Herzing Blog

Updated December 2023

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

Not to worry. The demand for animators is so strong that it's a great time for newcomers to break into the field.

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 Canada's hot animation job market.

Updated January 2024

If you’d like to focus on creating spaces that are both functional and appealing, a career in interior design could be an excellent choice.

Interior designers do much more than choose fabrics and furnishings. They design and plan every detail of a space from scratch.

Interior designers consider lighting, textures, acoustics, accessibility, building codes, and more. They analyze client needs, consider structural changes, create blueprints, order materials, and oversee the construction or installation process.

So how do you get started in this career? What exactly does it take to become an interior designer in Canada?

Keep reading for some helpful tips and advice.

Updated December 2023

Like the idea of making a living in the architecture field? Not interested in spending years in university?

You’re in luck: there are a variety of architecture careers that require neither a bachelor’s nor a master’s degree. In fact, you can get started as an architectural drafter, architectural technologist, or appraiser with just a college diploma.

In this post, we walk you through the details of each of these architecture careers, including job descriptions, salaries, and training requirements.

Compare all three roles and see which path is right for you.

Updated December 2024

The computer-aided design (CAD) field is all about using special software to develop precise plans for making buildings, machines, and a wide range of other products.

Working in CAD means taking a concept for an object or structure and creating detailed schematics and instructions for bringing it to life.

Computer-aided design has a huge range of applications. Through CAD training, you can develop skills that are valued in a wide variety of industries, including architecture, manufacturing, engineering, and more.

In this post, we explain what computer-aided design is, what it’s used for, and what kinds of career options are available in the field.

Curious about a career in CAD? Here’s what you need to know.

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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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 $63,000. The highest-paid drafters in the country make over $93,000.

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.