Online/Distance Art Schools?

[Guisedge]

I realize, as a first time poster making a new thread, that I leave myself open for (probobly deserved) flaming due to the unwritten laws of forum etiquette. However, after lurking about the forums, I'm still in need of answers for a rather tall order. Here we go.

To start, I am currently enlisted in the U.S. Army. On top of this, I will soon be deploying overseas for nearly a year and a half. My mission there will allow, hopefully, for some ample time to attend online college with Capella University. (I'm shooting for a Bachelor's in I.T. specializing in Graphics and Multimedia) link (http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/undergraduate_studies/technology/graphics_multimedia.aspx)

Now, I have yet to complete the registration process for this college, so I'm under no finaincial obligations just yet. I've chosen this school mainly for it's online availability. Luckily, I've discovered this site (wish I did so years ago) and have witnessed it's knowledgable members in action. Also, on a personal level, I wish to become a student of the arts across the board. I've been toying with nearly every medium I could get my hands on, becoming a master at none of these.


I have a few concerns that maybe you might put to rest for me. As a first time college-student, I'm rather nervous. I'm worried that the college I'm choosing might not be the right one or give me all that I need.

~What does the community of this site think of Cappela University?
~Are there any colleges out there you would recommend for their distance-learning programs? Particularly for their art-oriented programs?
~Might I have to wait it out until after my contract is up to attend a really good art college?
~Are all my fears unfounded nub-drivel?

Any answers would be most appreciated. *dons the asbestos suit*

EDIT: I should've posted this the first time around, but my primary artistic goal is to break into a career in game design. Perhaps more or less into the conceptual art portion of game design. I sometimes get ideas that make me pause and think: "This would be nice to see in polygons." Thanks, Anuran, for telling me to be more specific. Also, on a personal level I'd like to become a student of the arts across the board. I've toyed with nearly every medium I could get my hands on, becoming a master at none.

[Guisedge]

After doing some searching and placing a couple of phone calls to some Army Education Reps, I've found a few colleges that offer online courses in varied artistic disciplines. If anyone has experience with, or even rumors they heard about each of these institutions, I'd like to get your take on them.

Academy of Art University
Full Sail
Madison Media
The Art Institute Online
Digital Media Arts College

I realize that it's my own choice, but I'd like to get a feel of these schools from anyone who has had experience in them. Be it good or bad.

BTW, I've read that any career in the Creative Arts can greatly benifit from Fine Arts courses. After some consideration, I've decided to persue an Associate's Degree in that field. As such, I based my search criteria on just that.

I hate to come across as an ignorant worry-wart, but I'm really nervous about all of this and a little guidance from more experienced artists would go a long way here.

[Seedling]

Hello Guisedge,
First of all, thank you for serving our country. :) *salute*

Before you commit to anything, you should read through the games industry thread that’s linked to in my sig.

I am only familiar with one of the schools on your list: Full Sail. Don’t go there. They teach tools, not art. If you want to be doing concept art for a living, you need a program that will teach you how to draw and paint. Illustration programs are usually the best for this. However, even the best program is going to be full of bad courses and teachers, so before you commit yourself to a school, you should spend some time identifying individual academic art skills that you will need to learn (such as perspective, color, etc.) and learn how to use any random assignment as a stepping-stone to achieve those goals. Do this well enough, and it won’t matter if you go to the best art school or just a mediocre one.

There are a few other links in my sig that may be of use to you, too, and they’re all free. :) Cheers and good luck!

[Guisedge]

Thank you for all of the fantastic information, Seedling! I have bookmarked your excellent threads for future reading and reference. Especially ConceptArt101.
( I'll copy-paste them into a .pdf so I can read through them on my e-book too. =D )

As for my future college prospects, I've come to consider the conditions where I would be trying to attend courses.

1: It's going to be sandy. (Enemy of all things electric!)
2: It'll most likely be over a laptop. (Unless I plunked down serious bank, it would be one hardly powerful enough for processing high-res images.)
3: The military has a habit of picking something for it's affordability rather than it's performance, so the internet connection there would most likely be mediocre at best.
4: The slightest threat from any potential enemies would see me locked down at my battle-station for an indeterminate period.
5: It's the military! To quote my NCO... "Why spend time clicking away on the computer when you can 'volunteer' for details?! :D" ...end quote.

All of these conditions (and more) would probobly only hurt my progress to getting any type of art degree, despite how much I love my job. So in the meantime, I've resolved to attend college upon my return in about 17 months. But I won't be idle while over there, no sir! Even if the connection is horrible, I'll still make efforts to lurk about the site, taking in advice and giving some out some of my own meager bits. If on the slim chance I come across a scanner made of camel-bones and sand, I'll post some sketches of the local area.

I have a feeling this site will be a HUGE help in dealing with the stress of being over there. :)

Thanks to Seedling and to all who PM'd me on the short time I was here so far. The Internet is a better place thanks to you.