Newbie: Concept art career??

[lightart]

I have a dillemma, and would really appreciate some advice. Until now, I've been planning on getting a degree in Visual FX (i.e. lighter, modeller, TD or something like that). Through research and self-realization, I'm begining to understand that my main interest is in designing the "look" of the product -- for example, i'm fascinated by the fantasy landscapes, futuristic cities, awesome worlds. Now, I believe that the people who are doing most of this are the concept artist and matte painters, and I was quite dissapointed to learn that the VFX people just implement and don't actually do the creating.
I was going to do a computer art degree, but now I am having second thoughts.

Here is my problem. I can't draw that well, its not a natural ability for me, but i love doing it...so is it totally unrealistic to think that i could learn, through some college program to become a concept artist someday? If so, is there some college you reccommend that has lenient entrance requirements, so that i could get accepted with my current drawings, which aren't that great yet?

Is it best to major in a) illustration, b) computer art, c) product design, or d) fine arts?

If there is some other medium where I can design my ideas for fantasy/sci-fi movies/games without drawing/painting please inform me. I believe 3D modellers do not design their own stuff, just exectute concept ideas...thats a bummer.

Does a production designer require a similar expertise in illustration?

thanks
light

[winjer]

if you love doing it your fine. just take a sketchbook everywhere and draw all the time.

[djmez]

Yeah, even if someone in this post said "give up," and you gave up, you'd be wrong. If you weren't lying when you said you loved it, you're committed.

Carry that sketchbook.

[JeniThus]

Practice practice practice!
And take some community college life drawing classes if you can. That will help you build up, then if you wanted you could transfer to a major art school.
I know a lot of people who have gone to art school this way, just give yourself the time to get better, and work hard.
It really sounds like your dedicated. Keep going!
Good luck!

[RefrigeratorCo]

Concept art is a very competitive field. It's a branch of illustration which isn't a cake walk at all.

Just draw your ass off. Why think of second rate art schools btw? If you're serious your going to need only the best!

Just do what you love doing... If that's drawing then you will naturally improve.

[SeraphSword]

Well, I agree with everyone else that it's not unrealistic, but it will take hard work. 6 months ago I came to the decision to be an artist and, quite frankly, my stuff sucked. I probably should be working harder than I am right now, but even with a little effort I've already improved. Just need to work harder to improve faster. :rolleyes:

As for low requirement schools, you could look into the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. It's only requirement is that you have a HS diploma or GED. And from what I hear it's a pretty good school. You can check this forum for more posts specifically on that. Good luck.

[EarthClimber]

...RefrigeratorCO. did you happen to play Diablo2 a long long time ago...I remember you..I believe my acount name was ancient-mage, and you had a friend named loztblaz...if its true write me back:D Im interested in art too

[MennoKnight]

I have the same story as LightArt, I'm glad so many people responded, I'll take the advice.

I'm wondering though, do art schools look at your marks or your art when they figure out who to accept? I do well enough in school, but im worried that some genius will get in ahead of me.

[frstylfmx]

I wouldn't worry about what your skill level is at right now. My art sucks and I admit it, but like everyone else is saying, just keep drawing. I go to the Art Instute of CA-LA. I'm in my fourth quarter and when I applied, I didn't have to show any work. The teachers their work for you and I don't care if you can only draw stick figures right now, because with the classes you would be taking with most Art Institutes, they teach your everything you need to know. I couldn't do the human figure worth beans, but by taking just one class with Marjan Hormozi at the Art Institute, I can honesly say I'm turning out a hell of a lot better. I'm only in my 4th quarter. If I can improve so much in less than a year, you can too.
Hope that helped.