Reviews of CG Masters School of 3D Animation & VFX (College)

Saqib Ashraf

A very well equipped and experienced school that thrives in using cutting edge technologies to groom its students to understand and experience what it would be like to work in a VFX studio in a high end production environment. The strength of the school is in having industry artists and generalists come in to teach regularly, coupled with the fact that the school cares about the students before, during and after course completion. Highly recommended.

Lena Engel

I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at CG Masters and I highly recommend this school to anyone who is looking for professional Visual Effects or Animation training. The school makes sure that the skills you are taught are relevant and necessary to the industry, which results in graduates having great demo reels! I personally was able to get a job offer shortly after graduation. The school will train you in all of the disciplines that are a part of VFX/3D Animation industry, which are animation, rigging, fx, lighting and compositing. At the end of your training, you may choose a career in any of the specialties listed above, or as a 3D Generalist. Let Nick know if you want to specialize, and he will assign you more tasks in that particular area. The instructors are also great. I found everyone to be very knowledgable and helpful. You will even be able to use some of your class assignments for your demo reel! The school also teaches you work ethic and how to be a cost-effective and desirable employee. It's something I did not expect to learn here, but very glad that I did. It should be noted that the training program is intense, and would best suit those who are serious about this training.

Luisa Rafidi

What sets CG Masters apart from any other school is that they teach you how to function in a studio environment. You learn about production pipeline and studio procedures, and that's invaluable training to have. On top of that, all the instructors are great, and you learn many things—photography, compositing, among others. The people in this school care about your success, and I'm happy that I chose them to teach me.

Andrea

I'm a graduate from CG Masters and I find that the training that the school offers is in line with what the VFX industry currently really needs. There aren't only classes on CG and animation but also on Production. We learned how to deal with different departments in a simulated studio environment. Thanks to that, few days after finishing the school I could get a contract with a major VFX studio fitting with ease within their pipeline.

KCG

I traveled all the way from the U.S. to go to this school. Definitely the best decision I ever made! The smaller class sizes made it easier for me to access the instructors, and I was able to get some great 1 on 1 time with them. I was able to get a few industry job offers right before I graduated as well. The team Is good about placing students in jobs after they finish. Really would recommend this to anyone!

Manny Wiebe

Amazing school that really cares about your learning and success. Teachers here are currently working in the industry and have alot of experience and insight that can help students who have no clue what they are getting into. Here you will learn how to become cost effective and work well in a team environment by being put into real production. As a result you will end up with professional quality demo reels which will increase your chances of being hired. All that is required on your part is that you put in genuine effort and give it your all. No one can make you do that, it comes from your drive, passion, and willingness to learn. I would recommend this school to anyone that is serious about getting into the 3D Animation & VFX industry. You'll be surprised how much you can learn from only one year of training here.

Weston Slater

CG Masters is an excellent school, specializing in teaching and refining the arts of Visual Effects and Animation. Their teachers are industry veterans with years of professional experience, and true masters of their craft. Students go through an intensive year-long course designed specifically to teach the skills needed by the Visual Effects industry, enabling graduates to quickly secure jobs and hit the ground running on day 1. This is achieved through teaching students not only how to use software, but also how to work effectively and efficiently as a team, through what is essentially a simulated studio environment. Students will be expected to learn, understand, and adhere to many procedures and processes that are common in a professional visual effects studio. This greatly eases the transition from student to employee, to the benefit of all parties involved. It should be noted that the program is very intense. Students can expect to spend at least 40 hrs/week at the school, and oftentimes well over that during deliveries or crunchtime. With that said, the teachers are fantastic and the owners are truly great people. It was a fantastic place to learn, and speaking as an employed graduate, I would absolutely recommend it to anybody and everybody who is serious about becoming a professional visual effects artist.

Brooke Sanders

CG Masters is the best place to start your career in VFX, with extremely knowledgeable instructors, the small class sizes and the real world work environment you graduate with all of the necessary skills to enter the work force.

Vince Paul

What can I say about this school that hasn't already been said? This school helped me realize my dream of working in visual effects. My time at CG Masters was one of the most challenging and rewarding years of my life. The education I received here prepared me to for a career in the VFX industry, and it also gave me insights on how to approach and troubleshoot problems in a more efficient manner( something I can use in my everyday life as well). I would recommend this school to anyone wanting to get into visual effects/animation.

Calvin Nimmo

Great place to start your journey as a vfx artist. Spent a year here learning everything I needed to know to thrive in the industry. Teachers are pretty amazing, really know their stuff, tons of one on one time, really work to make sure you understand whatever material is covered. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do when I started, but they managed to guide me into a role I love. More importantly they gave me the skills required to fulfill that role. After school I was all ready to jump straight into the industry. Got a dream job and been loving it ever since. They definitely care about the students being successful, and have the knowhow, staff, and facilities to ensure the students reach their goals. You definitely have to work hard, but its pays off in the end. 10/10

J. King

Attending CG Masters was literally a life-changing experience for me. It initially seemed crazy to change careers after turning 40, and attempt to break into the vfx industry, but looking where I'm at now compared to where I was just a few short years ago, it may be the smartest decision I've made in my life! CG Masters offers a fantastic one-year program, which not only teaches you the various aspects of visual effects, but also teaches you how to be an efficient member of a team, and more importantly, how to be a worker that studios will bend over backwards to keep under their employ. The school is owned and run by industry professionals, most of whom split their time between the school and actively working in the booming vfx industry here in Vancouver, so you know you're getting taught by highly experienced individuals. The program is very challenging, and you will be held to high expectations by the staff. But if you're a person who can focus and work hard, your determination will be rewarded in the end. So if you've ever thought working in TV and movies might be fun, or if you're interested in using technology to create anything your mind can conjure, this is the place for you. The sense of accomplishment you feel at the end is only matched by the elation you feel the first time you realize you're getting paid to do something really cool.

Joshua Behrens

I really loved this place. I don't think there is any where like it. I enjoyed the atmosphere here and quality of learning but mostly I enjoyed the way the staff interact with the students. They were very friendly and professional people that could look into a student and see just how to pull the best out of them. If you are ready to unleash your inner potential I think this is the place for you.

Hiram Araujo

You not only learn technical skills but how a production environment is. The instructors are top notch. Overall you will growth not only as an artist, but as a person too

Kim Maglalang

I came to CG Masters having no VFX experience and was extremely happy with how thorough they were teaching the process of filming production to the end result in compositing. The program definitely challenges people of all skill levels so everyone is always learning something new. In the last two terms we worked in a simulated production environment which I really enjoyed because we experience the same team mindset as we would in an actual production pipeline. There are always people readily available for you to get help from. In fact our instructors were currently working in the industry they taught so the curriculum was up-to-date as possible.

Kev

My experience at CG Masters Academy was nothing short of amazing. From the instructors to the course curriculum, CG Masters is designed for immediate success in the VFX industry. Through the instructors guidance, I was able to significantly expand my skills to become a better artist in all aspects. The transition from student to industry professional was seamless and I quickly stood out due to the knowledge gained from attending CG Masters. I highly recommend this school for anyone interested in a career in Visual Effects.

Jubilee Chiu

I went to CG Masters School of 3D Animation & VFX. Absolutely phenomenal experience, and I wouldn't have gone anywhere else for a better education. It's a 48 week intensive program that teaches everything you need to know about every discipline of VFX: how to model/UV, rig, texture/shade, light, track, and composite. They also have photography and drawing classes from which I highly enjoyed and benefitted massively from. The program is split into three terms -- first term is when they familiarize you with the programs and the how-to's of making a beautiful picture. Each student works on their own project from beginning to completion for 4 months. Second term is when it gets even more fun, as that's when you get to work with third term students in a production environment, working on one project. Implementing departmental handoff as well, it truly was just like working in a studio. Not only do you learn how to do amazing VFX, you also learn how to work with a team. I loved that it was such a great learning environment; we were always learning from each other. Third term is when you work with term two students as seniors, on one project. This is when you really step up and use everything you've learned to create something amazing!! All of the instructors are senior level professionals currently working in the industry. With the small class sizes, students have the opportunity to get a lot of one on one time with the instructors. Another reason to love CG Masters is their grading system. They do not grade students but rather, they have skill assessments. This method ensures that every student possesses the skill to complete the tasks. Should a student need more help to pass the skill assessments, the instructors are always happy to give a little more guidance. On top of all that, CG Masters has an incredible placement rate -- the highest of all schools, actually. All of their grads have been hired within 3 months and are still working! I myself was hired in two weeks and am currently working as a 3D Generalist. Loving it!! Definitely, absolutely consider CG Masters. You will not regret it!!!

Kade Eckstein

CG Masters is a fantastic place to start your journey to becoming a Visual Effects Artist. You get trained be professionals currently working in the industry with a passion for what they do and sharing what they know with others. After the year long course I felt comfortable taking the plunge into the industry. In only a year you I learned a vast amount about every department you will find in the industry. What I took away from my time at CG Masters, wasn't only the skills I needed, but they also teach you to work with integrity and respect which is essential in this industry.

craig bowles

CG Masters is in my opinion the best place to get a VFX education that will land you an industry job immediately. All of the instructors are working in the industry and know a tremendous amount in there respected areas. During the program you receive a huge amount of one on one time with all the teachers. They make sure no one falls behind. The main benefit of the school is the production environment you learn in. The last two semesters are project based where all of the students work together to finish a project from start to finish. They manage to keep the projects run like a normal studio environment which prepares you for the workforce.

Kim Walker

Honestly probably the best place to get education in VFX and learn what it is really like in the industry. With instructors who are currently working and are extremely knowledgable. Nick, Vickie and Ryan are warm and welcoming and passionate about their work, their students and seeing them succeed. Absolutely consider this school if you want a successful career in Visual Effects!!

Anna Glushkova

CG Masters provides a very intense training but every minute I spent there, worth it. Small classes, knowledgeable insructors and unique program. You will graduate with skills only relevant and necessary to the industry. Best school in Vancouver(at least). Just came in, speak with Vickie and Nick and you will see why

Alejandro Vargas

This school is definitelly for personal and professional growth, I came here after finishing my career in my country and I can definitely tell the difference between a college education or any other postgraduate out there. It's in a great location in the city of New westminster where i still live since i attended to the school, there's everything that you would need. My time at Cg masters was really good and prepared me exactly how i wanted when i had my first job right after finish it but most important it´s that what i learned helped me to keep it until this day. Fair warning: This is a school where the commitment is key, if you put your mind and your time entirely to it you´ll definitely have success in anything that you want to do and you´ll end up with a lot more than a diploma for the wall. Guaranteed!!

Emily Luke

This school is professional, efficient and it will put you through more learning experiences than you would ever expect. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient and never give up on you. The founding couple is passionate about what they teach and even after your graduation will keep you up to date on jobs, conventions and cool new software for you to try out at home. The alumni are a close group dedicated to each other and their new members with tips and tricks, open communication and honest feedback. Would definitely do it all over again.

Richard Laszcz

This school changed my life. I started here right after high school where I had failed multiple classes. After only a year attending cgm I have a job working on vfx for big Hollywood features, which i think is pretty rad. The staff of the school couldn't be more friendly. They will eagerly help you out with basically anything as well as put up with you when you decide to go back to visit as many of us grads do. Throughout your time here you will be working in a simulated production environment which prepares you very well for work in the "real world." my current job included a 3 month training portion to all of the new hires up to speed with how that studio functioned and this preparation felt like a breeze after the training I had received from cgm. It's true that the work you do at the school can be challenging at times, but all of it is accomplishable if you give it your all. This school really shows you the amazing things you can do when you put your mind to something and I wouldn't trade my time here for the world.

Rebecca Lin

I chose CG Masters after researching and visiting a variety schools. Nick was the only instructor who answered all my questions in a straightforward, clear and concise manner. No beating around the bush. No vague answers. I knew with confidence going in that the school would provide a worthwhile experience and allow me to develop a good foundation for the skills I want to build. What I didn't know (but thought I did) was the sheer volume of information that I would need to learn and absorb within a one year period and to realize there's still a lot more to learn after even that. This program is intense and not suitable for people who don't want to put in effort. You are expected to spend a minimum of 40 hrs per week at school. The program's goal is to allow graduates to hit the ground running on their first day at their first job. Working part time while taking this program is not recommended. This program simulates a team production environment and you will experience every aspect of the pipeline. Get to know your team and make sure to let Nick know if you have a specific area of interest as early as possible. For someone coming in with no understanding or experience of the field, the learning curve will feel pretty high but the foundation you get will be strong. For someone coming in with technical background or previous experience, it still won't be easy. Nick will make sure of that since you are paying to learn. Take the initiative to ask questions, you will get more out of the one on one time with your instructors. Effort and attitude goes a long way. All your instructors are current industry professionals so treat the program like a one year interview. What you learn is up to date.

Daniel Labossiere

Choosing a VFX school or program is a daunting task, with more choices today than ever before. I looked at schools and programs all over the world and through both my preemptive research and time as a student came to the conclusion that CG Masters offered the most comprehensive program with the most directly correlative skills training relevant to both the current and ever-changing state of the VFX job market. This was proven time and time again during my time at CG Masters, as instructors often and openly taught me the very same skills and techniques they had used at their studios that very day. Class sizes are kept deliberately small, the better to give each student more one-on-one time with instructors. The instructors readily made themselves available to help out after class hours, including both in-studio help and keeping in touch via email to help dissect particularly problematic VFX files, setups and approaches. This was an amazing personal touch uncommon in larger schools and programs. I found myself gainfully employed immediately after graduating from CG Masters, a testament to the success of the school's disciplined one-year intensive model, job-relevant skills and fierce dedication to teaching students how to function in a real studio, as a team. Absolutely world-class training recommended to anybody who is serious about becoming a VFX professional.

Kiera Chycoski

So happy with my decision on going to CG Masters! There are so many things that set this school above the rest: every teacher is an industry professional who's CURRENTLY working, all of which who truly care about your success as a student and eventually as a professional. Smaller classes which guarantee plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers. An environment that simulates what its really like to work in a studio. In other schools you learn how to use the tools for the job, here you learn the tools, learn to work in a team, learn and use studio procedures in all aspects of the visual fx pipeline. This school is so welcoming to people from all around the world looking to get the best possible education and start to the vfx industry, and they truly deliver. By the end of the course you're not just classmates, you're a little family. Plus, tons of little bonuses: perfect location at the New West skytrain station, right next to Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Safeway, and tons of restaurants, and there's always Radar the black lab there for when you need a little comforting puppy break! To cut it short, I'm extremely impressed with CG Masters and will always recommend it to those looking to get into the vfx industry.

Kelly Eckstein

The best place in the world to begin to hone your craft as a CG artist. Hours and hours of one-on-one training with mentors that are currently working in the industry, well planned out group projects, a real world studio environment, instructors that genuinely care about your success, and the latest software and techniques at hand. What more could you ask for in a VFX school? CG Masters has it all, and a year spent here will get you all the knowledge and experience you need to start your first job in the Vancouver visual effects and animation industry.

James Greenwood

As a student attending this school with no real vfx background or knowledge of any of the software used in this industry I took a leap of faith with these guys and it certainly was not misplaced! It challenged me to the max and I learnt heaps. Finishing school I had a solid understanding of how a vfx pipeline works and felt comfortable to go into the industry knowing I was in the best place I could be as a junior. As a post grad looking for work the school also didn't rest until I had a job! Now happily employed and loving my career change. Deffo check this place out!

Ivan Begovic

CG Masters is an intense and engaging curriculum. It doesn't just teach students the skills and tools they need for their chosen career, it pushes them past their imagined limitations and shows them just what the industry will be like. There is no better place to learn how to be a VFX artist.

Anthony Reynders

CG Masters is a great school, they teach the skills needed to do any aspect in a VFX pipeline and also the production side of the jobs, how to function in a studio environment which makes them unique as a school. All of this is taught to you by industry professionals with years and years of experience among them. The teaching method of valuing skills not grades is very much what I was looking for. I moved to Vancouver specially to attend the school and with the purpose to start a career in the VFX industry as a VFX compositor after graduating. Choosing to attend this school has been one of the best decisions of my life. I was able to reach my goals and I have been working in the industry for almost a year now. This thanks to the amazing team at CG Masters