During their visit, students were able to choose from a few interactive program exploration options including activities in Filmmaking, Audio Engineering and Animation (2D Animation & Digital Art and 3D Animation). Check out the gallery below for all the candid shots from their visit. Make sure to check out their portrait gallery blog post as well!

If you’d like your high school class to have this experience, please email us at marketing@digitalartschool.com.

Animation

Audio Engineering & Production

Professional Filmmaking

The post Kamloops School of the Arts Students Visit CAT Campus appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

Make sure to check out our gallery of candids as well!

If you think your high school class would enjoy a similar experience, please reach out to us at marketing@digitalartschool.com

The post Kamloops School of the Arts Students – Portraits appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

With decades of experience in the industry, Roark brings not just a ton of know-how, but also a contagious energy that’s bound to shake things up in all the best ways.  

To get better acquainted, we caught up with Roark recently, and asked him a few questions. Check out what he had to share (along with some great pictures from his career), below: 

Tell us about yourself! 

I attended UVIC for theatre acting from 1983 to 1985, then did 2 years pro theatre.  Vancouver was just opening up as a TV centre, so I worked there for 3 years before heading to LA in 1990. 

I caught a break in ’94 when I was cast on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, playing Dr. Mike for 6 years. I’ve got 112 pro credits to my name and have enjoyed a varied and adventurous career.  

In 2013 I shifted back to Canada, working in Toronto and Vancouver for 5 years before moving to Summerland where I went to high school and where my parents still live.  I have been spending more time with them as they journey towards their sunset.  

The burgeoning Kelowna film industry has been an enjoyable way for me to continue my career as well as doing projects in Vancouver.  

In a career both fulfilling and turbulent I have done theatre, television, print ads, voice-over campaigns, feature films, and a TV commercial.  My partner Maria and I produced 2 internet series, and I have worked on movies in exotic, faraway places like Malta, Bulgaria, Rio de Janeiro, and St. John’s, Newfoundland. I’ve crisscrossed North America from LA to New York and Miami to Dawson City in the Yukon Territories while working with hundreds of actors including three Academy Award winners and legends like Mickey Rooney, Darryl Hannah, James Caan and Angie Dickenson.   

What is something you are working on right now? 

This January I worked on the TV show, The Irrational, the feature film Tron: Ares and am currently shooting the Maple Street Trilogy in Kelowna.  

What are you looking forward to the most in your role at CAT and what do you feel sets CAT apart from others? 

I began teaching and coaching 5 years ago and am enjoying it immensely.  As someone who has had the luck and work ethic to enjoy an extended career I love sharing not only the techniques, skills and tradecraft I have gained but also the personal inspiration and love of storytelling that I think is such an important element in our society.  

I am eagerly anticipating working at the Centre as the Department Head for Acting.  The ethos and atmosphere of the entire institution are geared towards building a caring, creative environment in which to teach and learn. This is reflected in the staff and facilities they have put together for this department.  The resources are top level, and the aim is to not only educate and inspire people but to train and inform them in ways that will allow them to succeed on a professional level.   

The fact that the actors will be working with directors, cinematographers writers, and crews from the film department is awesome. It will give our acting students experience that can only be gained by working on sets with other people.  Along with theatre, movement, voice, and improv components, the film acting classes will help them be as focused, prepared, inspired, and confident as they pursue what is now an attainable vocation.   

How will our local film and acting industry support our graduates?  

In the last 5 years, the film industry here has grown and evolved in such a way that the production companies are now comfortable hiring local actors for principle roles in their movies. In my 37 years in this business, I have never been in a city that has this kind of potential and opportunity.  I believe that an aspiring actor has a better chance of landing their first role in this town than in any other place on the continent.  I know because I’ve seen it happen.  I’ve helped it to happen.  And I fervently want to do more of that, to give people a fighting chance to pursue what is still a fabulous dream.  To be a movie star.  Ha! 

Tell us about a career highlight! 

Walking the Island of Malta and visiting UNESCO Heritage sites of cave temples over 6500 years old. Playing a character on Battlestar Galactica that comes forward in time through a rift in the space/time continuum to give his now-grown daughter one of the keys to humanity’s survival.  Plus, he is a piano player, so I got to play on camera.  

What top tip would you share for young actors? 

My top tip for actors is to find ways to engage your imagination as you work.  See the scenes in your head as you learn the dialogue.  Play scenarios out in your mind, the other characters, the settings, the dynamics. There’s a lot of value in just playing make-believe.   

Thank you, Roark, for the inside look at your career and goals for the Centre’s Acting for Film & Television program! We look forward to watching you inspire the next generation of actors and CAT graduates! 

See the bright lights of an acting career in your future? Make sure to check out details on our Acting for Film & Television program page! 

The post Soap Operas to Space Battles! Meet Roark Critchlow, Acting for Film & Television Department Head appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

Meet Mayze Nogue, an Audio Engineering & Production alum who’s just dropped a fresh, new album, “Learn 2 Love.” Working under the artist name Freakuency, Mayze is an up-and-coming music artist and audio engineer, who stands out for his unique musical style and down-to-earth personality. His latest release is more than a collection of songs; it’s a true showcase of talent.  

We caught up with Mayze recently to get the inside scoop on the making of this album. So, let’s dive into the tracks and get to know the laid-back genius behind the beats.  

Q: You just dropped a new album, congrats! Tell us a bit about your process in creating it (inspiration, challenges etc.)  

A: Yes I did, and I couldn’t be more excited that it’s out to the world. The inspiration first came on the 10-year anniversary of an album called ‘You’ by ‘Larry Lovestein and The Velvet Revival’. The experimental vocals and the loose jazzy beats had me feeling all sorts of ways. Last year was a very difficult one for me, I had falling outs with friends, and relationships, was in an accident, was in rehab and was trapped inside my own head. This was a way to get out my struggles and my emotions.

The Soul Connection

Q: Is there a particular track on the album you are most proud of/connected to?  

A: Track 3 – Battered Soul: This song was a freestyle that I recorded in a very embarrassing time last year, I felt guilty of giving in to everything that I preach. I felt very out of tune with myself and that was a conversation that I needed with myself. The Outro came to me in a very similar matter.

Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the AEP program and how did that play a role in creating this new album?  

A: The AEP program taught me from the ground up, my music theory and my sound knowledge were almost nonexistent before the school. I wouldn’t have been able to think of this album and begin to produce the sound I was imagining in my head. CATO opened those doors to turn ideas into reality.  

Winning Advice 

Q: Any advice for current audio students?  

A: Use the studios, use the equipment and collaborate! The biggest advantage of being at the school isn’t even what you learn, it’s being there with other like-minded people and giving it an honest go.  

Q: What’s next for you and your music?  

A: Promoting this album, and I’m already well on my way on my next music project. Planning to keep my releases very consistent in 2024, and not take 15 months to complete one like this did.

P.S. – I hope everyone learns what they need, to feel love. Love from their friends, love from your families, and love from yourself. We all need some love in our lives right now. ❤️ 

Thanks, Mayze, and not only do we LOVE the album, but we also stand behind the sentiment of love and connection that inspired it. Congratulations and we can’t wait to see what you create next! 

Listen to “Learn 2 Love” on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Deezer!  

Do you have your own ideas for a music album? Set your ideas free with our Audio Engineering & Production program, which offers the skills and knowledge you need to transform your musical dreams into reality.  

The post Learn 2 Love – New Album from Audio Grad appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

In the dynamic realm of filmmaking, where creativity meets technical prowess, four ambitious graduates have transcended the conventional career path to forge their own cinematic destiny. Meet the visionary minds behind AV Media, a burgeoning film production company that is carving their own way through the film industry, one award at a time.

In the vast landscape of aspiring filmmakers, these individuals stand out not only for their academic accomplishments but also for their unparalleled commitment to storytelling. As recent graduates, they started their own production company and set out to take the film festival circuit by storm.

Intrigued by their rapid ascent, we sat down with the masterminds of AV Media to unravel the secrets behind their success. What started as a shared passion for visual storytelling has now evolved into a production company with a very bright future.

Join us as we delve into the behind-the-scenes narrative of AV Media, exploring the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the milestones they’ve achieved. Get ready for an inside scoop on the creative process, the collaborative spirit, and the sheer determination that has propelled these graduates into the limelight.

The Recipe for Success

Q: Your company, AV Media, was founded by all CAT Professional Filmmaking Alumni. Can you tell us a bit about how the company came to be and what inspired the name? (AV Media is a production company proudly operated by alumni Rachelle Hughes, Brammon Edwards, Riley Eberts, and Justin Boechler.)

A: During the Professional Filmmaking Program, students were divided into groups labeled by letters A, B, or C. We took this label very seriously and named ourselves Group A Productions. We all worked really well together and some of us decided that we could turn this into a real business. So, we did! In regard to the AV, Justin made such a great looking A logo for Group A Productions, that we just couldn’t let that go. 

Q: What do you think sets AV Media apart from other production companies?

A: We believe our greatest asset is how personable we can be with our team and clients. We always check in and make sure that everyone’s needs are met and everyone is comfortable in whatever project we are working on. We always try new filming techniques and are always interested in experimenting.

Q: What was the highlight of the Professional Filmmaking program for your team? 

A: The highlight for our team and probably the first time we thought we could start our own company was during our final exam. We had to create a film in under 48 hours, and we excelled in that stressful environment. We ended up creating a project that we were all very happy with. 

Q: What were your biggest takeaways from the Professional Filmmaking program that have helped your team succeed? 

A: Throughout everything from the program, the biggest takeaway was the connections we made along the way. Our team, the school staff, and the instructors really made the experience spectacular. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the whole experience at CAT. 

Q: What motivates you as a team? 

A: We are motivated by creativity, a joy for filmmaking & building relationships. Our current goal right now is to network within our community and eventually start working on projects that matter not only to us but local businesses. I think we would all agree that if we bring joy to even one person with our projects, then we’ve succeeded.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about the recent awards you’ve won and what is next for AV Media?

A: During the summertime we participated in many local film festivals. So far, we participated in the Okanagan PeachFest, Okanagan 48 Hour Film Project, and HorrorFest! We placed top 5 in PeachFest with our short film, then we won Best Writing, Best Editing, Best Film Poster, and 2nd Best Film for the 48 Hour Film Project, and then finally Best Story, Best Acting, and People’s Choice for Horrorfest. Because of our success in the 48 Hour Film Project, we have been given another opportunity to participate in the Yes We Cannes Global Film Challenge. Which is essentially another 48 Hour Project, except now on a worldwide scale. The top 15 films will go to Filmapalooza in Portugal and the top 8 from that will be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

What’s Next?

Q: What challenges did you face in participating in the various festivals and awards and how did you overcome them? 

A: With every project, things are always going to go wrong, and oh boy have things gone wrong. But our biggest challenge is sourcing equipment to make these projects into reality. Being fresh out of college and being a new film production group, it’ is difficult to obtain all the necessary equipment. However, because of all the connections made on this journey, we are super thankful for all the wonderful people lending us equipment and allowing us to showcase our talents. 

As we conclude our journey into the captivating world of AV Media, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to these extraordinary filmmaking graduates. Their unwavering dedication, artistic vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only earned them accolades but they are now inspiring the next generation of aspiring storytellers. As AV Media continues to carve its path through the cinematic landscape, we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of more masterpieces that push the boundaries of creativity. Here’s to the team’s continued success, as they venture into film festivals worldwide, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. May their passion for storytelling fuel a legacy that resonates far and wide, inspiring countless others to dream big, dare greatly, and bring their unique narratives to life on film. Cheers to the future of AV Media! 

If you’re interested in realizing your own filmmaking dreams, please make sure to check out our Professional Filmmaking program page.  

The post Behind the Lens: The Rise of AV Media – A Journey from Graduation to Award-Winning Filmmakers appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

In the vibrant realm where creativity converges with technology, remarkable stories of inspiration unfold. Meet Matthew Senn, an exceptional alumni of the 2D Animation & Digital Art program whose imaginative prowess has transcended the confines of traditional storytelling. Matthew’s comic book character, Poppy, a whimsical creation brimming with personality and charm, has become more than just a visual delight—she has become a catalyst for academic exploration. Journey with us as we delve into the tale of how Poppy, the brainchild of a passionate animator, sparked the imagination of an Italian college student, becoming the focal point of an inspiring thesis that intertwines the worlds of art, animation, and academia.

Matthew was recently interviewed by CBC’s Daybreak, and through this interview, we learned that Matthew’s most famous character, Poppy, had become the focal point of a university thesis on the other side of the globe. We caught up with Matthew to get the inside scoop, read on to find out more! 

Q: You were recently interviewed on CBC Daybreak by Chris Walker, can you tell us a bit about that experience?

A: It started when a reporter for infonews.ca did an article on me and my friends while we were selling books at the Comic Con. I told him I had another story as well, and he did a follow-up about Poppy and the translations. That got the attention of CBC, who asked me to come in and do a radio interview. The actual interview was very good. They prepped me by phoning me the day before and just letting me talk about everything, so when they asked me live on air, I already had good answers. Lots of friends and family heard it even before I shared it with them, so that’s been very cool.

Q: We learned in the interview that your comic strip has been the center of an Italian student’s university thesis, how cool! How did that come to be and what has that experience been like?

A: The Thesis about Poppy came about when Martina, an Italian student at the University of Venice, messaged me through Instagram. She explained she was doing her Bachelor’s in Language and wanted to do a proposal for how to translate a comic such as Poppy. It was an honour that not only did she read it and like it, she wanted to do her final thesis on it! She interviewed me as well, asking a lot of questions about 20’s language, my sources, notable slang, and the reception of it. Her thesis provides insight as to the level of faithfulness vs clarity a translation would require and shows a high level of understanding with the comic, since her proposal was almost exactly the route we followed to translate it into French and Brazilian Portuguese. I’m happy to say she got full marks (110/110), and graduated Cum Laude (with honours).

(Also fun fact: when we did the Kickstarter for Volume One in the summer, Martina backed us at the highest tier, meaning she got to be drawn in the books’ bonus comics. So when you read Volume One, be sure to look for the orange-haired barista. That’s Martina!)

Q: What’s next for Poppy?

A: Right now, we’re taking a break from Poppy for the rest of the year. We’ve just put out our biggest chapter, Chapter 8, which has been incredibly well received. However, Poppy is also coming up on 10,000 subs on Webtoon pretty soon, so I am currently working on a special project to celebrate before the end of the year. Beyond that, there are lots more chapters in the works, so look out for more Poppy strips in the New Year.

The post Poppy Inspires a Thesis – Animation Alumni’s Comic Strip Goes Global appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

Finding Inspiration Everywhere

In the world of music, every note carries a story, and every beat is a chapter waiting to be heard. Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight an extraordinary talent whose journey through the realms of audio engineering and production has culminated in a mesmerizing new creation. Meet Audio Engineering & Production Graduate Ailee Guerra Areizaga.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the compelling narrative behind Ailee’s musical evolution, tracing the footsteps from classroom studios to professional soundscapes. We caught up with Ailee recently and asked her to give us a glimpse into her creative process in creating her latest song “Written in the Earth”.  

Who is Ailee?

Tell us a bit about yourself. (Where are you from? How did you discover a love of audio/music? How did you discover the CAT Audio program and how did it help prepare you for your career?)

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to make music. I started pursuing it as a career in my early teens by playing in a rock band with my friends from school. Back in those days, I was convinced that we were going to get discovered by a big producer and become the next Beatles. The idea of producing my own music didn’t cross my mind until I moved to Canada. (Ailee is originally from Mexico) While buying a keyboard at a music store, the person at the register mentioned that I could use it as an interface to record music on my computer. I was very intrigued by that comment and when I got home, I read the entire manual to figure out how to do that. My mind was blown. After that, I sought to learn as much as I could from the internet and decided that I wanted to go to school for music production. Around the same time, I was volunteering with a live sound engineer to learn from him, and one of the other volunteers mentioned he was studying audio engineering at the Centre for Arts and Technology. During my time at CAT, one of my instructors saw a lot of potential in me and introduced me to the possibilities of live performance with Ableton, setting me on the path I’m on today. 

The Path to Greatness

What have you been up to since graduating from CAT?

Since graduating, I have done freelance work as a recording and mixing engineer for a handful of local musicians and worked remotely with clients. I worked as a mixing consultant in the 2019 album “The Crowneater,” by Montreal-based artist “Alder & Ash.” I’ve also done commissioned soundtracks and voice-over work. During the pandemic, I started a YouTube channel where I talk about music and production, create tutorials, answer questions from my audience, and do live performances using Ableton Live. In 2022, I released my debut single “Goddess of the Dawn.” Since then, I’ve been featured on a few local media outlets along with some underground music sites, like Canadian Beats, Chill Rose Radio, KelownaNow, and Women of Noise, to name a few. I was also recently featured in “The Art of Pressing Play,” a documentary series directed by Fatiha Rezwan which explores the underground electronic music scene in Calgary. 

The Creative Process Revealed

What is your process like for creating a new song?

My song creation process has two phases: the creative and the administrative. The creative part of the process varies depending on the project and can take anywhere from a few months to years. The administrative aspect covers the business side of making music, such as registering the song with relevant rights organizations, delivering it to distributors, planning and executing PR and marketing campaigns, creating content around the release, merchandising, etc. This phase can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months from planning to execution. 

The creative inception of “Written in the Earth” stemmed from a culmination of emotions as I began to comprehend what misogyny was and the magnitude of its effect on our culture and by extension, on our lives. I was heavily inspired by songs like “Teardrop” by Massive Attack, and “Vessel” by Zola Jesus, being drawn by their ethereal, otherworldly sound. I spent some time deconstructing my reference songs, learning from them, and playing around with chord progression ideas, then a melody started emerging naturally. Once I had a foundation that I liked, I started to write the lyrics. The song itself was written within a couple days, but the journey to completion and release presented many challenges. I transcribed the song and made countless demos, to arrange the vocal harmonies and string sections. At this point, I decided to find a co-producer to help me bring my vision to life. I reached out to Alex DeGroot, who is known for his work with Zola Jesus, and to my delight, he was interested in producing this song with me. Another key element that enhanced the production were the emotive performances of Martin Krátký on the cello and Chloe Davidson on the violin, recorded at CAT’s Studio B by Eliseo Santillán, who is a recent graduate from CAT, and me. The song was mastered by engineer and CAT instructor Chris Holmes, with whom I previously worked on my 2022 release “Goddess of the Dawn.” I shot the artwork with my very talented and trusted team, my friend and photographer Shoaib Shabir and makeup artist Hafsa Adeel. 

Written in the Earth

Tell us about the new track you are releasing!

“Written in the Earth” is a dark, ethereal, art-pop song that I co-produced with Alex DeGroot (Zola Jesus, Emily Jane White). I usually describe this track as “a simple song about a complicated subject.” The lyrics are written from the perspective of an entity that embodies the collective essence of women and nature across time, drawing a parallel between the exploitation and commodification of nature and that of women’s bodies. The song is a rallying cry for self-acceptance, urging us to embrace the imperfect elements within us that mirror the beauty found in the natural world. I want to encourage people to embrace and embody that inherent beauty and reclaim their definitions of womanhood and self-worth.

When does the Written in the Earth launch? 

November 3rd, 2023.

The Future Looks Good

What does the future of your career in audio look like?

My ultimate goal is to be a prolific artist, I am working on finishing a lot of new material right now. I’m also seriously pursuing getting my songs featured in films, television, and games, and of course, performing live! 

Make sure to check out Ailee’s new song on her Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube channel or website.  Congratulations Ailee! And if you’re interested in chasing your own audio dreams, make sure to check out program details for our Audio Engineering & Production program.

The post Audio Grad Celebrates the Release of New Song appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

Recently, one of our Professional Filmmaking students, Sandy Hoekstra, had the opportunity to attend the Banff World Media Festival, a worldwide film industry networking event. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to catch up with Sandy after her return to campus to find out a bit more about this show-stopping event. Read on to discover Sandy’s highlights from the event, how she plans to make her mark in the film industry, and how lightsabers played a role in her in-class learning!

Q: You recently attended the Banff World Media Festival, can you tell us a bit about this event?

A: Banff World Media Festival is an international conference where film industry professionals meet to conduct business and celebrate the annual Rockie Awards. It’s essentially a marketplace for top creators, producers, showrunners, talent, networks, studios, streamers, press, and media companies. To summarize, it’s a fantastic place for writers, producers, directors, and/or filmmakers in general to network and gain a better understanding of how the industry works.

Q: What was the highlight of this event for you?

A: I had so many highlights while attending this event. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this festival with a fellow producer/actor and friend. Attending events such as these with like-minded and goal-oriented individuals is always a bonus. Another couple of highlights would include attending round tables and panels with big-name industry leaders and having the access to ask them questions directly. Of course the awards gala and partying…or I mean…networking with Craig Robinson and new friends was a considerable highlight as well. 

Q: What was your goal going into this event? 

A: My goals going into this event included project promotion, networking on behalf of the production company that I am a member of, Irisphere Entertainment, and gaining a better sense of the current industry pulse. Attending Banff World Media has provided me with more clarity on road mapping my career.

Q: What are your goals after graduation and how will events like this play a role? 

A: Events like these play a role in reminding me that I’m a small fish in a big sea of filmmakers. The film industry is a place for constant growth, tuns of people to connect with, so many stories to tell, and an incredible amount of creativity to do it. Banff World Media was just the beginning for me, and I plan to be a part of it all. As I write this blog, I’m sitting in the airport headed to the world premiere of a documentary I shot with classmates during my time at school. I feel honoured to have one of my films play at a Canadian International Film Festival and I look forward to many more opportunities to be humbled by the highly talented team of individuals that I continue to collaborate with. Without these collaborations and teamwork, this wouldn’t be possible.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in film? 

A: I chose a career in film because I’ve been filmmaking for most of my life, just not professionally. It was time to upgrade my skillset and leave the word amateur behind. CAT has been a massive stepping stone in achieving that goal. A large shout-out to the instructors.

Q: What has been the highlight of your time in the Professional Filmmaking program so far?

A: The people I’ve met in the Professional Filmmaking program, both fellow classmates and instructors have been my highlight while attending CAT. They’ve taught me so much and constantly continue to inspire and encourage me, even post-graduation. Also, learning how to use Black Magic cameras and edit lightsabers into our hands was prettttttty much awesome too.

Thanks for sharing with us Sandy and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!

Interested in working in the film industry? Make sure to check out the complete program details on our 18-month Professional Filmmaking diploma and get your application in to join the next cohort! 

The post Film Student Attends Banff World Media Festival appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

So, let’s dive into the important role of background artistry in animation. Read on to discover exactly what they get up to!

Animation Studios Use a Pipeline Workflow

To grasp the full importance of animation background artists, you first need to understand how animation studios produce finished pieces. Not every person who works on a piece of animation can be considered an “animator”. “Creatives” as they can be referred to, fill a variety of important roles in a studio, beyond animating the actual characters appearing on screen. Character designers, storyboard artists, animators, and background artists can all be referred to as “creatives”, each performing a vital role in the process of creating a piece of animation. Each of these creatives contribute to the final animation at different stages, in what is known as a “pipeline”. The pipeline starts like many creative projects, with an idea. This idea is transformed into a script and a storyboard artist then sketches the panels which provide a roadmap for the scenes. Here’s where the background designers and background painters come in. Using the storyboard, the background designer creates settings (or backgrounds) where the characters will come alive. The initial concept for the art and design of backgrounds may include digital media created in software like Adobe Photoshop, but traditional, fine art methods and real background paintings may also be included. Character designers then create the figures, and layout artists decide where they should be placed in the background. Moving down the pipeline, animators then bring the characters to life, working with 3d modeling, animating movements and expressions.

What Skills Does a Background Artist Need?

So, now you know how important a background artist’s role is and when their skills come into play. To dig a little deeper, let’s have a look at what skills they need to shine. If you want to be responsible for creating the vivid backgrounds in animated films, video games and more, we’ve highlighted a few of the key skills you’ll need:

1. Drawing – Probably guessed that, didn’t you? A high level of technical skill is required to be able to create work in a variety of different animation styles. Attention to detail, and a strong understanding of colour, form, texture, and light, and how they relate to each other is vital to this role. 
2. Environment Knowledge – We’re not talking about saving the rainforest (but please do, if that’s on your bucket list). In this context, environment knowledge refers to a keen understanding of architectural styles, and an awareness of the ‘feeling’ of a place (how does a countryside differ from an urban setting?).
3. Creativity – This one is probably a given too. To work in a creative industry, having imagination and vision is an obvious asset. The ability to come up with innovative background ideas and provide creative problem-solving can be indispensable in a studio.  
4. Communication – Applying to ALL types of careers, communication will be a major component of your success as a background artist. Understanding the Art Director’s vision and the ability to understand and apply feedback are all part of effective communication for a background artist.

What Tools and Software Does a Background Artist Use? 

Picture trying to fix a flat tire without any tools. Kinda tricky, right? The right tools for the job are very important and animation is no different. So, what does a background artist need to get the job done? 

Physical Art Materials – No matter whether you intend to work in a 2D or 3D animation setting, the craft of animation starts with hands-on art supplies. Think pencil and paper, paint, ink, chalk and other drawing materials and mediums.  

Image Editing Software – What starts on paper often has to end up on screen, so a digital image editing software is crucial. There are many out there, but the industry standard is Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.  

3D Modelling, Sculpting and Painting Software – If you do intend to create backgrounds for 3D applications, you’ll likely find yourself using some animation-specific software to get your backgrounds just right. Blender, 3DS Max, Maya, and ZBrush are some of the post popular options available, many of which you’ll be exposed to in our animation programs at Centre for Arts and Technology.  

2D Animation Software – Just like 3D animation, 2D work has its own specific software. ToonBoom Harmony is the most recognized in this area. This amazing software is a comprehensive program offering all the tools and features you need to make backgrounds come to life! Working in the creative industry can be a lucrative career, and some of the roles discussed in this blog are among the highest paying positions in an animation studio. The skills and tools mentioned above, are just a small selection of what you’ll need to succeed as a background artist for animation. A program like Centre for Arts and Technology’s 2D Animation & Digital Art Diploma Program, or our 3D Animation Diploma Program will ensure you’re career-ready. You’ll walk away with these skills (and more!) as well as hands-on experience working in a studio-like setting. When you add in the industry connections you’ll receive as a CAT student and alumni support after 

The post What Does An Animation Background Artist Do? appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.

Dreams and aspirations change over time. Perhaps, in your parent’s or grandparent’s generation, bigger meant better. “Keeping up with the Joneses” meant that as your neighbour added on square feet to their home, you felt the need to follow suit. A bigger, taller house with all the trimmings of modern technology, landscaping, and interior “extras” (think hot tubs and wine cellars) used to signal success. But, times are changing. Many people from all walks of life are turning away from the trappings of modern real estate and finding freedom inside the walls of a shipping container house.  

Read on to discover 4 reasons why shipping container homes made a big appearance in 2022. 

Living Small Can Mean BIG Budget Savings 

I think we can all agree that the cost of living is higher now than it has ever been. Inflation and price gouging dominate the news cycle.  Regular day-to-day expenses like fuel, insurance, groceries, mortgage payments and other financial commitments are squeezing the average household and many of these folks are entertaining alternative ways to reduce their bills. We understand that living in a shipping container home or tiny house may not appeal to everyone…But, when you step back and look at how cost-effective they can be, this option may become more appealing.  

Let’s do a bit of number crunching. The cost of real estate does vary by region but let’s take the average “traditional” home price in Canada, which currently sits around the $750,000 mark. The cost of a tiny house or shipping container home also does vary greatly depending on location, type of container used, and design budgets, but even the fanciest, decked-out model sits just shy of $250,000! On average, most tiny home dwellers will spend somewhere between $50,000 to $100,000. We don’t know about you, but saving $500,000 or more on home costs sounds pretty appealing. Having less financial stress from a smaller (or non-existent) mortgage leaves more room in your life for things other than worrying about affording your next home payment. Hobbies or travel, anyone?

Your Dream Home Could Also be Good for the Environment 

Climate change is top of mind for a lot of people around the world, and rightfully so. If you’ve recently been impacted by wild weather such as British Columbia’s heat domes and atmospheric rivers, you know the pains we’re talking about. And, perhaps you may be thinking how you can help.  

One of the main benefits of a shipping container home is that many are made from recycled materials and are, therefore, considered a green solution to the modern home. With its growing popularity, most provinces have home builders specializing in container shipping and outfitting.  

Think you have to settle for four bare metal walls? Think again! Companies specializing in container homes offer a variety of floor plan layouts with dedicated spaces for your bathroom, dining room, living space, and bedroom. Builders often encourage additional customizations like paint, finishes, hardware and more, which can all be selected to make your new “green” home truly yours. Get what you want AND contribute to the health of the environment? Yes, please. 

Container Homes: Designed to Move With You 

The allure of tiny home living is often tied with a nomadic lifestyle. This lifestyle is growing in popularity, thanks in part to many organizations allowing their staff to work from home. Many people are finding joy and success in the ability to stay on the move and earn a living remotely. In fact, many tiny homes can be built on top of trailers, ready to hit the road when you are. Shipping container homes are no different and are also designed to be moved. Many services are already in place to allow you to move your shipping container home from one location to another. So, if wanderlust is knocking at your door, maybe you don’t have to leave your home behind to explore this unique and exciting opportunity for more work/life balance.  

Spend Less Time Building and More Time Living 

Anyone who has built or renovated their home can tell you the honest truth: It’s likely going to take you twice as long as you planned and eat up more budget than you may be comfortable with. With this in mind, new-home seekers are attracted to the speed and predictability of container home living. With many companies offering pre-fabricated layouts and designs for shipping container homes, you can skip the time and labour of building your own home and get back to the good stuff: enjoying life in your new pad. Since most of the initial work on container homes is completed in a factory setting, buyers can enjoy the comfort of fixed pricing and timelines for delivery. Many models of shipping container homes can be shipped to your location within months or even weeks.  

Savings, Sustainability, and Mobility. Container Living for the Win! 

Container home living may not be for everyone, but there is a groundswell happening to rethink where and how we live. If you find yourself among those considering a shipping container home or tiny house living, we hope this post gives you an idea or two. From financial freedom to the ability to change up where we live on a whim, container living is a unique way of constructing your dwelling in alignment with the type of lifestyle you want to have. When we’re courageous enough to step outside of the “norm,” we may just find ourselves living small but dreaming big.  

Living in a container home or tiny house and need some design assistance? Our graduates from the Advanced Interior Design Diploma Program have the knowledge and experience to elevate your small space into a dwelling big on style. Provide us with your project details and we’ll be in touch!  

Can you see yourself designing creative spaces like these? Our Advanced Diploma in Interior Design Program will get you there in 18 or 24 months. Ready to get started? Complete our Inquiry Form and a Program Advisor will be in touch! 

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