Find answers to common questions about Creative Trails
We've compiled answers to the most common questions about our courses, enrollment process, and educational approach. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.
Creative Trails is an educational community for designers and developers based in Vancouver, Canada. We offer comprehensive courses in web design, branding, UX/UI design, and digital illustration. Our mission is to guide students from initial inspiration to professional competency through hands-on learning and industry mentorship.
Our main studio is located at 1755 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H7, Canada. We're situated in Vancouver's creative district, easily accessible by public transit and with street parking available. We also offer online courses for students who prefer remote learning or are located outside Vancouver.
No prior experience is required for our foundation courses! We design our programs to accommodate all skill levels, from complete beginners to professionals looking to expand their expertise. Each course clearly indicates its difficulty level, and we provide preparatory materials to help you get ready.
Our approach combines practical, project-based learning with personalized mentorship from industry professionals. We maintain small class sizes, focus on real-world applications, and provide ongoing support through our alumni network. Additionally, our curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends and technologies.
We offer four main course tracks:
Course durations vary by program: Web Design Foundations (12 weeks), Advanced Branding (10 weeks), UX/UI Design Intensive (14 weeks), and Interactive Illustration (8 weeks). Most courses meet twice per week for 3-hour sessions, with additional self-study time for projects and assignments.
Yes! We offer hybrid learning options that include both in-person and online components. Our online courses feature live instruction, interactive workshops, and virtual collaboration tools. All course materials are accessible through our learning management system, and online students receive the same level of mentorship and support as in-person students.
Required software varies by course, but we provide educational licenses for Adobe Creative Suite, Figma Pro, and other professional tools as part of your tuition. We'll send a detailed software and equipment list upon enrollment. Most courses can be completed with a standard laptop/computer and don't require specialized hardware.
Enrollment is simple: contact us through our website or phone to discuss your goals and course options. We'll help you choose the right program, then you'll complete an enrollment form and submit payment. We also offer pre-enrollment consultations to ensure the course matches your objectives and schedule.
Course fees vary by program length and content. All fees include course materials, software licenses, mentorship sessions, and access to our alumni network. We offer payment plans for students who need financial flexibility. Contact us for current pricing and available payment options.
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans to make our courses accessible. Options include full upfront payment, 3-month payment plans, and extended payment schedules for longer courses. All payment plans are interest-free, and we work with students to find arrangements that fit their budget.
We offer full refunds if you withdraw within 7 days of enrollment and before course commencement. Partial pro-rated refunds may be available within the first 30% of course duration for extenuating circumstances. After 30% completion, no refunds are provided, but we do allow course transfers to future sessions with 14 days notice.
Students receive comprehensive support including one-on-one mentorship sessions, peer collaboration opportunities, technical assistance, career guidance, and access to our alumni network. Our instructors are available for questions during and after class, and we maintain an active online community for ongoing support.
Yes! Our career services include portfolio review sessions, resume and interview preparation, networking events with industry professionals, job placement assistance, and freelancing guidance. We maintain relationships with Vancouver's creative agencies and tech companies to help connect graduates with opportunities.
Yes, students who successfully complete their courses receive a Creative Trails certificate of completion. Our certificates are recognized by employers in the creative industry and can be added to your LinkedIn profile and professional portfolio. We also provide detailed transcripts of skills and projects completed.
Graduates maintain access to course materials for one year after completion, and lifetime access to our alumni community and resources. This includes updated materials, new resource additions, and ongoing workshop invitations. Our alumni network provides continued learning and networking opportunities throughout your career.
Minimum requirements: Modern laptop/desktop with 8GB RAM, current operating system (Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, or Linux), reliable internet connection, and webcam/microphone for online sessions. We recommend 16GB RAM for design-intensive courses. Detailed specifications are provided upon enrollment.
We provide educational software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma Pro, etc.) and access to our computer lab for in-person students. Students need their own computers for home study and online courses. We can recommend affordable equipment options and provide guidance on software alternatives for different budgets.
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