Kankanian knew from an early age he wanted to be an artist, although he trained to be an Architect. Completing his university studies at the age of 23, Kankanian earned a degree in Architecture. After graduation he was hired by the Armenian Government Project Institute as an Architect. Kankanian’s drawings and painting’s during his early years fit well into original thinking and symbolic art. Kankanian’s study of architecture, rooted him in the well springs of Armenia’s rich culture.