Suggestions on schools located in WI/IL wanted (For Illustration)

[CidCaldensfey]

Hi everyone. I just want to start by saying that I've only recently started drawing since I got tired of wishing I could draw like a lot of pros. Funny thing, I kept wishing I could but I never actually tried. After fussing around for a while (maybe a month or two) I was surprised to see I could actually draw a bit.

With that said I was wondering if anyone could recommend some schools in Wisconsin/IL. I would like to get a 4 year degree in Illustration. Basically, if I were to do anything with drawing it would basically be drawing stuff with multiple themes (sci-fi/fantasy type of stuff).

Any suggestions? I've already done some looking around but I was just curious what people on here might recommend. I already talked a bit with the Illinois Institute of Art (AI) but I get this weird vibe from it (not a good one).

A major issue also is that I don't really have a portfolio or work which I think would be sufficient to get into something like MIAD in Wisconsin. I was actually considering traveling all the way to San Fransisco just to attend the Academy of Art but it seems like a really bad idea so I'm trying to figure out more local solutions.

And I don't know if this matters but I already have an associates in Technical Communications ('07 graduate). I'm 22 years-old and currently working at Walmart. I'm just tired of dicking around with computers and would really like to focus on drawing because I have so many things in my head that I want to get down in paper, badly. It's like, I can't go through a day without having these thoughts of what I could have down on paper and stuff >_< It really bugs me. Tired of dicking around and I want to do this as a serious profession since it's something I would enjoy way more than anything else I've done so far.

[rossipoo]

I totally understand what you're going through, Like you have these really cool ideas and concepts in your mind but you just can't seem to put them on paper because you don't know how to. I think every artists have gone through that many times in their lives.

My honest opinion, i strongly suggest you learn the basics first.. Anatomy, values, proportions, color, perspective, draw from life, yeah you get the point. I think you should work on some of your basic foundations before you go into art college. It's not like," OH! I'm going to join art school because i don't know anything, i expect them to teach me everything! And when i get out, imma be rockin the entertainment industry!" no. Also some art school's or most art school's workload is quite heavy, so knowing foundation is important. And you get out what you put in. The school isn't going to make you a better artist, you are.

I think you should open up a sketchbook. Show us some of your studies, and drawing skills from imagination. Show us what you can do. We can help you, that's what we're here for.

[Maxine Schacker]

Some schools do have foundation courses, but any school will want to see your interest and your efforts to explore and teach yourself basic visual language. I would suggest a summer intensive. I know that Ringling offers a summer prep program. Max the Mutt (Toronto) has a one month "Learn To Draw" intensive.
The benefits of doing this are:
1) You will find out if you enjoy drawing all day.
2) If you choose a solid program that is teaching life drawing, perspective, basic principles (measurement, positive and negative space etc.) you will have the tools to keep working on your own.
3) You will be able to build a solid portfolio.

I would plan to develop skills and then apply for Sept 2010.

[CidCaldensfey]

Thanks much for the replies! I think I will start a sketchbook sometime soon. I need to purchase a scanner or something first before then though since I currently have no real means to do so. The

I've heard of this Max the Mutt place before somewhere on the internet and heard it was actually good/worth it. I'll check it out more later.


Still open to suggestions :D!