oolong
October 22nd, 2009, 04:39 PM
So, my life has undergone a bit of an upheaval lately. I've decided that I don't want to become a video game concept artist after all, and that rather than continuing to work towards that, I've realized that what I really want is a chance to travel a little, even if it's only within the United States, to go back to school and to have more of a traditional undergrad experience. So, I've decided to try and go through the whole applications process again and matriculate as a returning student.
However, the first time I did this, I was interested in computer animation, and now I'm trying to get it all figured out coming from an illustration perspective. I'd like to get a well-rounded foundation where I get to take classes in a variety of fields of design as well as fine art for the first year before deciding my major, if that's possible. Ultimately, I'd like to work in apparel or advertising.
One concern I have is that my highschool and community college grades are, well, pathetic, and it seems I have to submit them even though I've been out of school for years. However, I do have a decent SAT score, and I'm hoping that an extremely solid portfolio of observational and professional work, good letters of reccomendation, and a solid resume with 5 years of graphics experience, published works and pieces in gallery group shows will compensate for my lack of academic success as a child - is this likely to be the case?
Here are my priorities when it comes to schools:
1. Scholarship availability (I will be getting a decent amount through FAFSA and applying to plenty of grants but this is ultimately the deal breaker)
2. Internship placement
3. Large school in an urban center with lots of art industry opportunities
4. Quality of instruction
A few I've been considering are RISD, Pratt, AAU, SVA, MICA, and uArts, but I don't honestly know much about their illustration programs or what the internship availability is like in their respective cities. If students at these schools or who are familiar with the programs would suggest if they're a good fit for what I'm looking for, or have other ones to suggest, that would be great!
However, the first time I did this, I was interested in computer animation, and now I'm trying to get it all figured out coming from an illustration perspective. I'd like to get a well-rounded foundation where I get to take classes in a variety of fields of design as well as fine art for the first year before deciding my major, if that's possible. Ultimately, I'd like to work in apparel or advertising.
One concern I have is that my highschool and community college grades are, well, pathetic, and it seems I have to submit them even though I've been out of school for years. However, I do have a decent SAT score, and I'm hoping that an extremely solid portfolio of observational and professional work, good letters of reccomendation, and a solid resume with 5 years of graphics experience, published works and pieces in gallery group shows will compensate for my lack of academic success as a child - is this likely to be the case?
Here are my priorities when it comes to schools:
1. Scholarship availability (I will be getting a decent amount through FAFSA and applying to plenty of grants but this is ultimately the deal breaker)
2. Internship placement
3. Large school in an urban center with lots of art industry opportunities
4. Quality of instruction
A few I've been considering are RISD, Pratt, AAU, SVA, MICA, and uArts, but I don't honestly know much about their illustration programs or what the internship availability is like in their respective cities. If students at these schools or who are familiar with the programs would suggest if they're a good fit for what I'm looking for, or have other ones to suggest, that would be great!