453 - Colin Giles - Vancouver Film School - Head of School for Animation & VFX

In this insightful episode, Allan McKay sits down with Colin Giles, head of the School for Animation and Visual Effects at Vancouver Film School, for a deep dive into the world of modern VFX education.

They discuss Colin's fascinating journey from small town artist to leading a world-class animation school, the intense pressures faced by today's students, and how virtual learning during COVID has transformed educational models. Colin shares wisdom on the irreplaceable value of in-person collaboration, how AI is impacting the curriculum, and the vital role of social media and online presence for aspiring artists.

This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of visual effects and what it takes to succeed as a student in 2023.

Quotes:

"There is a difference between just crafting images and telling a story. I think that it's part of that learning process as well that is very exciting."

Students should focus on their own artistic growth rather than unrealistic pressure to be the best or work at certain studios. Everyone has a unique voice to contribute.

Virtual learning revealed the need for adaptable, hybrid education models that combine the benefits of online and in-person instruction. However, nothing replaces the creative energy of people connecting and collaborating face-to-face.

AI is a useful iteration tool to quickly generate ideas, but won't replace the human touch. It's important for students to learn with the technology and discover its applications together.

Aspiring artists must cultivate an authentic online presence that shows their personality and connects them to a community, not just a portfolio checklist. Social media engagement is vital for networking and getting hired.