Foundation Skills for Creative Success

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Begin your journey into the creative and marketing industries – whether in website design, the storytelling of photography and film, or video game art and animation – with a strong design foundation at McKenzie College in Canada.


McKenzie College: Your Launchpad to a Creative Career

Located in the vibrant heart of Moncton, New Brunswick, McKenzie College is a premier private career college with over three decades of experience nurturing creative talent.


Visual Arts Foundation: The Gateway to Creativity

The Visual Arts Foundation Certificate at McKenzie College goes beyond an introductory art and design program.

It lays the groundwork for you to communicate visually, express creatively, learn hands-on design skills, and think critically essential qualities for a successful career in the creative and marketing industries.

Core Areas of Study: Essential Skills for Modern Creatives

  • Drawing Fundamentals
    Covers the basics of line, shape, and form, foundational for expressive and realistic drawings. Essential for character sketches or product design.
  • Colour Theory
    Colour influences every visual piece. Understanding colour science and psychology enhances work in branding, UI/UX, and media.
  • Character Design & Development
    Essential for creating memorable characters in animation, illustration, and social media branding.
  • Acrylic & Watercolour Techniques
    Fosters versatility and personal style, expanding creative range across media.
  • Storyboarding
    Foundation of visual storytelling in animation and advertising, allowing creators to present cohesive narratives.
  • Pastel & Charcoal Studies
    Offers a tactile experience, enriching texture and tone understanding – valuable in both traditional and digital design.

Education and Career Paths for Graduates

With a solid foundation, McKenzie College graduates pursue diverse career paths or specialize in advanced programs.

  • Specialized Diploma Programs: Diplomas in Graphic Design, Video Game Art, and TV & Game Animation deepen skills for specific creative roles.
  • Co-op and Internships: Get real-world experience through co-ops and internships that connect you with potential employers.
  • Illustrator: Creating images for books, advertising, and digital media. Highly applicable in digital content creation.
  • Art Teacher: Sharing knowledge and inspiring future artists. Essential for teaching roles in schools and community programs.

Digital Skills for Today’s Job Market

With the evolution of the creative industry, graduates benefit from a mix of traditional techniques and digital skills:

  • Digital Platforms: Familiarity with Canva, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) enables professional visuals and multimedia content.
  • Creative AI Tools: Familiarity with DALL-E for image generation, Runway ML for video editing, and Midjourney for conceptual art enables quick, innovative content creation.
  • Video and Animation Skills: Skills in Adobe After Effects, Blender, and Procreate are widely used in gaming, advertising, and web content.
  • Customer Experience (CX) & User Experience (UX): UX skills make you an asset in web design, product design, and content layout, ensuring a smooth user journey.
  • Content Management: Knowledge of CMS platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and HubSpot ensures consistent, engaging experiences across digital touchpoints.

Taking the Next Step

Visit our Career Hub today for personalized guidance and support!