There is an increasing demand for skills in the animation, visual effects, gaming and web design industries, as well as 3D artists in the architectural and industrial fields. Graduates gain a competitive edge in the job market with instruction in the entire range of the production process. A foundation year provides the opportunity to strengthen skills in artistic and technology areas. In the second and third years, students specialize in areas such as character animation, 2D/3D animation, gaming, visual effects and web design. Students specialize further through independent production courses in their final year. Skills such as communication, integrity, meeting deadlines and maintaining a healthy work ethic are also learned, so that students graduate with the professionalism that can be applied right from the start of their career. Loyalist facilities include the latest workstations, Mac Final Cut Pro HD editing systems, a motion capture system and studio, 3D digitizing technology and HD broadcast grade cameras and decks. Students also have access to the industry software including Autodesk animation software (Softimage and Maya) and the Adobe Master Suite of editing and digital processing. Two internships provide valuable on-the-job experience. Students leave the program with professional practices and job search skills, as well as an impressive portfolio of work. FIT – Focus on Information Technology Program Loyalist’s Animation program meets the standards of FIT – an initiative of the federal government that supports the growth of a qualified, motivated and agile information technology workforce. Loyalist is the first community college in Ontario to earn FIT status.

The program prepares people for careers in the ever-growing animation and new media industry. Graduates will be ready to find employment in the fields of computer animation including both 2D and 3D, game design, visual effects or specialized web design and development. Positions include computer animators, CGI artists in the entertainment or game industry, interactive media content providers or web designers/developers. Entry-level salaries in these industries vary from $25,000 to $45,000. Senior animators and supervisors can earn $100,000 and higher. Entrepreneurship and communications training also prepares students to work on a freelance basis.