(Anthony) Ryder Studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico

[burning_chrome]

Can anyone please provide relevant info on Anthony Ryder's Studio School in Santa Fe, New Mexico? (http://www.theryderstudio.com/RSS/Welcome.html)

Specifically, besides studying with one of the premier classical realists in the country and fine-honing traditional painting and drawing skills, does the New Mexico location hurt more than help someone who might want to move into the digital/conceptual design realm for career pursuits? Compared to the networking and digital learning opportunities found in California, NM seems rather limited in terms of digital/conceptual artistic career and learning pursuits.

Any first-hand personal experiences, know a friend who went there and this is what he/she said..., etc. would be appreciated :)

[Meloncov]

I know nothing of the school, but as a New Mexican, I can say that it's not a bad place to be in the entertainment industry. While the industry is dramatically smaller here than in California, at the moment it is growing extremely rapidly. The ratio of open job positions to people seeking them is likely better here than in California.

[burning_chrome]

Thanks for responding Meloncov. First hand knowledge from state residents always helps. Could you please elaborate a bit more on which specific gaming and/or digital studios and companies have established themselves in NM?

[Meloncov]

Thanks for responding Meloncov. First hand knowledge from state residents always helps. Could you please elaborate a bit more on which specific gaming and/or digital studios and companies have established themselves in NM?

Imageworks has set up a studio, and Dreamworks is going to. In addition to those big two, their are numerous small shops and a large freelanceing community.

[Art_Addict]

Hello,

I visited Tony's school and briefly studied there. Many close friends of mine are strongly affiliated with his school so I have some first hand experience.
Tony's school mostly concentrates on still-life and portrait/figure painting and drawing in a very focused, yet relaxed studio environment. Tony is an extremely kind and dedicated teacher and I can highly recommend studying there!
Krista Schoening who works as an assistant for Tony has a blog that might be of interest to you. Also check out the art links to the right that also lists the Ryder studio blog: oilcandy.blogspot.com (http://www.oilcandy.blogspot.com)

I can not give you any information on the entertainment industry opportunities in NM.

Good luck,
Tom

[burning_chrome]

Hello,

I visited Tony's school and briefly studied there. Many close friends of mine are strongly affiliated with his school so I have some first hand experience.
Tony's school mostly concentrates on still-life and portrait/figure painting and drawing in a very focused, yet relaxed studio environment. Tony is an extremely kind and dedicated teacher and I can highly recommend studying there!
Krista Schoening who works as an assistant for Tony has a blog that might be of interest to you. Also check out the art links to the right that also lists the Ryder studio blog: oilcandy.blogspot.com (http://www.oilcandy.blogspot.com)

I can not give you any information on the entertainment industry opportunities in NM.

Good luck,
Tom

Thanks for responding with an account of your experience there.

I've been in contact with Krista briefly concerning the 9-month studio drawing/painting program and she's been wonderfully helpful in answering questions.

As far as New Mexico is concerned, I not so much worried about finding concept/entertainment design opportunities as I am with the scenario of "what happens after the 9-month program ends"? Are there any digital learning sources in New Mexico or does the state mostly contain only opportunities for working gallery artists?

[Meloncov]

Are there any digital learning sources in New Mexico or does the state mostly contain only opportunities for working gallery artists?

I'm aware of three schools that offer classes in digital arts, all in Albuquerque. None are all that great, but they might be enough if your coming in with a strong background.

[burning_chrome]

I'm aware of three schools that offer classes in digital arts, all in Albuquerque. None are all that great, but they might be enough if your coming in with a strong background.

And therein lies my problem: proper foundational training. I'm entirely deficient when it comes to the 3D arts, and as for my traditional skills, I'm entirely self-taught since retaking up my artistic passions. Right now I'm leaning more towards LAAFA and the atelier program for at least 1 year before jumping to any 3D program that'll take me.

Meloncov, would you mind listing which specific schools you're aware of in Albuquerque that offer digital arts - either here on the thread or just PM me please?

[Meloncov]

University of New Mexico
Central New Mexico Community College
Art Center Design College

I'm pretty sure CNM has the best program; it has some very well established professionals teaching their (including Brad Carvey, one of the creators of Lightwave) and it's very cheap. It's not on par with, say, G nomion, but it's good considering what your paying.

[burning_chrome]

Thanks again Meloncov :) Cheap is good, cheap is very good option compared anywhere and everywhere in Los Angeles for an arts education.

I was looking at LAAFA for foundations and then towards for their full-time CG Certificate program, but like you've mentioned, educational cost is an issue. Living expenses wise, hands down, NM beats SoCal by a country-mile.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the Ryder Studio regarding the same concerns that I've mentioned here, so hopefully I'll have my final answer to the New Mexico or California question soon.