going back to school

donnie87

So I'm almost 30 and thinking about heading back to school for game art. The program I was in doesn't seem to fit my needs
I'm looking at RISD, Becker College, northeastern and new England institute of art.
I currently live in eastern Massachusetts
What do you guys think?

huffer

I think you get way more real-world experience from working in a studio or in an actual project, and not only it's going to cost you nothing, but you might even make money. You work just like in production and you get accustomed to the working hours, delivering on time, deadline stress, replying to feedback. So I'd search for some devs that are making a game and want to find some 3d artists to work with them, doesn't matter how small, as long as you're happy and interested in the project.

Brian "Panda" Choi

Yeah help make a game instead. Do you foundational learning at indepedent art studios, ateliers, on your own, etc.

beefaroni

Heh, I'm at a Boston area art school right now (one of the school listed). I'd avoid them. I want to say... 95% of my education came from here/friends/hangouts. I will say the foundational classes were good, but I think those can be learned in smaller, local classes (MFA for example) without forking over tons of $$$$ for tuition.

I think working on personal projects here and on the Polycount hangouts will be a more valuable use of your time. Think of the money spent for school vs. money that could be used to pay for rent/software/hardware, etc, while you polish up yo FOLIO!!!

wirrexx

I'm with Beefaroni on this!

beefaroni

To add. Here are some foundational courses at the MFA. I'm not sure of teh quality but they're almost 1/8th the price of a private school. Since Boston has a decent foundational art scene I assume there are plenty of other schools around. I just know of the MFA off the top of my head. They also have free figure drawing on Wednesdays.

http://www.mfa.org/programs/search?search_api_views_fulltext=stonybrook
http://www.mfa.org/programs/search?search_api_views_fulltext=eliot
http://www.mfa.org/programs/search?search_api_views_fulltext=diablo
http://www.mfa.org/node/409191