3 Steps to Launch Your Career in Arts and Design

Discover how Algonquin College can help make your career in arts and design a reality!

If you’re endlessly curious, creative, organized, and detail-oriented, consider a career in arts and design! That’s right, there are full-fledged careers out there for artsy people just like you and Algonquin College can help make it happen.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Build a professional portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best work that includes pieces you’ve created on your own time and even schoolwork. You’ll need one of these if you’re applying to various positions in the Arts & Design world.

Building one of these bad boys can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! If you're looking to build a diverse portfolio that represents your artistic strengths, why not enrol in a one-year design or foundations program?

The Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration program offers students the chance to become experts with all kinds of industry tools and equipment. Learners get to explore life drawing, sculpting, character, environment, and creature design in a 3D environment.

At the end of this one-year program, you’ll have a unique portfolio that can be used to apply for jobs or to further your education in arts and design. Hear first-hand about Sarah’s experience in the Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration program and how it helped prepare her for the Animation program here:

Step 2: Learn to use industry-standard equipment and software

It’s no secret that the Arts & Design industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving. That’s why our students use top-of-the-line equipment and software that mirrors the work environment.

The Illustration and Concept Art program prepares you for the field of illustration and the discipline of concept art. Here, you’ll develop skills in digital and traditional media, and practice drawing techniques and production methods for the magazine, graphic novel, or entertainment industries, while gaining insight from industry leaders. Illustration techniques are applied for the production of websites and mobile devices which require skills in storyboarding, character design, and asset building. You’ll become a pro at using industry software like the Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Blender, and more.

If you’re looking to get into the digital media industry, the Algonquin College Interactive Media Design program can help you hone your tech skills. Here, you’ll prepare for a variety of careers ranging from web design and programming, all the way to creating video and motion graphics. Students explore the primary elements of media project planning and development with equal importance given to the creative and technical aspects. Along with the Adobe Creative Suite, graduates will be able to add Figma, Html5, css3, JavaScript, JS Libraries, and more to their resumés.

When it’s time to finally walk across that stage, certificate in hand, you’ll be more than ready for anything the arts and design industry throws at you.

Step 3: Make connections

It’s what you know, but it’s also who you know. Networking is a powerful tool in any industry, but it doesn’t hurt that your profs are highly accredited individuals with golden connections of their own. Asking questions and making friends in your field is a great way to land a job before you graduate.

That’s exactly what AC grad (and Oscar winner) Trent Correy did. Though he’s a big-time animator at Disney Studios now, Trent worked tirelessly to realize this dream. He learned from the best and actively sought out opportunities to further develop his animation skills or acquire new competencies. Eventually, Trent got his big break as a character animator on the Sony film, The Smurfs. Since then, he’s worked on Zootopia, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Moana, and many more.

The same goes for AC grad and Chief Creative Officer at Mercury Filmworks, Jerry Popowich. This trailblazer has worked on many memorable animated shows and movies including Tangled, The Simpsons, Fish Hooks, and Jimmy Two Shoes among others. Jerry gave his blood, sweat and tears to make his dream come true, and always sought to improve his skills. Now, he runs an industry powerhouse.

Make the most of it

If you put in the work, you’re sure to land a career in the industry you’re passionate about. Keep on creating, ask lots of questions, and always seek help when you need it. We’ll be here, cheering you on from the sidelines!