Shaina Cook stepped into Okanagan College鈥檚 animation lab two years ago armed with pencils, paper and a life-long dream of bringing her creations to life.
On May 1, she graduated with the inaugural graduating class from the college鈥檚 Animation diploma program, established to deliver on the growing need in the community.
The college celebrated seven students in an industry-themed ceremony last night at the Okanagan Innovation Centre, where students put on a final showcase of their work, gave tours and networked with industry professionals.
鈥淏eing part of the first class through this program has been a wild and fun ride,鈥� said Cook.
鈥淢y skills, creative abilities and understanding of animation have definitely improved. I find it really cool that I鈥檓 going to have a chance at being part of a creative team for animated media and coming up with ideas that don鈥檛 exist today 鈥� the industry is an ever-adapting field of imagination and I can鈥檛 wait to be in it.鈥�
As part of the college鈥檚 two-year program, students were paired with industry mentors who best fit their skills, interests and career goals. Thanks to those partnerships, students were able to learn from experienced professionals and get a real-life feel for what it鈥檚 like to work in an animation studio.
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鈥淚 have a more solid understanding of the industry pipeline than before and because of that I know exactly what I want to do in the industry 鈥� 3D character and creature animation,鈥� said Cook.
鈥淭his program helped us achieve the quality and connections we needed to become employable. I鈥檝e been interviewing and hope to be working at a studio very soon.鈥�
A hub for creative digital arts and the tech sector, the Innovation Centre is newly opened in downtown 琉璃神社, placing students at the epicentre of top Okanagan animation studios including Bardel Entertainment, Hyper Hippo and Yeti Farm Creative. Most students in the program have already secured a job or are currently in the process of interviewing to begin their career in the local animation industry.
鈥淭he industry is saturated with work and there are simply not enough qualified and skilled animators, designers, storyboard artists, FX artists, to fulfill current industry demands,鈥� said Ashley Ramsay, partner and CEO at Yeti Farm Creative.
鈥淭he industry shows no signs of slowing down and Okanagan College graduates will be fortunate to have their pick of local opportunities should they wish to stay in 琉璃神社 upon graduation.鈥�
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Students will officially cross the stage and receive their credentials at Okanagan College鈥檚 Spring Convocation ceremony at the 琉璃神社 campus on June 1. Wednesday, they showcased their demo reels to an appreciative crowd of potential employers, relatives and professors and mentors. Their first-year colleagues also showcased a collage of their work to date.
鈥淚 want to congratulate all of the animation students and recognize them for their hard work and dedication to their craft,鈥� said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton.
鈥淭he animation entertainment industry has experienced exponential growth and I鈥檓 confident these students will play a prominent role by offering new insights, inspiring new directions and helping to further expand the industry.鈥�
The College will welcome its next intake of students into the Animation diploma program this September. For more information visit .
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