Art School-Scary

JesterBox

Well, I'm writing in this thread because I'm about to be fresh out of high school, and I'd like to pursue a career in the arts. Thing is, I'm pretty spooked by the whole "big world thing". I hear it's a butt-ton of work, but I am willing to push myself to the breaking point.

The place I will most likely attend is Gibbs collage. An 18 Month program of broad graphic arts. With I stifling total cost of education over $30,000. (I am not exactly born of a rich family, and qualify for little in loans) (I learned today that money is a scary scary thing)

I guess what I'm really seeking here is advice from the people with experience, from lurking the forums it seems like you guys.

Whats the journey like?

As always, thank you for your time, I appreciate it in the utmost esteem.

MikeF

I'm just about to graduate from a 3 year traditional/digital animation program, and i've gotta say, it has been a ton of work, i've worked my ass off every year, almost loosing my mind countless times, but now that i can see the light at the end of the tunnel, i have to say it was worth it. I cant truly say that my schooling has entirely readied me for the industry, but if anything, it will teach you to stick with it and not to give up even when you feel like blowing your brains out. But remember you only get out of it as much as you put in, there will always be the kind of people that make it look easy, and you never see working, but by the end, you'll be the one with a job.

As for the $$ situation... I dont know where exactly you live, but see if there is any kind of gov. loan out there. Middle class families usually get jacked by the banks for student loans/grants.

Cojax

Go with a credited school and degree. Game Art and Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design etc. As long as its a bachelors degree. Having that degree wont mean you get the leg up on people that have a 18 month program certificate but I find it nice to have under my wing. Before you start looking at schools ask your self what you like doing rather then what you want to do. Is it fine arts? Do you want go down the concept path? 3D artist in the gaming industry? I think a lot of schools cater better to different fields. When you say the "Arts field" that can mean a number of various paths to me.

Go with a school that has great relations with the surrounding developers (I'm guessing you want to get in the gaming industry). Does this school have interns with great developers? Do some people from local studios teach here part time? Looks for these things they are signs of a solid school that will help land you a job. The best advise I could possibly give anyone thats going to school. Your school will not get you a job, it will only help point you in the right direction, its up to you to bust your ass and make it happen. Oh and get involved with the industry right now like your doing =D.

Best of luck.

Illusions

If you love what you do, you'll do fine. It will most likely be an ass load of work, especially towards finals, as each class will probably have you doing a full on art project due around the same time. There is a good chance that you will live on caffeine, and that it will become your best friend. If its a fine arts degree, you might even draw with some form of art medium attached to a long stick. There will be nude models possibly as well. This could mean staring at an obese, extremely hairy guy sitting on a chair with his face facing you while you draw it for 4 hours. You will have art supplies to buy instead of books, but you'll still have books. In my opinion, it has to be the most unique and interesting undergraduate study experience possible. Enjoy, just realize that it will be work, even if you love it, but if you don't love it, it will be hell.

Hito

You don't need to qualify for loans. You qualify for grants. Grants are free money, Loans you have to pay back with interest.

As for the rest, chalk it up to dumb luck. Being from a school that's well connected will increase odds in your favor for sure.

Mark Dygert

As you get caught up in the how-to's and to-do's of class work don't forget what will end up landing you that first job. A portfolio with great art, constantly work toward that goal and you should be fine. School alone won't land you that job but using school as an opportunity to build a strong portfolio will.

Also don't get caught up in making a flashy creative portfolio site, unless you plan on applying for web development positions. Spend enough time to make it presentable but don't let yourself be distracted by things that mean very little. Its always about the art in the frame, not the frame itself.

Good luck, I realize I sound like the harbinger of doom right now, and that probably did more to freak you out then it did to put you at ease. But I really wish someone had told me that when I was starting out...

bounchfx

the only real advice I can give about this is to make sure you don't waste any time while you are there. Bust your ass off learning and improving the whole time and it's well worth it in the end, and you won't have to worry about the money then either because you'll most likely have landed a job because of your hard work.

Mil0

This has been mentioned a few times, but the best advice is to remember why you are there and work towards that goal. Do not expect to have all the answers handed to you. Spend the time outside of class to research and find the answers that you need to better yourself as an artist. Ive seen many students graduate before me that are unable to find jobs despite their 3.5 GPA only because they spent no time outside of class learning essentials that weren't required by the school.

cep

One thing to keep in mind, You don't need art school to be a great artist.

JesterBox

Thank you all very much.

The main thing I'm after is computer arts, concept drawing, 3D art, drawing, and game design. However In the beginning I should take any job I can wrangle to get those exp points under my belt right?

I'm decent at Photoshop and drawing (I still need a lot of refinement) however I'm not a tech wiz which is why I run into trouble with 3D art. I have been tinkering around with any demos I can get my hands on, but things like writing shaders and what not have me booggled. I shall keep on keeping on in my personal studies

The thing that worries me is that there is only one out of 14 classes involving 3D design. I've seen training DVDs on Zbrush and what not. Are they worth it? Maybe I'm getting ahead of my self....

I did read everyones comments, sorry for responding to all of them in one big blob.

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If i must live off of coffee and discount food I shall!

Ged

have you met any past or current students from this course? do you know of any in the industry you desire to be part of? Id really investigate this and talk to students if you can. I went on a very broad computer arts style 3 year degree here in the UK and honestly there was only 2 modules each lasting about 5 weeks each that dealt with 3D and the lecturer was trying to learn 3D while teaching what he learnt to us, luckily I was already part of polycount, c4dcafe etc and I learnt alot online otherwise colins bear animation would have been about all I could achieve.

JesterBox

Heh, I have seen this animation. Thank you Ged, you have struck a very good cord, I had not thought of this.

Damn, I was just at the collage the other day for a meeting with a financial adviser, and on top of that it was and open house that very day (didn't know till I got there). Crap.

Maybe I can catch another and chat with some students, instead of just teachers.

I thank you Ged, you are most wise.

I know how you feel, I'm in a Spanish class getting taught by someone who knows no Spanish and pretty much gets it all of print off sheets. Surprise surprise, I can barely understand a lick of it.

midorisabato

My recommendation would be to look at the community colleges in your area. The education to be had at them can just as good in some cases better than standard 4 year degree schools, usually for a fraction of the cost. You could do your first 2 years at a community college studying the arts then as you find out what path you want to take, be it 2D, 3D, games, movies, or "fine arts", then transfer to a better school that focuses on you chosen field of study. Community colleges usually attempt to focus the education of the student in a particular area such as arts rather than the broad liberal arts core education that gets forced into many 4 year degrees. Community colleges are supposed to get students "work ready" without any further education in a short amount of time.

Also like everyone else has stated, work your ass off and take your studies beyond what it takes to simply graduate or get "A"s. I've seen it over and over those that don't push themselves simply don't make it into the industry. Don't worry too much about the "hard work" part, if you find what you love to do then it won't really be "work" it will be "fun". Good luck!