The Official Artcenter Thread - like, omg!

[phasma]

I'll be starting this Fall as an undergraduate illustration student and I'm currently in search of a roomie for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Glendale with an August 15th move-in date.

Please PM me for details if you're interested.

Thanks,
Michelle

[ChewyOlive]

I'm looking for a roomie as well, and am looking towards a fairly late, end of August move in day. Like many here on this thread, I'll be majoring in illustration with an angle towards entertainment design. I'm not however a newbie to the college experience, having come from the odd direction of three quarters of a degree in engineering at UC Berkeley :P

PM or email me at oliver_tszeng@yahoo.com
Parts of my application for admission to AC portfolio can be viewed at my blog.

[ChewyOlive]

By the way, are any of you AC students from the San Francisco bay area? I think it'll be great to get together and know each other before heading to Pasadena this fall.

[crimson89]

By the way, are any of you AC students from the San Francisco bay area? I think it'll be great to get together and know each other before heading to Pasadena this fall.

I live in San Jose! :P I might actually pass by San Francisco this weekend or sometime next week

I'm moving to Pasadena on August 18th or so :)

[Oridan]

We should all get together before school starts and after we make the move to Pasadena just to hang out.

[dongkyun]

Artcenter is filled with bunch of lazy koreans.. this ain't good -_-;;;;;;

[artdude89]

hi, i'm also attending this fall 07 for undergrad illustration program. I just want to know about the Financial Aid lecture or meeting on Aug. 7th. Like what time it starts?

[Arron]

Hey asaake,

http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/contaccd.jsp
Should have all the numbers you need.


I've been accepted for Illustration for Fall '07 as well. I just really, really, really hope my private loans get approved. If not, I may hang myself. I gotta get out of advertising!

Hope to see you all in September.

[Koh]

"Official SAT or ACT scores for students currently enrolled in high school. These should be sent directly to the admissions office from the applicable testing agency."

Does that mean I don't have to take my SAT's/ACT's "I'm out of HS" if I want to apply or do I have to go and take them?

[Grayber]

I just moved to Pasadena. I got a 1 bed/1 bath apartment for $850 which I'll be splitting with my girlfriend. It seems like a lot of places you'll rent will take care of water/trash. Also, almost everywhere I looked didn't include a refrigerator, so you'll either have to rent one or buy one.

This has probably been asked, but... does anyone know of any workshops outside of the ones up at Art Center? I've looked at The Drawing Club, but $20 seems a bit too high. I feel like I'm getting rusty not having been to one for a week and there's still a lot of time to kill until fall semester.

If anybody wants to meet up, go draw, and/or grab a beer out here let me know.

Koh- Just this last spring when I applied I was a senior at CU Boulder and they still wanted my high school transcript along with my college ones. I didn't have to submit my SAT/ACT scores though. You should call the admissions office. I called admissions so many times they must be sick of me.

[artdude89]

hey , Ill be attendng fall 07 illsutration. I recently got room 2bed and 2 bath . a little over 1000 sq feet, and am looking for roommates, if interest just PM me for more details.

[steve kim]

This has probably been asked, but... does anyone know of any workshops outside of the ones up at Art Center? I've looked at The Drawing Club, but $20 seems a bit too high.

if ur in pasadena why not go to ac's workshops? you're pretty much a student anyway and there's already tons of freeloaders :/.

[crimson89]

if ur in pasadena why not go to ac's workshops? you're pretty much a student anyway and there's already tons of freeloaders :/.

Ooo, where do you go for these workshops? :)

[J.Mac]

Artcenter is filled with bunch of lazy koreans.. this ain't good -_-;;;;;;

LOL you make my day, but sadly this is true... (there are a lot of Koreans) Not all Koreans are lazy but most of the incoming students are lazy. Sorry to say but it is because most of the new student body i made up of HS graduates who think they are good, and have some one else pick up the tab.

SAT's i never took them but i also attended other schools before i went to Art Center. Which i think is better way to do it since i have had a chance to develop and get some life perspective before spending a copious amounts of hours and money on becoming better.

A quick rant... I think a lot of the issues with Art Center now is 1 - the people running it, not really being involved with what students needs or wants. 2 - A lot of the students now who are fresh from HS wanting a college experience off there parents dollar. Art Center isn't about a college experience (drinking and partying) it is about developing your skills and getting better to get a kick ass job. If you want a party college experience please go to another school first get it out of your system and stop bring down a already falling environment... there is more but meh. Sorry for that i figured i should stop myself, but i guess if the incoming students new what a lot of the older ones where kind of feeling it might help some how.

Chumps is right the workshops are free and usually packed, but they are free... if you go by the prop room there should be a schedule on the wall giving times and room numbers.

-Jesse

[ednerdtheonly]

A quick rant... I think a lot of the issues with Art Center now is 1 - the people running it, not really being involved with what students needs or wants. 2 - A lot of the students now who are fresh from HS wanting a college experience off there parents dollar. Art Center isn't about a college experience (drinking and partying) it is about developing your skills and getting better to get a kick ass job. If you want a party college experience please go to another school first get it out of your system and stop bring down a already falling environment... there is more but meh. Sorry for that i figured i should stop myself, but i guess if the incoming students new what a lot of the older ones where kind of feeling it might help some how.


By "college experience," I don't think anyone meant "drinking and partying"; rather, it refers to being used to living on one's own. By extension, it includes being immersed in an academic enviroment, with peers and teachers supporting your personal ventures.

You're making a completely valid point Jesse; I just don't think anyone meant the "college experience" the same way you did.

Just my 2 cents.

Edward

[J.Mac]

Edward, i am glad you are not offended. In my defense i must say that is not my point of view what a college experience is, rather that is what i am observing from the youth of today. Not everyone is like this and i feel i am one of those, i agree with you. I have had to fight tooth and nail to get where i am, many hungry nites and no where to sleep but my own car.

I am just pointing a more common trend.

-Jesse

[crimson89]

I guess I'm in sort of a bad position, being Korean AND out of high school.


But yeah, it sucks that I'll be deprived of a college experience, no dorms, no frat idiots, no 'typical campus'...but going into this school this fall, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the sake of my education and future.

So just as an FYI, us, as high school graduates may be a little bit young and 'naive' and of course I don't expect to be the best, that's the whole point of going to school - right?, but I trust that theres at least a few of us high school grads out that that are in fact qualified to be apart of the 'Art Center' world AND be mature/serious about it at the same time :P (as CRAZY as that may seem)


By nature, I'm pessimistic. I expect ridicule, I don't expect to be the best student in class, I know I'll be in obscene debt, I expect being looked down upon, etc etc etc. This is, perhaps, the riskiest thing I've done in my life, stepping into Art Center. But hey, I'm not willing to give up without a fight 8)



In all, thanks for not being dicks about it (God knows how many decrepit students have a fetish with poking high school grads with a stick, augh!!) :P

[steve kim]

people who cry about being deprived of the 'college experience' really need a swift kick in the nuts.

as for hs students... well, what's there to be said? they're already so young, dumb, immature, etc etc. what's the point of kicking someone already down on the ground?

[ChewyOlive]

Erm...a little clarification

The subtext of my post #1234 is that I'll make a good roommate, with excellent study habits as evidenced by the years I put into a rigorous engineering program. I worked hard, and my "college experience" consisted of many all-nighters, heavy handed consolidation of effort, subtraction of a social life, and smothering day dreams of making a career out of art. Of course, that last one totally backfired :^^:

[ChewyOlive]

"Official SAT or ACT scores for students currently enrolled in high school. These should be sent directly to the admissions office from the applicable testing agency."

Does that mean I don't have to take my SAT's/ACT's "I'm out of HS" if I want to apply or do I have to go and take them?

Although SATs have little to do with concept art, taking it isn't necessarily useless. Before even looking at my art portfolio, SCAD offered me an $18,000/year academic scholarship based on my score of 1560 out of 1600.

[Koh]

Although SATs have little to do with concept art, taking it isn't necessarily useless. Before even looking at my art portfolio, SCAD offered me an $18,000/year academic scholarship based on my score of 1560 out of 1600.

Thanks, I just haven't had the time to take them, now I'm feeling a little more motivated to take them.

I have some questions, about financial aid, Is anyone living purely off of student loans, I'm afraid because my family is so spread out an low income I'd have to work full time and go to school if I moved there, or will student loans really help me with housing?

Is anyone In the same situation or has been?

[crimson89]

Thanks, I just haven't had the time to take them, now I'm feeling a little more motivated to take them.

I have some questions, about financial aid, Is anyone living purely off of student loans, I'm afraid because my family is so spread out an low income I'd have to work full time and go to school if I moved there, or will student loans really help me with housing?

Is anyone In the same situation or has been?


Private Student Loans are meant to cover your entire college budget (includes tuition/housing/supplies/etc), or so says my older sisters (they all went to UCs).

I'm sort of in the same situation, a risky investment - this is. A major percentage of my Art Center 07/08 budget rely heavily on private student loans (however, it's mostly geared towards my tuition only).

I'm sure a lot of other people rely heavily on private student loans (unless your super rich or super poor).

[Koh]

Private Student Loans are meant to cover your entire college budget (includes tuition/housing/supplies/etc), or so says my older sisters (they all went to UCs).

I'm sort of in the same situation, a risky investment - this is. A major percentage of my Art Center 07/08 budget rely heavily on private student loans (however, it's mostly geared towards my tuition only).

I'm sure a lot of other people rely heavily on private student loans (unless your super rich or super poor).

Thanks a lot for replying, I'm just really worried If I we're to transfer "thats what I plan on doing" that I'd have be able to get a place to stay and afford it right away.

I'm really worried about school and I really want to go to Art center, thats what drives me right now.

Hopefully I'll be able to pull together a portfolio within the year, quality enough to get in.

Here's another question

Has anyone else had to make a big move, like say from the Midwest to Pasadena? I'd like to know how you got set up to move, if you lived so far away, and did the school help you find somewhere to stay before you moved or did you do it all on your own?

[Arron]

Hey Koh,

I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA and will be moving to Pasadena (>2400 miles away) in about two and a half weeks. Although I haven't moved yet, I'll share how I've prepared to thus far.

I'm going to have a place secured for the month of September within the next two weeks (before I get out there) so I don't have to waste money at a motel for however many days it takes me to find something more permanent.
The first dispersements of my loans will not happen until school actually starts. That said, I had to save enough money for at least my first month's rent and a deposit.
I have a reliable car packed with my shit that I will be driving cross-country.
The housing department will help you by providing a list of available properties in the area. It's up to you to call people and secure your own place though.

Hope that helped some.


Good luck.

Edit:

I am also looking for a roommate.

[Koh]

^ Hey, thanks a lot for responding to my question.

I'd room with you, but I'm not going to apply until this winter/spring, good luck finding a roommate though.

I'm sure I'll have more questions soon, thanks everyone for helping me out.

[crimson89]

Arron - Ooo wow, good luck! :) When you're in Pasadena, if your current place doesn't offer (free/onsite) parking, you may have to apply for a parking permit (Pasadena is really STRICT on parking) :S The place I'm currently at, I'm stuck with it until January or so (so if you're still roommate-less by January, I'm free :P)


Koh - Getting accepted into Art Center isn't as difficult as you may think, getting a scholarship from them on the other hand is crazie!! Good luck!

[Oridan]

Arron-Haha sounds like we're doing the exact same thing! I'm going to be driving out from Virginia...2400 miles is going to be hell. I'm looking for a place to live right now so if you've got a good apartment then I'd be happy to room with you. Good luck when you head out!

[Arron]

Hey crimson89, thanks for the tip.

And good luck on your trip as well, Oridan.

[crimson89]

Arron - Sure thing :)


- I just moved to Pasadena yesterday (so HOT!), anyways, is it possible to purchase discounted items (macbooks/Adobe CS3/etc) now at the student store? (I have no Art Center ID card or anything, I DO have my acceptance letter and $200-ish deposit).

[Grayber]

Yeah this heatwave is nuts. I have no A/C or swamp cooler so I've been melting.

Did everybody get the revised orientation schedule? Just FYI the writing test is on September 5th at 9:30 AM instead.

[Oscare]

The mac store in pasadena gives you the same student discount that art center gives you. I'm not sure about the programs though.

I'm gonna buy a mac book, but i'm just not sure if i should get the 15 inch or the 17. I mean, i'm going to be doing some coloring and stuff on it, but 17 inch does seem a little big

*side note*...that's what she said. hhahahah.

[crimson89]

Oscare - lolZ, anyways, are you an illustration major? I'm going to likely (drop this crappy HP laptop and get a) mac book. Are you going to get the normal version (mac book) or the hardcore version (mac book pro)?

[Oscare]

HARDCORE!


oh, and yeah, illustration.

[crimson89]

http://li-admweb01.artcenter.edu/lookup/

http://artcenter.edu/registration/

- Can any Fall 07 student access that???

[ChewyOlive]

My situation has evolved, so I'm still looking for a roommate once again!

Contact email >>> oliver_tszeng@yahoo.com
Alternatively, whoever is interested can PM me as well.

[artdude89]

Hi, am still searching for roommates. I have a 2 bed/2bath apartment. PM if interested.

[Oscare]

hey, so if you were going to buy a brand new computer, would you buy a laptop, or a desktop from mac?

i'm just not sure the extra grand is worth it if i'm not really going to be traveling and illustrating stuff at the same time.

SOMEONE DECIDE FOR ME!!!!!

[crimson89]

- Er, we select our classes on the day(s) of orientation right??? :S (I'm getting confused about that online schedule thing, it's driving me kinda crazy about classes - already have a list of teachers I want) :nohope:

Oscare- I've noticed A LOT of students use laptops in general. It's easy to carry around, you can carry your (digital) artworks on it, you can actually bring it to school/class/places/etc, laptops are generally catered to students, etc. A mac is a plus too. So I'd get a Mac Book/Mac Book Pro. But ultimately, it's all about preference (I would assume).

[Oscare]

if your barely starting, you don't really get to chose your classes. they chose them for you.....so you probaby won't get to that list of teachers you want to take until later terms because the first couple of terms are just really basic and kinda gay classes (no offense to the gays).

you'll basically be painting swatches, writting ten page papers, and cutting out trees with construction paper. prettty gay.

then later you get to step it up and color popsicle sticks and make little models. yeah, i know it sounds like i'm kidding, but i'm not.

[Koh]

Man, I am so excited about applying, I really want to go to school, I basically have to go to a school here (in michigan) for atleast a semester because I have a scholarship, for my state.

I've been meaning to post in the thread again but I couldn't think of anything to say.

Quick, someone tell me the fun stuff to you like to do after classes, Other than studying of course. =)

[crimson89]

Oscare- Really? I herd we're at least able to select the times/teachers for our pre-selected classes :S

Koh - Fun stuff? :O I doubt any of us 1st term-ers will have much time for that once school starts :S I've been in Pasadena for the past 2 weeks, it's actually kinda boring (and hot) :S...for the most part, I either go to Old Town and walk around or head to my sister's place at West Hollywood/Venice. I'm gonna try and figure out Pasadena's metro goldline thing to go to chinatown or something :)

[Oridan]

Hey guys, I should be arriving sometime tomorrow (I'm in Kingman, AZ right now) so I'm super pumped.

crimson89: whats this online schedule thing you're talking about?

[crimson89]

Oridan - Recently, Art Center put up an online class schedule. I've spoke to a couple students, apparently, you can select/change classes online now. Don't quote me on this, not a 100% certain. I'm wondering if we (1st term-ers) have access to this online class schedule or get/select our classes in person at the orientation. It's SUPER hot in Pasadena this week FYI (almost 100 degrees, aughhhh)....

[Oscare]

I think you can access the online thing once you attend orientation. all you really need is your username and password...but i think the username is on one of the papers they give you at orientation.

You CAN change your classes around and pick whoever you want. They advise not to change around the schedule because it messes up the program they've set up for the past decades, or whatever.

[Oridan]

Whoohoo just arrived today! And you're right crimson, it's hot as hell...anyone else arriving soon?

[Jonas Heirwegh]

I'm going to pcc in a few months for the spring term. I was wondering, how do you guys go from LAX to pasadena? Public transport, taxi?

I'm also looking for a place by then.

[Oridan]

Well you could use the bus (lots of international students take it) but I think getting a car is the most plausible thing to do. I can't really imagine hauling all your art supplies around in your backpack when you're on a bike...

[ChewyOlive]

I used to bike around with ballast in my backpack, and huge sketchboards strapped atop. They curve into airfoil shapes and generate significant, serious aerodynamic loads...

I'll be starting on a seven hour long car drive to Art Center tomorrow morning, hopefully getting their before evening. Hopefully, I'll see you guys soon!

[Grayber]

I noticed on the orientation schedule that on Friday from 9:45 to noon is undergrad and graduate registration divided up by last name. So, I guess we're signing up on campus. That is one quick turn around if classes start on Saturday!

Crimson- I've been looking through the class search page. I'd say try to plan an ideal schedule based on when classes are listed as available and hope for the best.

Anybody going to the thing at south campus on Wed. night?

[panchosimpson]

so umm, i just thought i'd say hi guys, my name's ramon, and i'm currently a USC animation freshman

i'm writing in here because I really want to transfer to art center and do illustration......i've realized that i actually enjoy drawing and painting much more than animating, and i eventually want to do portraiture......

so, as it stands, i have 6 months till the fall scholarship deadline, I'm gonna work my ass off and create a new, better portfolio and apply.....hopefully getting some sort of scholarship (i have high financial need and am getting like 14000 a year from federal funds and i can always get more loans)......again, i am super determined to get in, i'm currently gearing up to create a new, decent illustration to include in my folio, and in two weeks i start figure drawing with glenn vilppu at the american animation institute. And during winter break I'm gonna try to take some classes with Ron and Vanessa Lemen.

Plus, i plan on visiting the school and meeting with a counselor before applying

I'm also gonna use this year to become more independent, learning how to drive and all that jazz lol

i'm thinking of renting a room with a family if i do get in and saving some $$$ maybe working summers to cover some of the rent for the year too

so yeah, just wanted to introduce myself and if anyone could take a peek in my progress thread (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=91471&page=2) and lemme know if i stand a chance i would really appreciate it :)

-Ramon Hurtado

PS. Some early illustrative work from last year can be seen here
http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/justice.jpg this is the one i'm redoing
http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/lostid.jpg
http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/playtime.jpg
http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/dance.jpg
http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/battle.jpg
http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/schizo.jpg

and an old sculpture http://www.stormloader.com/members/ramonhurtado/2d/man2.jpg

[Oscare]

I looked at your stuff. You need to work on your drawing skills, but basically, eah, that seems like you can get in with that stuff. Getting in isn't really that hard, and your stuff does seem to be at the level of some of the students here at Art Center.

[panchosimpson]

I looked at your stuff. You need to work on your drawing skills, but basically, eah, that seems like you can get in with that stuff. Getting in isn't really that hard, and your stuff does seem to be at the level of some of the students here at Art Center.

Hi Oscare, thanks for the prompt reply :) In regards to the drawing skills, do you mean in the illustrative pieces or just in general? (just curious). Again, thank you!

[toastertoaster]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forums and am interested in attending Art Center majoring in illustration after high school. I think I have read through the entire thread at least twice haha... lots and lots of useful information, i thank you all :D.

I just turned 17 a few weeks ago, i'm in my last year of high school and was wondering what i should do? Money is a problem and i don't think my parents could support me to actually attend Art Center, for instance, i would need a car ( i still need to get my license ), pay for an apartment, and from what i heard over 2k+ in supplies?!? ahhh! $$$$$... so much...

I was thinking of going to a community college first, get my ged's done and because its waaaaaaaaay cheaper, i would be able to save up for a car too...but would i be missing a lot the first year? foundations...and what not. ah...

i guess i'll still apply, see if i get in...hoping to get a scholarship or ANYTHING X_X, and if money is still the problem, community college here i come! haha



btw, hoping everyone's is doing well! from the looks of it, looks like everyone's busy busy... fall semester must be beginning soon :D

[talako]

Can someone please clear this up for me? I don't understand why going to a community college (for HS students) to take liberal arts classes is cheaper than going straight to Art Center when it clearly says in the AC catalog: "The number of liberal arts and sciences credits transferred does not affect the length of the program but will lighten the course load." You still have to take 8 terms, no? I also talked to the admission counselor and she basically said that taking all the liberal arts credits in AC doesn't mean one has to take 9+ terms (I suppose that would mean you have to take six classes each semester).

Maybe the orientation will address this?

[crimson89]

- For Wednesday's orientation, we have that Written English test at 9:30 am, then a Digital Design I test (for illustration students) at 1:00 pm or 2:30 pm, then the Sunset Social thing at the South Campus from 6 - 9:00 pm, right?????


----

Grayber - I'm gonna probably go 8-)

panchosimpson - You'll do great, I think you've got the skills or it. If you want to get into illustration, I'd do a bit more conceptual works though (half the illustration portfolio is conceptual subject works/half figure drawing - at least when I applied it was, earlier this year).

toastertoaster - Art Center's curricula is different to that of other colleges. You can of course go to a JC to get your liberal arts done, but that DOES NOT reduce the number of classes you take your first year or the price of the tuition. It just means that you can take the next level of that class (don't quote me on this, not 100% certain, but I would assume so) when you start or have an elective (which is good because you can focus on your actual art/studio classes and not have to worry about English). You go into Art Center as a 1st term student, regardless of where you came from (you can't jump into 2nd/3rd/4th term directly coming from a JC, I would assume, you start from the very beginning). Your 1st, 2nd, 3rd term classes for illustration are pre-selected for you - 4th term, you go off into your desired illustration concentration, I believe some concentrations require you to submit a portfolio to get into that concentration. Art Center's very conservative with scholarships - if you don't have a degree already, you can apply for CAL Grants or Pell Grants or something like that. If I could turn back time, I would spend more time on my portfolio, refining it so I could've at least had a higher chance of getting a scholarship from Art Center (it's easier getting a scholarship while applying to Art center rather than submitting a portfolio while in school and having to compete against other refined artists). At first, I was planning on attending a JC, to see if my transferable credits could reduce the amount of classes/price of the tuition, but decided not to (Art Center's tuition will only get more expensive the longer I wait, so I personally felt ready to just head on in).

talako - Ultimately, going to a JC and transferring with Liberal Arts credits to Art Center won't reduce the tuition - however, it'll lighten your load of school work (meaning you'll take more art/studio classes and less academic classes). But yeah, I HAVE herd something about having to take 9 terms to successfully complete undergraduate degree if you step into it without Liberal Arts credits, I'd like to get this cleared up sometime soon too :S

[panchosimpson]

crimson89 hey thanks for the reply, i'm definitely gonna do a lot more conceptual work during the 6 or so months I have to prepare, I was thinking of including one really ambitious, finished illustration, a lot of figure drawings, some still lifes and plein air paintings.....but now that you mention it should be around 50-50 maybe I'll include some character concepts or smaller illustrations.

How did you do with financial aid? I'm really hoping to get a scholarship, which is why I want to work extra hard, but I still hear these are nearly impossible to get.

Also, anyone here renting a room from a family or something?

thanks,

-Ramon

PS. to anyone taking a class with Sergio Sanchez.....how are his classes? are as amazing as his work?

[talako]

Panchosimpson– you can always show an admission counselor your portfolio before you apply and she/he can tell you what you should add or take out.

[talako]

oh yeah,

crimsom89– Honestly, I don't have a problem taking academic classes because I think they're just as important as studio classes. I'm just worried about the course load but then again I don't see why I can't just take some courses at PCC during summer.

[crimson89]

panchosimpson - I wasn't so lucky with financial aid/receiving any sort of aid. My parents made above the desired annual income amounts (lost my chances of receiving Cal grants/etc) :S Let me tell you that it's ridiculously expensive, right when I was about to move to Pasadena, I started freaking out a bit on how expensive it is. But I'm over it. I did reap some separate scholarships (ones I got from my high school, around $4,000 or so). Good luck with everything!

talako - Art Center won't allow you to enroll and/or accept credits at a JC while you're a student at Art Center :S So that really leaves all of us who'd like to do that no other option than to just dive right into it. I've spoke to a couple of 2nd and 3rd term high school graduates at Art Center - initially, it's not that DIFFICULT, it's all about having proper time management and arranging your classes accordingly (you wouldn't want to have 2 consecutive art/studio classes following each other, etc).

[talako]

crimson89– Yeah, right after I wrote that I realized that they don't accept those credits (sucks balls). I have no idea how to arrange my classes (I don't even know what classes I need to take) but I'm hoping all the answers will come from the orientation cuz I'm tired of worrying. Anyway, thanks for responding to my posts.

[hanajo]

Hi,
I'm planning on applying to Art Center under Graphic Design, however, I would really love to take some Illustration classes. Do illustration instructors allow students from other majors to sit in on their classes? I know AC won't let students have minors, but I'm hoping to take as many illustration classes as possible to create a sort of unofficial minor for myself.

[KChen]

Hi Hanajo,

Most art center teacher are pretty nice about sit in's even though they are not suppose to. You just need to talk to the teacher ahead of time and usually they will be fine with it as long as the space allows it and you don't take any time & resources away from the enrolled students.

Most teachers understands that you are paying a fortune for the classes already, so usually they are very encouraging to hard working students who wants to learn more.

That is pretty much how I got to take most of my classes in Art Center.

Hope this will help :)

[KChen]

Just in case anyone here is interested...

Khang Le and Charlie Wen are each doing a workshop in Pasadena in Oct and Nov.

Khang Le is the Art Director at Offset Software, who is also an Art Center Alumni.

http://www.projectoffset.com/

Charlie Wen is the Visual Development Director at Sony Santa Monica, responsible for the visual design of the God of War series.

http://charliewen.typepad.com/

They are both really nice guys and incredible talents.

If you guys are in the area, should come to check it out since they rarely ever teach.

Enrollment is almost full, so I thought to give art center students an heads up.

You can find out more information here:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=105502

Thanks :)

[Grayber]

Just got back from first day of orientation - holy crap, the illustration student body is HUGE. The student mentor for our group today seemed to really be trying to scare us into working hard... said to go to drawing workshops every day. I didn't get to meet any of you yet but hope we get to take some classes together. Say "Hi" if you see me- I'm the thin kid with bright red hair and glasses. Post your schedules tomorrow!

[talako]

Is it suicidal for a first term student to take six classes (for illustration)? I get a different opinion every time I ask (one said he had a hard time taking five while a fine art graduate told me when he was an undergrad he took six classes every term). I'm only doing this because I want to finish school in eight terms instead of paying for that extra nine. But if it's going to damage my learning ability then I'd rather take nine terms. Any opinions? At this point I don't know how much I can handle because I have no idea what the workload is like.

[hanajo]

Thanks KChen!

So, you can just sit in for the full term? Or is it more like every once in awhile until the professor gets annoyed? And they'll let you draw and stuff?

[KChen]

Hi Hanajo,

It really depends on the teacher and the space availability. The best thing is to check with the instructor first and try to be least intrusive to the people in the class.

I usually just bring a sketchbook with me to take notes and sketch in. If it is a small class and the teacher is friendly, then I will ask and bring my sketch pads and paints in. It is pretty much on a week by week bases and stop if you sense the teacher is getting annoyed (usually they won't unless you disrupts the class with talking or did not bother to ask him/her for permission to sit in).

You will just have to play it by ear and be courteous :)

[Grayber]

Got my Schedule!

Design 1: Tuesday 8AM -> 1PM with Carol E. Mitchell
Head and Hands: Tuesday 2PM -> 7PM with Lorrie D. Madden
Comp and Drawing: Wednesday 8AM -> 1PM with Richard A. Houston
Digital Design 1: Wednesday 3:30PM -> 6:30PM with Cameron Tiede

Any info about these teachers that has not already been discussed?
Oh, and come to the head drawing workshop tomorrow at 10AM and get started a bit early!

[talako]

Comp and Drawing: Monday 8AM-1PM Strickland
Head and Hands: Wednesday 2PM-7PM Luce
Art of Research: Wednesday 7PM-10PM Park
Design 1: Thursday 2PM-7PM Nguyen
Digital Design 1: Thursday 8:30AM-11:30AM Seil

[phasma]

Wow, Grayber, you have two crazy-packed days! Where's the head drawing workshop going to be held?

My schedule:
Design 1: Monday 2pm-7pm (Maura Bendett)
Comp&Drawing: Tuesday 8am-1pm (Warren C. Attebery)
Head&Hands: Thursday 8am-1pm (Jeff Smith)

And that's all they pre-scheduled me for... so I'm going to try to add Intro to Modernism (Wednesday 8:30am-11:30pm with Laura Cooper?)

Annd possibly Digital Design 2. But I had a question about that... is Digital Design 2 required? And if not, is it recommended to be taken?
Currently, all the classes for both Intro to Mondernism and Digital Design 2 are closed, so I have to go the paper route on Monday.

Feedback about instructors and classes from some upper-term students would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Michelle

[talako]

phasma– head drawing workshop is in studio 103.

[phasma]

thanks talako!

[Oridan]

I've got:
Digital Design I: Wednesday 7-10 pm (Tiede)
Design I: Monday 8 am-1pm (Mitchell)
Head and Hands: Monday 2-7 pm (Madden)
Composition and Drawing: Wednesday 2-7 pm (Houston)

I'm gonna have to move things around a bit since on wednesdays I won't have time for dinner haha

How has everyone's week been?

[Grayber]

Aside from the excruciatingly long time sitting in the auditorium, it's been amazing. I'm totally stoked to start here.

Anybody know what happened to Drawing Concepts??

[ChewyOlive]

This is where my schedule stands after a little bit of minor surgery...

Digital Design 1 w/Seil- Thursday 8:30-11:30 AM
Comp & Drawing w/Donahue- Tuesday 2-7 PM
Design 1 w/ Kahn- Monday 2-7 PM
Head & Hands 2/ Luce- Wednesday 8-1 PM

It seems that everybody has Friday off! We illustration kids are lucky.:rendered:

[crimson89]

* M: Design I / 8:00 am to 1:00 pm / Mitchel
* T: Writing Studio / 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm / Phillips
* W:
- Heads & Hands / 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm / Luce
- Composition & Drawing / 8:00 am to 1:00 pm / Houston
* TH: Digital Design I / 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm / Duncan


How do we do those changes using the paper procedure and having someone sign it and turning it in somewhere? (I wanna change my classes on Wednesday, too packed) :S

[Koh]

I'm jealous of you guys. =(

[Grayber]

So yeah... anybody who showed up for the workshop this morning - I'm sorry. I feel like a jackass. Maybe next time!

I'm thinking of auditing Vis Com Fundamentals on Mondays because I can't find a class to add.

Crimson- Enrollment services does all of that. I think there is a form outside their office that you'll fill out.

[ChewyOlive]

http://olivertszeng.lotusaudioimport.com/wp-gallery/SketchBook/FiremanFinished2.jpg

Crimson89, Oridan, Phasma, Talako, Grayber, what do you think about forming a Thunderdome team? Seeing as we don't have a school (and team) mascot, I propose...the Fire Man! Actually, the orange dot already exists as something of one, and I did draw, intending for Fire Man's swirling torches and flaming locks to delineate an orange disk (which I don't think, translated well) :}

[Oridan]

Sounds good to me Oliver, I dunno when we'll have the time but if we do I'm sure we can dish out some kickass. ACCD Represent!

According to my roommate, the orange dot is a symbol of the rising sun. He said the architect who designed the school was inspired by eastern architecture, especially Japan's, so maybe the dot is a tribute to him?

[crimson89]

Ooo, cool idea, I don't see why not - so what do we do in this team? :P

Grayber - Thanks for clearing that out :)

[Grayber]

So I performed some minor surgery on my schedule-

T: Head and Hands 2-7 Madden
W: Comp and Drawing 8-1 Houston
Digital Design 1 3:30-6:30 Tiede
Th: Design 1 8-1 R. Mitchell

Crimson- I've got comp. and drawing with you :D

Oliver - yesss... eeexcellent.

[panchosimpson]

sorry about this sidetrack but i have another portfolio question...keeping Crimson89's suggestion of 50/50 observational drawing and concept work, i was thinking of doing some illustrations based on stories and events that really interest me...so far it's oscar wilde poems, mexican colonial legends and the salem witch trials....

so i guess what i'm wondering is, does this sound like a...sound plan? (damn that's redundant!) I mean in my mind illustration is about creating the feeling of a particular time and place, and telling a compelling story, so I'm thinking this should work...

so yeah, any sort of feedback would be greatly appreciated

[Grayber]

Pancho- That sounds like a great idea! Put yourself into it and really show them who you are. A lot of speakers at orientation told us to consider our own beliefs and convictions. What are you about? What's your story? Put it in your work. Hope that makes sense. :)

[panchosimpson]

Grayber- awesome, glad to hear that I'm not completely off the mark....these were actually projects that I have been wanting to do for ages (wilde's work especially)....but could never do for lack of skill in drawing/paint manipulation, etc.....i think i MIGHT be able to do them now and i'm super excited. Anyway thank you for the response

[talako]

Does anyone know what should be brought the first day despite no supply list? I got comp. and drawing so I'm just going to bring a sketchbook (since I don't have a drawing pad).

[Grayber]

talako- I e-mailed Richard Houston and asked what to bring. He said bring charcoal pencils, an 18x24 drawing pad, and a board.

[crimson89]

panchosimpson - You should be fine going with the direction that you're going. When it comes to the more creative side of the portfolio, you really have a lot to work with and its flexible depending on your taste, it wouldn't hurt to do something different though (for my, I put a lot of my character designs/fashion illustrations and I threw in a few story oriented artworks for some balance).

Grayber - Ack, I just changed my schedule. I have Composition and Drawing with Atteberry tomorrow morning (my wednesday schedule was a bit too packed) XD Sorry!

[near]

housing informations

[panchosimpson]

Hey guys, we just had a seminar with Will Weston at USC yesterday...god you guys are lucky to have him as a regular instructor! Is anyone here taking classes with him? Hearing him talk (and show us artcenter student work) just makes me want to transfer even more!

He's teaching life drawing for grad students here in the spring, hopefully i'll get to sit in :)

later

-Ramon

[Grayber]

near- You can find housing in Pasadena and Glendale pretty easily. ACCD also has a housing list to find apartments easier. A friend of mine found a place for $750 with all utilities paid on it. Typically, rent for a studio is around $650 and 1 bedroom is about $800ish. It's not too bad considering the area, and I'd take it over living in a dorm any day. (bad memories :( )

pancho - He's teaching Sketching for Illustration and Visual Development which are 3rd and 4th term classes I think. I'll have to look for his class' stuff on the walls :).

[panchosimpson]

Grayber- yeah he mentioned he was doing vis dev...his thoughts on composition and design are immensly interesting and very helpful....and considering that I want to transfer, his suggestions are a godsend....he told us to concentrate on doing 20 5 minute drawings week, focusing on volume, and gesture rather than rendering. He gave me some other crits which i'm really trying to take to heart. (see last post of progress thread (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=91471&page=5) for new examples)

one question, when you guys did your figure drawings for art center, were they more focused toward gesture and volume (like vilppu) or towards full value academic drawings (atelier style)....or some combination of both? thanks guys!

[Grayber]

Pancho- I included both. I had 2 pages of 2 min. gestures and the rest (I think it was about 10) were full value. I also included 3 pages of hands. 2 were really quick gestures and 1 page was fully rendered. Try to show variability.

[xHUNTERx]

wow it's cool to see Kevin helping out new students. How's it going Kevin? Haven't seen you for a while. I'm interested in attending the workshop with Khang if there's still spaces available.

Pancho - once you start going to Art Center you will realize that everyone here's a form (at least during my figure drawing days). We focus more on getting the actual forms and gestures correct rather than the old atelier style. Though each technique have it's own edge i think this particular approach is more beneficial and practical for doing concept work.

If you're not sure what im talking about you should check out some of Kevin Chen's figure drawings. (you can find some of them at characterdesigns.com)

By the way, if anyone needs any help let me know. I've been at school long enough to know what to do and what not to do :D

[panchosimpson]

xHUNTERx- that'as good to hear! I have seen Kevin's drawings before, that sort of figure drawing is the kind I aspire to do some day....i'm taking basic figure drawing with Glenn Vilppu, and will be sitting in for Will Weston's life drawing class at USC in the spring.....I'm applying for the fall 08 (March 1) deadline.

Vilppu's class is actually my first figure drawing class ever, and seeing him work is amazing.....he says his method is vintage art center drawing :)

the last page of my progress thread (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=91471&page=5) shows a fairly good survey of the kinds of drawing I'm doing nowadays, some purely visual, academic-ish approach, and the figures and animals going for gesture and volume, as per Will and Vilppu's advice.

Thanks for the help so far!

[KChen]

Hey XHunterX,

Great to hear from you, things have been going well :)
I have been in super busy, hermit mode for a while during my time at NCsoft.
I am glad to be finally back freelancing and teaching again.

Right now, the Nov. 10th Khang's Environment workshop is fully booked.

But, due to the long waiting list Khang has agreed to do a second identical workshop on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the same time.

If you are free on that date and is still interested, just let me know and I will reserve a seat for you (e-mail me at contact@conceptdesignacad.com). So far we have 14 students on the second workshop.

Keep in touch and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Kevin

[NoSeRider]

I don't see the point in paying all that money at Art Center to Gary Meyer and Aaron Smith.....when Kevin Chen and the rest of the possi can teach you the samething....for less.

$5000 vs $500?..................it's damn crazy. You know that?

[Tomy24]

Hi everyone. I need some information about the cost of going to the art center. I really want to enroll in the Illustration program but need to know if I can afford to first..

I only know that it currently cost about $13,855 per semester. Does anyone know how many semesters in the Illustration program? And how long is a typical semester? Is it 3 months, 6 months?

[pAinto]

ACCD Admissions, tuition & fees (http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/admissions/tuitions_fees/currentyear.jsp)

2008 Undergraduate Students
$14,672 Tuition, per semester
$235 Universal Access Fee, per semester

in that page you can also find out about other stuff.
i'm lookin forward to go there too.

[phasma]

Tomy24 - the illustration program generally runs about eight terms, each term being fourteen weeks in length.

[Jonas Heirwegh]

I know there are alot of international students at art center.

I was just wondering, how do they get a job in the US after graduation?
You cant stay in the US on a student visa so you have to leave in a few months...

[pAinto]

I know there are alot of international students at art center.

I was just wondering, how do they get a job in the US after graduation?
You cant stay in the US on a student visa so you have to leave in a few months...

im an int student at AAU, but im lookin forward to go to art center next year from the fall 08 semester.
i have a f1 student visa.. so.. basically expires some months later the month you should get your BFA.

if ur visa expires and you are here, you can stay anyway.. but u have to leave within 3 months.
oh.. maybe it could help u.. but you are not allowed to work the first year you come to the us.

[Tomy24]

Tomy24 - the illustration program generally runs about eight terms, each term being fourteen weeks in length.

Thanks for posting phasma. I don't think I can afford to attend this school. :(

[Higgs]

hey!

recently got accepted for spring term- illustration.
So now I'm gonna start looking for rooms/apartments.
just wondering if there was a certain place or area that alot of art center kids live?
thanks

[Moccomouse]

Wooo! I just got my acceptance letter! I'm in for spring '08! Hooray for me!

now just to wait and find out about financial aid.

[Grayber]

Higgs- Almost everybody lives at school :P... But really, everybody is spread out around LA. I know people that have to drive 2-3 hours every morning and some that drive 5 min. It just depends on where you end up living. E-mail the housing dept. at Art Center and get their list if you want to find some other students to live with.

[f1sh]

Hey guys,

I've got a question for all those who have attended or who are currently attending Art Center. Is it important to have a laptop while enrolled at the school? And if so, Mac or PC? In the supplies category of the 07-08 catalog they mention that while computers and other equipment are provided, they recommend students have their own. I am only concerned with illustration and the entertainment design track.

[Arron]

Hey guys,

Is it important to have a laptop while enrolled at the school? And if so, Mac or PC?

I'm a first termer and from what I've seen, no it's not important to have your own laptop but it is very convenient. As for platform, most students here go for Macintosh as it's the standard for professional creatives. Go with what you're comfortable with (and can afford) though. With the exception of maybe some 3d software, both Mac and PCs support the same softwares.

[NoSeRider]

These were the featured Art Center Student Illustrators in CMYK Magazine
http://travisschooley.com/main/home.html
http://www.ericnyquist.com/index.htm

I think the Entertainment Design program is a better value.
And yes, I am poking you with a stick.


I don't want to bump this thread and have the zealots come after me, but I think you guys should be aware of
this before you apply, Art Center Students in Dissension about the Quality of their Education:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-artcenter11-2008jun11,0,7266639.story

http://youtube.com/user/robatokintaro

http://futureofartcenter.blogspot.com/

http://designercowboy.blogspot.com/2008/05/serious-trash.html

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.viewVideos&channelid=82433

http://www.laweekly.com/art+books/art/is-art-center-gehry-rigged-richard-koshalek-says-no/19093/

[crimson89]

Does anyone know the process of selecting classes for 2nd term? I know it's gonna be pretty crazy choosing classes with so many illustration/1st termers :S




(...for future students, Art Center's cooling/heating has a mind of its own :O...)

[Higgs]

thanks grayber, I did contact them and am looking through the listings they gave me.

Also, if anyone out there is looking for a roomate feel free to message me.
thanks guys.

[Viola]

Hello all. I was wondering whether there is anyone here who got accepted for Spring '08 and applied for scholarship/financial aid. If so, have any of you received your information yet? And, for anyone who knows, if you aren't awarded any financial aid, does Art Center still send you a letter?

[pAinto]

hey guys, i got few questions:
is pasadena a safe place to live? renting a house there is ok?
when does the summer term begin? anybody knows?
edit: i cant find programs curriculum anywhere..
im looking for the illustration/entertainment design one.

[evildisco]

It's totally a gang controlled area. Steer clear.
Rent is expensive, but it should come down soon, with shrinking markets and all. Summer term starts late may. Don't narrow your options to entertainment design. I say experience the broad range of things that they offer and then decide.

The entertainment tracks are very narrow in my opinion and it would be stupid to limit yourself that way. Illustration design is much broader and has much more electives and you can still take entertainment track classes while in it.

SAY NO to narrow-mindedness!

[pAinto]

Thanks evildisco.
Anyway, take it easy.
I was just guessing. I think I'd like to entdes. I will choose whatever to do, being there.

Why don't you explain why the entdes track is for narrow minded?
I'm not narrow minded, of course I don't want to limit myself, but reading your 2 cents would be nice to make things clear and understand your opinion.
You're in Illustration aswell ?

[evildisco]

I was pulling your leg don't worry.

Yeah I'm in illustration as well. Well to give you an example of what I mean, a lot of these people that are going into any of the two entertainment track think they are exonerated from taking classes that have been traditionally part of the Illustration curriculum, classes like Type and such. The excuse they will give you is that they don't need any of that because they will only 'draw characters or design stuff'. The truth of the matter is that if you focus on something like that, when you get tired of it, you'll be sorry you didn't take those other classes.

Besides, the track system is BS even if you do choose Illustration Design or Fine Art Painting, doesn't mean you'll end up doing editorial and whatnot. Just like going into entertainment doesn't guarantee you'll end up working in the entertainment business.

Hope that clarifies.

[pAinto]

First of all, thanks for these informations evildisco.

I'm just wondering about housing.
Every time there's a summer break or even at the xmas one, I will probably be flying back home. (I'm from Europe, long flight ;p) So.. do I have to pay the rent anyway when I'm not staying there, in order to maintain the same house? Otherwise every time I'll get back I have to look for a new one, right?
And having luggage and desktop computer.. etc. is gonna be a pain in the ass.
Do you know something about this? Maybe how other int students do ?
I'd really appreciate any help.

[evildisco]

Yes and yes. Also you have to deal with visas and such. So you need look into the I-20 visa which is the student one. Every time you leave the country you need to sign out with it. Going back and forth might become uneconomical and a pain in the ass as you already have stated.

[pAinto]

I know that, I already got a Visa and the I-20 stuff etc.etc. (I've been studying at AAU for some months but I left, I wasn't satisfied with the ILL major and department.)
That's not my matter. Signing out a paper every time I leave the country is not a pain in the ass or either difficult.
Going back and forth isn't a matter.
I was wondering about the Housing, as I just wrote.
Because when I'll be leaving I have to pay the rent anyway to stay in the same house or what?

[Jonas Heirwegh]

Yeah you have to pay to rent, it doesnt matter if you are leaving or not.

I'm going to start looking at a place in pasadena, It must be pretty close to PCC as I will be going to school with a bike.

[pAinto]

Yeah.. good luck with it.
But what about when you will be going to ACCD ?
Remember it's on a Hill... and you have to carry all your drawing stuff

[Jonas Heirwegh]

for accd I'm gonna need a car but that's still a long way to go so we'll see ;)

[asdfjkl000]

Hey, what's the difference between the Entertainment Arts track and the Entertainment Design track? Is there a difference? In order to become a concept artist for the more realistic looking video games, which track would be better? Any info would be great. I heard they only accept applications for the Entertainment Design track once a year. Is that true? When?

[Viola]

Hey, what's the difference between the Entertainment Arts track and the Entertainment Design track? Is there a difference? In order to become a concept artist for the more realistic looking video games, which track would be better? Any info would be great. I heard they only accept applications for the Entertainment Design track once a year. Is that true? When?

I spoke to a counselor regarding the same matter a couple months ago, and was told that they've since merged the two together so it's just the "Entertainment Arts" track now.

[evildisco]

No it's not. Entertainment Arts is one and Entertainment Design is another.

Actually Entertainment design is planned to become its own major.

Asd if you want to work towards more live action entertainment design is your choice.

Arts is geared towards visual development in animation particularly.

[asdfjkl000]

hmm, but you still get to draw people in Entertainment Design, right? for some reason, i thought it was all about designing lamps and cabinets. How would a portfolio for Entertainment Design be different from a portfolio for Entertainment Arts?

yeah, i went to the illustration now meeting and the guy said that Entertainment Design is going to be its own major from now on and Entertainment Arts will still be under Illustration

[evildisco]

Yeah you do, but the focus is different and supposedly more broad.

Oh so you saw that charade of a presentation, yesterday?

[asdfjkl000]

Charade? What do you mean? I mean, it seemed like a good presentation to me.

It seems like a lot more people with interests in architecture and product design go into that track rather than illustrators. So, like, if Marko Djurdjevic, or Wesley Burt went to our school, which track do you think they would be under?

[evildisco]

Generic Illustration, probably which nowadays is called Illustration Design, which is what I plan on doing as well.

Don't mind my comments about the presentation, I personally thought Scott made a rather nasty display of bloated ego.

[artdude89]

Any one who is entering for Art Center for Spring '08, we got a space available. You will be rooming with three other Art Center students. PM me if your interested or got questions. Cool, thanks.

[asdfjkl000]

I'm interested.

How much and how far is it from art center? So, it's a house, right? private message me, or something

[crimson89]

Does anyone know if the new Entertainment Major will completely wipe out the Entertainment Illustration/Design tracks? I herd they're only accepting 15~20 or so people

:S


Oh, and any teacher recommendations for...

- Design II
- Perspective
- Vis Com I
- Intro to Modernism
- Drawing Concepts
- Composition and Painting



thanks :)

[asdfjkl000]

Entertainment Arts will still be under illustration and Entertainment Design will be its own major

Gary Meyer-- Perspective

Gayle Donahue-- Drawing Concepts

David Luce, or Alex Schaeffer--Composition and Painting

[evildisco]

It is overblown in proportion the plans to separate Design from Illustration. The only truth to the whole deal is that Design people will compete for scholarships amongst themselves. As for the entry cap, they have to accomodate the students, so don't worry about it, Scott's plans are not entirely true nor entirely feasible. For instance the fact that you can only apply once a year is ridiculous. So don't stress too much about it, if your work is at a good level even over cap he cannot deny anyone, he ate his own words this term, 26 people got in.

Design 2 take John Nguyen, its hard but you learn.

Elfline for Modernism.

[artdude89]

so if you dont make it in the first round, we can re apply the next term? what do you do for that 1 term you missed, i mean, dont you fall behind in class and be at an disadavatage compared to those who make it in after 3rd term?

[evildisco]

See that's what Scott's idea is not practical, fair and bound to be shot down.

He wants people to be able to apply only ONCE a year, so think how happy students are going to be about all the money they waste and the fact that they wouldn't be able to take classes from design because they are not in yet.

Soooo, don't listen too much to what Scott says, he's a tad over his head.

[f1sh]

So when are the changes happening? I applied a few days ago for illustration fall '08 intending to do the entertainment design track, but if this happens it looks like I'll need to change my major.

Also, can anyone give me some info on the scholarships available to new students in illustration? I heard on Core77 boards that there's a lot of scholarship money in ID and not much in illu.

[evildisco]

I'd say your best option so far is to get into the Trans department and then move from there. It's true a lot more is invested in the ID tracks and they are the only major where you can get corporate sponsorships and full rides.

Illu is the biggest department and we pay for most of everything but get very little in terms of infrastructures and such.

[f1sh]

Why trans? I've already prepared a portfolio and applied for illustration so I don't think I could easily move into trans. Not like entertainment design anyway. From what you said, it doesn't sound like I should be expecting much as far as scholarships go, huh?

[evildisco]

Nope we get kind of shafted with money in illustration.

I dont know I said trans because you mentioned entertainment design, but if your portfolio is geared towards entertainment then disregard my opinion.

[asdfjkl000]

Hey, do you have to complete all the term 1 through 3 requirements in order to get into any of the tracks, or can i just take the classes either way? I don't want to take academics anymore.

[evildisco]

You have to take them eventually, I think its a better idea to clear the requirements at the beginning so you can get electives later on and do stuff that is more interesting to you.

[artdude89]

will scott robertson still be teaching viscomm1 next term in spring 08? i heard he might be department chair or something.

[asdfjkl000]

i don'ts gotts to take nuthin'! YA HEAR?!?!?

man, the more i learn about the business of art, the more i feel like being a veteranarian, or something.

[Grayber]

Scott will still be teaching Vis Comm. I'm in Vis 2 with him next semester. If you're planning on taking Vis 1 with him I HIGHLY recommend seeing his perspective DVD and probably one of his car / spaceship DVDs after that. Check them out at the library or buy them at Swains to save some $$. If you haven't really done a lot of technical perspective drawing you're going to be working your ass off trying to keep up at first (though you should be working that hard anyway).

[Higgs]

hey guys, about how much time a week should I expect to be putting in homework? I know its alot, Im going to do work study, and am wondering if I should even think about a side job, even if it was only 1 day a week on firday or saturday, that little extra money would be very helpful. (starting first term illustration-spring)

thanks

[asdfjkl000]

well, i spend about 10 hrs per studio class homework ( 4 studio so 40 hours) and then about 2 1/2 hours per academic class homework. i have two of those. and i also manage to go to workshops, so you might have time to do that second job thing, but then all you would be doing would be going to work, homework, and going to class, and nothing else. One of my friends is doing that, but i don't think they're quite getting as much out of the classes as me. So, you could make an extra 100 bucks a week, but loose out on some valuable opportunities at the same time. Like, you learn the most when you spend all your time on your homework rather than if you just do the bare minimum. Plus, bare minimum will probably get your like C grades, which are dangerously close to D grades, so you might want to think about that. So it's possible, but it's probably not wise.

[Higgs]

I hear you, thanks. how many classes did you have your first term? i know il have to take some academics still, and from what I understand you don't pick your classes first term anyways right? They just give you the classes you need?

Thanks again

[Grayber]

I'm taking 5 studio classes. It's not really that much if you've been to college before, though I know some people right out of high school who are having a pretty tough time. This time of year it gets a little crazy, but it's totally doable. You might as well load up to 18 credits if you think you can handle it. You're paying for it after all. A friend of mine is taking 18 credits and doing the high school mentor program for work study a couple hours a week and he's doing just fine; even had time to submit a pretty good scholarship portfolio.

As for classes, I would say try to take Design 1 online. You'll save a lot of money and will learn about the same amount as I did. Maybe there are some good Design 1 teachers here but mine definitely wasn't one of them.

[talako]

Take Jon Nguyen for Design 1. It was my hardest class but Jon knows his stuff and you learn a lot of information. I had a lot of fun which is why I'm taking him for Design 2. Everyone I know who didn't have him or Claypool has a completely different attitude about Design 1.

[evildisco]

About having wasted their time.

Yeah seems like any other design class is just random and useless.

[asdfjkl000]

Yup :mod:

[RealignYourSpine]

So, I currently go to Kansas City Art Institute for photography (I'm a sophomore), and I'm thinking of transferring to another school because KCAI's photo department kind of sucks. Does anyone know how the photo department at Art Center is? I've been all over their website and I really like a lot of the work they have up in the student gallery, and their equipment sounds good (a lot better than KCAI's, heh). I'm planning on applying for next fall, and I'll be visiting in March during spring break, but I'd like to hear from somebody about what they think.

Thanks!

[evildisco]

Really hard to say, I believe the infrastructures are good, but most of the people here are more illustration type of people and given the fact that majors don't mix as much as they used to, it's hard to say. Your only way to find out will be through talking to people here when you visit. I can only vouch for the equipment not the program.

[asdfjkl000]

Who are the easiest teachers for Modernism and Art of Research?

[evildisco]

Elfline was easy for modernism and Pamela Blackwell, whom I have right now for Art of Research.

[Special K]

Yey! so I've got an apartment 2 1/2 miles from the campus with a Film Major...

Quick question. I've noticed a lot (if not all schedules) here show no Friday classes.
Are the majority of everyones' classes for first term have no friday class?
(Just need to know because I'm planning an early flight visit home for a weekend)

[asdfjkl000]

Well, you can get a friday class if you want to. It's just that most people don't because they're lazy, or something.

[Oscare]

Sup.

Hey, so are there any jobs in Video Games for illustration majors? I heard a lot of these people were illustration majors, but they seem to just do the creatures and characters instead of the environments. Like Jason Chan was an illustration major...although, his stuff doesn't look like what people at Art Center are use to doing under the illustration major. What's up with that?

[pAinto]

yeah, because jason chan graduated at academy of art university in sfo.
art center has a track called 'entertainment design', department head is scott robertson, a lot of guys graduated at art center in illustration/entdesign, there.. you basically do concept design stuff like environmental, vehicles, characters, etc.
hope this clarifies

[mirskov]

quick question ... edit: nm answered.
thanks!

[WhisperPntr]

I have no idea if this is true and before there are misconceptions, I would like to say I view some of the graduates as drop dead impressive.

Anyways, I have heard from the grapevine that artcenter students are trained in a "cookie cutter" fashion and graduates are "the same"? While I don't fully believe this I was really alarmed when someone said that people break your pencil in half if you don't draw a certain way.

I really would like to know more about this and what happened.

[Grayber]

WhisperPntr-

I've noticed that a lot of illustration students start to tend toward an "Art Center" style. I had a conversation with Lorrie Madden one day after class and she said that she notices it in most students. While a lot of people tend towards this style at a certain point here I don't think that the faculty expects you to work that way. I was looking at entertainment design portfolios during the last week of class and I saw a lot of variation. I don't think it's about drawing a certain way, it's just about being effective. I think the cookie-cutter "Art Center" style is effective for a lot of students, but if you're conscious about it and want to be different I think you can get beyond it and the faculty will be happy you did.

[hanajo]

Hi,
I am starting Art Center in a couple weeks for Graphic Design. I want to take some Illustration classes. Since I won't be able to take the full illustration load, are there certain classes which are key in the illustration curriculum?

My interests lie in animation concept art and fashion illustration. I especially really want to take fashion illustration and character design classes, but would these even be available to me since I am not an illustration major? Would I just be limited to foundation classes?

I am estimating that I have at least 21 free units from being waived out of some liberal arts classes, and then I'll have some more units from electives. That's about...7+ possible illustration classes, right?

I know that was long...thanks for reading!

[evildisco]

Graphic designer people have some illustration classes in their curriculum already, but they are sad lite versions of the illustration comparatives.
You can probably take the actual foundation classes because the system allows you to register for anything that doesn't have requirements, but I am not a 100% sure.

I looked at your sketchblog, why are you in graphic design?
If you're so interested in illustration and I think you have the ability to do it, why not switch to it and take graphic design classes instead. There's a possibility for illustration majors to get into motion design, which might be to your liking.

[asdfjkl000]

Yeah, i agree:lifedrawing:

[hanajo]

Evildisco - Thanks! I actually love graphic design, but I also love to draw. I chose graphic design because of its versatility. I feel that from graphic design, one can branch out into many areas of design, but I suppose the same could be argued for illustration. I am thinking about concentrating in motion design - I had no idea that illustration majors could take it too.

[evildisco]

Yeah we can, unless the department chair likes to lie. True graphic design allows for some versatility, but if you have a strong design sensibility it doesn't really matter.

econ: Get roommates. It's the only way to lower the costs in the Pasadena area. I know a lot of people that commute, it's not ideal but it can be done, it's just a horrible waste of time to go back and forth though.

[Special K]

Orientation was fun. I enjoyed meeting so many peeps both in my major (illus.) and not. I'm glad I don't have to change the times for my schedule and like it where it is:

Mon: 2-7pm Comp and Draw - L. Madden
Tues: 3:30-6:30pm Digital Design 1 - D. Duncan Seil
Wed: 8:30-11:30am Writing Studio - A. Dalton; 2-7pm Design 1 - J. Kahn
Thur: 8am-1pm Head and Hands - J. Smith

Any comments on the teachers or is anyone in these particular classes?

Eeeeee I explode with excitement!....but first I must get over this slight cold my parents gave me while they helped me move in -_-....
NyQuil HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Grayber]

Special K-

I had Lorrie Madden for Head and Hands. Lorrie is awesome... hope you enjoy her class. Her lectures can get a little boring and long but she knows her stuff. The only other thing I can say is that I've heard that a lot of people don't really like Jeff Smith. I don't know why, but it's been the general consensus.

[Oridan]

WhisperPntr-

I've noticed that a lot of illustration students start to tend toward an "Art Center" style. I had a conversation with Lorrie Madden one day after class and she said that she notices it in most students. While a lot of people tend towards this style at a certain point here I don't think that the faculty expects you to work that way. I was looking at entertainment design portfolios during the last week of class and I saw a lot of variation. I don't think it's about drawing a certain way, it's just about being effective. I think the cookie-cutter "Art Center" style is effective for a lot of students, but if you're conscious about it and want to be different I think you can get beyond it and the faculty will be happy you did.

haha sup gray!

Okay, one thing you gotta remember is that as long as a teacher shows you how to draw, some of their technique is going to rub off on you...unless you completely disregard what they say. It's only after you learn the basics (usually with a certain style) that you can begin to refine the quality of your drawings and then find your style. Plus, we've got classes to help develop our own "touch" (lol) as we heard today in drawing concepts. So I think art center is aware of the Carmean style a lot of people get stuck with and they're making an attempt to avoid that stagnation.

[f1sh]

Just got my acceptance letter for Fall '08 Illustration. My thanks to everyone in this thread.

[king_scribbles]

Just how good do you have to be to get into the Art Center? I always imagine you guys' portfolios that you send in being really impressive.

[f1sh]

A friend of mine just started Art Center this spring and I heard that him and three other guys are the only incoming freshman out of the 250 who came directly out of high school. I'm not too clear on the details but that sounds pretty impressive to me.

[Devere]

I am thinking of applying for a masters at Art Centre for either 2010 or 2011, once I finish off my degree in Industrial Design this year at Humber College. However I want to shift my focus to concept art wondering how the program there is exactly, since its a masters I'd assume I'd pretty much be able to structure courses around my needs.

Though for the moment I'm planning to give Max he Mutt a shot, as I've been to their school and the learning environment seems pretty solid along with some excellent work in the student gallery and much smaller classes than I'm used to which is a definite plus. (here at Humber I'm 4th year product major with 34 students in my class, 6 in transportation design, where as typical class size at MTM is said to be 15 students.)

So I was wondering how Art centre experience stacks up to other schools, I have 2 Professors that went there 1 who was there like 40 years ago and he other was in the same group as Harald Belker going through. Both of which had positive learning experiences there.

The skills gained from Humber focused strongly on product developement manufacturing, marketing, with little room for blue sky design. so though my sketching skills are above average, and I know allot designing products to work. Product design doesn't really tickle my fancy anymore and I'm looking for an institution to help me take my skills to the next level so I can compete with all the amazing concept art/visual development I see being done today.

I'd appreciate some feed back from others about the Art centre experience, and courses geared towards the skills needed to succeed as a concept designer.

[bibbels]

i see that i have found the ac forum... a little bit to late though - was way to lazy to read all the threads... but hey i posted a thread earlier and would appreciate any help on enrolling an dpreparing my portfolio!
cheers

[talako]

Hey guys, I'm planning to take analytical figure drawing next term and I'm wondering how the class is with Jeff Smith. I've heard some not so good things about him from friends who had him for head and hands but perhaps he has a different teaching method when it comes to figure drawing? Any info would be much appreciated!

[Grayber]

talako- You should ask Arron about Jeff Smith. He has him right now for analytical figure drawing, and from what I've heard it's a pretty cool class.

Econ- E-mail the office of student life to get a housing list if you want to find roommates around the area... A lot of people I know are living with other ACCD students and they seem like good arrangements most of the time. I'm paying $850 for a 1br (split 2 ways with my g/f) right off of Lake and Orange Grove and it's really nice. You should be able to find decent housing if you shop around. West Side Rentals has a ton of listings. As far as girls go... seriously, does anyone going to art center have time to date? I live with my g/f and I hardly spend time with her. I'll just say "not bad."

Devere- You should try to contact Peter Chan (http://www.drawpeterdraw.com). He was a graduate ID student who went into entertainment design here.

bibbels- Sorry man, I don't know about the graphics program. :/

[slang]

hey guys,

i start in the fall of '08(for GPK), i was just wondering if you had any words of wisdom, any sort of advice not only in terms of surviving but also advice in terms of good places to live/the surrounding area of art center.

anything is greatly appreciated,

scott

[whatshisface]

Is anyone else worried about the transition of entertainment design into its own major? I hear there are only going to be so many spots open and I've also heard a rumor the entertainment arts is going to be cut out sooner than anyone thinks.

???

[talako]

Why would entertainment arts be cut out? I haven't heard anything close to that rumor.

[slang]

Anyone going to the accepted students event on March 29th?

[whatshisface]

Just a nasty rumor I heard, thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone else knew.
But what I'm really getting at is the number of students their saying they will admit-18 students only for 3rd term?!

[Catofglass]

there's been a whole bunch of meetings and stuff about the entdesign major - they are accepting only 18 students a year and the entire curriculum is already set. there aren't any classes in the summer because they set you up with internships in the industry. basically they're just being really snooty and exclusive. big surprise, eh?

anyway, any upperclassmen have some advice for 2nd term wondering whether she should go into ent design or arts? and what classes did you find most valuable from your foundation years?

[Dr.Bigdick]

Hey, everyone.
Think Im going to apply for this year term. Does anybody know, when the art center crew will need to have my application, if i want to get there in fall? I'd apply for the product design track. but Im a little concerned, they dont have a industrial design b.a. I reckon most companies consider product design as less valuable as industrial design. Dont you think?
And what about if they finally decide to make entertainment design a major someday? Will I be able to change my major, just like that. Will there be any problems? I guess lots of courses i did in product design will be worthless then, right?
And I wanted to know if there are any applicants from germany, this year?

So, thanks in advance.

[slang]

hello doctor,

Art Center accepts portfolios until the classes are full so you have time. As for switching majors, you are allowed to transfer however you need to resubmit a new portfolio specific to that major and you will also most likely start as a term 1 student.

[Arron]

Hey all, I'm going back to the East coast for the summer so I'll have a room open for rent during that term. It's in a nice, clean house in a quiet neighborhood with 3 very cool and respectful roommates (two of which are also AC students). It's located about 5 minutes from the main campus and old town. It will be available to rent from May 1st, 2008 until August 31st, 2008 (I come back Sept. 1st). Send a PM if you're interested.

Good luck with finals everyone.

[Dr.Bigdick]

Thanks, slang.
But wait a moment. did I miss something? Does Art Center offer an entertainment design major already? or why is "entertainment design" listed among the undergraduate programs?

[Gygaxis]

my understanding is Ent Design is transitioning from an illu minor to it's own ID major as of this fall term.

Anyone heard if it's going to be a BAS like the other ID majors or BFA?

[Dr.Bigdick]

I guess its going to be BFA.
Do you guys think, it'd be possible to get anybody from ACCD to have a quick look my online portfolio/blog over to give me a little estimation of my skill level?
I live in Germany and dont really have time/money to get to pasadena that easily to have my portfolio reviewed.
Yeah, and does anybody know, if its possible to get scholarship for entertainment design?

[anhedonic analog.]

Hello everyone!


I'm an Entertainment Design hopeful here, applying for this fall, when it will officially be it's own major!

Also there's an open night this Saturday where you can meet the faculty. I'm going, and I'm bringing my progress on my portfolio for admission!

[whatshisface]

hey anhedonic, whats the deal with that open house?

[Justin.]

Thinking of applying to Spring 09.
.
My biggest concern is just in finding a room. How much do shared places go for in the miles around the North campus? a quick fetch on Craigslist shows almost identical places in terms of size and location for 400 bucks difference in price. Does ACCD have an kind of forum set-up where students can connect?

[Dr.Bigdick]

Justin, this is all I know: http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/students/info/housinginfo.jsp

Does anyone know, whether entertainment design starts in fall only?

[Catofglass]

yes, ent design starts officially as a independent department Fall 08, and applications for a spot are due sometime midsummer.

[MDurante]

I've applied as an Illustration major for Fall '08, but didn't get in right-away -- they've asked for a second portfolio, with more figures and color work. I'm working on it!

Anyway the new Entertainment Design major caught me off guard, and if I have time I'll try to work-up a third portfolio and take a shot at it. But from what I've seen on the web these portfolios need to be pretty strong. Here are some examples (I think):
http://dannydraws.blogspot.com/
http://robertsaysdraw.blogspot.com/

Given how hard it is to find info on all this, here's the email notice they sent out regarding Entertainment Design:

I am pleased to announce that Art Center College of Design is adding a 10th undergraduate major, Entertainment Design, starting this Fall 2008 semester. In the past, Entertainment Design was a track housed within the Illustration major and students were not able to enter the program as a new, first term student. This is no longer the case and we are pleased to offer new students the option of entering this program in their first semester.

I want to give you an opportunity to apply directly for this new major.

Entertainment Design will admit new students into the program once a year for the fall term. The Fall 2008 scholarship deadline for Entertainment Design is Friday, March 14, 2008. The Fall 2008 application deadline for ALL majors is Friday, August 8, 2008.

If you are interested in entering Entertainment Design as a first term student this fall, please review the portfolio requirements below. If you would like to meet with an admissions counselor to review your work, please contact our Admissions office at 626.396.2373 as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

If you have already submitted an application for another major for Fall 2008 and want to apply for Entertainment Design instead, you must inform of us this change in major consideration. Fill out the attached Entertainment Design Supplemental Application and return it to the Office of Admission.

If you have questions about Entertainment Design contact Lacy Van Court, (lacy.vancourt@artcenter.edu), Admissions Counselor, who will address questions you may have.

Many thanks! We look forward to working with you as you pursue your educational goals.

Best regards.


Elias Gonzalez
Associate Director, Admissions

August 8th!

If I understood her right, Lacy Van Court did mention you can try applying into the program after your second term (from Illustration).

- Matthew Durante

[MDurante]

And here are the portfolio requirements, that were attached to that email. I don't see why I shouldn't post them here...:

Entertainment Design


Portfolio Requirements

The task of a concept designer for the entertainment industry is to be able to provide an infinite number of design variations of characters, environments, vehicles and props for stories taking place in the past, present or future. Your entrance portfolio into the program at Art Center should reflect this interest and provide an example of your current abilities towards this task.

Please include examples of your own original design ideas created for a story of your invention or choice of an existing story.

Your main focus should be in the creation of original designs that are well communicated through drawings and renderings. Examples of your range of skills in the designing of all four of the major subject topics, environments, characters, vehicles and props should be included in your portfolio.

Please include both the early concept design sketches and more finished renderings of your design ideas. It is important to show your thinking process through a range of sketches and renderings that progress from rough to more finished. Emphasis should be placed more on well-drawn original design variations than on including only highly finished color renderings. Color copies or prints may be submitted in lieu of original color work. Work should not be submitted on a CD. Sketchbooks are a welcome addition to your portfolio. Traditional media sketches, pencil, pen etc. and or imagery created digitally and then presented as a print are welcome as well.

- Matthew Durante

[anhedonic analog.]

hey anhedonic, whats the deal with that open house?

whoops, it's the weekend after this one!

here's what the flyer i got says:



Art Center College of Design Open House

Saturday, April 19 2-5pm / Hillside Campus


Advertising / Entertainment Design / Environmental Design / Film / Fine Art media / Graphic Design / Illustration / Photography and Imaging / Product Design / Transportation Design



2-5pm
tour the Hillside Campus
View the work of this terms's graduating students
Meet staff and faculty from all disciplines

Special Presentations:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Film Department screening


PS I'll be the tall dude with long hair, hopefully we'll run into each other!

[anhedonic analog.]

http://dannydraws.blogspot.com/
http://robertsaysdraw.blogspot.com/



DAMN! these guys are good!!

scary but very motivating to see what kind of skill I'm up against.
These guys have been accepted already according to their blog..

best of luck to anyone applying!



OH and for anyone living close enough to Pasadena, there the Concept Design Academy close to the AC South Campus, with classes from AC Alumni:

http://conceptdesignacad.com/

[f1sh]

MDurante,

Thanks a ton for posting the info about the entertainment design major. I'm sort of in the same boat as you (applied for illustration fall '08, was asked for a second portfolio, got in) but I never received the notice. Any chance you could send me the entertainment design supplemental application that's mentioned? I'll send you a PM.

[Brashen]

Hmm I've been looking at different art schools lately and I've heard a lot about Pasadena's Art Centre.

What are their stands on international students? I'm Lebanese and would really love to go and study there.
Another thing how does it hold up to the G n o m o n school?

[Dr.Bigdick]

Brashen,
Art Center = King
is cool but as far as I know its not a school. They only offer workshops and sell training dvds. At least, thats what I think.

If you're interested in applying art center, you should check out their website:
http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/students/international/international.jsp

And get the latest catalog:
http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/pdf/AC_Catalog_2007-8.pdf

If f1sh and those two guys, MDurante mentioned are accepted for entertainment design, there are tops 15 places left. So worst of luck to anyone applying . (except for me of course)

[Brashen]

Dr.Bigxxxx: :P Thanks a lot dude for the info I'm not applying till next year's fall semester so Im in no hurry. I've been looking at their entertainment design courses...is this a major or do I have to be in illustration to take it? Do I get a BFA?

And I'm guessing youve allready applied? did you get in if so congrats and thanks again!!

[Dr.Bigdick]

Yepp, Entertainment Design is a major now. I dont know for sure, but I believe graduates get a BFA.
No, I didnt apply yet. Im looking forward to send my application at the beginning of june. I really hope the course will not be full then, yet. Or that its possible to sqeeze applicants out, who have been accepted already :)

[Dr.Bigdick]

Im gonna be there on Saturday. Any volunteers who doesnt mind to show me the city:D? Im arriving at lax at about 9 pm this friday Would be nice to hear from you ;)

[anhedonic analog.]

Mr. Bratwurst:

read your IM from me!

I can show you round, gimme a call or IM me!

[runaway]

are there any non-US student here who went through Art Center At Night classes before enrolling into the degree programs? Like to know about the whole experience/journey.

[Riiroi]

Hi,

Just wondering, does anybody know if anybody's been rejected solely because of a poor GPA. I would really like to know if Art Center accepts students based on portfolio first followed by results. I apologize if this has been asked before.

Thank You

[PChai224]

..I'd like to know the answer to that previous question too. My grades aren't exactly up to par right now. What would be the acceptable GPA?

[anhedonic analog.]

I've had a few interviews with the admissions consillors, and my grades were never even brought up. They were only interested in my portfolio work.

Considering my highschool grades really suck, I'm pretty sure if you show dedication and passion to your work (ie awesome portfolio), your gpa shouldn't be a decisive factor at all.

Einstein sucked at school for example. Not that I'm comparing myself with him, but expecially in an art/design field, the grades from a transcript will have MUCH less weight compared to your portfolio.


But that's my opinion and extrapolation. I've written a mail to my admissions councillor and see what she says.

[anhedonic analog.]

OK I have the official answer:

Your GPA IS a decisive factor, and has to be over 2.5, or they might make you take a semester or two at a community college to knock it up before accepting you.

And in the case of entertainment design being only once a year, if I don't get in for this fall, I'm going get all the general education and liberal arts classes out of the way before being enrolled full-time at art center to lighten my work load and focus on art&design classes.

[Dr.Bigdick]

I think the analog guy did get something wrong. After reading the catalog carefully, I think the admission councillor ment that your GPA may not be worse than 2.5 DURING your education at Art Center. Or else you will be kicked out!
Just read the catalog. Page 120 I think.

[GhostDoll]

When I took a tour at Art Center, I was told that applicants shouldn't have a GPA lower than 2.5 or else they'll start to question why it's that low. It's not an automatic rejection because there's still things like portfolio, but you should be aware that it will catch their attention.


I have quite a few questions that I hope someone can help me with. I've tried looking at the catalog and calling Art Center, but I couldn't find out anything.

1. Is Entertainment Arts in Illustration based on concept art for animation or does it also teach some of the animating process? (I know it's based on narratives, but that's all). If someone can explain the curriculum in detail, I'd really appreciate it.
2. Does anyone know if Art Center has lots of internships for people going into the animation industry?
3. Are some of the classes under the Digital Arts curriculum elective classes available for any student to take?
4. What do they teach under the Motion Arts track?

[JoshK]

1. Yes, Ent. Arts is more for animation and from the work that I see, its more about the process and concept and less about animation (although some students do animation work instead of the color keys or concepts). CalArts is focused more on animation.



Arts classes:
This is what my friends in the art program told me so I could be wrong. Also teachers could change the curriculum.

Creative Perspective- pick a story and illustrate the environment, not a lot of perspective involved since its stylized.

Inventive Character- draw characters from life in class and later on, you draw from your head, various poses of the same character....etc. I think this class (or was it creative characters) was taught by Daniel Galliote but he went back to disney to work. He is the only teacher I know that actually worked as an animator.


Visual Development- pick a story and illustrate the environment...I think you gotta do each piece a different style. Some people love this class, some hate it. I dunno

Style- not sure what they do, something like you pick various style and copy it. ex. one of my friend did an environment in the 101 dalmation style.

Intro to Matte painting- matte painting for movies, photo collague and stuff. They usually go to a studio that does matte paintings for a final crit by the studio employees . I forgot which one they usually go to, ILM or R+H.

Background painting- Background painting for animation

Digital Landscape- every teachers is different but it usually involves going to various locations and painting on your laptop. Some teachers have you paint from your head for homework and some have you go out and paint some more. Mike Humphries teaches this class. He is the Ent Arts guy. I know Nick Pugh also taught this class last term but he is more Ent. Design.

Storyboard- I heard you get LOTS of homework and you gotta do them fast. I think the workload was something like 150 panels in one week.

I'm missing a few classes that I can't remember, sorry.

2. We actually had an internship review the 13th week and companies like pixar, disney, and dreamwork came to look for interns. This was only for Ent. Design students though.
A lot of the times, you can just apply for an internship by contacting the company.

4. In Motion graphics you would be doing this (just click on one of the videos)

http://motionographer.com/

I heard one video can take a whole term to do, sometimes two terms.

[Justin.]

So I heard when ED is it's own major (fall 08 I guess) you won't be able to apply for spring Semester. This screws me over good and hard. Going to call admissions soon to get a word on it, I'll try contacting Scott about it too.

[JoshK]

hmmm i didn't hear about that.....all I know is there is no Ent. Design classes offered in the summer (when most people do internships or take care of academics). So you can't apply for the summer term.

It would be weird if you can't apply for the 09 spring term. I mean....one term a year???

[Justin.]

Well I think some instructors only teach certain classes during certain seasonal terms. Like if teacher a was teaching VisCom 1 in fall, but not in spring, how would I get the class (unless someone else is teaching it), and that would have to apply to every class throughout the rest of the 8 terms or whatever.

[GhostDoll]

Thanks so much, JoshK! That was REALLY helpful.


For Ent. Design, it's only open for enrollment once a year, and that is fall. A lot of people are upset about that, including someone I know.
Not sure about the reason for that.

[eric_g77]

hey guys, skipped thru the thread since it was too long so i have a few questions to ask.

1. im currently goin to pcc right now, first year. i read thru the art center catalog and it says that "receipt of studio transfer credit, not liberal arts and sciences credit, determines the length of the student's program. Advanced standing is awarded only if the student receives studio art credit"

Q. so whats the point of transferring liberal arts credit if it doesnt shorten my stay at art center? i believe most people on here said that it usually takes about 8 terms to graduate. so for those who didnt transfer into art center, are u suppose take ur liberal arts classes within that 8 terms? or.....are the 8 terms strictly for studio credits and u have to take an extra term or 2 for your liberal arts credit to graduate?

another question is about tuition. i believe tuition is about 15,000 per semester and it takes 8 semesters or more to graduate. so 8 x 15,000= $120,000 for tuition ALONE!!!
how do you guys manage to pay for that!?! obviously, theres no way i could ever pay for that.

actually....thats not my main question, lol.....i was wondering if anyone here receives any finicial aid. i come from a single parent family with an income about just $22,000. if anyone wouldnt mind sharing, i would like to know how much you guys get from finiicial aid.

thank you!!!

[talako]

The point of transferring liberal arts credits is just to lighten your schedule–– you can take less classes or you can fill useful electives in you schedule instead. And no, the eight terms are not just studio credits (haha, that would kill us). So people straight out of high school can still graduate within eight terms (unless you take four classes a term maybe).

I know people who have received quite a lot of money from scholarships (but I haven't heard of a full ride yet). Most people I know are on loans.

[Dr.Bigdick]

Hello guys,
Im planing to send my entertainment design portfolio the day after tomorrow. I'd like you guys to take a quick look at it and tell me what you think can be improved. Particularly Art Center students or instructors if there are any around.
Its not the final portfolio but just tell me everything you can think of.

Entertainment Design Portfolio (http://www.mattmatters.com/matt_tkocz_small.pdf)

Thanks in advance

[aitchjay]

First let me establish that I'm not a professional, nor am I an ACCD student or instructor. I wanna get in, just like you! My portfolio's not done yet though, this whole "fall only" thing messed up my plans big time.
Anyway, I went through it a couple of times; here are a few notes:

-Technically, you've done exactly as they've asked: lots of variations around a theme/story, including characters, props, and environments. This is good drawing, too, and although it could use more rendering, they do say they don't care for fully rendered stuff. You've followed their guidelines, so nothing to criticize there. Well done, if I may say so.

-My first suggestion would be that you put more focus on the final concepts. For example, on the page where you've got, what, fifty guns, the one you ended up choosing in the end and rendering should be bigger, with maybe a more detailed rendering. You're printing this in A3, right?

-You've got a lot more characters and props than you've got environments. Consider adding more environments just to even things out. Making them bigger on the page would also be better, I think.

-Have you looked at these two portfolios?
http://robertsaysdraw.blogspot.com/
http://dannydraws.blogspot.com/
They both got in. Having a look at their stuff might help.
Also, they mention that Scott Robertson told them to include "unrelated work" as well, like stuff you've done that's not related to this project. Life drawings, whatever.

-If you've got the time, another idea might be to make a one page rendering of a scene that would include a combination of your characters, props, and an environment.

I hope this helps. I'm gonna need critiquing myself, once my portfolio's done. Let me know how it goes and whether you get in. I really wish you the best of luck.

By the way, I've got a couple of questions and I'd really appreciate if anybody could answer them; I've written to the administration twice and they haven't replied:
-The application form on the website is still the old one and doesn't include Entertainment Design; how are you supposed to tell them that's what you're applying for? Is there another form? Where is it hidden?!!
-Does anybody know whether an international student who's studied at an American university still needs to submit his high school records? Getting them translated is a pain.
-Dr.Bigdick, you're not applying for scholarship, right? The deadline's past as far as I know. Just curious.

EDIT: Dr.Bigdick, dude, I just saw your blog and noticed you'd actually met Scott Robertson! A lot of my advice seems lame now, hehe :P So what did he think of your portfolio? How positive was he?

[Dr.Bigdick]

aitchjay,
thank you, for your reply.Will try to follow your suggestions.
basically scott told me the same you just did. The portfolio I have shown him was thrown together in about one week. Check it out, if you like (http://www.mattmatters.com/matt_tkocz.pdf)

To your questions:
-Actually there IS an additonal form. Tell me your mail adress and I gonna send it to you

-I think they will need all your transctipts

-No, Im not applying for scholarship. At least not this semester. But the scholarship committee needs to see a new portfolio of yours every semester, anyway. To see your (hopefully good) progression.

[aitchjay]

Cheers for the quick reply. I'm sending you my email address as a PM. Any other forms I should be aware of that are not on the website? Also, they need high school and university transcripts, right? Nothing older than high school?

[Dr.Bigdick]

As far as I know this is all you need

Update: I just sent my portfolio out. Unfortunately the whole print has a magenta-ish cast. Go to hell printer! Go to hell !
Well, if someone cares, what my final portfolio looks like: Check this out => PORTFOLIO (http://www.mattmatters.com/matt_tkocz_small.pdf)

[aitchjay]

Awesome. Good luck, and keep us updated!
The portfolio you've put online now, is it different from the other one? I'm asking to know if I need to download it.
By the way the admissions office replied and said that even if you're a foreign student, if you have a university degree they don't want your high school transcripts.

[Dr.Bigdick]

@ aitchjay The current one only varies a little, you probably wont notice the difference.

@ everyone who cares: Kendra from the admissions office was so kind to take a quick look on it She said: "your portfolio looks great" :bashful:
More over she said that it were a good thing to bind a book of your portfolio (what I did not do) And its important to attach original drawings (what i did do) to showthe committee that you can actually draw and that your stuff isn't solely done digitally.

[aitchjay]

Cool, thanks for the update and for the suggestions, will keep those in mind. Didn't you send it just yesterday though? How did they get it so fast?!

[Dr.Bigdick]

I conviced kendra to review the online version very quick.
But damn.. A friend of mine just found a stupid mistake in my portfolio. Page 18 on the right hand side. The perpective of the flying saucers is totally off :\ .I hope nobody will notice. Scott won't tolerate this.

[Pseudocognition]

First of all, Dr. B (your username is fabulous, but I'm at work, haha), I wish you the best of luck! Your portfolio looks great. You definitely show off how you think, with all of those thumbnails. Good stuff.

Secondly... this is my first post in the AC thread, so I should probably let you all know I'm aiming for Fall '09 Entertainment Design. I'm thinking about what idea to present in my portfolio. (I'm visiting AC this coming July, so I wanted to have some things prepared.) I have several original concepts that I'm really passionate about, and I picked out a book I'd be excited to flesh out visually. But I've been told, and this is coming from someone who not only got in but received a full scholarship, that the best thing you can do is work from someone else's story (that is, a book). Now, I have no problem with that; it makes huge amounts of sense to show that you can work from someone else's outline when that's what you'll be doing out of college anyway. The kid I've been talking to said, additionally, to include concepts based on personal stories as "unrelated work." What have you all heard about this, and/or what are your opinions?

Edit: Oh, and I'm going to call Art Center about this soon. But I wanted to see what my CA pals had to say first :D

[PChai224]

does anyone have the full courses of study for the fall 08 entertainment design program? not the one that use to be from the illustration department

[steve kim]

I can't believe entertainment design has it's own major. As if the whole entertainment-track wasn't insular enough. What a dumb, dumb way to go.

[talako]

Yeah, considering that they have so many required classes to take and little room for electives AND it's likely that they will bar students in other tracks from taking their classes as electives (now that it's a BSA than a BFA)... I don't get it.

[f1sh]

purely out of curiosity, what's wrong with it being insular? wont that produce better students?

[Justin.]

That's what I was thinking (but I have no knowledge or experience so I didn't want to say it), isn't that the point of being a major? is to specialize?

[aitchjay]

talako: Are you sure it's a BSA? As far as I know there are BS's (Bachelor of Science), BA's (Bachelor of Art), and BFA's (Bachelor of Fine Arts). If that was a typo and you actually meant BS, then that'd be really odd; why would they give out a bachelor of science for entertainment design? If that wasn't a typo, could you please clarify what a BSA is?
And as for not letting students from other majors in, if that is really the case, then there's always Art Center at Night. Their ED courses don't look too specialized, but I should think anyone who's chosen another major wouldn't want more than that.

stevekim: Dude, I've been meaning to thank you for starting this thread. It's brought so many people together and has gathered loads of information for newcomers like me, even though most of the good stuff is outdated now. I've actually read the whole thread, I'm that big of a nerd :P
But I'll have to disagree with you about ED being insular. Justin Oaksford has a solid point; specializing is the whole purpose here. The only argument I can think of against an ED major is that it's too specific and doesn't allow students to "explore", but their entrance requirements are specific enough to make sure only people who want this track of study for sure will get in. Basically, those who get into ED have probably already explored a number of other fields and don't want to waste any more time "finding their way" or whatever. They wanna specialize, and there's nothing wrong with that.

[talako]

BSA = Bachelor of Science and Arts (or BAS, whatever)

According to Will Weston and other people I have talked to, that's what you get in Ent. Design.

[steve kim]

Heinlein's quote about sums my feelings on the whole specialization thing.

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.

Robert A. Heinlein

Anyhow, looked at what ultra-specialized art looks like, tattoo art, airbrush art, hotrod customization... do you think the collective photoshop efforts of the entertainment industry is that far ahead?

As far as i'm concerned 'art major' is too specialized as it is, thankfully larger schools offer a little more variety in terms of breadth in classes than your garden variety atelier.

specialization, majors, categories, etc... these are managerial tools. it makes sense to organize ones music in the 'music' folder, likewise all the illustration students into a illustration major. But does a creative mind function that way? "Oh this shape reminds me of this violin i saw in this old foreign film and i'm going to 'extrude it' maya style... but wait, i'm not a musician nor a filmaker nor a 3d guy so forget all that"

So yea, the entertainment major helps the directors and department chairs shuffle paperwork but the students? I am skeptical.

This is all a gross oversimplification and really, who knows what the entertainment major is going to be like. Maybe it'll be even more thorough in its training in terms of breadth than the regular illustration major "so class lets see some vehicles inspired by early modernism'.... but isn't scott robertson spearheading this thing? A guy who's work is ultra-specific within entertainment itself! (don't get me wrong i'm indebted to what i learned in his class but a whole major is a different deal)

In any case, it'll be interesting to see what comes out of all this. For sure AC's entertainment side of things looked sorry the last few grad shows. Maybe this is the shot in the arm it needs.

[Justin.]

(to veer slightly off topic for a second) Whether it's specialized or not, I think it's better than what's going to result from Ringling's "Game art and design" major, but they are pretty much starting at the exact same time (competitions?) so I guess that remains to be seen. But taking entertainment and RCAD making it even more specific to games only... I have disturbing images of... well, of this;
FiARsQSlzDc

[aitchjay]

talako: Thanks for the clarification; I'd never heard of a BSA before. Could be interesting.

stevekim: I see what you mean, and I agree to an extent. But I still say this sort of specialization is the way to go for those who want it. It's not like studying ED stops students from learning beyond their major. To start with, who's to stop a student from graduating with 150 credits instead of 120 or whatever--you can always take extra classes if you feel your major's too limited. Second, if you take a Photoshop class, you expect to learn Photoshop, and only that. You're free to learn Maya afterwards and use Ps for making textures, or just stick to Ps to make graphics. If a mind is truly creative, it won't restrict itself to what it directly learns; it will learn to learn on its own and grow.
And anyway, like you said, who knows what ED will be like at Art Center. (I'll let you know if I get in!)

[artdude89]

hey guys, if anyone want is entering for the fall term. we have a room available. just PM me if interested. thanks

[burning_chrome]

Okay, here's hoping for some advice/info from anyone currently attending or graduated from Art Center majoring in Illustrations.

I'm hoping to apply to Art Center either this fall or next spring for scholarship consideration under the Illustrations program. I've already had a phone interview with an admissions counselor (a very nice lady) concerning my prospects for gaining entrance into Art Center.
Basically, she told me that most of my portfolio satisfies what they would be looking for in prospective students, but I would need to submit life/live-model drawings for sure.

Current Problem/Situation: I work full-time (job pays well but I have no interest) and cannot attend life-drawing at my community college since they only have Fall classes during the daytime.

Question: Should I fork over the money for private lessons at an art academy (http://www.sofiaacademy.com/) to bolster my life/still-life drawing Illustrations portfolio (it's not cheap, $70/hr plus gas money for the 95 miles or so roundtrip to/from Dallas), OR, could I just wing it on my own and attend uninstructed life-drawing sessions at the local community arts center ($75 for 5 sessions, 3 hrs per session)?

Here's the majority of my works ultra-seven.deviantart.com/gallery/ And yes, done with photo references 'cause I haven't had the opportunity to attend any classes due to my job.

Any help and advice from current and former Art Center students would be greatly appreciated!

[evildisco]

Hello read please

http://designercowboy.blogspot.com/2008/05/serious-trash.html

and sign if you may

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/educationfirst

Of course all of this applies if you give a damn about the school.

[talako]

i lost the flyer with the website on it so thanks evildisco!

[CTseng]

evildisco- thanks for the links! The more I browse the unhappier it all gets. I hope it all turns out for the better...

And uh... does the email down there look familiar to anyone? It's new to me-- the event, and the fact that they're actually making use of their mailing list. None of my friends currently enrolled at ACCD have heard of this in the past. I kind of wonder why they sent this out today of all times, it's almost like they WANT to cement the accusations of advertising and promotion. lol. :O

Anyway, is anyone else who got this email planning to attend? Given this time of chaos at Art Center I don't really know what to think of this.

If it's old, sorry for the hassle.

Dear Christie,

You are invited to spend the evening with us on Thursday, June 26th. We would like to tell you more about Art Center…about admissions, financial aid, and our world-renowned programs. You will also have a chance to see some great work, meet faculty and students, and to meet each other, your potential classmates.


N E W S T U D E N T N I G H T A T A R T C E N T E R

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: Ahmanson Auditorium, Hillside Campus, 1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

P R O G R A M

7:00 – 7:30 p.m. What to expect from your Art Center education: question and answer session.

Ahmanson Auditorium

Mark Breitenberg, Dean of Humanities & Design Sciences
Kit Baron, Vice President, Admissions and Enrollment Management

7:30 – 8:15 p.m. Reception with Department Chairs and faculty. Student Gallery

8:15 – 9:00 p.m. Meet current Art Center students. See their portfolios and discuss their Art Center experiences.

Faculty Dining Room



We hope you can attend! Please r.s.v.p. by June 25th to admrsvp@artcenter.edu or to 626-396-2388.
Include your name, the name of the event, your intended major, number of people attending, and your phone number.

For directions to Art Center, call our directions line at 626-396-2246 and select “Hillside Campus” from the menu.

[f1sh]

Hey guys,
We're thinking about getting an apartment very close to the school and i was wondering if anyone was interested. Send me a PM

[evildisco]

Good times, some PR to dispel the fears.

[Brashen]

Yo guys can you give me some feedback and see if im "Art Center" quality? Click on the link in my signature to check out some of my work!!

[Justin.]

Brashen, good stuff.

You would want alot more Process and Ideation stuff in there if it was a portfolio.

The advice Scott (the director of the Entertainment Design major) gives most people is to choose a story that has never been visualized, or at least not to a great extent- and create the world for it. There is a focus on showing your ideation, the thumbnail stage, the refined sketch stage, and the final rendering. For the thumbnails, really emphasize on different shapes of the character/prop/ or vehicle, try to make them different and have a distinct character to them. I was told 40 pages is preferred (including title page, story page, splash pages for each section, and a few pages of unrelated work). Seeing as how the deadline is this monday, I only had about 50 days to put it together, so I only got about 25 or 30 pages. But I think it was good enough. It's probably too late to apply to that major, but I think Illustration has open spring enrollment.

[Dr.Bigdick]

Hey, I just got accepted to Entertainment Design. I started a thread for all those of you who got also accepted. Subscribe so we will be able to form a gang.

Entertainment Design Students thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=129546)