Canadian Schools ... for Fashion

[pinkcouture]

I went to the Vancouver Art Institute for a year for Fashion Design & Merchandising..and am now at Blanche Macdonald for Fashion Merchandising.

 

[kem]

I got accepted to George Brown and Seneca as Well. I am in the process of sending my portfolio for Ryerson. I have the same question as well , is Seneca any good? I know that ive taken a course there and some of the students work is amazing!.

 

[tarboy_85]

ive now been accep ted to both as well and am a little confused of which to choose, it seems as if more people lean towards George Brown but I dont know why.

 

[somegirl]

i think i would rank it as: ryerson, george brown, seneca, and then the academy of design

but again, things are as you make them. if you're really talented and hard working you'll succeed anywhere.

 

[DontSleep]

I've applied to Ryerson for Fashion Design and am currently working on my portfolio. I am stressed out of my mind; and have little clue what they're lookign for.

 

[somegirl]

yeah, you guys are a little unlucky because when i went to Ryerson (and i only recently graduated) we actually got the chance to do a drawing test, writing test, portfolio and interview all in person rather than through the mail.

i think it's much more difficult to get a feeling of how you did and also feedback via mail...

good luck though! ps. i think it always helps if you can draw, and also if the presentation of your portfolio is neat and uniform.

 

[WhiteLotus]

I'm new to this website, but i would like to go into fashion after highschool. Does anyone know anything about the program at Fanshawe College in London (Ontario)? What is the comparision between George Brown, Ryerson and Fanshawe? I know the Ryerson gives you a degree, and Fanshawe gives an andvanced diploma, but not too much else. thanks

Personally, I think if you had the option between Fanshawe College and the Toronto schools, I would go to Toronto. The program at Fanshawe college is outdated, disorganised, and lacks in motivating student to truly excel. I only had one teacher who really allowed us to think outside the box and be creative with visual merchandising. Much of the program was a joke, and I doubt people look at Fanshawe as highly as they do Ryerson. As I told many of my equally bitter schoolmates, wish we'd had the money to go to f*cking Ryseron, (any Ontarians aware of OSAP know that it can be a b*tch to try and get a school loan to pay for school in this province). Ryerson's tuition is also higher than Fanshawe's. I think you will pay a couple thousand more a year at Ryerson, plus the cost of living in Toronto is way higher than in London, Ontario.

I'd say if you do think Fanshawe is for you, definitely get some university afterwards. I went to the University of Western Ontario in London first and recieved a B.A in media, and then chose to follow up with some fashion at Fanshawe College. Going to University helps gain knowledge and critical thinking skills and some cultural knowledge a fashion school simply couldn't teach you. And many jobs won't even look at you if you don't have a University degree of some sort to back up a fashion merchandising diploma in Canada.

 

[trendygrrl]

Seneca vs. George Brown

I've also been accepted to Seneca & waiting for GB. I've done some investigating into both schools - Sen. is 3 yrs & GB is 2 yrs. Based on all these threads & industry cred. Ryerson is obviously the school with the best rep. & best industry connections. However, comparing Ryerson to Sen. & GB are a bit like comparing apples & oranges. If you want to get a degree with breadth of knowledge, critical thinking, business skills, work experience - then Ryerson is the best choice. Getting a university degree also means taking courses like sociology, psychology - somewhat unrelated to fashion, but will help you in overall 'growth' & knowledge.

If you're looking for more of a focus on technical skills, production, pattern drafting, then GB is likely the best choice. GB also seems to have a great rep & recent publicity from alumni like CinCyn also helps. There's a basic sewing test for the fashion techniques & design.

Seneca, I would say is in the top 3, but a bit overlooked. I've looked at their curriculum & course descriptions & they are comparable to some of Ryerson's. You get a bit of technical & illustration, plus industry experience with a mandatory field placement. There is no portfolio req. to get in, so there might be some students that aren't so serious about the biz.

If you decide on a college - having some sort of business background or taking part-time courses in business / entreprenership is highly recommended!!! Visit TFI for more info on running a fashion biz. Fashion IS business. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how arty you are - if you don't have the biz skills, you really won't survive b/c it is a tough biz esp. in Canada.

Either way, all schools are what you make of it. Every school has sh*tty teachers, crap or irrelevant courses, uncommitted students, poor administration.. but somehow you work through all that for an industry you love. Choosing the best school also depends on your own personal situation as well - ask - how long do you want to be in school? How much is tuition? College is way, way cheaper than university, smaller class sizes, better customer service - university is generally more expensive, but there usu. is more prestige, takes longer, better work experience & industry connections.

Well that's my rant. Hope it helps.

 

[torrix]

er...the only one that i know is Art Institute >.>

 

[kem]

i keep hearing from other people that its Ryerson or George Brown , and seneca isn't that good . I have a friend whose other friend is currently in the program. She mentioned that the program is no good and is switching to George brown. She mentioned that the teachers weren't thorough I guess.

 

[kathween555]

Personally, I think if you had the option between Fanshawe College and the Toronto schools, I would go to Toronto. The program at Fanshawe college is outdated, disorganised, and lacks in motivating student to truly excel. I only had one teacher who really allowed us to think outside the box and be creative with visual merchandising. Much of the program was a joke, and I doubt people look at Fanshawe as highly as they do Ryerson. As I told many of my equally bitter schoolmates, wish we'd had the money to go to f*cking Ryseron, (any Ontarians aware of OSAP know that it can be a b*tch to try and get a school loan to pay for school in this province). Ryerson's tuition is also higher than Fanshawe's. I think you will pay a couple thousand more a year at Ryerson, plus the cost of living in Toronto is way higher than in London, Ontario.

I'd say if you do think Fanshawe is for you, definitely get some university afterwards. I went to the University of Western Ontario in London first and recieved a B.A in media, and then chose to follow up with some fashion at Fanshawe College. Going to University helps gain knowledge and critical thinking skills and some cultural knowledge a fashion school simply couldn't teach you. And many jobs won't even look at you if you don't have a University degree of some sort to back up a fashion merchandising diploma in Canada.

AWESOME. I am just graduating this april with my BA in media from Western and I totally agree with your comments. Ryerson would be a good bet for fashion design, but a uni degree is also very sought after. I am doing an internship in fashion PR this summer in NYC, so I guess that's my way of getting some hands on experience.

 

[finalfashion]

Either way, all schools are what you make of it. Every school has sh*tty teachers, crap or irrelevant courses, uncommitted students, poor administration.. but somehow you work through all that for an industry you love. Choosing the best school also depends on your own personal situation as well - ask - how long do you want to be in school? How much is tuition? College is way, way cheaper than university, smaller class sizes, better customer service - university is generally more expensive, but there usu. is more prestige, takes longer, better work experience & industry connections.

I couldn't agree more. I'm just finishing up Ryerson and it's had its highs and lows, but I've really gotten into it over the years and I feel 100x more confident than I did in first year. I've done well and I'm getting some interesting opportunities now that I'm graduating... exciting.

Ryerson and George Brown are definitely the top picks in Canada. Remember if you want to work overseas you need a degree.

I would say that you should only get into it if you're ready to work your *** off for your dream. It's a competitive field and nothing less than full commitment will take you to the next level.

 

[kem]

Thanks !!( Final Fashion )

WOw , thanks for your input final fashion!!! I applied to Ryerson I just have to send my portfolio in by the 30th of this month. I got accepted in to George Brown , So I think I may go there. So you mentioned final fashion , that alot of ryerson students were graduates of George Brown. Does Ryerson have an agreement with george Brown ? I am asking because I want to know how it would work. Would a person with a diploma from george brown gain acceptance into the third year of the program or would they only get advanced standing for courses? I am interested in this route. I also am graduating from HUmber College with a fashion arts diploma . I am just curious as to how that would work , so that I can obtain a degree.

Thanks !

 

[finalfashion]

I don't really know, I'm sure you could transfer some credits but I'm not sure to what extent. That's something you should ask the Ryerson people about, I'm afraid I haven't a clue.

 

[torrix]

which schools offer degrees?
is there any?
cause all I know is there are diploma programms and all >.>

 

[somegirl]

to kern: nope to the tranfer credits and going into 3rd year, esp. since George Brown is not a university. the only thing like that is in the nursing program between Rye and GB.

 

[papergown]

Does anyone know more about Kwantlen?

 

[kitty87kat]

Does anyone know more about Kwantlen?

I applied there and went to the orientation, they seemed very career oriented, like they wanted to train you to be efficient in the workplace (not so much creative).




I am sending my portfolio to Ryerson tomorrow. I'm so nervous, I hope I get in. Good luck to all other applicants!

 

[DontSleep]

I applied there and went to the orientation, they seemed very career oriented, like they wanted to train you to be efficient in the workplace (not so much creative).




I am sending my portfolio to Ryerson tomorrow. I'm so nervous, I hope I get in. Good luck to all other applicants!

I'm sending mine tomorrow too! I'm pleased that someone is in my same situation.

 

[kem]

YEa

I am sending my portfolio into Ryerson tommorrow too