve my drawing skills
so i hope this program will help

anybody have any experience with the foundation program??

--loco--

[diginime]

Does the VFS reqcuires drawing skills? Because, I cant draw at all. At. All. :sad:

What course are you taking? If you're taking 3D, then have to see which stream you go into. As for modeling, you need some drawing skills to sketch out concept, ideas etc, but for animators and vfx artist, they hardly need to draw. But overall, simple drawing skill is neccesary in art industry.

I just graduated from vfs few months ago, was in 3D65, and most of my classmates can't really draw, simple stuffs is good enough to illustrate your ideas. I'm a modeler, i can't really draw well like illustrator, concept artist...but i can draw out what i'm thinking, that's the most important, as long as your ideas delivered to audience.

While in 3D, the drawing skill you need is mostly for texturing, otherwise, most stuffs you need is for anatomy, form, shape, etc....but most of this stuffs are for the one who want to be modeler.

Anyway, vfs is really a good school, i really enjoy it! And good luck guys!

[biiink]

hey guys
i am going to start at VFS in june
with the Foundation Program
and after that, ill go for the 3d program or probably the game design
dont know yet
anyway...
is there anyone starting at this date??
i am really looking forward to improve my drawing skills
so i hope this program will help

anybody have any experience with the foundation program??

--loco--

Hey, I'm doing the same thing, but I start october 27th.
I'm quite bad at drawing, but I'm not too worried about that. The foundation will probably be good for me before going on to the 3d program.

It may be a bit early, but I'm in need of a place to live, of course. I've read this entire topic (phew!) and I understand that living within walking distance to the school is very important. I was thinking I should come to Vancouver sometime between sep 29th and oct 6th and try to find a place close by. Unfortunately, I can't afford to live on my own (or maybe if I live in a studio without furniture...) so finding a roomie is crucial.

So, if anyone else is going to VFS around that time, feel free to contact me via mail/msn (jonas.brinck@gmail.com) and maybe we can get to know each other.

Ciao!

[Gaudy]

Hello

If any VFS student is interested, im needing a roomate to live on my living room , my place is on downtown within 5 minutes walk from the pacific street campus.

My e mail is a_gaudy@yahoo.com (http://forums.cgsociety.org/a_gaudy@yahoo.com) if any one interested to move on february 1st

I apologize to use this post as a rooms/shared board but its the only palce i can think of to get any internacional student that also shares the joy of 3D with me.

cheers

-Alfredo

[Canadianboy]

Hey guys I have some very serious questions to ask. Ok well this is how it is, ive always had the dream of going there for the past 3 years. Im finally 19 and doing my college applications and still really have the idea of going there. See its basically a dream because the tution cost as much as my mom makes in a year. I REALLY REALLY want to go learn from the best. My mom says theres no way she can pull it off, I know the gov't can support me alittle but is there anyway i can even have the remote possibility of going there withough putting myself into 10's of thousands of dollars in debt? There is the cost of living and all that too which i would have to get somehow. Is there anyone here that was in a similar situation that might want to chime in, maybe send me an IM or something? So far in Ontario from what ive seen there arnt really any spectacular schools to go to besides Sheridan which would cost even more by the time im done.

Thanks

Adam

[TrevorTang]

Hey guys I have some very serious questions to ask. Ok well this is how it is, ive always had the dream of going there for the past 3 years. Im finally 19 and doing my college applications and still really have the idea of going there. See its basically a dream because the tution cost as much as my mom makes in a year. I REALLY REALLY want to go learn from the best. My mom says theres no way she can pull it off, I know the gov't can support me alittle but is there anyway i can even have the remote possibility of going there withough putting myself into 10's of thousands of dollars in debt? There is the cost of living and all that too which i would have to get somehow. Is there anyone here that was in a similar situation that might want to chime in, maybe send me an IM or something? So far in Ontario from what ive seen there arnt really any spectacular schools to go to besides Sheridan which would cost even more by the time im done.

Thanks

Adam

Probably best bet is to work and save for a couple of years. Other than getting student loans from the gov't and banks, there is a option to get help through a scholarship program. If you are serious and dead set on going at one point, it would be a good idea to call up one of the Student adviosors at vfs. They are pretty good of determining what options you have, and how much you can recieve to pay for tuition.

Otherwise, work, save, and teach yourself/pratice your cg/3d in the meantime.

[Amarin]

I was curious if many americans move to vfs? My aspirations to go to AAU were shot down recently. I dont know what kind of crazy process people would have to go through to switch countries and colleges.

[TrevorTang]

I was curious if many americans move to vfs? My aspirations to go to AAU were shot down recently. I dont know what kind of crazy process people would have to go through to switch countries and colleges.

There are usually a handfull of american students attending VFS every class/semester, and like what I said above, call them up, or even email them on the process. They get quite abit of international students, and I know at least with the advisor I got was pretty helpful.

[colesslaw]

Hey guys I have some very serious questions to ask. Ok well this is how it is, ive always had the dream of going there for the past 3 years. Im finally 19 and doing my college applications and still really have the idea of going there. See its basically a dream because the tution cost as much as my mom makes in a year. I REALLY REALLY want to go learn from the best. My mom says theres no way she can pull it off, I know the gov't can support me alittle but is there anyway i can even have the remote possibility of going there withough putting myself into 10's of thousands of dollars in debt? There is the cost of living and all that too which i would have to get somehow. Is there anyone here that was in a similar situation that might want to chime in, maybe send me an IM or something? So far in Ontario from what ive seen there arnt really any spectacular schools to go to besides Sheridan which would cost even more by the time im done.

Thanks

Adam

Adam, let's face it, most students attending VFS are at least a few years older than you. Reason being? It's expensive. Not everyone has full financial support from their parents for those much-cheaper college programs, needless to say for VFS. Just work hard and save and take the burden off of your mom. You'll probably still have to get student loan which you will still be 10's of thousands of dollars in debt tho - welcome to reality.

[aesir]

Hey guys I have some very serious questions to ask. Ok well this is how it is, ive always had the dream of going there for the past 3 years. Im finally 19 and doing my college applications and still really have the idea of going there. See its basically a dream because the tution cost as much as my mom makes in a year. I REALLY REALLY want to go learn from the best. My mom says theres no way she can pull it off, I know the gov't can support me alittle but is there anyway i can even have the remote possibility of going there withough putting myself into 10's of thousands of dollars in debt? There is the cost of living and all that too which i would have to get somehow. Is there anyone here that was in a similar situation that might want to chime in, maybe send me an IM or something? So far in Ontario from what ive seen there arnt really any spectacular schools to go to besides Sheridan which would cost even more by the time im done.

Thanks

Adam


community college is your friend. Take a lot of traditional art classes and bone up on your fundamentals, and in the meanwhile, get a job or two and start saving. Wait a couple years, then go. Take out loans when you do.

It's all gonna really depend on how much you really want to go. And dont feel like youre falling behind either, frankly, taking your time is probably gonna be more fun anyways.

[Canadianboy]

thanks for the reality check guys! Yeah im just already feeling like im falling behind my friends are almost done there 2nd year of college and I havent gone yet. One problem is I dont have a community college in my city. So eather way im going to have to blow enough cash just to get to college. I didnt realize most people that went there were older then me.

How old were most of you guy when you attended VFS?

[JamesMcPhail]

How old were most of you guy when you attended VFS?

I was 24 when I went in 2006. To be honest I think you are better off working and saving up the money yourself and / or getting student loans than getting your family to help pay your way. I saw plenty of people waste their money while I was there.

I know for me one of the driving forces that kept me hard at work was the fact that it was my money on the line. If I screwed up I had gone into debt for nothing.

But thats just me, everyone is different :) Don't worry about being a bit older when you go if there is one thing that willl serve you well its the work ethic and maturity that comes from a few years of working in the "real" world.

[LucentDreams]

I was 19 as was my fiance but both of us were the babies of our classes. I studied 2D and she did Maya, which ar ewboth a fair bit cheaper than the fulltime 3D. We are both still paying off our loans althoughwe are doing better on our loans than most I would imagine.

Average age imo would be somewhere around 25-30
there usually one or two youngins and 3 or four mid life career changes.

[colesslaw]

thanks for the reality check guys! Yeah im just already feeling like im falling behind my friends are almost done there 2nd year of college and I havent gone yet. One problem is I dont have a community college in my city. So eather way im going to have to blow enough cash just to get to college. I didnt realize most people that went there were older then me.

How old were most of you guy when you attended VFS?

I haven't gone yet, I'm going this March and I'm 23 going onto 24. I agree with James that you'll probably be better off going to VFS at a more mature age and paying it off with your blood and sweat, because you will value this education a lot more and make the most out of it.

I already have a BFA in Visual Art that was paid fully by scholarship and parental support, although I did get the degree -- but to be honest I was naive and wasted a lot of my time there and didn't get much (if anything at all) out of it. Since then I've been working for almost 2 years and grown a lot mentally, and now using up all my savings towards VFS with a huge student loan. I don't have any regrets though, because I know very well in my mind that this time around I won't be wasting anytime, and will be taking a whole more with me.

Wish you all the best in your endeaver ;)

[Canadianboy]

cool thanks for the advice guys.. I now see i can really wait :thumbsup:

[googboog8]

i'm starting in september...

anyone else joining in september??
boog

[DagMX]

i'm starting in september...

anyone else joining in september??
boog
I'm starting the foundation course in september and following it with the 3d course..

[googboog8]

pm me your email id dude, are you on gtalk?

[googboog8]

I'm starting the foundation course in september and following it with the 3d course..

pm me your email id, i need to get in touch with someone from around here :)

[DagMX]

pm me your email id, i need to get in touch with someone from around here :)
I PM'd it to you.
I'm on gtalk but im too lazy to install the client.

[FishingCat]

Dear fellow VFSers,

I'm starting the 3d program in March. Just wanted to say hello here.

See you soon! :)

Jing

[TDank]

Hey everyone, I have been accepted to the september first 3D animation and visual effects program. Just wondering what the current standing of VFS is compared to a school like Sheridan.
I have applied to both and so far I am still waiting to hear back from sheridan. If I do by chance get accepted by both, which one would you recommend? I'm still on the fence on wether I whant to specialize in modelling or animation. I am aware of the amount of work that is given at VFS and the cost difference, etc. The only thing that matters to me is which school would be a better all-round choice for 3Danimation/modelling.

[Canadianboy]

Hey there guys looks like ill be attending in March 09!!! wotwot haha. If anyone here is planning far ahead like me send me a message maybe we could try and get a place close and plan things out together as early as possible! Ill be 20 by then and since i wont be a teenager anymore ill be more mature. lol. Even if your going for the January 09 start date i willing to head out there a few months early it wouldnt be a problem. Ive also got relatives out there so we could get a nice meal cooked for us once in a while haha.

Im haveing so many things go through my mind though guys. Im trying to learn Houdini right now! But I will be using Maya at VFS! I want to start working with maya right now but it would be im possible to learn to apps at the same time. What should I do! I mean when i get the VFS i plan to specialize in VFX and Houdini is a good app for the but ill be learning it all in Maya. Im seriously torn on what to do. Any advice?

[JamesMcPhail]

Hey there guys looks like ill be attending in March 09!!! wotwot haha. If anyone here is planning far ahead like me send me a message maybe we could try and get a place close and plan things out together as early as possible! Ill be 20 by then and since i wont be a teenager anymore ill be more mature. lol. Even if your going for the January 09 start date i willing to head out there a few months early it wouldnt be a problem. Ive also got relatives out there so we could get a nice meal cooked for us once in a while haha.

Im haveing so many things go through my mind though guys. Im trying to learn Houdini right now! But I will be using Maya at VFS! I want to start working with maya right now but it would be im possible to learn to apps at the same time. What should I do! I mean when i get the VFS i plan to specialize in VFX and Houdini is a good app for the but ill be learning it all in Maya. Im seriously torn on what to do. Any advice?

VFS has a houdini program. And you should be able to get access to houdini while you are doing the regular 3D program. At least I did while I was there. I just asked to get it installed. That said it isn't officially part of the 3d program so don't expect to get much support with it. But if you know how to use it I don't think they would be against it.

[Canadianboy]

Yeah i read up on their Houdini program. No Way im throwing down another 16,000 lol. Should i keep working on learning Houdini right now though or I should I focus on Maya and get a head start on it? Im sure if keep working on Houdini for another year I should have learned quite a bit at the rate im going right now.

[JamesMcPhail]

Yeah i read up on their Houdini program. No Way im throwing down another 16,000 lol. Should i keep working on learning Houdini right now though or I should I focus on Maya and get a head start on it? Im sure if keep working on Houdini for another year I should have learned quite a bit at the rate im going right now.

Seeing you are going to VFS and doing the 3d program I would get familiar with Maya. At least learn your way around the interface and the basic concepts. No reason you can't learn both Houdini and Maya. What you really need to focus on though is not learning which buttons you need to push in the software but rather how to use the software to achieve the effect you want.

If I was you I would also look into learning a bit of compositing before you go. Preferably node based. VFS is pushing Nuke a fair bit these days and has plenty of licences so that would probably be a good choice.

[JesseDavis]

nevermind...

[Canadianboy]

That sucks about the houdini program. Thanks for the advice James id never really heard anyone put it that way but ill remember it for sure.

[ShadowM8]

nevermind ...

[JesseDavis]

the site is still up so i'm wrong. forget it.

[TheThidMan]

Why do all their demo reels looks so similar though? It's like they're all used the same lighting and texturing method. Looks good though.

[JesseDavis]

well it is a school where you get training, and people without training coming in only have the training gotten here. I wouldn't say all the reels look the same, but i would say presentation is similar in a lot of them. Especially with people that don't have as much experience.

[MikeRhone]

A quick inside heads up to my VFS bretheren: A bar that has recently become popular with some industry people is 'the brickhouse'. Its in a sketchmo part of Vancouver, but the last few weekends it has been packed with industry people from all over (Radical, Rainmaker, Image Engine etc...)

Maybe see you there.

m

[Canadianboy]

well i enjoy a few beers quite often so ill be there when i head out there.

[vfxnerd]

This is going to be a Housing question. To those of you who have already been to VFS or still attending there, what street(s) should I be looking at to find a place to rent that will be in walking distance (about 5-10 minutes) to campus?

Btw, I will be enrolling in the 3d Animation and Visual Effects program this May if that helps.

Any help would be great!

[Mydrako]

Google maps is gonna help u alot :P but a few streets that are near are drake, pacific, hornby,davie. cheap housing can be found mainly in the west end while yaletown will be more pricey. Craiglist is really good to find cheap housing but just beware of scam. Hope this help.

[TrevorTang]

I used to live on Harwood street, block and a half from burrard campus. Close to school and the Davie strip. Think rent around that area was around 1100-1200 /mth, for a decient 1 bdr, but that was last year's rate.

[Immortus]

Greetings Everyone!

I will be starting the 3D Animation and VFX at the Vancouver Film School, on May 5th.
Is anyone here starting by the same time? I'm a guy from Portugal so if there is some
housing advice, it would be most welcome as well!

Cheers!

[vfxnerd]

Hey Immortus,

I also will be starting the same program on May 5th. I am currently using craigslist to look for places near Burrard campus. And yes Google map will help a ton!

[Immortus]

Hi CGSocieter!

Thanks for the reply and for the tips!
I contacted the Housing coordinator at VFS today as well. Let's what she can offer
in terms of housing options. Feel free to contact me if you feel like it.
See you at the School then!

Regards.

[c4dnoob]

Hi all,

I have decided to go for VFS 3d&VFX (probably early 09) and I was wondering if any of the most recent grads from 2007 or 2006 could share their views of the program (and after it). I read a few older posts here mentioning some faculty leaving and a couple of poster didn't seem too happy with the sound support. Can anyone who has attended the program previously (or who is currently attending) share their thoughts?? Thanks a LOT!

[varenyk54]

Hey all, I'm a recent grad, send me an email or pm me if you'd like to hear about my experiences at VFS.

[whalerider]

You don't have to live downtown - it's crowded, expensive and there are too many homeless folks roaming(worst in a bunch of big cities I've been to on 4 continents - some of them shouting, running or peeing wherever they see; dunno why the authorities allow that).

Kitsilano is a great neighbourhood and you're downtown in a few minutes if you take the bus. A couple years ago you could still find 1BR apartments under $1000. And the nice thing is that you can just walk around the neighbourhood and see the vacancy signs. Then just call the building sup/management company and arrange to see the place.


Google maps is gonna help u alot :P but a few streets that are near are drake, pacific, hornby,davie. cheap housing can be found mainly in the west end while yaletown will be more pricey. Craiglist is really good to find cheap housing but just beware of scam. Hope this help.

[ShadowM8]

Kits is more expensive than Downtown these days and what you get for the money is a really really old housing (nothing newer than 30 years). A good area I found is near Vancouver General Hospital. Theres a couple of quiet neighbourhoods there and getting Downtown is easy. (number 17 trolley on Oak street) But overall the rental market is really tight. Theres a big difference in quality of aparments available but very little difference in price.

[omorenof]

hey buddies!!
i hope everybody is doing fine..
i am about to start Foundation program in june 30.
anybody arround would like to share their experience at this program??
if so... then give me your email address so we can talk...
also what is it like the schedule??
is it from 9am to 4pm everyday?
hope to hear from anybody soon
take care folks!!

[Canadianboy]

hey guys im wondering if there are any of you starting early 09. Like you c4dnoob. Im looking at starting around that time and was wondering if anyone would be looking for a roomy. It would be cool to live with someone doing the same program as me so we can learn off eachother and stuff. Just IM me or post here if there is anyone out there who is interested.

[c4dnoob]

Hey Adam,

Yeah, I agree with you that it would be cool to get roomates. I am even thinking bigger.. maybe get as much as 4 people and try to get a decent place together? We could try to mix it up with people from other programs or just have a 3d/vfx entourage. I think the best bet is for us to get in touch and keep trying to find more people and get to know each other better so that we decide if we'd all get along and what nots..

I've had some bad roomate experiences in the past, as I am sure anyone who has moved around a lot has had... it just happens sometimes but by everybody getting to know each other up front we can be better prepared to have a roomate group that works.

I should be starting on jan 09, if I can get all my finances in shape, how about you? Do you know anyone else whos starting on jan 09?

Cheers!!

[my7hai]

i am starting the vfs 3d animation and vfx on the 30. June.
PM me if any classmates are here :D

cheers.

[Khannalxy'tys]

I'm going in August. Start date on the 1st of September =) Not exactly June but I'll likely see you there!

By the way: I've been looking for roommates and such and while I have found quite a number of people willing to share places, finding one big enough for 4 has been not only a challenge but also not advisable according to the lady at the reception since you won't find anything close to your campus that big. We had to settle for a split up and share a place for 2 =)

my 2 cents.

[my7hai]

i am going to share my place with 2 others, and u'r right..
its not really near the campus, i was told that its about 10 mins away with the skytrain and a 5 mins to walk, but thats ok i think.

im kinda exited and hope that its worth the money, i am ready to work my ass out and forget my life for the year :) :D

[omorenof]

i start the foundation program june 30!!
does anybody else doing the same??
see ya around there buds!!

OMF

[PorkpieSamurai]

Awesome, Im also starting June 30th for animation and vfx. Been wanting to do this
for years, cant wait!

[thiagolima]

Hi all!

I may be attending to 2009 Jan' Digital Character Animation Program, is there anyone who has done it or will? I would like to hear about the course, I am a bit affraid about the time that it takes, if it is enough time to get deeply in the animation subjects, such as advanced acting... etc...


Cheers!

Thiago Lima

[Canadianboy]

hey Ben i cant say i know anyone going the jan 09 start date but im going to be started a few months after that. I agree with the badroom mate experience. Im goign through thtta right now actually. The idea of a bunch of us staying together would be pretty awesome and great for networking. So your jan 09 start date is final? If we can organize something i can get there in February the earliest if i get stuff worked out. we should keep in touch feel free to e-mail me anytime. When are u planning on moving? My dad goign to help me find a place. He knows a few people that are gone for almost a full year and rent out there house so i might be able to get a good deal.

[indipops]

Hi, anyone that may read this that is currently at VFS at the moment...

what's it like? and where's the best place to live?

Thanks,

India

[deatheater4ever]

I've heard that after doing your course let's say 3D Animation & Visual Effects students from abroad find it difficult to get a job in Canada.

The reason being that Canadian companies would find it easier to hire a Canadian rather than pay for the work visa of a foriegner.

Also does your previous work experience matter ?? And what if you are into teaching ?? How much would that count if you've been a teacher of Maya for years and then you do a course at VFS ??

Is teaching experience given as much importance as work experience is ??



By the way , congrats to all those who are starting ahead with their new VFS batches !!

[JamesMcPhail]

I've heard that after doing your course let's say 3D Animation & Visual Effects students from abroad find it difficult to get a job in Canada.

The reason being that Canadian companies would find it easier to hire a Canadian rather than pay for the work visa of a foriegner.


Well of course. Why would a company spend time and money and jump through hoops to get someone a work visa if they can find the right people locally?

Of course they often can't find people locally which is why there are tons of non Canadians working in Vancouver.

The big problem with getting a canadian work visa out of school is relevant work experience. If you have none it makes it harder.

The thing is I know plenty of people that didn't have much or any work experience who got work visa's by doing the legwork themselves and not relying on a prospective employer to do it for them.

It certainly is possible. Just don't expect an employer to do the work for you.

[Lexalotacus]

I'd love to go to VFS or Gnomon but man, it's hard to travel across the country for such an expensive program... So im just gonna go here and get my BFA in 3D art.
www.cu3d.org
Seems like a great school in beautiful Colorado!

[deatheater4ever]

I guess you're right in that viewpoint , James.

So I think doing all the legwork includes staying back in Canada after you've done your course . And doing all the paperwork yourself .


Aaaaahhh !! The odds of being in the right place at the right time certianly figure here in this equation.

One more thing if you're still here . Why is that Canadian companies can't find people locally ??

Are many Canadians not inclined towards the CG industry ??

I thought that since Canada is a major CG hub and with the government offering many opportunities ,people would be flocking towards this industry.

I would love to work over there as it's the happening place to be. Stuff like SIGGRAPH , Comic Con , and of course being surrounded by highly talented artists is a great plus point.

[PorkpieSamurai]

One more thing if you're still here . Why is that Canadian companies can't find people locally ??

Are many Canadians not inclined towards the CG industry ??

good question. Im not sure about the rest of Canada but in Vancouver there seems to be loads of cg peeps but the majority I think are graduates or juniors. I think maybe the people that are pulled in to work at the studios that are from other countries are probably the highly experienced kind of artist. Someone correct me if Im wrong.

[hackett]

mentioned it in another thread but they really show up when it comes to getting your work promoted. They spend about 200,000 a year getting their videos featured on Youtube.

[kelgy]

Why is that Canadian companies can't find people locally ??

Are many Canadians not inclined towards the CG industry ??


**I have pondered this myself..
I think the companies that pop up here are not locally initiated in most cases, but they are drawn to the friendly tax/dollar conditions, tourism-nature of the place, and so demand exceeds supply.

I dont know about Eastern Canada but..
When I worked at a BC traditional fx place the boss said I was the first born in BC person to work for him. This was only a few years ago and the film sector had been well established here.
But it has to be a better ratio for CG with all the training available.

Canada's small film and publishing industries do not actively encourage/nurture fantasy(sci fi, horror etc) in either film or literary efforts (the US has Dorothy in Oz, England has Alice in Wonderland, we have...Anne in Green Gables). Not unless it is a co-production or something quirky, or the person made it is from outside Canada. This despite all the filming in BC(80 % of which is foreign initiated). But even in the Indies it seems like most people who are doing it locally came here from outside BC.

In dealing with local folks in the indie film scene I have noticed a serious disinterest/ignorance in the potential of CG to boost production values for low budget film.

The people who might be inclined to that sort of thing generally head South I would reckon. They say there are more Canadians in California than all of Canada.

Or it could just be that people get mesmerized by the mountains and scenery. Or maybe its drugs.
A couple of nicknames I have heard about BC describe it as "Lotus Land" and "LalaLand."

The Island of the Lotus Eaters in Greek myth was a place where people sat around chewing a plant that made them serene and unambitious. Coincidence? :hmm:

[deatheater4ever]

**

The people who might be inclined to that sort of thing generally head South I would reckon. They say they are more Canadians in California than all of Canada.

:hmm:

Firstly Thanks to PorkPie Samurai ( Chris ) and Kel G
for patiently answring this question.


Here's my reasoning ....


Maybe it's the cold weather of Canada .... If you've spend a large part of your life in snowey country naturally you'd be inclined to go out and head towards some cities where they have sunny climatic conditions .


And since it snows quite a bit ( so I've heard ) I guess as Canadians spend a lot of time indoors , they would'nt wanna do a job where they again have to spend time indoors.


I guess I have added one more reason as to why I would love to work in Canada .... I've never seen real snow in the 24 years of my life !


The only snow ( or imitation of snow ) I've seen is the scraped ice in the deep-freeze section of my refrigerator.

[kelgy]

Here's my reasoning ....


Maybe it's the cold weather of Canada .... If you've spend a large part of your life in snowey country naturally you'd be inclined to go out and head towards some cities where they have sunny climatic conditions .


**it isnt that cold(depending where you are).
And it doesnt snow that much in Western Canada(although it was really cold this year-unseasonally so). Seemed like we had no Spring.

BC usually has pretty good weather(when it doesnt rain). Snow is relatively rare in my part of BC.
Though I have wondered if the landscape influences behaviour--comparisons with Norway, Sweden, or Russia may be appropriate--but really, its not that cold!
We dont have igloos. :rolleyes:

[deatheater4ever]

**it isnt that cold(depending where you are).
And it doesnt snow that much in Western Canada(although it was really cold this year-unseasonally so). Seemed like we had no Spring.



Considering where I come from .... where people have to travel to the northern parts to see snow .... I think it's really cold .

Tell you what .... here's something hilarious :p ... for a Laughter Loving Lunatic .


My mom is so sensitive to cold and snow that she one day started sneezing as she was watching a documentry on The Arctic Ocean !! :D

[Bartek|3D]

I've heard that after doing your course let's say 3D Animation & Visual Effects students from abroad find it difficult to get a job in Canada.

The reason being that Canadian companies would find it easier to hire a Canadian rather than pay for the work visa of a foriegner.

Also does your previous work experience matter ?? And what if you are into teaching ?? How much would that count if you've been a teacher of Maya for years and then you do a course at VFS ??

Is teaching experience given as much importance as work experience is ??



By the way , congrats to all those who are starting ahead with their new VFS batches !!

For most people who come out of these types of schools, this is probably the case. There are hundreds of students getting pumped out of these schools all the time!

If you want a job you HAVE to stand out of the crowd, bust your ass, be original, then even if you have little experiece but come out with a sick reel and amazing talent/skills, the Canadian company will do whatever it takes to get you in. Including paying for all the visa stuff.

You get out of the school what you put into it. No matter what school you go to, noone will spoon feed you ;)

[kelgy]

Considering where I come from .... where people have to travel to the northern parts to see snow .... I think it's really cold .

** you have a point.
I know a guy who knows a guy who came here from the UAE and he had to go back, he just found it way too cold.
But where I am people tend to wear shorts year round.

[SpaXe]

For most people who come out of these types of schools, this is probably the case. There are hundreds of students getting pumped out of these schools all the time!

If you want a job you HAVE to stand out of the crowd, bust your ass, be original, then even if you have little experiece but come out with a sick reel and amazing talent/skills, the Canadian company will do whatever it takes to get you in. Including paying for all the visa stuff.

You get out of the school what you put into it. No matter what school you go to, noone will spoon feed you ;)
Quoted For Truth.

Guys, paying big bucks doesn't get you a job. You will want to get all you can with what you paid and work hard at it. =)

[deatheater4ever]

@Bartek|3D aka Bartek Kujbida and @SpaXe aka Xavier



Of course no school will spoon feed you ..... hell it is'nt the softwares either .All the softwares learnt are just a way for you to express your art , your style just like you can draw with a pencil , a pen or a crayon ..... but it's the drawing that matters.

( I love drawing with pens though !! )


All these questions that I'm asking are just for clearing some preliminary doubts .... and I do understand that VFS does'nt have some Super-Soilder Serum that makes you produce the most awesomest of the most awesome reel.

But people always have doubts whenever they plan for some course abroad and those nagging little doubts come out time and again.

But thanks for your replies anyway ..... and SpaXe ... I'll wait for your awesome reel !!!

[deatheater4ever]

** you have a point.
I know a guy who knows a guy who came here from the UAE and he had to go back, he just found it way too cold.
But where I am people tend to wear shorts year round.


Aaaahhhh .... So you guys have a mostly temperate climate but sometimes it rains heavily and the winter is snowey. But otherwise it's all fine .

Heh Heh Heh Heh ..... I've been to the UAE and I know how bloody hot it is there ... you stand out in the sun for 15 min and after some time you touch the top of your head .... and to tell you the truth it feels real hot ....

Plus the abscence of humidity makes it worse ....

But I see I've strayed away from the topic too much .... and I've found my answers thanks to you , Bartek3d and SpaXe ..

Thanks guys , It's a good thing to see you guys helping around.

[googboog8]

i'm starting with 3d in vfs on september 1st..

i hope i get a job after that's done.. this thread has scared me...

[SpaXe]

deatheater4ever: Vancouver isn't really snowy. The past winter we had... two days of snow. Light ones at that.

Edit: In Vancouver, winter = rainy every day.

Compared to my previous 3 years in Minnesota, I'd say Vancouver is too warm! :P

------

Anyways, I encourage anyone who wants to come to VFS to study, be prepared for a year's battle, and with that, be confident. Work hard and be honest with yourself.

googboog8: Aw, too bad, I'm graduating in August and flying away at the end of that month. Best of luck. =)

[googboog8]

deatheater4ever: Vancouver isn't really snowy. The past winter we had... two days of snow. Light ones at that.

Edit: In Vancouver, winter = rainy every day.

Compared to my previous 3 years in Minnesota, I'd say Vancouver is too warm! :P

------

Anyways, I encourage anyone who wants to come to VFS to study, be prepared for a year's battle, and with that, be confident. Work hard and be honest with yourself.

googboog8: Aw, too bad, I'm graduating in August and flying away at the end of that month. Best of luck. =)

yeah? well congratulations :)

flying away where? did you get a job after studying here? please tell me you did, please tell me you had to turn down atleast 4 offers because they weren't good enough for you...

[Bartek|3D]

@Bartek|3D aka Bartek Kujbida and @SpaXe aka Xavier



Of course no school will spoon feed you ..... hell it is'nt the softwares either .All the softwares learnt are just a way for you to express your art , your style just like you can draw with a pencil , a pen or a crayon ..... but it's the drawing that matters.

( I love drawing with pens though !! )


All these questions that I'm asking are just for clearing some preliminary doubts .... and I do understand that VFS does'nt have some Super-Soilder Serum that makes you produce the most awesomest of the most awesome reel.

But people always have doubts whenever they plan for some course abroad and those nagging little doubts come out time and again.

But thanks for your replies anyway ..... and SpaXe ... I'll wait for your awesome reel !!!

You make it sound like my reply wasn't useful...
I just wanted to answer your question about Canadian companies not wanting to hire a foreign student and get them a visa. I think my answer is very on point, and I know this from experience!

[googboog8]

You make it sound like my reply wasn't useful...
I just wanted to answer your question about Canadian companies not wanting to hire a foreign student and get them a visa. I think my answer is very on point, and I know this from experience!

hey bartek
i know i'm being a little specific here but how easy is it for a vfs grad with no experience to get into a studio like rainmaker(that's where i want to work once i graduate)
i've got a degree in mechanical engineering and another diploma in animation..

i mean if i really work my butt off and produce a good demo reel.
would it make a big difference that i dont have work experience? (i mean you have to start somewhere right?)

[SpaXe]

yeah? well congratulations :)Thanks. =)

flying away where? did you get a job after studying here? please tell me you did, please tell me you had to turn down atleast 4 offers because they weren't good enough for you...Haha, unfortunately, no, I haven't applied for a job anywhere yet. I'm Taiwanese, and in order for me to get a work permit anywhere in America I need something like this:

- Two years equivalent of related education (VFS, even only one year, actually counts. You just need a school letter.)
- Two years of full-time working experience in an related field. (So far, I've got only freelancing credits.)
- A degree in a relatied field. (I came to VFS straight out of highschool, so none.)

Right now, I'm flying back to Taiwan for a month, and then proceeding to Griffith Uni. in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I'm accepted into a 4-year Bachlor program in IT & Multimedia, going to study towards graphics programming. That's the cover, anyway. In the mean-time, I'll do part-time jobs while I'm in uni, and hopefully internships. 4 years of part-time counts as two-years of full-time, and by that time I will have my degree and I can get a permit.

So, it's like Working Holiday Visa first, then a Study Visa (in Oz, you can work while you go to an uni) then a work permit.

As to an awesome reel, I'm working hard on that. I don't claim it's awesome, but hopefully when it's done in August, I'll be content.

Edit: If you are really good, though, companies would try to get you in.

I know someone who's from India and was accepted into Rainmaker but couldn't get a work permit because of work experience issues; it ended up that the employer got her hooked to a company in India, working there for two years and she's guaranteed to come to Rainmaker when she has the permit. =)

[googboog8]

Thanks. =)

Haha, unfortunately, no, I haven't applied for a job anywhere yet. I'm Taiwanese, and in order for me to get a work permit anywhere in America I need something like this:

- Two years equivalent of related education (VFS, even only one year, actually counts. You just need a school letter.)
- Two years of full-time working experience in an related field. (So far, I've got only freelancing credits.)
- A degree in a relatied field. (I came to VFS straight out of highschool, so none.)

Right now, I'm flying back to Taiwan for a month, and then proceeding to Griffith Uni. in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I'm accepted into a 4-year Bachlor program in IT & Multimedia, going to study towards graphics programming. That's the cover, anyway. In the mean-time, I'll do part-time jobs while I'm in uni, and hopefully internships. 4 years of part-time counts as two-years of full-time, and by that time I will have my degree and I can get a permit.

So, it's like Working Holiday Visa first, then a Study Visa (in Oz, you can work while you go to an uni) then a work permit.

As to an awesome reel, I'm working hard on that. I don't claim it's awesome, but hopefully when it's done in August, I'll be content.

Edit: If you are really good, though, companies would try to get you in.

I know someone who's from India and was accepted into Rainmaker but couldn't get a work permit because of work experience issues; it ended up that the employer got her hooked to a company in India, working there for two years and she's guaranteed to come to Rainmaker when she has the permit. =)

hey that's very helpful, thanks a lot. all the best for your next course.. i've already spent the last 6 years of my life studying, so vfs will be the last of my "learning experiences" :)

until i learn on the job, that is..:).... (in case any prospective employers are reading this)

looking forward to your demoreel on youtube

oh and one more thing, which course gives you the best chance of getting a good job, i mean we have to choose between modeling, animating and vfx right?
i'm pretty confused between whether to choose modeling or animation, so i guess the job scene will be the only thing that decides that....

[deatheater4ever]

You make it sound like my reply wasn't useful...
I just wanted to answer your question about Canadian companies not wanting to hire a foreign student and get them a visa. I think my answer is very on point, and I know this from experience!

Hey Bartek

You reply was very useful indeed and I'm just agreeing with you on the same point . Maybe the English you speak and what I speak is some times confusion causing !

I guess I didnt get your point that you were trying to make . Anyways it's much ado over nothing and I thank you again for your replies ...

[Bartek|3D]

Hey Bartek

You reply was very useful indeed and I'm just agreeing with you on the same point . Maybe the English you speak and what I speak is some times confusion causing !

I guess I didnt get your point that you were trying to make . Anyways it's much ado over nothing and I thank you again for your replies ...

Cool, yeah it's probably the way it was written ;) No worries! :D
Good luck to you dude.

[Bartek|3D]

hey bartek
i know i'm being a little specific here but how easy is it for a vfs grad with no experience to get into a studio like rainmaker(that's where i want to work once i graduate)
i've got a degree in mechanical engineering and another diploma in animation..

i mean if i really work my butt off and produce a good demo reel.
would it make a big difference that i dont have work experience? (i mean you have to start somewhere right?)

Well, I went into VFS not knowing any 3D knowledge (except for the super basic stuff I tried to learn myself at home before going to school). And I was blessed to get a full time job at Rainmaker one month before finishing my VFS program. I stayed there about a year and had a BLAST, after deciding to move here to Montreal due to family reasons :)

[SpaXe]

oh and one more thing, which course gives you the best chance of getting a good job, i mean we have to choose between modeling, animating and vfx right?
i'm pretty confused between whether to choose modeling or animation, so i guess the job scene will be the only thing that decides that....It all depends on what you feel most comfortable doing, really. Though, at this moment, I have to say that VFS is pumping out great modellers at the moment.

If you want to go to Animation, I'd rather have you look into the 6-month Digital Character Animation course VFS has.

[Intervain]

choose what you enjoy doing googboog8!

If your heart is into it , you're more readily work hard on your reel and get a job by the end. Nothing comes from just deciding on a specialization. And trust me when I say, you'll be very likely to change your mind once you're actually at VFS and you've tried a little bit of everything :)

[Bartek|3D]

choose what you enjoy doing googboog8!

If your heart is into it , you're more readily work hard on your reel and get a job by the end. Nothing comes from just deciding on a specialization. And trust me when I say, you'll be very likely to change your mind once you're actually at VFS and you've tried a little bit of everything :)



Exactly! I had NO idea I wanted to become an animator before VFS. I only fell in love with it during my one year there.

[googboog8]

awesome... thanks for the advice guys... :cool:

[scanaa]

Hi everyone, fist post here (just registered but been lurking for a while) :)


I'm going to apply for 3d animation and vfx course at vfs but I got a question about that.
What works are needed in order to being accepted? I'm pretty new to 3d graphic (I got some easy works and I'm doing a bit of compositing for a movie right now but that's it). I got a degree in web and multimedia technologies and an overall passion for every kind of art, so I'm a bit used to web design and I've done some disparate works (photos, sculptures, installations).
But I'm really a noob in drawing.

Will this be sufficient or I need some life drawings as told on the site?
I read that it's not so easy to being accepted, is it true?


Thanks to anyone in advance.

[my7hai]

Hi everyone, fist post here (just registered but been lurking for a while) :)


I'm going to apply for 3d animation and vfx course at vfs but I got a question about that.
What works are needed in order to being accepted? I'm pretty new to 3d graphic (I got some easy works and I'm doing a bit of compositing for a movie right now but that's it). I got a degree in web and multimedia technologies and an overall passion for every kind of art, so I'm a bit used to web design and I've done some disparate works (photos, sculptures, installations).
But I'm really a noob in drawing.

Will this be sufficient or I need some life drawings as told on the site?
I read that it's not so easy to being accepted, is it true?


Thanks to anyone in advance.

hi, im in 3d animation and visual effects.
u dont have to be a brilliant drawer to be accepted, we have life drawing lessons etc.
if u show that ur passionate in art itself it should be fine.

just show them ur portfolio.

cheers

[scanaa]

thanks a lot :)

[brendii]

I got in for march, can't wait to move there :D

Anyone else is starting with me?

[bleumoon]

Congrats Diego, you're in for a treat. Just remember to pace yourself. It's a marathon not a sprint. Some people go all out in terms 1 and 2 only to find themselves burnt out by terms 5 or 6. Get sleep when you can and have fun; it's a blast.

[brendii]

Thanks, I appreciate your advises :D

I was hoping to find out some future classmates here, since for privacy reasons the school can't give out names.

[AdamL]

I'm starting in January 2009, looking forward to it!

[brendii]

hi!
we're 2 guys starting on march searching for a place, maybe you can join us?
if you want we can talk about it, send me a private message (seems i can't doing the same)

[AdamL]

*edited post*

[dutchtilt]

Congrats Diego, you're in for a treat. Just remember to pace yourself. It's a marathon not a sprint. Some people go all out in terms 1 and 2 only to find themselves burnt out by terms 5 or 6. Get sleep when you can and have fun; it's a blast.

You guys will love it! Trust me---I did the VFX stream and basically had to be very very proactive. Wasnt a good time for that stream. But now you have Alastair as your Head---which means, if you are interested in Mo-Cap/being a TD/Scripting/Generalist kinda stuff......the program should kick ass for that now!

They have always been killer for Modeling and Animation~ (if you want to see some kick ass modeling/anim; check the girls/guys from 3d59/58---ahhh the golden years!)

[ArticSpider]

What are the classes/professors like there? I mean one year sound awful quick (steal of your money). How good do you have to be initally to KEEP UP WITH the classes? How are the classes broken down? And by the end of the year, do you feel you have a decent portfolio to get work or is there an additional need to practice?

Just researching on schools. Thanks to those who reply.

[MikeRhone]

check the girls/guys from 3d59/58---ahhh the golden years!)

Golden years? Man I feel old, I was in class 16! My last VFX super was in class 1 (Remember Digipen?!) Oh man... I think Reboot was still on the air when I was going to classes.

[brendii]

I cant send PM's for some reason...

Do you have MSN messenger ?

yup.......

[TrevorTang]

What are the classes/professors like there? I mean one year sound awful quick (steal of your money). How good do you have to be initally to KEEP UP WITH the classes? How are the classes broken down? And by the end of the year, do you feel you have a decent portfolio to get work or is there an additional need to practice?

Just researching on schools. Thanks to those who reply.

Heh professors, there are none :)

You just need to be competent to learn. As they basically the start out teaching if you were new to 3D. Ie start with the basics of translating rotating etc, then start build and manipulating objects.

Classes are broken down to Modeling, Texturing, and animation at first the when I attended, then they are broken up to indivdual fields, modeling, animation, and vfx for the last 6 months.

You should have a decent portfolio to get you a job, if you don't slack off and work hard on your last 6 months. And there's always need to practice, even when your done your portfolio.

[blam90]

I just got accepted for that start date. Is anybody starting on May 4th? Would like to know if I could find some potential roomates.

[brendii]

That could be arranged (also if I'm starting on march). If you want, contact me on msn, it's 3 posts over there.

[VisualNightmare]

I'm starting the VFS 3d/vfx program in May 2009 as well. I'm a local, so I cant be of much help as far as a roommate is concerned. But its good to see some future class mates around here.

[shimi]

hi evrybody

i m thinking of going there my self
if you dont mind me asking some question
becuase for me its a big step moving to canada

how muce does it cost?

if i whant to be a compositor or an effect TD is the vfx department in vfs right for me?