Lost in the world - Need help, advice, ect. plz >.>

[PolarCat]

Hi All

I am from South Africa, and i want to be a concept artist, or at least get into the related field.But here is my big problem...

There are no concept art courses here in SA, since there isn't really work for concept artists here. But that leaves me with, either studying something in the line of fine arts in SA, or going oversees and studying concept art there.

Option one: Studying fine arts in SA, im guessing it wont be a bad option, but it probably wont get me into the concept art industry, and its probably not the best i can do.

This leaves me with Option two: going oversees and studying concept art there. Now this opens up a lot more problems, and a vast amount of options...

I need to know if there are any uni, colleges, ect. that anybody can suggest? The world is so big, and i dono where to start. Also i don't know if I will be able to afford it?

Im kinda lost and probably sound very confused, thats because i am. :P
So if anybody have got any advice for me, plz don't hesitate to comment or send me a msg. Any help pointing me in the right direction will be greatly appreciated.

Thx for your time.
PolarCat :)

[Nervous Disorder]

Have you ever considered finding yourself a private tutor and kind of just grinding away at it until you are nothing but a paint blob?

It doesn't sound like the most appealing method, but it will definately cut out all the excess that a fine arts degree would be throwing at you and that you don't really "need".

[PolarCat]

I have, im currently looking for a local art teacher for some classes.

But wouldn't it still be advised to go and study, since as far as I know, concept art is really hard to get into to, and its a really competitive industry.
So wont a degree help you to get a job, ect? :)

[a la bapsi]

I don't think a degree would help you as much as just having a lot of skill/creativity/whatever would.
but iono. i'm pretty clueless of how exactly the industry works. xD;

[Elwell]

I don't think a degree would help you as much as just having a lot of skill/creativity/whatever would.
but iono. i'm pretty clueless of how exactly the industry works. xD;

If you want to work in a foreign country, which PolarCat probably will (since I don't think there's much of a concept art/illustration industry in SA), a degree makes things MUCH easier.

[LuisDavid]

I'm am art teacher too in Spain, and if you want to be an illustrator out of africa you have to work in your free time a lot much that you want. If you don't make an effort very big you wuoldn't find job out there. I am trying now to work for other countires and I'm really tired. Learn english, practise a lot, send a lot o emails, talk to very much people... is a very big effort, but is the only way for having jobs wothout going out of your country.

I don't think a degree would help you as much as just having a lot of skill/creativity/whatever would.
but iono. i'm pretty clueless of how exactly the industry works. xD;

[PolarCat]

Hmm i agree with Elwell, and yes im sure skill is very very important, but studying i think will also give me a good background, and it will make finding a job easier, and obviously improve my art skills.

Now say i want to study, does anybody have any referrals to nice places to study? Atm i dont care where in the world it is, as far as i can tell the Chinese are pretty good at concept art, but im sure there are many countries that are on the same standard. So if anybody can give me a hint where to start, what will be awesome!!

Thx for all the replies so far guys. :)

[Maxine Schacker]

First, the top video game concept artist in Toronto did 100% of his jobs last year for companies outside Canada who found him through his website. It certainly seems as if if you have the work to show, it is possible to have a career through the internet.

He has skills! He had excellent traditional fine art training in the former Yugoslavia before coming to Canada, and then had 3 years of animation training.

If you have a good local school that teaches traditional, representational fine art, that would be your first step. You could add to this a good course in structural design and drawing, and some solid illustration and media courses.

Photoshop, of course will be essential.

I hope this gives you someplace to begin. There is more than one way to approach your problem.

Max the Mutt offers diplomas, not degrees, and has a 4 year diploma program in concept art. if you are interested, check out the website and the new thread showing first semester work from yr 1 and 2 students.

In the end if you have the skills, creativity and great work to show, and a professional attitude and work ethic, you'll be in demand and have a good career.

Whatever you end up doing, I wish you all the best in pursuing your goals.

PS If South Africa doesn't have an industry yet, and has a huge market, it seems to me that opportunity
will be knocking on your door. It won't be long before something happens....

[PolarCat]

Wow, thx for all the info and advice maxine. :)
If anybody else has more info for me, plz post it here. :D

[RyerOrdStar]

If it's possible, this is what I would do in your situation.

Take a bit of time to study online; buy the DVDs from MassiveBlack, start doing some classical drawing exercises such as figure drawing classes and still lifes.

Once you get good enough, create a portfolio. Start applying to art schools. Hopefully your prep time should have allowed you to create a portfolio that will get you some scholarships, which will really help with those international fees. You will also have a good foundation to make the most of your time at an international art school.

[PolarCat]

Thx RyerOrdStar for the advice, i'll definitely keep that in mind. :)

I'm still kinda lost in the sense of where to go study oversees. :S
Anybody else a recommended art school, college, uni, ect that they think i should take a look at?

Thx again guys 4 all the comments. :)