Drawing Foundations FAQ

What is a Foundation program?
Our foundation programs provide an opportunity to explore related fields of study and prepare learners to continue their academic pathways towards a career in their area of interest.

When can I start the program?
Drawing Foundations program has intakes for Fall (September to April) and Winter (January to August).

Will this program help me to develop my portfolio?
Yes. Whether you are starting your portfolio from scratch, or already have one in the works, this program will help you to develop a portfolio that showcases your strengths. This portfolio can then be used to help you ladder into one of our Diploma or Advanced Diploma programs.

What pathway opportunities are there after I graduate?
The skills acquired in this program will help you to ladder into some of our Diploma/Advanced Diploma programs, including:

  • Animation Ontario College Advanced Diploma
  • Illustration and Concept Art Ontario College Diploma

Each program reserves a certain number of seats for graduates of Drawing Foundations.

Do I need to purchase anything prior to starting the program?
You can visit the program’s BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) page to get the most up to date information on the requirements. We recommend you have access to the following:

  • A laptop (Mac or PC that can handle Adobe photoshop. An iPad is not acceptable as we use software that is incompatible with the iPad.
  • A scanner/printer
  • A web cam for the remote portions of the course.
  • A drawing Tablet (Can be a Cintiq, Wacom, Huion or XP Pen Tablet. An iPad can be used as a drawing tablet but cannot be used as a computer laptop (See above))

Do I need to submit a portfolio?
Currently, there are no portfolio requirements to take the Drawing Foundations program.

Do I need to already know how to draw to take this program?
No. It does help to have an open mind and a willingness to practice and try new drawing methods.

Do I need to buy art supplies?
Art supplies will be provided in the first week of college. These items are paid through your tuition.

What can I expect from the workload in this program?
Every student is a little different, but as a rule, it is good to save an hours’ worth of homework for every hour spent in a class (whether in person or remote). That said, you may find one class needs more time, and another class needs less.

If I get accepted into Animation or Illustration and Concept Art after taking drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration, will I be exempted from certain courses?
Yes

In the Animation Program you would be exempted for the following courses:

  • ENL1813M Communications I
  • GED1452 General Education Electives
  • ANI1618 Character Design I (We highly recommend you take this course)

In the Illustration and Concept Art Program you would be exempted for the following courses:

  • ENL1813M Communications I
  • GED1452 General Education Electives
  • ART1001 Life Drawing I (We highly recommend you take this course)

Would I still be able to work part-time while attending my classes?
It is possible, but it depends on the individual student’s discipline. We recommend no more than 15 hours a week (less if there is extensive travel involved).

Are classes delivered on campus or virtually?
As of Fall 2023, the following courses are partially remote, remote, hybrid or online.

Level 1

  • ANI2100 Life Drawing I: 100% in a classroom setting.
  • ANI2101 Character Design I: 1 class per week in the classroom and 1 class per week on Zoom.
  • ANI2102 Layout and Environmental Design I: 1 class per week in the classroom and 1 class per week on Zoom.
  • ANI2103 Digital Painting and Sculpting: 100% in a classroom setting.
  • ANI2104 Drawing Career Pathways: 100% in a classroom setting.
  • ENL2029M Foundations of Communication: Hybrid: 2 Hours in the classroom, 1 hour online per week

Level 2

  • ANI2200 Life Drawing II: 100% in a classroom setting.
  • ANI2201 Character Design II: 1 class per week in the classroom and 1 class per week on Zoom.
  • ANI2202 Layout and Environmental Design II: 1 class per week in the classroom and 1 class per week on Zoom.
  • ANI2203 Portfolio Preparation: 100% in a classroom setting.
  • ENL1813M Communications I Hybrid: 2 Hours in the classroom, 1 hour online
  • GED1457 General Education Elective: 100% Online

Standard = 100% in a classroom setting.
Online = 100% Online. The student is responsible for going over the materials in a timely manner and respecting the provided deadlines.
Remote = The course is 100% taught remotely on Zoom at a designated time. The student is responsible for using a webcam during the session.
Hybrid = A portion of the hours per week are in a classroom. The other portion will be taught remotely on Zoom at a designated time. The student is responsible for using a webcam during the session.

Does Life Drawing use live nude models?

Yes. At the end of the first term and 100% of the second term, there will be models that will sometimes be nude. This is a requirement to ensure a strong understanding of the human form. There are no alternatives to this.