Thinking about studying design and illustration in Canada? As an international student, there are many good reasons to choose Canada. Whether you’d like to become an animator, creative director, or fashion designer, Canada’s colleges and universities offer lots of great programs. Plus, after you graduate, you may be eligible for Canadian post-graduation work programs. This lets you work with top creatives, and boosts your resume.
See how studying design and illustration can prepare you for an exciting career!
Future-Facing Programs
As you consider design and illustration programs, look for program features like these. They can make your time as an international student more rewarding:
- Portfolio-building classes. As past graphic design student (and current ApplyBoard graphic designer!) Anastasia Flitton notes: “Getting into a program that values your portfolio is huge for any type of design program. In my opinion, your portfolio is as important as a resume. It serves as a way to demonstrate experience, skills, knowledge, and talent to employers at school and beyond graduation. Employers can decide very quickly if they want to hire you or not from a portfolio review.”
- Project-based classes. Projects can teach you skills you’ll use in creative jobs. Plus, you’ll have a stronger grasp on group dynamics, how to work to a deadline, and how to ideate effectively.
- 1-to-1 time. Do instructors offer office hours? Regular check-ins? Are there peer mentorship opportunities? Learning from more established illustrators and designers can broaden your perspective, offer support, and teach you new skills.
- Internships or placements. Working in your field while studying can help you learn where you’d like to work (and where you don’t). Also, you’ll see how your skills adapt to a work setting.
- Student art shows. From the Skillz Manifesto show at Conestoga College to OCAD University‘s Cultural Community Expo, public shows connect younger creatives with future employers.
Considering different careers? Many graduates work in web development, marketing, or writing! Or, if you want to use your creative skills to help others heal and thrive, check out the earlier blogs in this series on why you should study health sciences and why health science is a great field to study in Canada.
Set Yourself Up for Success
As you consider design and illustration programs in Canada, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by different options. Luckily, you can narrow your search by:
- Doing your research. Programs range from a high-level focus (where you’ll learn about many different fields) to specializing in one field. Programs often become more specific with more advanced degrees. Also, think about the kinds of design or illustration you want to pursue most.
- Determining what program features are most important. Are you looking for a program that connects you with industry through an internship? Would you prefer an institution with formal links to the local cultural sector?
- Learning about different Canadian communities. While it can take longer to adjust to smaller communities, their cost of living is lower. Plus, there are post-graduation work programs that encourage working in Canada’s Maritimes or Prairie Provinces.
- Considering how location affects your career. As of 2022, the federal Job Bank database predicts the best employment opportunities for graphic designers and user experience designers will be in Alberta and Quebec. Studying in these provinces can help you build the knowledge and network you’ll need to be a top applicant.
Check out our list of the 10 most popular arts and design courses in Canada!
Room to Grow
By working in design and illustration, you’ll influence how your community moves through public and private spaces, interacts, and even what they wear! The need for graphic designers and illustrators is higher than in other industries. For example, the Canadian Occupational Projection System expects that there will be a related labour shortage in those fields between 2019 and 2028.
However, international graduates from designated learning institutions can help fix this shortage. This is because they may apply to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. This program allows new grads to pursue related work opportunities in the province or territory they studied in.
These grads are also strong candidates for Canada’s different Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) after working for at least one year. Being selected for PNP can fast track your permanent residency, if you decide to stay in Canada. Equally, you might choose to work in Canada for a few years and then return to your home country, or move to another country. Your learnings will serve you well: Canadian academic credentials are respected worldwide.
It’s also important to explore your community! You might even be inspired by what you see. Here are some of our team’s favourite winter wonderlands in Ontario.
So, why study design and illustration in Canada? It’s a creative field with programs that offer work-integrated learning opportunities and the practical skills students need. Graduates start their careers with a good portfolio and industry knowledge, setting them—and their future clients—up for success.
Designers and illustrators can help define the future, from creating consumer goods to shaping user experiences. We can’t wait to see what you do with what you learn!
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Connect with the team at ApplyBoard! We’re here to help.
