Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I start? What’s a good class if I don’t know whether I like the field?

mART 314 Introduction to Computer Graphics - It gives you a little bit of information about different software applications and types of projects that we do in the program.

mART 376 Digital Imaging I - Very good introductory class that goes over the basics of digital imaging, Adobe Photoshop, types of digital files, etc. This one is also a must for all our programs.

mART 379 Digital Animation I - Great beginning class if you are interested in animation. We use Adobe Flash as our platform to develop interactive, fun and useful projects. This class is a requirement for the Web Design Certificate, The Multimedia Degree and the 3D Animation and Videogame Art degree.

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2. What skills are recommended to succeed in this field?

Basic computer skills, either using a MAC or a PC, this includes file management, saving files, using a USB flash drive (or jumpdrive), typing, etc. If you feel like you need a little help in this department, we can certainly help you out with this. Just let us know!

Drawing skills are not required, but they really help. Art classes of any type help you see things differently, and they are great for graphic design and animation. People are sometimes misguided thinking that “they don’t have the talent” or they weren’t born with the skill to draw. The truth is that drawing, like brain surgery, electrical engineering, cooking or tying your shoes, is a learned skill. It’s about learning what to look for, learning some tricks and practice, practice, practice. Some of our required classes for the Multimedia degree and 3D Animation degree are Form and Composition, Figure Drawing, Drawing and Color. These are all studio classes offered through the art department at Cañada College. It will make your work sooooo much better!

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3. Do I need an expensive powerful computer with specialized software to go through the program?

Eventually if you plan to make a living doing this, yes, you will need a good machine with specialized software; but as you go through our program, you can do all your homework at school. We have lots of open lab hours in both our labs, plus computers in the Learning Center that have all the software that you need to do your homework. We try to make it work for everybody.

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4. What kind of job can I get after I graduate from one of your programs?

It depends on the field you choose.

For web designers: You can get an entry level position job managing, updating or developing a web site for a large company or you can get an entry level job at a web design firm doing graphics, managing files, etc. Many of our students also start freelancing, or working for themselves contracting for clients.

For animators: You can aspire to get an entry level position at one of the many companies in the Bay Area that require animators with a strong portfolio. There is work for 2D animators using Flash (a lot of it deals with the web and web-based games), 3D animators, modelers, texture artists (who paint the “skins” or textures on all those 3D models that you see), video game quality assurance tester (yep, you get to play games all day … it’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it!). The possibilities are endless.

For graphic designers: You can get jobs at printing press outfitters, graphic design studios, large and small companies that are in need of graphic designers (they all do, no matter what they sell), etc.

For digital photographers: You can go into fine art photography, or work for a studio doing portraits, or weddings.

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5. How much do these jobs pay?

It depends on your skill level, portfolio and dedication. Just so you get an idea, an average starting salary for a 3D Modeler/Animator at a small-large company in the Bay Area is about $42k per year. Sometimes you can negotiate really good benefits and stock options. If you decide to go the freelance way, you can charge $20-50 per hour for web design services. It really depends on what you decide to do. Just remember, the stronger portfolio you can present, the better chance you have at getting hired and with a better pay, so do all your schoolwork carefully.

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6. What if I want to transfer to a 4-year school to continue my studies?

There are lots of schools that offer strong programs in these fields. To name a few:

• San Jose State University - Great program for Illustration and Animation.
• Cal State East Bay - Good Multimedia program and Digital Graphic Arts program for undergrads.
• Academy of Art in San Francisco - One of the best West Coast art schools.
• Art Institute - Amazing Technical Artist program, as well as graphic design and interactive design.
• Expression College of the Arts in Emmeryville - Great fast-paced Bachelor’s set of programs for Motion Graphics, 3D Animation and other related things.
• Cogswell Polytechnical in Sunnyvale - Strong 3D Animation program.

… and that’s just nearby. There are hundreds of schools throughout the country that have amazing programs all the way to MA or MFA if you want to further your schooling before jumping into the work world.

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