Edward Guinasao
Edward Guinasao
VFT Program- 2011
What education did you have before you took the visual effects for film and television course?
Before taking this course, I took a 4-year graphic design program at York University in Toronto. Shortly after design school, I was very fortunate to land a position with CTV as a production artist. Here, I received first hand experience into the vfx world, working on the network’s 2010 Olympic package. I quickly developed a strong interest in 3d and vfx and wanted to learn more. I finally decided to enrol into Seneca’s VFT in early 2011 to further develop in these fields.
Tell us a bit about your experience at the college.
Entering the program with close to no experience in the vfx field, I was quite intimidated truthfully. I soon realize I was not alone. Most of my fellow classmates came from different walks of life and were, more or less, in the same kind of situation. It was comforting to know that the program was taught from a rudimentary approach regardless of what training or experience we received from the past.
One thing to note about VFT is that it is a technical, hands-on program. It was a huge learning curve for me coming from a design, visual-oriented background. But the teachers were excellent in breaking the course material down and guiding students through each step of the process. Also, as industry working professionals, the instructors were able to share real working examples and resources, helping students gain valuable insight and experience into the workflow and standards that the vfx field demands.
How do you use the education you got at seneca in your job today?
After completing VFT, I knew I still wanted to be a designer. Feeling more equipped and confident in my skillset, I returned to television as a broadcast/motion designer. Currently, I am freelancing for the CBC in Toronto, working on show packages and on-air branding. While most of what I do is heavily design focused, I still retain the fundamentals of what I’ve learned and I will always carry these principles throughout my professional career. At the end of the day, VFT offers the needed quality training and resources to help students prepare for the field they choose to enter.
What advice would you give potential students who are thinking of taking the course?
To prospective students: be open to the learning process. While it’s crucial to focus on a particular area of interest, keep in mind that this program gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of applications, tools and projects. Take advantage of these opportunities and try to think of ways to incorporate them into your final demo reel. Mind you, the program moves quickly, so absorb as much as you can and remember to put the time and effort into your work. Best of luck!
(Written in 2012)
Below is Edward's demo reel when he graduated the program