Go back to school or Grind on my own
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I'm sure this is a question that has been asked a million times by now but I've been getting conflicting advice from friends and family. I want to become an 3d environmental artist, I already have been to school and have a degree in History but Im debating going back for Graphic Design (the only thing offered at my school that is in that realm of modeling). It would give me a good foundation but the cost vs the time does not seem worth it. I figure I can learn 3d Max, Zbrush and photoshop through pluralsight and lynda.(I have already done this with AutoCad and have my user certification for it.)
I figure spend 3 years building a portfolio and perfecting the skills needed for the career is better vs spending 3 years going to school taking gen-eds to just get another peice of paper where ill have to learn the computer programs on my own anyways. I have already registered for school to see if any pre-reqs will carry over from my other degree.....I doubt they will.
What are yalls thoughts? I would appreciate any advice to get a better direction.
I figure spend 3 years building a portfolio and perfecting the skills needed for the career is better vs spending 3 years going to school taking gen-eds to just get another peice of paper where ill have to learn the computer programs on my own anyways. I have already registered for school to see if any pre-reqs will carry over from my other degree.....I doubt they will.
What are yalls thoughts? I would appreciate any advice to get a better direction.
Replies
I've been, on my free time, providing guidance for a few Polycounters here, inlcuding alex_kim. I'm open to receiving messages and answering questions. Feel free to email me
If you want more focused learning, there are paid mentorships others are providing:
https://polycount.com/discussion/comment/2629817#Comment_2629817
Even with say CGMA, you would still need to do the work and it is a lot of time of self studying. I feel if you went to a normal school you would be around people making it easier instead of on your own in your basement grinding away. Just if you self study try to do something that gets rid of stress and maybe do something social.
Grinding in your basement doesn't really do wonders for your personality.
Graphic design isn't going to give you a portfolio for 3D Art, since that seems to be your focus.
As an artist expect many days of grinding alone even if you went to your school since there are market forces that decide how well your portfolio will be received with regards to getting work, and you may need to relocate.
The main thing you want to make sure of if your grinding alone is spending the time learning the right techniques. After that its just practising doing what you're passionate about.
Many game dev schools and online courses do provide contacts in the game industry as well as for future collaborations, so that can be an asset in the long term.
Plus there's life experiences in the company of others that is very valuable, probably more important than getting the best job in the world (and everyone has their own opinion of what is the best job in the world.)
So far, the online mentorship works the best for me.
Are you by chance doing the next gen character course? I've been curious about this one, led by Adam Skutt. I sent a portfolio review request but haven't got an answer. I've curious how involved the instructor is with the student, sharing advanced techniques, versus just being a cheerleader/motivational speaker.
According to the website, Studying in Germany "70% of International Students Prefer to Stay in Germany After They Finish Their Studies, Survey Reveals" Thus having graduates that have no debt and can buy stuff and put money into one of the richest countries in the world, it really is not rocket science, but I guess the world must love debt as the student marches I go on seem to get smaller each year, cheers!
I focused on the environment and props creation, so I don't know much about the character courses.
The Adam Skutt one is the Game Art Institute course?