Herzing Blog

Updated November 2023

If you're considering a career in 2D animation, you're probably wondering about your job options after training. Where can you get hired straight out of school?

Many people think 2D animators only work in film or television. But there are definitely other career paths you can pursue with quality training and a strong portfolio.

In this post, we'll walk you through three popular 2D animation careers.

What kinds of opportunities are available for talented, ambitious 2D animators? Let's take a look.

Updated December 2023

You probably already know what an animation career is all about: bringing characters and stories to life in films, TV shows, video games, and more.

But do you know what life on the job is really like?

No job is perfect. Before you embark on an animation career, you need to have a full understanding of what to expect—both the good and the bad.

In this post, we take you through the pros and cons of becoming an animator and provide valuable advice from industry insiders.

Get a realistic picture of the role and see if it's a good choice for you.

Updated May 2023

Like the idea of working with architects to bring new buildings to life? Want to get into the architecture field without investing years in university training? A building design diploma could be just what you need.

This training teaches building design principles, the Ontario Building Code, and drafting software like AutoCAD and Revit. Most building design programs take well under two years, and some can be completed in just 12 months. It's the quickest way to start a career in architecture.

But what might that career look like? What kinds of opportunities are open to you once you graduate?

Read on to explore six different career paths you could take with a building design diploma.

You may be familiar with the basic interior designer job description: create indoor spaces that are safe, functional, and attractive. But you may not realize the full scope of the role.

Interior design is a broad and varied field, with many potential specializations and career paths. You could work on all kinds of spaces, including condos, hotels, restaurants, factories, hospitals, airport terminals, retail stores, and more.

At the same time, there are many misconceptions about what interior designers actually do. (Hint: it's not all about picking pretty fabrics!)

In this post, we provide an inside look at the job of an interior designer and debunk some common myths about the role.

Find out what this career really involves so you can decide if it's right for you.

Updated December 2023

Interested in architecture and design? Want to learn how to create building plans and blueprints, and play a key role in the construction process?

It sounds like you're leaning toward a career in architectural drafting.

Architectural drafters use specialized software to transform an architect's concept into functional designs, drawings, and guidelines that builders can follow.

And they earn a good wage for their expertise. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, drafting technicians make a median salary of about $60,000. The highest-paid drafters in the country make over $87,000.

So how can you become an architectural drafter? What exactly is required to get into this field?

In this post, we take you step-by-step through everything you need to know. Find out what the role involves, how to get started, and where this career can take you.

Photo: A.J. Cote (right) with Big Jump co-founder Cory Morrison (left) in an interview with CTV News about the Ottawa animation industry.

This week, we talked with the creator of Herzing's 2D Animation program, the amazingly talented (and generally awesome) A.J. Cote.

We wanted to learn about the alleged "job boom" for animators in Ottawa, and find out what's driving this trend.

A.J. has worked as an animator in Ottawa for decades, so he definitely has his finger on the pulse of hiring trends and the industry as a whole.

He also helped develop Herzing's animation program, which he says was designed to produce grads for local studios to hire.

In this interview, A.J. explains what's going on with Ottawa's animation scene, why there's a shortage of talent, and how Herzing is filling that gap.

Considering a career in animation? Here's what you need to know.

Photo: One of Canada's greenest buildings is the Centre for Sustainable Development in Montreal, Quebec

Like the idea of helping to create the next generation of sustainable buildings? Don't want to invest years in university, training to become a licensed architect?

A career in green building design and drafting could be a perfect fit.

Green building design focuses on creating safe, functional structures that have minimal impact on the environment. The aim is to produce buildings that satisfy human needs and respect the surrounding ecosystem.

But what does that mean in practice? What makes a building "green"?

How is a green building drafter different from a regular draftsperson? And what kind of training do you need to get into this field?

All those answers are in this post. And by the end, you'll be better prepared to decide if a career in sustainable architecture is right for you.

Let's begin.

Updated December 2022

Want to learn how to draft building plans, engineering blueprints, product models, or assembly manuals? A computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting program is your first step.

Drafting training focuses on teaching you how to use special software to create detailed technical drawings and blueprints for architects, engineers, and construction crews. It can prepare you to play a pivotal role in the production of anything from houses and bridges to car parts and machinery.

And most drafting programs are fairly short. In less than two years, you will be ready to take on your first job as a draftsperson or CAD technician.

But finding a quality drafting program can be challenging. There are so many options out there, from short courses and certificates to diplomas and even degrees. How can you tell which one is best for you? What should you be looking for?

In this post, we break down the five key characteristics of a solid CAD and drafting program. Find out what features are most important so you can start your career with confidence.

Updated December 2023

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

Even before the pandemic, there was so much animation work flowing through Canadian cities 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.

Updated January 2023

If you're interested in architecture and passionate about the environment, it makes good sense to consider a sustainable architecture diploma.

Diplomas teach practical design and drafting skills, with a focus on green building principles. Where degrees go deep into the history and theory of sustainable architecture, diplomas focus on job-ready drafting skills.

A diploma is a good option for someone who wants to work in architecture, but doesn't want to invest years of training to become a licensed architect.

But programs of this kind are fairly new, so a lot of students have questions about how training works. It's important to know what skills you'll graduate with and where you can work after college.

How is sustainable architecture different from traditional architecture programs? What "extra" or different coursework is involved?

Here's everything you need to know about diplomas in sustainable design, including the main areas of study and career paths after college.