Local animation studios had the opportunity to canvas the next generation of talent from Okanagan Collegesa国际传媒檚 animation diploma program.

The third-annual Industry Night, which showcased studentssa国际传媒� artwork, demo reels and professional portfolios, opened its door virtually May 13.

The popular art-and-network event brought together industry partners, community, students, faculty, mentors and supporters in celebration of the programsa国际传媒檚 2021 graduating class and first-year students who have now crossed the halfway mark of their studies.

OC student Isabelle Stuetz is a passionate Taiwanese Canadian artist who specializes in layout design, concept art and animation. For her, graduation is the next step to a life-long career in the animation industry.

sa国际传媒淚 came into this program with little to no knowledge about the animation industry and now I cansa国际传媒檛 imagine not being in it,sa国际传媒� says Stuetz. sa国际传媒淭his program has pushed me into new growth as an artist sa国际传媒� in ways that I would not have been able to do on my own sa国际传媒� and with my skills, artistry and knowledge I am empowered to launch into a career that is so inspiring.sa国际传媒�

Vernon local Ryan Lazar sa国际传媒� who specializes in 2D background design and 3D animation sa国际传媒� is ready to start his career after a tough yet rewarding two years of studies.

sa国际传媒淭he courses are extensive, class sizes are focused, and the instructors are experienced and because of that, the program and this graduating class are so versatile,sa国际传媒� Lazar said. sa国际传媒淲e spent a year exploring all areas of animation sa国际传媒� storyboarding, animation, character design, layout, theory, 2D, 3D and more sa国际传媒� and then once we found which area resonated with us the most, our instructors and mentors helped us specialize our skills.sa国际传媒�

Added Lazar: sa国际传媒淥ver the past two years my classmates, instructors and I have become really close and I cansa国际传媒檛 wait to see what they all accomplish in the future.sa国际传媒�

Despite the transition to an online event for the second year in a row, students were not deterred. You can check out the demo reel, including Lazarsa国际传媒檚 work at the 19-minute mark, at .

sa国际传媒淵ousa国际传媒檝e accomplished so much this year and wesa国际传媒檙e incredibly proud of you,sa国际传媒� says Yvonne Moritz, Associate Vice President Educational Services and Interim Dean of Science, Technology and Health at Okanagan College. sa国际传媒淭he talent and work ethic from these students paired with the hard work and perseverance from our instructors and partners will lead to a very bright future for the animation industry.sa国际传媒�

Throughout the eveningsa国际传媒檚 events, Lazar, along with the rest of the graduating students, hosted their own breakout rooms where guests joined them to chat, network and view their individual artwork.

sa国际传媒淭he quality of work wesa国际传媒檙e seeing from our students is very high sa国际传媒� these are eager professionals who have honed their craft and could walk into a studio right now and start performing,sa国际传媒� program acting chair James Wood said. sa国际传媒淭he pandemic has resulted in more video consumption and the animation industry is so hot right now because of it. Some of our students have already been offered positions and it wonsa国际传媒檛 be long before the entire class has obtained employment in their field.sa国际传媒�

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Amber Phillips gave the address on behalf of graduating students during the event, delivering a poignant message about the bittersweetness of graduating sa国际传媒� a highlight that is echoed by many of her classmates who have formed close bonds during the past two years.

sa国际传媒淚 know Isa国际传媒檓 not the only one who is reluctant to leave Okanagan College. Wesa国际传媒檝e made so many great memories and great friends,sa国际传媒� says Phillips, a born-and-raised Kelowna resident. sa国际传媒淲hile this may be the end of our college experience it is truly just the beginning. The industry is full of exciting opportunities and I look forward to working alongside many of you in the future.sa国际传媒�

Phillips provided a word of advice for anyone interested in the animation industry.

sa国际传媒淎rt is subjective and everyone has a different process so yousa国际传媒檒l need to work hard and keep an open mind to critique and feedback,sa国际传媒� she explains. sa国际传媒淏e ready to learn not just from your professors but from your fellow students as well. Training for this industry requires long hours and hard work but it will be most rewarding, so put the time and effort in and I guarantee you will reap the rewards.sa国际传媒�

Rounding out the evening was a heartfelt congratulatory message from Okanagan Collegesa国际传媒檚 new president Dr. Neil Fassina.

sa国际传媒淚 want to extend my sincere congratulations to you all on your hard work and dedication. Learning during the pandemic requires creativity and determination, both of which you all so clearly demonstrate,sa国际传媒� said Fassina. sa国际传媒淚n the pandemic, wesa国际传媒檝e all witnessed what an important role animation plays to inform, educate, entertain, comfort and in bringing people together. I am confident that the reels we see tonight wonsa国际传媒檛 be the last of your work that dazzles audiences on screens both big and small.sa国际传媒�

The college will welcome its next intake of students into the animation diploma program this September. For more information visit okanagan.bc.ca/animation.

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