Art Center vs AAU vs Ringling vs Gnomon
Guys, these are the schools I've narrowed down in the US and seriously considering attending.
Ultimately I'd like to work in games and my focus is in illustration, concept and visual development.
Art Center's got the ED program,
AAU's got a Visual development program,
Ringling's got an illustration program
and Gnomon's got a nice mix of 2d and 3d, which is a great addition, especially nowadays.
Most reviews comparing schools are sort of old, or leaned towards animation.
Any suggestions to make this decision clearer?
Ultimately I'd like to work in games and my focus is in illustration, concept and visual development.
Art Center's got the ED program,
AAU's got a Visual development program,
Ringling's got an illustration program
and Gnomon's got a nice mix of 2d and 3d, which is a great addition, especially nowadays.
Most reviews comparing schools are sort of old, or leaned towards animation.
Any suggestions to make this decision clearer?
Replies
Since you are mostly interested in concept and illustration, schools typically do a good job of teaching appropriate skills, which normally isn't the case with character or enviroment art for video games.
Do you have a background in art? Where are your skills at now?
They have game design concentration where you can pick and choose your courses. Only downsides is...it's in Detroit. But if you like dystopian themed neighborhoods for drawing references, you're gonna be at the right place :thumbup:
Couple of pro game concept artist who graduated from CCS:
http://www.angielai.com/stranglehold.html
http://joeystudz.blogspot.ca/
I went to CCS, its in a nicer part of Detroit, Midtown, and is across the street from the DIA, one of the best art museum's in the country so the whole city isn't rundown.
I also took the game/animation track, buuuut ..it was severely lacking, I learned mostly through one professor and Polycount. Things have changed since I graduated but I still think the game program is underwhelming. That said, CCS does have a great illustration
course since you want to go into concept art.
Thanks a lot for that. Scratching that out of my list.
I live in Brazil. Will probably be harder for me to get large scholarships compared to nationals but that's why I'm taking one year to fully focus on my skills before applying. If I get something like 25% it's already good.
What do you mean by character/environment art for games? I plan on doing that sure, not in 3D though. Like building the whole stage/map in 3ds max, poly by poly, arranging objetcs or sculpting characters in zbrush, no that I don't want to.
I have an artistic background which had been lost until recently. It's been a couple of months since I'm really rocking on art fundamentals, back to drawing and practicing digital painting. No original artwork so far nor portfolio material though. I have explored zbrush and 3ds max modeling for production but I intend on using those to help me out with concepts and design.
Yeah not really interested in living in Detroid no. If I'm spending this kind of money it's better be the full package, meaning not only education but contacts too. That artwork you linked is pretty awesome though!
Yup, try to use 3d tools to help with design, perspective, and blocking out where you can. It's getting more and more common for concept artists to use them or need to know how they work.
http://conceptdesignacad.com/
http://www.redenginestudios.com
http://www.anatomytools.com/on-site-c45.php (for anatomy training)
They're all taught by working pros, all of whom you can add to your network list (assuming they'll like you as their student).
Ah yeah, then great. Exactly what Id like to do. You have a school suggestion as well?
Hum that does make some sense. I've heard many many great stuff about these places. But then I'd be sort of wasting all my weekdays at the community college? I mean, the advantage of a path like this is money right? I'd be sacrificing time studying at the real school for money by going to that college?
They have an associate degree in Entertainment. That's 2 years, versus 4 years total for a Bachelors. If training with the pros don't earn you a job offer before you graduate you can still transfer your community college credits to Art Center or wherever (you probably know this, credits from for-profits aren't always accepted outside their system).
I don't see it as a waste if you're a serious type of student as opposed to the partying type. Yah, it's LA but you got to focus man if you want to become pro right away.
What I like about the college is the location. How close it is to studios you can apply internships for. I mean Ringling is in Florida and you can apply online, but being minutes away you have some advantage.
Blur was recruiting interns recently for example (but not paying).
Good luck in your final choice!
Yeah thats something I do consider. Even though gnomon has this awesome reputation. I'm not sure though if it's a legit concern. I've talked about this matter with them and I was told that if I dont get a job in the US I could easily go to Canada or London, as they have tons of industry relations.
Thanks man.
The main issue here is that with a degree I have the OPT option, which is 1 year of legal work permit. I wouldn't get this sort of thing by going to Gnomon or by taking this path you mentioned. (which is not a problem if I get a job within the 2 years or 3 years at gnomon).
I do worry however if I dont land something in that time, then Id have to spend what I originally wanted to, on top of the 2 year expense I will have already spent. I mean, even with credits from community, art centers tuition wouldnt lower by a significant amount right?