Feathered Dragon
April 2nd, 2008, 08:19 PM
Hello,
I appeal to those of you with more experience than I for your thoughts and advice.
I am considering applying to Sheridan’s Illustration Program. My immediate plan, however, is to develop a portfolio and hone my skills so that I may apply to Sheridan a year from now. I am writing to you because I would like your advice/guidance.
I have the option of taking the one-year Pre-Animation and Illustration Program at Algonquin College or the Portfolio Development Program at the Ottawa School of Art (ie. OSA). I have looked at both programs but am unsure which one is the best choice to take so as to prepare me for future studies in Illustration at Sheridan.
(I have thought of taking Sheridan’s Art Fundamentals Program but it makes more sense for me to stay here in Ottawa for the time being. Attending Sheridan would certainly require assistance from OSAP and moving there is a step to be taken only after I am accepted and have decided to indeed attend.)
To my understanding, Algonquin College’s Pre-Animation and Illustration Program is primarily geared towards preparing students for their 3-year Animation Program. The Ottawa School of Art, on the other hand, is a traditional arts school that deals with traditional drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.. My understanding is that the OSA would give me a broader exposure to different mediums (painting comes to mind, although excluding the digital medium) whereas Algonquin would focus on drawing as primarily applicable to animation as well as the digital environment and very little on traditional painting or other illustration mediums. Given that acceptance to Sheridan’s Illustration program requires a portfolio demonstrating both drawing ability and a variety of mediums, I am not altogether certain which of the two institutions would be best for me to develop my portfolio at.
I have compared Algonquin’s and the OSA’s curriculum to the portfolio requirements of Sheridan’s Illustration Program. While informative, after a point there is little to be gleaned from the comparison which is why I am seeking other people’s thoughts on the matter.
Another questions I have is what is the next best institution in Canada to apply to after Sheridan, preferably in Ontario or close to Ottawa (perhaps Concordia, OCAD?), for an illustration program? (Note: I’d consider institutions in the USA since some programs there seem unique but it’s complicated enough dealing only with Canada; I really don’t want to contemplate a student visa and the whole out of country complications, especially since my finances are tight.)
(In case you are unfamiliar some of the programs I mentioned and would prefer to take a quick look at them before responding, I’ve provided some succinct information and links at the end of this post.)
Now, let me start on a slightly different line of questioning:
Upon the completion of my portfolio, there are other artistic routes I could follow besides Sheridan. Specifically, I’d like your opinion on three distinct possibilities here in Ottawa. I could enroll in the OSA’s Diploma program, Algonquin College’s 3-year Animation Diploma, or the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Ottawa University.
All three programs can lead to a career as an artist but that does not necessarily mean any of them are really worth taking in the long run. Keeping in mind that my primary artistic interest at this point in time is to pursue creative-illustration (eg. fantasy, sci-fi, surreal, as opposed to, say, strictly technical stuff like drafting), the Animation Program at Algonquin and the Diploma Program at the OSA seem the closest matches.
The BFA Program at UofO seems like a good program but it seems to concern itself more with art history and academia rather than with pure creative illustration. Thus, I am not altogether certain whether enrolling in the BFA program would suit my interests (which again is primarily illustration), either in the short or long term. However, I acknowledge that this may be an inexperienced viewpoint on my part. What are your thoughts on this? Can a BFA eventually lead to the same prospects as going the direct route of an Illustrator? Other thoughts?
To my knowledge the OSA is not (I believe) an accredited school, unlike Algonquin and the UofO. While I like the OSA and have little doubt that I would learn much about traditional art making in the course of earning my OSA Diploma, my subsequent career prospects, should I choose to continue on or enroll there after developing my portfolio, seem practically non-existent. The OSA is petite and the school is practically unheard of outside of Ottawa. There is a business-for-artists component and an apprenticeship-with-a-local-artist component in the final year but for all the reasons I’ve just given I wonder how worthwhile, regardless of the short-term fun, it would be.
Some of the pros for opting for the Animation Diploma at Algonquin are that the school is better known, larger, better funded, both it and the program are accredited, and the program would probably leave me more employable. Of course, animation is not exactly illustration (and I really don’t want to be stuck drawing Sponge Bob Square Pants or Family Guy material). I want to follow my own vision and be free to express myself. I also happen to be detail oriented and go often for a realistic feel to my art. So, that is a concern when I think about going to Algonquin, although it’d be nice to be able to animate. I could tough it out and I think I could do it if by the end of the diploma I knew it could get me to where I want to be. My hope would be that if I end up at Algonquin I would have enough skills by the end to be an illustrator as well if I choose. However, after looking at their program, and especially when comparing it to Sheridan’s Illustration Program it seems that a substantial-enough chunk of illustration skills would be missing (eg. knowing how to use different mediums, painting skills,…); if this isn’t true, please fill me in. (That said, I wouldn’t mind knowing how to animate.) I think Sheridan’s Illustration or Animation programs provide a more extensive and through education and experience. There’s also the fact that Algonquin’s program, like the OSA’s, is a three-year diploma program vs Sheridan’s or the OofU's four-year degree programs. While I agree that a person’s skills and portfolio, what you can do, is very important to an artist I think it still might be very necessary to get a degree for employability. Yes, I read the sticky that said, for artists anyway, that a degree is mostly for pleasing your parents. Well, maybe, but is it really that clear cut for an artist?
Also, I’ve been told that you need a degree to teach (which I might want to down the road) and also to work in the USA or overseas. Personally, my ambitions don’t currently lie overseas but the prospect of opportunities in the USA being inaccessible makes me nervous since so many opportunities would be off-limits. (Please clarify if this isn’t accurate.)
Some concluding questions: If I were to stay in Ottawa following the completion of my portfolio, what do you think is the best choice of institution and why or why not? In regard to my entire post, what are your suggestions/thoughts?
Well, I guess that’s about it. If I notice any glaring errors or see that I forgot something I’ll fix it up later.
Thank you!
>>>>Appendix>>>>>
The course list and descriptions for Algonquin’s Pre-Animation and Illustration Program:
>>> http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/programOfStudy.aspx?id=1438G01FWO&
The Ottawa School of Art’s Portfolio Development Program course list is:
Fall & Winter:
Visual Foundations I & II
Foundation Drawing I & II
Intro Studio Painting I & II
Intro Studio Sculpture I & II or Ceramics
Intro Studio Photography I & II
Course descriptions are here:
>>>
http://www.artottawa.ca/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid=214
For the sake of completeness, here is a link to Sheridan’s Illustration portfolio requirements (http://www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/students/prospective/appsheets/0809/app-pbaai-1089-public.pdf) and to the BFA at OofU (http://www.visualarts.uottawa.ca/undergradprog.html).
I appeal to those of you with more experience than I for your thoughts and advice.
I am considering applying to Sheridan’s Illustration Program. My immediate plan, however, is to develop a portfolio and hone my skills so that I may apply to Sheridan a year from now. I am writing to you because I would like your advice/guidance.
I have the option of taking the one-year Pre-Animation and Illustration Program at Algonquin College or the Portfolio Development Program at the Ottawa School of Art (ie. OSA). I have looked at both programs but am unsure which one is the best choice to take so as to prepare me for future studies in Illustration at Sheridan.
(I have thought of taking Sheridan’s Art Fundamentals Program but it makes more sense for me to stay here in Ottawa for the time being. Attending Sheridan would certainly require assistance from OSAP and moving there is a step to be taken only after I am accepted and have decided to indeed attend.)
To my understanding, Algonquin College’s Pre-Animation and Illustration Program is primarily geared towards preparing students for their 3-year Animation Program. The Ottawa School of Art, on the other hand, is a traditional arts school that deals with traditional drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.. My understanding is that the OSA would give me a broader exposure to different mediums (painting comes to mind, although excluding the digital medium) whereas Algonquin would focus on drawing as primarily applicable to animation as well as the digital environment and very little on traditional painting or other illustration mediums. Given that acceptance to Sheridan’s Illustration program requires a portfolio demonstrating both drawing ability and a variety of mediums, I am not altogether certain which of the two institutions would be best for me to develop my portfolio at.
I have compared Algonquin’s and the OSA’s curriculum to the portfolio requirements of Sheridan’s Illustration Program. While informative, after a point there is little to be gleaned from the comparison which is why I am seeking other people’s thoughts on the matter.
Another questions I have is what is the next best institution in Canada to apply to after Sheridan, preferably in Ontario or close to Ottawa (perhaps Concordia, OCAD?), for an illustration program? (Note: I’d consider institutions in the USA since some programs there seem unique but it’s complicated enough dealing only with Canada; I really don’t want to contemplate a student visa and the whole out of country complications, especially since my finances are tight.)
(In case you are unfamiliar some of the programs I mentioned and would prefer to take a quick look at them before responding, I’ve provided some succinct information and links at the end of this post.)
Now, let me start on a slightly different line of questioning:
Upon the completion of my portfolio, there are other artistic routes I could follow besides Sheridan. Specifically, I’d like your opinion on three distinct possibilities here in Ottawa. I could enroll in the OSA’s Diploma program, Algonquin College’s 3-year Animation Diploma, or the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Ottawa University.
All three programs can lead to a career as an artist but that does not necessarily mean any of them are really worth taking in the long run. Keeping in mind that my primary artistic interest at this point in time is to pursue creative-illustration (eg. fantasy, sci-fi, surreal, as opposed to, say, strictly technical stuff like drafting), the Animation Program at Algonquin and the Diploma Program at the OSA seem the closest matches.
The BFA Program at UofO seems like a good program but it seems to concern itself more with art history and academia rather than with pure creative illustration. Thus, I am not altogether certain whether enrolling in the BFA program would suit my interests (which again is primarily illustration), either in the short or long term. However, I acknowledge that this may be an inexperienced viewpoint on my part. What are your thoughts on this? Can a BFA eventually lead to the same prospects as going the direct route of an Illustrator? Other thoughts?
To my knowledge the OSA is not (I believe) an accredited school, unlike Algonquin and the UofO. While I like the OSA and have little doubt that I would learn much about traditional art making in the course of earning my OSA Diploma, my subsequent career prospects, should I choose to continue on or enroll there after developing my portfolio, seem practically non-existent. The OSA is petite and the school is practically unheard of outside of Ottawa. There is a business-for-artists component and an apprenticeship-with-a-local-artist component in the final year but for all the reasons I’ve just given I wonder how worthwhile, regardless of the short-term fun, it would be.
Some of the pros for opting for the Animation Diploma at Algonquin are that the school is better known, larger, better funded, both it and the program are accredited, and the program would probably leave me more employable. Of course, animation is not exactly illustration (and I really don’t want to be stuck drawing Sponge Bob Square Pants or Family Guy material). I want to follow my own vision and be free to express myself. I also happen to be detail oriented and go often for a realistic feel to my art. So, that is a concern when I think about going to Algonquin, although it’d be nice to be able to animate. I could tough it out and I think I could do it if by the end of the diploma I knew it could get me to where I want to be. My hope would be that if I end up at Algonquin I would have enough skills by the end to be an illustrator as well if I choose. However, after looking at their program, and especially when comparing it to Sheridan’s Illustration Program it seems that a substantial-enough chunk of illustration skills would be missing (eg. knowing how to use different mediums, painting skills,…); if this isn’t true, please fill me in. (That said, I wouldn’t mind knowing how to animate.) I think Sheridan’s Illustration or Animation programs provide a more extensive and through education and experience. There’s also the fact that Algonquin’s program, like the OSA’s, is a three-year diploma program vs Sheridan’s or the OofU's four-year degree programs. While I agree that a person’s skills and portfolio, what you can do, is very important to an artist I think it still might be very necessary to get a degree for employability. Yes, I read the sticky that said, for artists anyway, that a degree is mostly for pleasing your parents. Well, maybe, but is it really that clear cut for an artist?
Also, I’ve been told that you need a degree to teach (which I might want to down the road) and also to work in the USA or overseas. Personally, my ambitions don’t currently lie overseas but the prospect of opportunities in the USA being inaccessible makes me nervous since so many opportunities would be off-limits. (Please clarify if this isn’t accurate.)
Some concluding questions: If I were to stay in Ottawa following the completion of my portfolio, what do you think is the best choice of institution and why or why not? In regard to my entire post, what are your suggestions/thoughts?
Well, I guess that’s about it. If I notice any glaring errors or see that I forgot something I’ll fix it up later.
Thank you!
>>>>Appendix>>>>>
The course list and descriptions for Algonquin’s Pre-Animation and Illustration Program:
>>> http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/programOfStudy.aspx?id=1438G01FWO&
The Ottawa School of Art’s Portfolio Development Program course list is:
Fall & Winter:
Visual Foundations I & II
Foundation Drawing I & II
Intro Studio Painting I & II
Intro Studio Sculpture I & II or Ceramics
Intro Studio Photography I & II
Course descriptions are here:
>>>
http://www.artottawa.ca/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid=214
For the sake of completeness, here is a link to Sheridan’s Illustration portfolio requirements (http://www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/students/prospective/appsheets/0809/app-pbaai-1089-public.pdf) and to the BFA at OofU (http://www.visualarts.uottawa.ca/undergradprog.html).