Unleashing your creative potential in digital arts

MANILA, Philippines - The graduates of the First Academy of Computer Arts, who comprise the new generation of digital artists, are artists who are paid to utilize their creativity.

The First Academy of Computer Arts is a Makati-based school that offers courses in digital arts that can be completed in as little as six months. For the past 12 years, FACA has helped thousands of students find quality jobs in the Philippines and in countries like Canada, UAE, and Singapore. The school offers comprehensive training from highly talented instructors in a studio environment. Students may opt for full courses, which last between five to nine months, or for short sessions, which can be completed in 12 to 42 hours. The flexible schedule has been appealing to a lot of working professionals, two of whom are Nini Falcon, a working mom; and Michael Santos, a part-time instructor and freelance graphic designer & illustrator.

Nini Falcon, a production designer and events stylist, wanted to update her knowledge in digital arts, but she did not know how to fit it in her schedule, especially since she was busy taking care of her two children. The First Academy of Computer Arts helped her find a suitable schedule that allowed her to maintain a steady work-life balance while making room to develop comprehensive graphic design knowledge.

Nini was in her early 30s when she decided to enroll in FACA. As an interior designer, she often worked with professionals in the creative arts, who often used their own technical lingo as they undertook their clients’ requirements. “I felt I needed the digital application,” she said.

She enrolled in a computer school, but found the lessons unsubstantial, so she decided to try the First Academy of Computer Arts’ digital arts course. “The courses at First Academy gave me a better understanding of how the industry really works, not textbook knowledge,” she said.

Michael Santos is another example — a psychology graduate of De La Salle University who became an accounting clerk after graduating. His decision to shift to the field of digital arts expanded his work opportunities. It allowed him to utilize his creativity as he goes about his work. After completing the Digital Arts course at the First Academy of Computer Arts, he has designed candy wrappers for a start-up firm and done logos for a number of companies. He has also designed tabletop games and illustrated books. Michael also works as part-time instructor of the Visual Graphics Design Track of the First Academy of Computer Arts. His flexible schedule allows him the time to work on the projects that keep landing on his lap. “There were lots of opportunities that were opened,” Michael said, referring to what happened after getting his digital arts education at First Academy.

First Academy of Computer Arts’ programs include Visual Graphic Design, Multimedia Arts, Web Design, 3D Animation and Digital Filmmaking. The school also offers several workshops, like Basic Digital Photography, Digital Painting, and Digital Manga Comics. It is located at 2/F, Saville Building, 8728 Paseo de Roxas corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

For details, call 8982724 to 26, or visit http://www.firstacademy.net/.