UrsusArctos
July 16th, 2008, 10:00 PM
Hi everyone and thanks for reading my post.
Let's see, I just graduated from a normal state university in May with a degree in Art Studio. I did very well in the program, but it didn't offer illustration programs or anything of that sort, so I am sort of self taught when it comes to illustration. I know this is a concept art forum, but it is my dream to eventually get into Children's book illustration, and similar venues.
Well, I got a non related job that bores me to tears, simply because I live in this very small town with little opportunity, and its a decent paying job. But I find myself plotting my escape constantly- it makes me realize how badly I want to break into illustration.
I got accepted into the MFA Illustration program for the Academy of Art without any restrictions (no remedial courses). I currently work 30 hours a week, so it would be extremely busy, but 'doable' to work my job full time and take two courses online per semester. I'd still have to go in debt for tuition, and so it would take about 6 years, so about 60k in debt (2 grad courses are almost 5k). How realistic is it to be able to "comfortably" pay this kind of debt off?
Half of me feels like if I'm just going to be drawing on my own anyway, well, shoot, I can draw on my own and not pay all that money! On the other hand, it would be working towards a physical degree, which could help me in the future if I wanted to teach (which I am interested in, though don't want to do right away) and I am sure I would still learn a lot from the program.
Then I also consider, maybe I should just save up and take an undergrad class or two in related fields, like their undergrad Children's Book illustration class at AAU, or maybe sign up for another schoolism course (I took Chui's and loved it!).
Basically, I'm trying to find some kind of direction right now to save me from my cubicle hell. I plan on moving to Chicago in two years, which will mean more opportunity but also more competition. I am trying to figure out the best way to spend my time now before I make that big move- I want to be able to compete! Should I start going to grad school? Take some cheaper/other online courses? Do something else!? I've joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.org) which helps me figure out how to present myself professionally and how to get into contact with art directors and agents- but how do I get my work up to snuff? My website is www.ajawells.com .
Thanks for any ideas and comments- I really appreciate it. If you know of any resources, schools, classes, books, anything- I would owe you one :)
Let's see, I just graduated from a normal state university in May with a degree in Art Studio. I did very well in the program, but it didn't offer illustration programs or anything of that sort, so I am sort of self taught when it comes to illustration. I know this is a concept art forum, but it is my dream to eventually get into Children's book illustration, and similar venues.
Well, I got a non related job that bores me to tears, simply because I live in this very small town with little opportunity, and its a decent paying job. But I find myself plotting my escape constantly- it makes me realize how badly I want to break into illustration.
I got accepted into the MFA Illustration program for the Academy of Art without any restrictions (no remedial courses). I currently work 30 hours a week, so it would be extremely busy, but 'doable' to work my job full time and take two courses online per semester. I'd still have to go in debt for tuition, and so it would take about 6 years, so about 60k in debt (2 grad courses are almost 5k). How realistic is it to be able to "comfortably" pay this kind of debt off?
Half of me feels like if I'm just going to be drawing on my own anyway, well, shoot, I can draw on my own and not pay all that money! On the other hand, it would be working towards a physical degree, which could help me in the future if I wanted to teach (which I am interested in, though don't want to do right away) and I am sure I would still learn a lot from the program.
Then I also consider, maybe I should just save up and take an undergrad class or two in related fields, like their undergrad Children's Book illustration class at AAU, or maybe sign up for another schoolism course (I took Chui's and loved it!).
Basically, I'm trying to find some kind of direction right now to save me from my cubicle hell. I plan on moving to Chicago in two years, which will mean more opportunity but also more competition. I am trying to figure out the best way to spend my time now before I make that big move- I want to be able to compete! Should I start going to grad school? Take some cheaper/other online courses? Do something else!? I've joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.org) which helps me figure out how to present myself professionally and how to get into contact with art directors and agents- but how do I get my work up to snuff? My website is www.ajawells.com .
Thanks for any ideas and comments- I really appreciate it. If you know of any resources, schools, classes, books, anything- I would owe you one :)