Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Art

[Punk Jax]

I wanted to know if anyone had any info to share on this school. Supposedly, it's the only school specifically for cartooning and comics in the world. I wondered if anyone here on CA had any experiences with this school or anything. There's not much to the website, anyway. Thanks in advance.

School Page: http://www.kubertsworld.com/kubertschool/KubertSchool.htm

[Elwell]

Search "Kubert School" and you'll find a bunch of posts.

[Punk Jax]

Oh right. I forgot there was a search feature. Sorry. ^^;

I don't seem to see a topic focusing on the school, so I guess this topic could be the Kubert School topic.

[Carnildo Orion]

I went 1988-1991(yeah, I'm getting old). I can't speak to the situation now, but as I'vetalked to various people who've gone through the program over the years, it seems to be fairly consistent. I find people love it or hate it.

The ones who hate it tend to be the lazier students (the work load is notoriously heavy) and the students who think they know it all already or don't like being told how to work. The one's who appreciate it, are the ones that come with an open mind, a willingness to work and the understanding that there is a lot to be learned, but that they are responsible for their own education.

The teachers are all working pros -that has an upside and a downside. They may be good teachers, or not. the thing to remember is that they have years of experience and knowledge to impart, but you may need to be active in getting it out of them.

One common complaint is that the work load is so heavy and deadlines so tight that you never get to do good work. My take on it is that the school is giving a realistic experience as far as "real world" deadlines -so best to get used o it. You need to learn to do your best FAST and on time. You can be the greatest artist in the world but if you miss deadlines, you will not continue to get work.

One general complaint I've heard ( and can affirm in my experience 20 years ago) is that the school CAN be behind the curve on technology. Their emphasis is on traditional skills more than digital. But it has been a long time since I was ther and my understanding is that they have been dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age. That said, if your interest is in cutting-edge digital illustration work, I would ask them very specifically about what they are offering in that area.

As for me, I went though the animation program, had jobs lined up by my second year, worked in the field over the summers and by the time I had graduated I had a lot of job offers and opportunities. Oddly enough I went into the game business way back in 1991 despite having now relevant training in the field from JKS.

That's my basic view on JKS. Feel free to ask me if there is anything else on your mind.

[Maxine Schacker]

Joe Kubert may be the only school that exclusively teaches comics ( I thought they also teach animation but I'm not sure), but it's not the only school that has a deep comics program. There are three others that I can think of off hand, including Max the Mutt, the Savannah School of Art and Design, and a new school in Vermont ( I'll find the name and edit when I get to work) which is pretty advanced and very serious.

Max the Mutt, and if I'm correct ALL the schools mentioned, have instructors who are working professionals. However, there is no excuse for having instructors who don't teach! You are paying for your education. While it's true that you definitely need to take responsibility for your education, the school and the instructors need to take responsibility for providing quality instruction and an environment conducive to education.

[Carnildo Orion]

It just occurred to me that the most recent issue (http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_59&products_id=592) of DRAW! magazine had interviews and profiles of a number of schools with comics programs. As i recall it did a great job in distinguishing the emphasis of each school as well and the differences between them.

You can also order the issue as a PDF (http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=669) for cheap.