[cytias]

I know these kinds of posts pop up every once in a while, but....

I've read a lot of the posts about art school, and myself have started filling out applications for art school, but have a few questions...

First, _any and all_ suggestions are very welcome! I either have the small list of schools that've sent me things, or the long list the college search engines give me. But neither really tell me how students feel about the schools. I also don't know a lot about the schools, so any advice or opinions are also nice.

Also, is it important to type the application? I started hand-writing on 1 or 2 but my mom thinks they need to be printed.

Thirdly, portfolio... can you make a website portfolio? How does that work - do you still need something to send in by mail? Also, those of you in college right now, what did your portfolio consist of.. subject-wise, media-wise, etc.?

As for major.. I think I'm planning on a career in Entertainment Arts kind of stuff... anywhere from Pixar or Disney movie animation to comic books and action figures. I want to do a lot of drawing and painting, but think I need animation too - of which I've had close to nill practice or education. (Of course, if you look at my list, a lot of the schools don't even have animation :( .

Here's my list so far:

Savannah College of Art and Design
Pratt Institute
Kansas City Art Institute
Academy of the Art College
CalArts
CCAC (Cali College of Arts & Crafts i think)
Maine College of Art
Rhode Island School of Design

others I've heard mentioned but haven't gotten a chance to look at yet:

Sheridan
Ringling
Full Sails
Vancouver Film
Delaware College of Art and Design
School of Visual Arts in NY

Thanks,
-matt

[xXxPZxXx]

as I am sure you have seen written here many times before, college is going to be what you make of it. I am in pretty much the same position I guess, except that after HS I took a year to go to a community college. I am making more improvements every day going here than I ever have. I am starting to buckle down and actually work on stuff by myself because I have time to now.

I will probably be moving out to take night classes at the local art school, and work quite a bit. How does this affect you you ask? It affects you because in my situation I don't have quite as much money as I need to go to a "nice" school. I don't know what your money situation is but if you want to go you will find a way. Same with getting a good education some other way. If you want it you can have it but you need to work. Going to one of those schools would put you in a great position to do a lot of great work.

I don't believe you can really go wrong with ANY of those schools. There is no way to figure out which one you really "fit" with so you have to make your best guess. The school with the highest rate of motivated students is going to get you the best education. A school that has people who like the idea of being an artist more than producing art is going to turn you into a flake.

I guess it might be hard for you to visit these schools because you live in dallas but that would be the best way to find out how the students actually are. What you are doing right now would be a close second. I hope that people who actually go to these schools take time to answer because I am also interested.

Sorry for not answering anything, just felt like typing. And I am tired, sorry

-PZ-

[LoTekK]

like xXxPZxXx, i'm going to a two-year college, though in my case i just started here... and in my case, i'm several years behind the curve age-wise, taking into account my 2.5-year mandatory army stint and three years at a four-year college doing something i didn't like and finally leaving... o_O anyways, i also believe that art schooling (ANY schooling) will be what you make of it, and i'm really sitting up and paying attention and enjoying the as-of-now mundane introductory work that i have to do right now... but y'know, even though i've learned this intro stuff through self-practise and through sijun, you still learn something new everyday... it's not WHAT school you go to, but rather how you approach schooling...

case in point: i went to one of the best schools in the US for visual media, and because i approached it like i knew everything, i got chewed up and spit out after failing those intro classes for lack of motivation...

jason manley, one of the geniuses who runs conceptart.org, went to community college first, before going to ringling, and said cc made him what he is now, and that most people at ringling ended up only wanting to party... andrew jones, also from conceptart.org, slaved away at ringling, going out at night to moonlight as a portraitist to make money and get that all-important real-world experience and practise...

so remember, it's what you make of art school that really determines how good it turns out to be...

hmm... like xxxpzxxx, i also apparently didn't answer anything... o_O anyways, i'm hoping to get into the corcoran school of art and design here in dc when i'm done with montgomery college...

[ZippZopp]

i plan on attending a school next fall, i'm currently completing my undergrad thesis (studio arts major). i'm goin to attend a 2 year program for a masters in 3d animation. I'm tryin to figure out where to go...i'm looking at School of Visual Arts, SCAD, Full Sail. speaking of full sail, anyone know anything about it??

[MadSamoan]

Well, if you plan on having an art career in the entertainment industry, I would highly recommend you pick a school that has a good computer graphics curriculum. It doesn't have to be dominant over their traditional curriculum, but I'm seeing alot of kids with strong traditional skills, but are completely computer illiterate and are going without jobs because what were once traditional animation or illustration jobs are now computerized. Alot of schools aren't aware how rapidly computerized art production is becoming. Everything from illustration, animation, background painting, etc... Just make sure that you have a strong traditional draftsmanship education, are proficient in Photoshop and have at least some basic introduction to 3D under your belt by the time you graduate.

[atomicmonkey]

Welp, Sheridan was on your list, and I can speak a bit from it since I'm attending there now in their Art Fundamentals program. Yes, it isn't animation or illustration, but I will be applying for animation this fall and because I am in the Art Fundamentals program, I have a better chance of getting in. I've been to 3 life drawing sessions this week and did some drawing along side people in the 3 year programs, and let me say, Sheridan does not let inexperienced people into these programs. The students in Illustration and Animation that I've seen are very talented, and it's awesome that I get to draw with them (really adds some inspiration).

Anyway, yeah, you prlly know Sheridan is one of the top animation schools, so if you're into that, I'd definately try for it. If you don't make it you could always take Art Fundies for a year like me and apply the next.

Wigin on these boards is in classical animation at Sheridan right now, ask him for more info.

[xXxPZxXx]

the art fundamentals program really seems like a lot of fun, in the bust your ass kind of way. I can't seem to find tuition on their website though. If you don't mind, about how much is it costing you to do the program?

(sorry for off topicness)

[atomicmonkey]

Art Fundies was about $3000 Canadian for the year. I plan on busting my ass, yeah. I mean it's only the end of the second week, and homework isn't that bad, but I hear it increases once you start to work on term projects and stuff. Plus all the extra life drawing I'm putting in will add up.

You cover a lot of basics that may seem boring, but you cover a lot of areas (sort of well rounded). Really I'm only in here for special admissions but the course will help me no doubt.

[ September 13, 2002: Message edited by: atomicmonkey ]

[Gort]

You forgot Art Center School of Design in Pasadena

[swampbug]

there is a decent Computer art program at Bowling Green ohio. Its not the best... but if you're a good art student... you can make the best of any decent art school.

They teach Maya 4.0/ 4.5 here... Thats the core 3d package. you start in a intro class.. which is BS if you know lots of stuff.

Then you take a modeling class... then a basic animation class

then you move onto character animation.. you can also take any class 2 times but get seperate credit for it.

Or you can branch off into the Imaging classes... which is primarily photoshop and painter. you're choice really. Or web design classes.


If you ask me.. BGSU is sweet.

I learned everything here i needed to land an internship at lucasarts.

Good luck !

feel free to e-mail me with any specific questions..
http://art.bgsu.edu

[spooge demon]

I went to accd in product design and illustration. I am a little out of date as to what is going on there, but here are a few questions to ask about art schools-

Who are the foundation instructors? Can they draw and can they teach? Do you like the work? Is it really solid and structural or is it all shapes and lucy jockey stuff? Do you like the work being done? How flexible is the program? Can you double up on aspects of the program that you find of interest to you? (this is a double edge sword, as you might change your mind about what you want to do and then being forced into a wider range of classes is then a good thing)

Talk to RECENT grads as much as you can. Ask for the contacts from the school.

scholarships? AC is like 10 grand a trimester now?

I would think twice about the Fred Fixler type schools- you can take them in addition, that is great, but you need a much wider base than they can provide. I see a higher percentage of working pros coming out of ACCD modeled programs than the ateliers.

Think about taking some ID courses.

If you have electives in the later years, retake all the foundation drawing courses.

[cytias]

Thanks everyone for the replies, we also got a visit from Chicago Art Institute recently, though my mother says they're all about the student independence and don't focus on teaching :/

Good suggestions and things to consider I hadn't thought of before... thanks again!
-matt

[MadSamoan]

The Fixler type schools are really great for your fundamentals, but if you plan on getting into 3D graphics or industrial design, you'll need to go elsewhere.

Many people seem to go elsewhere until they get a job, and then they go to the Fixler type schools to hone their figure drawing or painting skills since the class times are convenient, the tuition costs are reasonable, the quality of instruction is good and if you're drawn to the Reilly method of drawing, it's the way to go.

[Chthonic Divinity]

im starting Drexel next week for digital media. im nervous. its going to hard, and the fact that art is subjective scares me

[Zwaeback]

A couple additional points of interest.

I went to CCAC (California College of Arts & Crafts)from 95'- 00'. Additionally, I have had much interaction with students from the SF Academy of Art.

I think CCAC had the best drawing department in the country because of a few key teachers. Those professors are either gone or on their way out now, so I definitely couldn't recommend CCAC for any field of study drawing related.

The Academy is known for its commercial emphasis. Much of the students are either placed directly in positions when they graduate or are given? studio space to work in. They have had some awesome illustrators as teachers over the years. Unfortunately, I havn't heard anything about the teachers in the CG dept, but they must have quite a setup there. The downside of the academy is that you aren't required to gain basic life skills - writing, reading & oral communication. I received all of that, along with a BFA, from CCAC.

Based on what I heard from the grapevine the Pasadena school is probably the best for an animation related field. Although, if you went to one of the bay area schools Pixar is only a few miles away & Lucasarts isn't much further up the road. Unfortunately, if you make only $50,000 a year, out of college, it may be difficult for you to make a living in the bay area....maybe.

[Zwaeback]

One more thing...I just noticed that you (cytias) have very little practice/experience. If you want to succeed as an artist you should be practicing whether or not you're in school. In my experience, students who leave the practice for the class room generally don't make it into the professional art realm.

[cytias]

Zwaeback... where did you notice that I don't have much practice outside of class? Rather.. lately, I can't stand my art teacher's assignments. She focuses more attention on being in charge of student council than art and her assignments are, well, "flaky," as even my mom put it. So I actually do make myself practice outside of class; I haven't in the past but lately I've started beefing myself up. I'm actually using art-related assignments in other classes that give me more freedom for portfolio pieces, and I sketch every night.

-matt

[Zwaeback]

Sorry Cytias,

I misterpreted the following sentence from your first post:

"I want to do a lot of drawing and painting, but think I need animation too - of which I've had close to nill practice or education"

[Akolyte]

I am a freshman at Ringling. Before you make your decision, make sure you are ready to take on an insane amount of debt, make sure your teachers kick ass, and make sure the school actually cares about you. Look for these things, as I did not. I will be transferring to a state school or community college this spring and do art on the side, as I do not see how the monetary costs and curriculum are proportionate where I go to school. (Wish I had the money to go to Art Center or CCS, they're even more) Make sure that the school you pick has a defined, academically strong foundation program that enforces what YOU need and want, and not theoretical money wasting courses. You should be drawing a lot, include drawings from observation, figural work, gestural drawings, paintings from life, studies and sketches, and a few finished works that show your thought process and compositional skill. That may get you some money. Definitely visit these schools and make decisions about how far away from home you want to be. If they offer a summer program for interested students, take it. Just some advice that I did not follow. If this is your dream, good luck.

[Bone Dry Mcfly]

I was in a similar situation, and I'd just like to give you a few pieces of advice. First, don't look primarily at art schools. Especially if a university has a great art program. I felt that if I went to an art school I'd be limited to the education I'd recieve. The subjects that Art Schools may disregard would in turn help me become a better artist. Also, it was a lot easier for me financially to go to a state school.

Right now I go to Rowan U. in Glassboro New Jersey. It has a fine art program, and the teachers are excellent. But along with every other college it really is what you make of it.

[Thanatos]

I'm currently IN this situation as well...

I've been mainly looking at:

-CCAD (Columbus college of art and design)
-Cooper Union (Heh heh)
-MICA (Maryland something something Art)
-School of Visual Arts in New York
-Then there's this art school in Pennsylvania that my art teacher suggest I go to if I want to paint. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Actually I should probably start filling out applications myself, only I've been too busy with my portfollio.

As for money... That really shouldn't be an issue with me... I've visited Columbus and they said it'd be impossible for me not to get at least SOMETHING from them (scholarship wise)....

I'm really only interested in schools that give out huge amounts of money/full rides because I can't afford tuition.

Also I'm interested in schools with a kick ass fine arts department... If they have a good computer arts department that's a plus, but not totally required on my list. Each day I'm more seriously considering being just an artist for a living.

[MadSamoan]

Well if money and getting solid draftsmanship and painting skills is the big factor and getting a degree isn't critical, then you might actually want to look at the Fixler type/non accredited schools after all.

Unfortunately California Art Institute's website is currently being overhauled, but a good sample of their instructors' work are at
www.morseburggalleries.com/contemporary.html

Ryan Wurmser, Aaron Westerberg, Cathy Cadieux, and Jeremy Lipking are all current instructors and Mike Kunkel (Hero Bear and the Kid) has a small animation department there as well.

Watts Atelier where Jeff Watts, Ron Lemen and on occasion, Joe Chiodo, teach.
www.wattsatelier.com http://www.jeffreyrwatts.com/

Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art. I don't know have much info on them other than it's a lot of the Associates in Art folks, but Vilppu teaches there and rumor is Feng Zhu will be teaching there soon.
http://www.laafigart.com/

Associates/Art Academy of Los Angeles http://www.associatesinart.com/
I don't know much about them and I've heard mixed reviews, but they're worth checking out.

They're all worth checking out and full time (four 3-hour/once a week courses) enrollment over a year comes to less than 5k. If you really want to kick it in high gear, you can double up on classes and you'd still be paying less than 10k for a year.

Some other schools I'd look at as well would be

The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts http://www.lovelandacademy.com/links.htm

Loveland Academy of Fine Arts http://www.lovelandacademy.com/


The Art Students League of New York http://www.theartstudentsleague.org/Navigation/Home/HP-FRAME.html

A number of teachers teach in a much smaller, informal and intimate environment because it enables them to focus more on the individual student and the student that comes to such a school tends to be more serious about training, because in a sense, the student sought them out.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: MadSamoan ]

[cytias]

Zwaeback - no problem :)

Akolyte - thanks, it helps to know what to look for at schools. This'll help me a lot when I go to look at them.

Bone - also good advice, I hear this a lot actually.. it's just that I don't know what other schools have good art programs, and I'm positive art's my thing, but I'm trying to keep an ear out for regular schools too.

Thanatos - good luck!

MadSamoan - thankyou thankyou thankyou

This stuff's great, guys... very glad I thought to ask the good people at sijun for help.

-matt

[gaijin]

I saw Academy of Arts College on that list and had to contribute a few words, since I'm in my junior year there.. AAC doesn't require a portfolio for entrance, just money. That lets you jump right in and take beginning art classes right away, but you're better off going to a CC for 2 years or something to get A) liberal arts credits out of the way and b) take some beginning level art courses so you don't waste $550 on classes that teach you to shade cylinders and cones.

AAC is pretty good... most of the time... some of it is underhanded, in that they're housing prices are jacked, but for the matter of instructors there's a load of gold there. Most of the instructors are people working in the industry and in the field of which they are teaching... my Clothed Figure Drawing 2 instructor works for Lucas doing something. So they have hands on experience, which can be great. Probably my biggest beef with the school was the housing situation, along with the liberal arts courses, but those are solvable problems.

One of the best things about AAC that I know of is the workshop program. Though you pay dearly for your courses, this entitles you to attending as many workshops as you wish, for free. Each workshop is 3 hours long, and there are different ones for each major (though you can attend any one you wish). I use them to get extra drawing time in, as well as getting extra critiques from the instructors who run them... some workshops focus on any problems you're having with illustrations.. some focus on learning different techniques with materials... this program made attending this school worthwhile for me. *shrug* I haven't heard of other programs like this, but if you can find something similiar, it's really, really worth it.

AAC has Illustration (traditional), Illustration (2d animation), 3D modeling/Animation for focuses (those aren't all, but that sounds like where the interest was).