RISD vs. MICA (vs. some others)

[Lair Radical]

Hello, folks.

I would like to study illustration. I'd also like to stay relatively close to the east coast. Currently, I'm considering MICA, RISD, Pratt, Parsons and Cooper Union.

MICA & RISD are my top choices. The others are all about equal, save Cooper, which is up there only because it's free.

I know some past threads have discussed these schools, but never to a satisfactory end. Of course, I'll get a better perspective when I visit the colleges, but this won't be for some time.

Despite RISD being more renowned, I'm getting a strong feeling that it produces cookie-cutter illustrators: all of the RISD work I've seen looks the same, and I don't like any of it! On the other hand, I've liked a lot of the MICA work.

I'd love to hear your views, people! I should add that I'm quite prepared for the enormous cost - it's not a factor at this point.

[Lair Radical]

I'll add - I'm open to suggestions if you feel I've missed a school.

[Meloncov]

Ringling is worthy of consideration.

I know there are several people on this board who consider RISD highly overatted. I haven't done much research on either illustration program, though.

[Lair Radical]

Thanks for the suggestion :). Haha, TBH I don't know that I could stand living in Florida (not a hot weather person - or a gator person for that matter) but I have heard good things about Ringling. I guess it's time to look into it!!

[Secret Sun]

Well I'm currently in animation at RISD but I stay very close in touch with the head of illustration and participate in a great deal of illus electives. It's been been a wonderful experience for me but I've put in a great effort in befriending
(in my mind) the best teachers the school has to offer.

[Lieu]

I ended up going to Ringling for animation, but was accepted to RISD and MICA, and I attended the RISD summer program. It was a wonderful experience with highly knowledgeable teachers and an excellent faculty. Not to mention the location is beautiful. I also have a a close friend who attends RISD, and she's loving it. That's my own personal experience, however. I've never actually been to MICA.

Any art school will give you the education you need, and you make the school what you want it to be. I've never really felt the "cookie cutter artist" as an excuse for not going somewhere, especially RISD. They have a name for a reason, and it is not over rated.

I would try to focus on the school's environment, faculty, and the hiring rate of their alum.

But best of luck with your choice. Have you been accepted to these school yet? Hopefully some other people will have a more rounded perspective of both schools for you.

[Lair Radical]

Secret Sun, great to hear - thanks! RISD definitely seems great, I'm just wavering between the two! Love your work, by the way.

Lieu - also great to hear. I definitely wouldn't put much stake by the cookie-cutter factor either, I just find schools give out different vibes, probably due to students imitating teachers etc. In fact, these 'vibes' are probably more revealing of the faculty than the students.

I haven't applied yet, actually! I'm getting an early start on researching, getting portfolio together, etc.

Big thanks for the perspectives! Every little scrap of info is helping me out :).

[Secret Sun]

Thanks, and no problem at all. I'm more than happy to help if you have other questions.

[PinkPrincess]

I applied to both MICA and RISD, visited the former twice, and my information on the latter has come mostly through dialogue over the net with current students.

One of the aspects I've liked about MICA is that they drum up the idea of "designing your own major." I don't have their info with me at the moment, but I believe they were more flexible in terms of the combination of classes you could choose to fulfill your degree requirements. With RISD, I believe I've read that once you're enrolled in a major, you've got to stick with it unless the school approves a request to change to something else. If I recall from their info though, I think they do encourage you to take some electives outside of your major, so you would still have a rounded experience.

Personally, I've felt a stronger pull towards MICA. On my first visit, there was a wall of character concept art that I had been impressed with, and the environment of the school felt very appealing to me. I was also drawn towards the list of their Illustration staff, mostly because I recognized a few of the names in conjunction with work I've seen over the years. A friend (who is attending Ringling now) commented that MICA seemed to present more financial aid opportunities than other schools, although like you, I'm in the "whatever it takes" mindset. :)

My advice for you would be to definitely visit these places in person, if you can. Also poke your nose around the web, try to make contact with students attending these schools and ask them specific questions. I'm sure you'll get a different answer from every one you talk to, but hearing a few responses may be one of the best ways for you to gather an idea of the experience you can look forward to (the students I talked with at RISD all said that they're really enjoying their education at the school, but listed various pros/cons). You might even ask the schools if you could converse with their Illustration staff directly (I believe both schools offer their email addresses on their websites, although most or all of these people are working professionals and may not be able to give quick responses?).

Good luck in your search!

[Meloncov]

One of the aspects I've liked about MICA is that they drum up the idea of "designing your own major." I don't have their info with me at the moment, but I believe they were more flexible in terms of the combination of classes you could choose to fulfill your degree requirements.

I spent the summer at MICA, and our conselors were very derisive of the design your own major thing (more properly referred to as their GFA or General Fine Arts Major). You end up taking a whole lot of relatively easy first year classes, and don't get as intensive of an education. They had redubbed GFA to stand for "Generally F-ing around."

[Lair Radical]

PinkPrincess - I apologies for never responding! I wrote a post but it seems to have vanished. Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply. You've been helpful to no end.

Meloncov - LOL. That's interesting to hear. Thanks!

Don't know why I left SVA off the list... I've just added it to the pool I'm considering... if anyone has any insights on how their illustration department compares, I'd love to hear from you! At any rate, I'm going down to NYC this week - hopefully get a chance to do some tours!

[Elwell]

I think SVA's illustration program is the strongest in New York. I'm not exactly impartial, though.

[dennistheartist]

FIT's general illustration department is better & cheaper & we share a lot of the same professors from SVA who get paid better working at FIT. More money, more motivation to teach. Ditto with the impartial part.

http://fitiaa.com/

http://www3.fitnyc.edu/illustration/gallery.htm