some ques.'s ???

[remedial]

hi all, im 16 and i will be a senior in high school this year. i'm somewhat hesitant to commit to one path or the other in terms of colleges/careers and was seeking some advice.

I've read up in the school/education forum and have gotten the impression from some people that an actual art degree is greatly overshadowed by one's skill when applying for jobs etc. Would it be possible to major in something completely different in college and still get a job in art with solid skills? (Just a thought.)

Do most concept artists maintain a stable job with a company for the most part or is freelance more prevelant?

Based on today's economy, will it be incredibley hard to land a job in concept art upon college graduation?

I love art and drawing has consumed much of my childhood continuing until today, but i also am deeply interested in many science/history fields and what not. Would it be possible to find a job combining both ( a long shot) i have heard of paleo-artists for example-

Any info for any of these q's would be appreciated and would help me alot. Thnx!

[Sammy]

I came to college to minor in Paleo-Art through independent studies.. I have since moved on to other fields...

but college will take you down many paths and new passions.. but any job can branch to many others...

one of my fav artists William Stout (you probobly know) is a great paleo-artist .. but his artistic studies and abilities have lead to many history/scientific jobs..

He designed a lot of Animal Kingdom for Disney, and He's almoast done with his Antarctica exibit (this has taken him 10 years where he's studied in Antarctica scubadiving and with other scientists).... he is currently working on a Wizard of Oz theme park...

[remedial]

Hey thnx for replying. Until now i thought paleo-art was just a super specialized field that wasn't actually offered by any colleges. Great to know.

[Sammy]

If you're looking into paleo-art you should contact many of them thru email... they are some really nice people and will usually respond
check out Prehistoric Times magazine.. there's plenty in there.. sculputre and painting.. and they have interesting interviews..

if you're going into paleontology you'll want to double major in Biology and Geology .. when you go on digs take your sketchbook and draw ALL the bones ...
but most palo-artists would insist you get an art education and educate yourself by going on digs and learning first hand in the field..

http://www.earthwatch.org/ Earthwatch is a good volunteer group with some paleontological diggs to offer... my first dig was in South Dakota uncovering the Columbian Mammoth sink hole... they also offer one researching Mososaurus eggs.. you'll get to meet Jack Horner thru that one..

[remedial]

hey, thnx alot for all the info sammy! this helps alot :D

[Sammy]

no problem.. if you're truely interested then hopefully one day you'll have the experience of a dig...

The first time I dug up an unfosolized bone that was 30 thousand years old tears came to my eyes... a creature that died tragically was given recognition... truely an awesome experience...

[gasmask]

My advice to you, is drink and party as much as u can as a senior.........art will come when ur wasted, just puke on a piece of canson paper.