Need help with school questions, please

[nanyacura]

Hello everyone,

I am in the middle of an educational dilemma.
I have studied for two years in the hopes that UC Davis, a well known and prestigious university, would accept me so that I may have gained a BFA in Art Studio. I looked into San Francisco's art academy, but I dismissed it for its distance and overall expense.
However, I have gone one quarter in the University term of "Art Studio", yet I am aspiring to be an Illustrator/Concept artist, and I am not sure if a university that has such limited classes will teach me what I need to know, and will prepare me for what is to come in the business ahead.
I wanted to ask you all, does going to an art academy like San Francisco make a large enough difference to not only employers on my resume and as a degree, but would I learn more of what I need to know in the concept art world? I'm hoping some of the more experienced people here that have graduated will help me with this major decision. Do I spend twice the amount of money and move away from home? Will it make that much of a difference later on?
Illustration is my passion. I would love to live, breathe, eat, and spend every waking moment working on my skills with illustration and the related subjects like graphic novels or storyboard art. This is one of the major reasons I am disappointed in what the University I am going to has to offer me. I am learning nothing. I feel as if I am wasting money on tuition. But I would be willing to deal with it if there is no real difference in the degree. It would save my family and I a lot of money if I continue going to UC Davis. Yet I can't help but think it's a wrong decision...
Thanks in advance, really. I am torn between two ends here, if someone could clarify a few of these questions I would really appreciate it.

-Amelia

[Storyboard Dave]

Oooo...tough dilemma.

I've always been one to trust my gut. If your gut says that the education you're getting at the university isn't working out for you then move on. See what credits can transfer to your next destination. It's almost liek the advice I've been giving to the people here who think they're too old to pursue this field-- it's never too late.

It's not necessarily the degree or where you graduate from that will land you a job. It's ultimately your attitude and portfolio that will get you employed. One of the advantages of attending a strictly arts related school is that there are like minded people there. Some of the peers you'll meet there will be big someday- who knows? It could be you as well, but you'll be pushed by them as well as the instructors there.

If you deep deep down feel as though you're not getting what you want (G'Lord- sounds like a divorce proceeding here), then move on. Go get your education where you think you're going the best possible. Your satisfaction means something here. it might be short term financial pain but it will dispel long term doubt.

[Elwell]

If you want to do illustration, go to a school that actually teaches illustration.

[p.punch]

i am in almost same situation as she is in now.

by next year, i will be getting degree on graphic design

but i decide to change my major to concept art.

i tried to find schools that offer this course but i wasn't quite sure

what exact name of this course might be.

(maybe cuz i am an international student :0 )

could someone please suggest me some good schools for concept art?

( i'd like to thank people who encourge us pursuing a dream :)

[nanyacura]

Thanks everyone, but I'm still having trouble deciding. I'm going to do my best to fit something together so that I can go to a better school. Right now I feel as if I am not learning anything useful for my future and I want to fix it even if it means to make things complicated all over again.
My major question was: do universities and private art schools look better/worse than one or the other when employers will look at it on your resume? Does it even matter to them? I guess this will be the major advantage point for me later on.
Thanks again.

[Mirana]

p.punch - There isn't (as yet) a degree for "concept art." You need to take illustration, industral design, or some other closely related major and then tailor your extra classes to fit what you want to do.

nanyacura - Very rarely will it make a difference...and when it does, it'll only be for as long as the reviewer takes to go from your resume to your portfolio. Unlike non-art majors, your abilities are plainly shown and an employer will not have to look at a school or GPA to make sure they have a skilled worker.

[Storyboard Dave]

My major question was: do universities and private art schools look better/worse than one or the other when employers will look at it on your resume? Does it even matter to them? I guess this will be the major advantage point for me later on.
Thanks again.

Nope. Not really. We're very much a performance based industry. We want to see a portfolio first & foremost.

The one advantage of going to a bigger name school is the people you could meet there. Not only will they hopefully be successful but they'll already know you to a certain degree. The comeraderie at an intense place can be pretty good- you push them and they push back. Hopefully in the end each & everyone of you will be a better artist.

I'm still in awe of some of the people I went to school with.

But to bluntly answer your question- no one really looks at the pedigree but having contacts (gained through the school) can be advantageous.

[cgfuller64]

Just remember that you start off takeing the basics ie prerequisites, so your feelings are founded only in these earl classes. Talk to a graduate student or 4th year student with related intensions in the fine arts dept. to get a better grasp of where you'll end up, because as a freshman, your perspective is a little narrow.

[nanyacura]

Just remember that you start off takeing the basics ie prerequisites, so your feelings are founded only in these earl classes. Talk to a graduate student or 4th year student with related intensions in the fine arts dept. to get a better grasp of where you'll end up, because as a freshman, your perspective is a little narrow.


Problem is that I'm not complaining about the teachers and the art department in minor pieces here. I don't like what classes they have to offer and they will do nothing for me for the future. I don't need a graduate to tell me that. What courses are written down hold little to no interestfor me, and I feel I will make myself a better education somewhere else.

[Storyboard Dave]

Problem is that I'm not complaining about the teachers and the art department in minor pieces here. I don't like what classes they have to offer and they will do nothing for me for the future. I don't need a graduate to tell me that. What courses are written down hold little to no interestfor me, and I feel I will make myself a better education somewhere else.

It could be like that old analogy of "having to try a lot of shoes on before you find the right fit" theory. If you really don't think that the current curriculum that you're in is going to serve you, it's time to move onto something that will be satisfying and challenging. It's your money that you're shelling out and even more importantly, your education. You've got some choices to make- they're not easy, but I think I know that you're leaning towards leaving.

I just hope your family will be supportive and understanding of why you're doing it too. It's not like you're making a snap decision either. I'm sure you've thought it out some, done the research and even asked us for our feeble opinions here.

[nanyacura]

I have indeed been thinking about this for a while...
I want to go to another school and I am really going to do my best to achieve that. If I have to do this on my own then so be it, without parental guidence. Just me and my husband battling things out so I can finally learn something of great potential.
Thank you all for your help with this!