Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/863793
5 2 0 1 7 E D U C AT I O N & R E C R U I T M E N T S P E C I A L ital art as a whole, as opposed to "animation proper," but those studies apply to the areas of character design, concept illustration, modeling, rigging, lighting, texturing, storytelling, and related topics. "In order to get a job, MFA students need to have a high-quality portfolio that demonstrates an ability to solve unique and complex problems through resourcefulness and creativity. The polish they apply to their work demonstrates the level of attention needed in producing a piece of true quality," says Mark Henne, program director of the school's MFA program in Digital Arts. A common student profile of a person enrolled in DigiPen's MFA program is that of a traditional artist who wants to learn digital media in a production setting. Students are taught to think deeply and to question common beliefs or assumptions through their thesis project. "We show them how to apply their existing art knowledge to new media, while continuing to strengthen their traditional arts background. Gaining pro- ficiency with a software package is part of what goes on, but the real learning is the higher-level 'what' and the 'why' of the things being created," explains Henne. "They leave DigiPen having demonstrated mastery by planning and executing a major project of their own design." SECONDARY SKILLS Simply put, students need to be production-ready, says Vanessa Jacobsen, head of department, Animation and Visual Effects at Vancouver Film School (VFS). "In order for students to get jobs – and keep them – they need to understand the tools and the craft, of course. But more importantly, they have to have the necessary soft skills," she says. "Problem-solving, attention to detail, team- work, the ability to think critically – these are attributes that create the kind of junior talent that our industry needs." At VFS, that is accomplished through team projects, career Images from Sheridan's Ashley Rose (top of page and bottom) and Brendan Lindsay (middle).