Think you might want to become a 2D animator? Concerned that a lack of experience will hold you back?

Not to worry. The need for animators in Ottawa is so great that there’s never been a better time for newcomers to break into the field.

Demand for animators is far outpacing supply. The shortage is so serious that some Ottawa animation studios are having to turn away work or send projects overseas because they simply can’t find enough local talent to hire.

So how can a total beginner take advantage of that demand?

In this post, we take you through the basic steps you can follow to become an animator, even if you have little or no experience.

Here’s how to position yourself for success in Ottawa’s hot animation job market.

Updated March 2022

Think you might want to pursue a career in 2D animation? Now is an excellent time to get started, especially in Ottawa.

Even before the pandemic, there was so much animation work flowing through the city that studios couldn't find enough qualified people to meet production needs.

And when live-action productions were forced to shut down, the demand for animated content really took off.

That's where Herzing College's accelerated 2D animation course comes in. Our mission is to expand the local animation scene by producing skilled graduates who can fill those available studio jobs.

This program teaches the software and real animation skills you need to get hired—in just 12 months of training.

What makes Herzing's 2D animation course so unique? Here's what you can expect in class.

Top animation studio, Big Jump Entertainment, has partnered with Herzing College to train and recruit talented 2D animation students.

A lot of people dream of a career in 2D animation, working on major TV shows and movies at a top animation studio. But they figure the industry is too hard to break into. There’s too much competition for great studio jobs and they’ll never get hired after investing in training. 

They feel pressured to choose another, less “risky” career path and give up on becoming an animator. Sound familiar?  

We recently started a 2D Animation program at Herzing because the exact opposite is true. There is actually a major shortage of skilled 2D animators in Ottawa.