Is a highschool education needed ?

Kanguruwu

Hello, 

I've been looking for an answer to this specific question all across the web but couldn't find satisfying results.

I have an extreme tendecy to overthink my choices, I've always loved and made art and I'm looking to work in the field, and I know that one doesn't have to have a degree in the field, but I still wonder if a highschool education is important, I wasted the last 6 years because of my mental health issues, and I just can't see myself going back to high school at 24, I'm also I'm looking to move abroad (France or Canada) in order to get decent healthcare (I live in Algeria if that matters) I already asked some french online schools (less pricy) if I could join their design or 3D programs but I'm still waiting for an answer.

So tl;dr : Is it possible to work abroad as a 3D artist/animator without a GED or highschool diploma, if I have a decent enough portfolio?
PS: I'm ok with working as a freelancer, that would be my idea goal.
Thank you.

Eric Chadwick

It certainly is possible. Portfolio quality is the most important thing, next is experience, then social skills (since projects are usually a team endeavor). You may have trouble obtaining a work visa though without finishing primary education, check with France and Canada immigration.

Kanguruwu

Thank you so much, I will check that for sure.
I'm also waiting for a response from a design school ( to see if I'm able to study there) so it might help as well.

zetheros

I dropped out of highschool/secondary school. I highly recommend getting the GED, and ideally going to college to get at least a bachelors. This will allow you to work abroad easier as employers in other countries need a reason to justify hiring you over locals.

Kanguruwu

zetheros said:

I dropped out of highschool/secondary school. I highly recommend getting the GED, and ideally going to college to get at least a bachelors. This will allow you to work abroad easier as employers in other countries need a reason to justify hiring you over locals.

I see... Thank you! Since I've still got a lot to learn, I'm thinking about getting a degree in another field like IT while making art a secondary skill, it is easier from my perspective to get an online degree in that field.