I am conflicted beyond belief! Help!

[MM Howard]

I have a couple of choices for school, but I don't which one to apply for. I have an Associates already and I'm going for my bachelor's. My problem is that I have an AS in something different and basically, I'll be starting over again. I'm looking at the following:

Digital Media Arts College (Boca Raton, FL)
Ringling School of Art and Design
Art Institute of Miami or Fort Lauderdale
Art Institute Online
Columbia College
Savannah College of Art and Design

Should I even try for Ringling or Columbia? Do I even have what it takes? Are they even affordable? And would I be able to afford it, because right now online looks best. Also, do you think getting an online degree will be as valuable as an on campus degree? And I haven't heard anything positive or negative about Digital Media Arts College in Boca Raton, FL? Has anybody else?

I've looked at all the threads and just want some input, maybe from current students.

[Shanemeh]

From what heard from the fort lauderdale, and miami art institute there total crap keep away from them.

[Meloncov]

If you spent the time to put together an appropriate portfolio, you could probably get into Ringling. Affordable, of course, is relative.

[Elwell]

What's your intended major?

[MM Howard]

What's your intended major?

Game Art and Design.

Come to think of it, only Art Institute Online and Ringling offer it.

[Mirana]

Come to think of it, only Art Institute Online and Ringling offer it.

Negatory. SCAD offers "Interactive Game Design and Development (http://scad.edu/interactive-design-and-game-development/)" (used to just be "Game Design") as well, however if you are looking into the 2D concept side of things, you'd do well to at least supplement the Game Design degree with concept classes in animation or sequential, or illustration classes in other schools.

Are you sure you'd be starting over completely? Surely some of the core english/math/science courses from your previous schooling would be transferrable. If not, look into taking those classes at a local uni/comm college in order to shave the overall costs at the private art schools.

I know SCAD offers some online courses (though I don't think Game Design can be done completely by online study).

Have you visited the schools on your list? It would help you get a better feel for them without the propaganda. Every student has different needs, too. We can only speak about the schools and courses we've studied...we couldn't tell you how they compare to each other.

[Maxine Schacker]

Your diploma or degree are not what will make your career. Companies need people with skills and professionalism. They will hire you if you can demonstrate through portfolio that you have what they need. Look for the schools that offer the best programs. Be open minded and judge by looking at the work of AVERAGE graduates, class size, who is teaching, how the curriculum is organized. Try to speak with current students and graduates.

One way to find out the skills you'll need is to look at the job postings on this web site! Which programs cover the skills that these job postings are looking for?

[Elwell]

Game Art and Design.

Come to think of it, only Art Institute Online and Ringling offer it.

Strictly speaking, and despite what schools may call their majors, game art and game design are two different things. The first is about how the game looks, the second is about how the game works. Which one are you interested in?

[MM Howard]

Mirana: I'm pretty sure with Ringling I might be starting over and with the Art Institute I could probably avoid starting over.

I've actually visited the other ones in Florida (besides Ringling School of Art). My problem is that I can't find anybody about graduates from Digital Arts or students at attend there. Art Institutes of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are definitely last resorts. I've heard enough bad from students, but right now I'm almost stuck in South Florida.

Taking a Game Design course online sounds a bit iffy to me and I can't physically visit. Only reason why I considered it was because of the convience. Thank you for the advice and I'll try to see if I can visit Ringling, SCAD, and Columbia this year (before I apply).

Maxine: Thank you. I should know that the degree doesn't matter. I've been told the same thing. I've had issues with the current school as far as teachers, equipment, and an unsatisfactory education. I just found out not only will I not get my degree until the following year (I graduate this Sept.), but many of my credits can't be transferred. I'm being very careful this time and just asking even stupid questions before I start applying.

I have looked at job postings related with game, but haven't looked here. I'm going to take a look.

I'm really wondering what everyone thinks about getting a degree online completely. Is it completely impossible to get the education I need that way?

[MM Howard]

Strictly speaking, and despite what schools may call their majors, game art and game design are two different things. The first is about how the game looks, the second is about how the game works. Which one are you interested in?

Sorry, still learning about what the difference is. I thought they were both the same.

Game art, definitely.

Edit: After thinking about what advice I was given, I narrowed it down to three choices

Art Institute Online
Ringling School of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design

All three require portfolios, two are very expensive and one seems to be the best as far as cost and convience. I'm leaning towards online, but is that the best choice are far as gaining knowledge and improving my skills to help me get into Game Art?

[Meloncov]

If you want to do game art, rather than design, it's definitely worth considering getting an illustration rather than Game Art and Design major.

[MM Howard]

If you want to do game art, rather than design, it's definitely worth considering getting an illustration rather than Game Art and Design major.

So Game Art does not including modeling and animation, just basically Concept Art right?

[Mirana]

MM Howard: SCAD does not require a portfolio for undergrad degrees. It's only required if you wish to apply for the portfolio or merit scholarships (which you SHOULD).

I think anytime you could go to a school with face-time is a good thing. You're paying the same as a student who gets classroom teaching, but without the benefit of directly interacting with your peers (chat rooms and such are a substitute, but not really the same thing). I would say some internet classes are fine, but not the whole deal (especially art classes).

Meloncov: It depends on the school. At mine, an Illustration kid wouldn't learn much of anything to help them in the concept world. Their approach is for a totally different industry (more fine art and agent/gallery oriented, than entertainment). It's better to major in Seqa, or take the upcoming Concept Art minor.

[Meloncov]

So Game Art does not including modeling and animation, just basically Concept Art right?

They are nebulously defined terms. If you want to do concepts, you'd likely be better off with illustration, ideally with a concept art/visual development minor. If you want to do models or animation, you should go with Game Art and Design or even Animation.

[MM Howard]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I have an idea what to do.

[Maxine Schacker]

Take a look at Max the Mutt's Diploma Program in Concept Art for Animation and Video Games. It combines traditional representational fine art skills, illustration, and concept specific courses, and was organized with input from generous concept designers at top companies. You may want to add it to your short list.