[Naeem]

Hey guys,
This school's located in Minneapolis. Well, their 'headquarters' are, but they're located all over the country. Anyhow, got a letter from them today and I said I was interested. They offer about 30 college credits, and take in people around 17 years of age in highschool with exceptional art skills. They asked me to join, and I'm consulting you guys to see if any of you know about this, and/or you think I should go for it. And the course is roughly 1 year long; matters on how fast you work and how fast they get the homework back.
They help you advance in traditional media. Actually, that's the only thing they focus on; oils, acrylics, etc. You're homeschooled too+you get your homework through the mail. You can contact your teacher by phone any time of day. I'm not very experienced in telling whether it's worth it or not, so just wanted to know what your input is. Thanks,

See ya.

-Annis

[Yarik]

To make a sound judgement on the topic We would first like to know what is the name of the school?

Schools are an excellent resource in advancing your skills. But be carefull what you are getting into. If you are going out for a job in Concept art, then all you probably need is to be good at drawing and you do not need and certifications or degrees.... That is all I can give you right now as I do not have the school name.

[Naeem]

this isn't really a school that i'll attend as a college or something.
it's like a side thing as i finish off my highschool career and move onto college.

the name of the school is just as the topic says "Art Instruction Schools; Minneapolis" and then gives their address and stuff. Minneapolis is their headquarters. I would have to go there to actually BE at the school, but they homeschool.

thanks for responding Yarik...

[balistic]

I doubt you would learn much by correspondence that you couldn't pick up here, annisahmad.

I haven't taken any art classes since 1999, but check this out:

painted for the speed painting thread in 2002 -


painted for the speed painting thread in 2004 -


Sijun isn't a replacement for a classroom art education, but I've definitely learned a lot here, even though I don't participate nearly as often as I ought to. Have you looked into taking some classes at a local school? It doesn't have to be an art school. Any university or junior/community college is bound to have some off-hours painting and drawing classes.

I'm just skeptical about that school you mentioned . . . I've seen their commercials on TV, but I've never talked to anyone who has actually taken their classes by mail. Maybe they're worthwhile, but definitely try to find someone who's used them before you send any money. It seems like they dig pretty far back in the vault to come up with a few decent graduates.
_________________
brian.prince|light.comp.paint

[Naeem]

thanks balistic.
the links and the pics were a big help! i really appreciate u taking the time to answer. may I ask how old you are? you said that since '99 u haven't taken any art classes.

well, i've never taken any form of art classes. my goal, throughout highschool, was to become a corporate lawyer. thus, i prepped myself accordingly up till now. after i joined this forum, it really changed my views. i learned alot, and now i'm thinking about doing art as a profession.

however, as i see it, I did not take any art classes... ever. except when i was about in 4th grade, but that doesnt really count i think . it was mandatory and we did more written work like doing reports on artists then draw.

so i was thinking, that since i'm in the middle of my junior year in highschool, and they supposedly offer about 30 college credits, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

now, if getting into a good art school after highschool doesn't really require 'official' art background, then i don't think i'll go for this. just want to stay on the safe side because my parents have finally agreed (reluctantly I must add) to let me go through with art as a profession, etc. Before, they would argue, and say art sucks, u only make 20 bucks, and all that stuff . my fear; 5-6 years from now, i don't want to regret choices and have my parents in my face saying 'we told u so...'

so, after all that, should i try it? ur right about that link. the photographs r beat and old

once agian, thanks for the input. i appreciate it.

[Drew]

Your time would be better spent taking a course at a local community college. A life drawing course will give you a good idea of what to expect in art school, and that's not something you can do by mail. Don't worry too much about college credits right now, what's more important is that you decide if art is a direction that you really want to take. I don't mean to intimidate you, but something like 1/3 to 1/2 of the people I started school with aren't here any more, not because they got kicked out, but because they didn't like it for whatever reason. Whatever path you choose, good luck!

[balistic]

[Naeem]

thansk guys.
i appreciate the help.
Drew> thanks alot
Balistic> thank u for ur input.
U guys are right. I'll take some art classes at my community college or something and see how it turns out.

[sweetums]

Art Instruction Schools have been around since the 1960's at least.

They will not teach you ANYTHING of value for what you will pay (they're REAL pricey for what little they provide, basically you send them stuff, they send you back suggestions, with a general outline of the topics you will study, like comp, value, perspective, etc...).
If you read their ads real carefully, you will see that they make no promises that you will really learn anything of value, just that they will help develop your potential...

Take some community college courses or check if there are any "free university" type art classes through your local community center. Practice drawing one hour a day. You'll learn much more in the long run at FAR less cost.
_________________
Life is short. Expect nothing, enjoy everything.
That which does not kill you should make you wiser...

[Naeem]

sweetums>
thank u. something felt fishy about this place. that's y i posted here and im glad to see all the input; from u for the excellent info, from balistic for the great pictures and advice, and from Drew and Yarik for their advices.
i appreciate it guys

[Naeem]

hey guys.
once agian, thanks.
news;
i've gathered some numbers to call today and tomorrow (monday) i will make some calls at some colleges and schools to see if they offer any off time life drawing courses. i'll also ask my art teacher in school to lend me a hand. thanks!

i've ripped that invitation to the school to pieces

[Kimon]

Good luck with your college experience!

I don't want to be greedy... but you implyed you had exceptional art skills.. can we see some of your stuff?

Thanks.
_________________
I can only hope to one day become an artist.

[Drunken Monkey]

annisahmad, find life drawing classes in your area. this is from personal experience - the most helpful thing i have ever done. look at vilppu, kevin chen (google images their names) try to figure out how they think, then draw like them. you will literally start thinking about what you draw and paint in a completely different way. this was a huge catalyst for me... i've spent a year driving to la every weekend taking 2 life classes a day.

here is my progress.. this was an intentional remake
2000, 2003

[Naeem]

Kimon> i did not imply I had exceptional skills . i posted wat the school said; hehehe, they're just greedy bastards! they'd take anyone, i guess . my art isn't that great; that's y i was considering taking up some courses. anyway, my website isn't working, unfortunately, so u can check out some stuff at http://annisahmad.deviantart.com/gallery .

Drunken Monkey> Thanks for the info! I googled the guys in and saw some of their stuff . good stuff!
i really like ur 2nd image. beautiful colors. great improvement! i'm calling up some museums and artschools right this moment, but sadly, it seems the latest deadline was around January 20th for all the courses. They open up again in april .... I'm still looking through the internet for schools in my area...

i appreciate the help everyone!



Well, I do agree with what balistic pointed out. Sijun is a great place to learn! I started digital painting in January of 2004. RIght off the 1st of Jan. Got my tablet in march...

Here's something I did with a ref. on Aug. 25,2004 in 1 hour, before I came to Sijun in October;



and here's what I did recently without a reference in 30 minutes posted for the speed-painting thread at Jan 29,2005;



and something in 30-40 minutes WITH a ref. posted for the speed-painting thread at Jan 26, 2005;



Once again, thank you for the help. I live in the North New Jersey area in USA just for the record...