Should I finish my second year of game art and animation?

blackkeys25

After a very solid year of study I have begun my final year to complete my diploma. I was probably the strongest in my class ( it may sound stuck up, but I will fully admit that I suck at everything else in life if it evens things out} and I was hoping to master my skills in the next year. Unfortunately, after a summer of improving my skills, it seems that much of this year will be like the last.

I want to build the best possible portfolio I can, but I can't do that when all the work is team based and my skill level is much higher then the others. Also I should point out that it requires 5 1/2 hours travel time to get to the school because they don't provide games courses where I live. I am afraid I am wasting a year of my life for a piece of paper my teacher says most game developers wont even care about.

Any advice would be very appreciated!

VoltStorm7

If you do stay with it, focus on your art and improve. Use the time given to make your best work. You're getting a degree or a diploma/certificate? If it's a degree, are you planning to go outside your country to work or not? If you plan to work outside your country, a degree will help, although studios will fight for you to work in their country so long as your portfolio is amazing. If you're not looking to work outside of country, then I would not recommend continuing whatever you're doing and work on your portfolio.

Ultimately, it's up to you to get the job. You are your own barrier. Good luck.

Boban

I was asking myself the same thing.But. in my case, i am not sure if i want to start second year at all. Better safe 3000 euros, to get new PC, that to fill someone pockets.

@VoltStorm, How do you mean that studio will fight for me if my portfolio is amazing, without having degree?

I spoke with some recruiters from Canada. They told me, if i have degree, i get points. More higher points more better for me.

I have 2 certificates, Each one year program. I am not sure how this will help me to get some points.

Bek

One thing to consider is that a degree may (you'll have to find out if this is the case for you or not) be beneficial for visa reasons.

Alphavader

Finish it - having a degree is always good - maybe in 20
years you dont want to be in games - in other company's
you need a degree - also visa and working overseas is a degree
"mostly" necessary.

use your long travel time for art or research.
Enjoy other things aswell! Dont overcome yourself with too much pressure.

JordanN

Make sure to get plenty of rest. Commuting that long can destroy you from the inside and affects your ability to perform if you don't get enough sleep. Better to be a healthy artist than a zombie one.