Illustration by Mercedes Dean
B.C. art students seem tempted to stay in Vancouver because it’s a cultural hub and because of the beauty of Vancouver, even if other places offer higher pay.
Manuela Mora is studying fashion design which has been a passion she was a little girl.
“I remember being three years old and changing my outfits 13 times a day. I would tell my parents what to wear and I always looked through magazines,” she said. “Growing up, fashion was the way I expressed myself, because I am a timid person and struggle in expressing myself vocally. As a fashion designer, I’d like for other girls and boys to be able to feel comfortable with what they wear and feel like they make an impact.”
Mora started her first quarter at the Art Institute of Vancouver in July. She wants to pursue a job that puts creative people together.
Wyatt Downie has already relocated to B.C. to study graphic design at the Arts Institute. He said that he would like to stay in here or in Alberta. The majority of students in Canada feel the same way.
Forty per cent of students are open-minded when it comes to moving for a job. And the majority of students willing to move are from the Prairie provinces. In fact, most students, if they were to move, want to live in areas such as Vancouver or Toronto.
Both Downie and Mara said that they both would not mind leaving B.C. behind to find better positions if need be. For Mora, relocating to Europe would be a dream come true.
With the rising prices of school and living expenses, it would seem more students would want to leave for higher pay. But, only 25 per cent of B.C. students said that they would move if it meant making more money.
Mora may have dreams to go to England and make it big, but it seems the majority of students are hoping to stay close to home.
Lesley Salazar Ayquipa
Interesting story! I guess Vancouver is a wonderful and beautiful enough city for artists and designers. Not that surprised that so little students would want to leave taking that there’s everything here except that it is a little expensive. Plus, Vancouver is growing bigger as a city.
Daniella Javier
I can relate to this article because I wouldn’t want to move somewhere else to work either. But, if a good opportunity did come up, I would consider it. Otherwise, there’s no place I’d rather be than Vancouver. That may sound cliché but it’s totally true!
Sarah Khan
Interesting topic I think a lot of students feel this way, hailing from Vancouver I know that there aren’t as many job opportunities here as there are in maybe Calgary, but I really wouldn’t want to relocate for school or a job. Vancouver is such a beautiful place and our weather is pretty mild in comparison to other provinces, not to mention what a cultural hub Vancouver is. It would be really hard to leave, I totally understand why many students come here to study or find employment its much more metropolitan for sure.
Sarah Khan
By the way LOVED your artwork! So GORGEOUS!
Alimotu Jida
Good art. True, Vancouver does not have much job opportunity but personally i do not think i will move else where for a better living. Although i might only relocate if i get a job in some maga million dollar company. Good topic and well written.
Pricilla Westlake
Interesting article. I liked that it was concise and to the point. Sometimes I feel less is more and your article definitely showcased this. Fitting and relevant to University students, I found your topic eye catching and your illustration equally relevant as you covered art and graphic design within your story. The only suggestion I have is to add sources next to your facts to make them more credible and effective, especially when referencing a percentage. For example when you mentioned 25% of BC students would move if it meant making more money, it would be nice to know who said that. Nice story overall.