More Watts Questions (One more 6/19)

[SeraphSword]

One of the schools I'm seriously looking at is Watts Atelier in San Diego. Basically I want to get into comics, but I want a very solid grasp of fundamental skills, and this place comes highly recommended. I figure I can always go to Kubert's or somewhere else to get comic-specific skills afterwards.

One of the issues I'm facing, however, is that I'll probably have to work full-time (possibly as much as 50-60 hrs a week), due to the cost-of-living out there, while going to school (I'm thinking 4-5 classes per qtr).

So my questions are: Are there out of class assignments at the school, or is everything in class? Is a commute from San Diego to Encinitas a long haul, or would I be better off looking around North Coastal Inland area (rents seem a bit cheaper there)? Is the public transportation there any good, or is a car a necessity?

Basically, I've made up my mind that I'm going there, it's just a question of when. I'm looking at Dec-Jan, or maybe March, just a matter of getting things settled for a move (like to get out of debt first, to better afford the west coast). I'm looking at a lot of options like roommates or finding a small studio apt, and trying to think of a job that'll give me the pay I need, while still giving me a schedule regular enough to attend classes. Outside of the fantastic education, one of the draws of this place is that it's so cheap I'm hoping to finish up debt-free (a big plus when considering a career in the arts).

Any help or advice anyone can provide would be most appreciated.:)

[jetpack42]

are you going to Austin? The Lemen's and a few of their young padawans should be there, and they could answer a few of your questions...I'll be asking them about it then as well.

[SeraphSword]

I really wish I could go to Austin, I had planned on doing so, but at this point, I'm going to need to save every penny I've got to get to San Diego in January, if I even can. However the thought has crossed my mind to sell most of my DVD's and CD's to raise up the cash to make it to Austin. Hmmm...maybe I'll post something in the workshop forum about that.

[EurekAHA]

Seraph Sword, I think I can answer some of your questions b/c I am a Watt's student. First off, the school is awesome and it is worth the move. If you are looking to take 4-5 classes and work 50-60 hrs to pay for all of your expenses, it is going to be tough to focus on those classes that you are taking. There are really no "outside" assignments. Everything is left up to the individual student. You decide how hard you want to work at something. But this is the best part.

I guarantee that once you get to the school, you will become infected by the atmosphere and want to devote all of your time to the school. That is if you want to gain the skills of a "real" artist. I have had to work and go to school and I do not like my job at all b/c I would rather be studying! Just thought I would let you know....It takes a lot of time, effort, and concentration to pick up what they teach at Watts and they will let you know it.

To answer your other questions...It would be best to get a place as close to the school as you can if that is why you are moving there! Encinitas has a lot of "oppurtunities" I suppose. I don't know what kind of work you would want on the side, but I found a job at a country club as a server(about 15 an hour) right down the street. So that part is up to you.....if you don't live close, and time is a factor for you, it is just an annoying hassle....San Diego traffic can suck....I would look into finding a roomate unless you find a really good deal on a studio or something.....it would cut costs and your workload! And the public transportation is not that good. Takes way too long....a car is needed if you don't live right down the street from everywhere you need to travel!

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, just ask. Or better yet, e-mail Jeff Watts. I believe it is info@wattsatelier.com but I'm not sure, so check it out just in case. peace

[SeraphSword]

Thanks a lot for the input. I'm looking to see if I can get someone to move out there with me, otherwise finding someone looking for a roommate would be best bet. If I could find something making 15/hr I'd probably be okay with the expenses, but if I can't I'd be looking at lower paying jobs, with more hours (be nice if I could keep it to 40 hrs a week, to give me more art time).

[dzu]

Yo, I go to Watts and moved about 2 blocks away. I pay $1060 a month with a roomate but they have a special going where you stay for 6 months and they give you a $75 discount each month (so $985 per month) One bedrooms run about $860 a month, but again they give you that 6 month special so it's a bit cheaper. The good thing is you can walk to the school and the grocery store so that's pretty much all you need. This is actually a better deal than many studios nearby. Public transportation in SD is not that great. You could probably get by working a part time job, taking a few classes, and then doing studies at home at the recommendation of the instructors. Much better than killing yourself at work and then not having energy for class.

[Skank]

im going to running into the same problem next year, i plan on moving during the summer, but thankfully my roomate is moving with me, so that will help, but im still not looking foreward to finding a job that will pay me enough to goto school at watts as well...but im gonna do it dammit!

[SeraphSword]

Hey all, I'm actually looking at trying to rush on over to San Diego for this coming summer session. Borrowing some money (hopefully), and prob gonna move in the next week or so. It was sort of a spur of the moment decision, since I was gonna be looking for a new job here anyway, and I'm impatient to get back to learning.

So basically my question is this: If I can only take three classes to start, which classes do I want to take? I'm sure about figure drawing and head drawing, but I'm not sure between Intro to Tonal Drawing and Quicksketch. Any current/former students who can give me a hint as to which would be better? (Might just look into taking both, but I'm gonna need every dollar I can get moving over there)

[AnarchyAo2]

I can't really help you with your class decision, but why don't you try having a yard sale for all the old crap your not going to be taking to Watts? I know that you'll probably be coming back home but lets face it, most of the crap in your room is going to be unused for most of the year. I had a spur of the moment yard sale one time, I sold my dresser, my bed, and my desk for about 400 bucks I think. I used all of those things, but are they nessesary? No! I currently put my clothes in a clothes basket that is lieing on my floor. It works a lot better, IMHO :) BTW, don't sell your DVDs, you'll regret it. DVDs are entertaining, dressers are not.

[EurekAHA]

I think your choice of classes would be fine either way. Jeff Watt's usually recommends taking the core classes(Head, Fig, and Quicksketch)but you may want to take the Intro to Tonal so that you can become better aquainted with the style. I guess it is up to you. They say quicksketch is extremely difficult for beginners. But if your up for the challenge, go for it. Good luck with your move!