Crossroads-Art Institute or Ringling

[koufuyo]

I don't know which school to go next. I finished all of my paper work for Ai Pittsburgh and I'm about to go in a week; however I just received confirmation from Ringling that I've been excepted, just a few days ago. Which do you all think would be best for a computer animation student? Also Ringling isn't taking the credits from the other school I attended before hand, or offering much financial help. Will I be fine if I attend AI for two years and go to a grad school. Also I'm concerned about my future.

[Hett15]

Ringling was rated the #1 school for computer animation in North America (which basically means the world), and I can tell you personally it is a fantastic school and I would recommend it over anything else. Check out the Ringling thread for more information about it.

[Justin.]

this isn't very helpful, but you mean "accepted" not "excepted", they are exact opposites (one means taken in one means thrown out)

on a paper this could be a crucial mistake.

[koufuyo]

this isn't very helpful, but you mean "accepted" not "excepted", they are exact opposites (one means taken in one means thrown out)

on a paper this could be a crucial mistake.

I've been excepted to both, but Ringling is going to cost my parents quite a bit and also they aren't taking the credits from the other school I attended. Also the total expenses from that school are 35,00 a year. However that AI in Pittsburgh was ranked top four I hear, and my parents know folks there.

[koufuyo]

Ringling was rated the #1 school for computer animation in North America (which basically means the world), and I can tell you personally it is a fantastic school and I would recommend it over anything else. Check out the Ringling thread for more information about it.

I'd really like to go, however I'd have to start over and my parents are upset about that. Aside from that the financial costs are outrageous. It seems like a dandy place, however it seems as though I'm going to have to lump it at AI. I here it was top 4 in the nation.

[nilaffle]

If we're going to throw around rankings and statistics and the like, could we please include the sources? Just so we're all clear on the authorities being referenced.

How many credits have you completed that would be lost by attending Ringling? If you're going into animation, you most likely won't need grad school.

Also, where do you plan on staying if you attend AI? I think it's only a bargain if you plan to live at home. Their tuition figures don't include room and board, and food and other necessities become a pretty sizable out-of-pocket expense.

Sounds like you have your mind made up, really. :) All I can suggest is looking at each school's animation portfolio and their job prospects. You know your priorities; which school looks like it can offer you the experience you want?

[koufuyo]

If we're going to throw around rankings and statistics and the like, could we please include the sources? Just so we're all clear on the authorities being referenced.

How many credits have you completed that would be lost by attending Ringling? If you're going into animation, you most likely won't need grad school.

Also, where do you plan on staying if you attend AI? I think it's only a bargain if you plan to live at home. Their tuition figures don't include room and board, and food and other necessities become a pretty sizable out-of-pocket expense.

Sounds like you have your mind made up, really. :) All I can suggest is looking at each school's animation portfolio and their job prospects. You know your priorities; which school looks like it can offer you the experience you want?

Oh I would have lost like 60 credits, AI is providing a meal plan and housing in the city of Pittsburgh at $1,000 while Ringling's is quite a bit for all of that. I check both portfolios and both schools have award winning finals. I'm not sure really, I just want to get good and make an impact.

[artmessiah]

Sounds like AI is for you - although I strongly think you should look elsewhere for animation training. Ringling is expensive, but not as expensive as a few other top animation school schools such as the Art Institute of Chicago (which is not affiliated with the AI chain), Calarts, etc. If you're decision is purely financial than I understand, Ringling is going to hurt me financially, but in the long run I think the education will be worth it. If it's because of your parents influence than I would get them to see that you're a passionate artist and that a more expensive, but with quality education is something to invest in. I could go on but I won't - I believe you get the point. The AI’s are not bad schools and any education is what you make of it, but having checked out the AI of Washington (which is actually in VA), and the AI of Pittsburg (the old radio station), I have to say that it can't compare to what type of education you'll get at a private college like the ones I mention or at Ringling. If you want to get good and make an impact - study hard, draw/practice everyday, watch the world around you and listen to your professors. BTW what source did you read that AI was in the top 4? If it was Animation Arena then I would ignore that source. Take care friend.

[koufuyo]

Sounds like AI is for you - although I strongly think you should look elsewhere for animation training. Ringling is expensive, but not as expensive as a few other top animation school schools such as the Art Institute of Chicago (which is not affiliated with the AI chain), Calarts, etc. If you're decision is purely financial than I understand, Ringling is going to hurt me financially, but in the long run I think the education will be worth it. If it's because of your parents influence than I would get them to see that you're a passionate artist and that a more expensive, but with quality education is something to invest in. I could go on but I won't - I believe you get the point. The AI’s are not bad schools and any education is what you make of it, but having checked out the AI of Washington (which is actually in VA), and the AI of Pittsburg (the old radio station), I have to say that it can't compare to what type of education you'll get at a private college like the ones I mention or at Ringling. If you want to get good and make an impact - study hard, draw/practice everyday, watch the world around you and listen to your professors. BTW what source did you read that AI was in the top 4? If it was Animation Arena then I would ignore that source. Take care friend.


*Sigh* I know. I work everyday on pieces from dawn till dusk, I want to be a great one day, but things always seem to not go the way I planned. A couple of year ago I was excepted to the same Art Institute in Pittsburgh, however I had to make do with a state school because I had to save my parent's money. I surpassed everyone at that school in terms of 3D because their hearts weren't in it. My 2D artwork a couple of years ago was terrible, however I've gotten it to a decent level in the last couple of months, due to hard work also.

[Maxine Schacker]

If you really want a top career, be sure your basic traditional fine art skills are excellent. Also, go to a program that stresses classical animation training before computer animation training. Check this out with top animators. I suggest that you join AWN's animation cafe, and ask questions of professional animation people! This is a concept art website, not an animation website. the folks who are giving you advice are students, not animators.

Winning a prize for a film doesn't make a school great. You are looking for work as an animator, not a film maker. They will fast forward your demo reel to see how you do animating. You will not be hired because of which school you attend: you'll get the job based on your skill level (demo reel) and interview where they will try to figure out if you will be professional, good to work with, a responsible team player and able to take direction.

What the school can do for you is provide a good curriculum taught by working professionals. Small class size helps. Did you visit the year end open house at AI? Have you spoken with current students and grads?