Updated October 2022

Ottawa is an excellent place to start a career in 2D animation. The city is home to globally recognized animation studios, a thriving animation scene—and best of all—strong demand for new talent.

The latest report from the Government of Canada Job Bank shows steady demand for 2D animators all across the province. And A.J. Cote, the creator of Herzing's 2D Animation Diploma in Ottawa, says local studios are forced to outsource jobs overseas because they can't fill vacant spots locally.

So, if you're considering an animation career in Ottawa, you're in the right place. Your next step is to find quality training that will get you a spot at one of those top studios.

As you compare diploma programs, use this checklist to narrow down the best candidates. These are five things every student should look for in a quality 2D animation program—and specific steps to follow when researching each school.