Scad?

[unknown_epiphany]

Hey people im 20 years old and am currently attending a community college for Advertisement Deisgn (Graphic Design.) Well anyway over the summer i visited SCAD and well the facilities and some of the students just blew me away. I need to know about the school from students who go there. I am very interested in the Illustration degree and have already applied.

[Mirana]

I'm not in the illustration department (I'm Seqa Art), but I can tell you about other aspects of the school.

What info in particular were you asking for?

[unknown_epiphany]

how good are the class transfer rates from another school. I have taken alot of basic classes that I wouldnt really want to sit through again. I also am curious about how good are the chances of a person getting a scholarship based on transfer. One last question is what should i have in my portfolio to impress the counselors into accepting me into SCAD.

[gavin]

SCAD is open acceptance. Only thing portfolios are good for are scholarships. And by going to SCAD you're pretty much guaranteed one.

[Mirana]

As gavin says, a portfolio is not necessary for acceptance, but you need a minimum 2.0 GPA and decent SAT/ACT scores.

I took 13 basic courses at my local community college and all of them transferred. It is different for every school--you have to submit your transcript, a course description booklet for your school, and in some art-class cases, a portfolio of classwork will also be required. If you have an associate's degree, the entire degree should transfer (if applicable). I think you have to take a minimum of 90 hrs of SCAD coursework to get a degree, so some classes may be turned down based on that.

There are scholarships for transfer students and they are based on: high SAT/ACT scores, an impressive portfolio, or a combination of the two. Most people are awarded at least a 3K per year scholarship. You can always re-apply to get a larger one if you like. My merit transfer scholarship was 40K.

To get a portfolio scholarship you should lean heavily on the traditional: Figure Drawing, Still Life, Landscape, etc. Try to include a range of media. Do include a little bit of work that is specific to what you want to major in, but don't make it your focus. SCAD wants to see that you have a strong basis to work from. As always, only include your BEST work.

[gavin]

Mirana,
say I attended college before and had under a 2.0 there, but had well over a 2.0 at high school. Will I still be admitted given my essay shows them how I am passionate/ready now?

[Mirana]

SCAD only requires your high school transcript to get in, but if you want any college courses to transfer, you need to give them that transcript too. Keep in mind that only classes at a C or above with transfer.

SCAD does allow admission to the college at a provisional level (http://scad.edu/admission/undergraduate/provisional_acceptance.cfm) for students with low GPA ot SAT/ACT, but you need to submit a portfolio. If accepted, you have to take a full courseload and make at least a 2.0 (C) to stay in.

If you want a scholarship--and they give you one when you come in to the school--you MUST keep a full courseload (3 classes) and a B average at all times. If you drop a course, the money will IMMEDIATELY be pulled and you will not be able to register until you have paid them (or gotten your grades changed).

No offense (as I have also struggled with keeping grades at a reasonable level), but if you are having a hard time with many of your classes, what makes you want to leap into dropping $3K a class? SCAD may be classes in your major (and thus, conceivably easier), but they are VERY demanding. I might see if I can take a few more low-level courses at my current school just to pull my GPA up and skill myself in some discipline. :/

[gavin]

Mirana,
I'll be honest. When I first went to college I knew nothing. I picked a college that had the highest acceptance rate that was closest to my girlfriend. I figured it was better than a community college.
When I got there I was fine, I was doing better than in high school. But due to many reasons including depression I eventually started isolating myself in my apartment (yeah, off campus, and only me in there). So then I finished the semester and dropped out. This was Fall '03.
Since then, specifically this past summer, I've grown up. Meaning, I'm ready for the rest of my life. Meaning, I know my potential, and I'm ready to do anything to get there. I've grown out of depression. And I'm just plain ready.
I want to do everything. And I'm extremely ready.

[TaekwondoNJ]

Its important to note that SCAD is not nationally accredited. They are only accredited with the southern states. Of course this shouldn't be a problem unless you plan on going to grad school after your undergrad degree. I've heard very mixed things about SCAD, mostly negative, though I do know a few people who go there and think its a great school. But I guess you'll get that with any school. All I know is that my friend goes to Atlanta College of Art, which was just bought out by SCAD, and they are now losing their accredidation. Needless to say my friend is NOT happy bout that.

[Mirana]

Gavin: I'm not saying that you can't do it, I'm saying I'd rather test myself on cheaper courses before I drop loads of money. I had never had stellar grades, but I forced myself to stay at a community college until there were no more basic courses for me to take. This way I proved it to myself without any great loss. If you fail a SCAD course--can you imagine how badly you'd be depressed then?

G'Luck! Depression is tough to overcome and stay above.

TaekwondoNJ: Perhaps I am mistaken (as I do not know all the ends and outs of school politics), but I thought accreditation was done by a number of insitutions--most regional--and that the accrediation is valid as long as the issuer is accepted by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/accreditation-associations.htm). Afterall, many of equally great art colleges in California are accreditated under the Western Association...

Also, I would assume the Atlanta school would lose accreditation as the "Atlanta College of Art"--and be re-applied for under "SCAD Atlanta."

[TaekwondoNJ]

I honestly don't know all the details either, I just know that my friend at ACA said a looooot of people were pissed off about it, so I figured it must have some importance.

[Bsmith196]

I'm planning on applying for the visual effects major next fall. I hope it turns out well.

also would it alright to put digital paintings into my portfolio?

[Mirana]

You are allowed 20 pieces in your portfolio, so I'd say there's room. ^_~ Only choose your best pieces. I think including work that represents the major you're getting into is a good idea--there are professors from all departments on the scholarship board.

[unknown_epiphany]

I have a 3.7 in my community college and right now im developing a really good portfolio. The only issue is my SAT scores i think were like a 1000 combined. But I really want and kind of need to have scholarships totalling at least 8000 dollars yearly to be able to attend there for 2-3 years. Thanks for the info though and if anyone else has any more info i should know please do share.

[unknown_epiphany]

also Mirana good artwork. I checked out your site and was very impressed. Maybe ill see you around the campus if i get in and situated=)

[Mirana]

'Epiphany: Thanks. :) I've been too busy with the heaps of work to update it in the past couple of months...but I guess that means I'll just update a LOT when the quarter is over.

You can keep applying for scholarships to try and get a bigger one than what they offer you right away. The easiest way to get a scholarship is to keep taking the SATs until you get a high enough score (after all, a little extra studying and the $13 it takes is definately worth a few more K a year). Keep in mind that they will only give you 70% of the award if you live off campus.

[HugeHarHar]

I'm one of those unlucky souls at ACA. More then likely I'm going to SCAD in atlanta next year, mostly because I'll keep the same tuition, my ACA scholoarship, same courses, and I can still be in the ACA dorms.

Mirana- is the copyright thing on work done true? I mean, there's a lot of hating going on, so I'm not sure what's true and what's not.

I'm trying to keep an open mind about this....transition, but you know it's still a pain in the ass.

[Mirana]

HugeHarHar: Heh, I don't blame you for being pissed off. I knew a chick who was interviewed for a position at ACA and hired a WEEK before SCAD bought the place. They fired everyone (though they probably re-hired staff after their own set of interviews 9_9). Her future boss called her and said he'd love to hire her, but he no longer had a job...

Anyhoo, the copyright thing? Uhh...the one about "SCAD owns a copyright on anything you produce in the school"? Yes and NO. SCAD retains the right to use anything you do at the school for PROMOTION without payment. In other words, they'll use work in the catalog, on the website, in flyers, or on their buses (Yes. The buses are moving murals...). Even then, SCAD won't know about your work unless the head of your department GIVES it to them. If you have a problem with it, you can just give your professor the heads up. They will not use the work to make direct money, and they certainly don't own it. If they want the art for their collection, they will buy it directly from you--and you can turn them down. ^_~

One of my pieces was given to SCAD and used in this year's catalog/website gallery/student gallery/etc. At first I was pissed (I hate that piece), but it has my name and website on it...it's free advertisement for me too. (I'll shit myself if I see my work on one of those stupid buses, though.)

[HugeHarHar]

Well the copyright thing makes sense, much more then what I've been told. I think the funniest thing is that SCAD in atlanta next year will be like 75% ACA students. There are plenty that are leaving, but most everyone can't afford any where else, or it's simply to much trouble finding some where new.

The way I see it is that sense the only things changing will be the name, the location, and there will be new classes available then the least I can do is try it. I'm sure most everyone is simply over reacting. Like I said though, the ACA program is being sent over there until my class graduates (in 2009).

Oh and the creditation thing I know about.

ACA and other schools are nationally accredited. So say I'm going to ACA, but next year I want to go to Ringling, then either all my credits will transfer, or most of them will. While SCAD is only regionally accredited, so if you try and transfer out it will be a much bigger problem. This comes from classes SCAD has that other schools don't, and that others have that SCAD doesn't. The only real problem would be if you wanted to go to graduate school, you'd be screwed.

While the staff and teachers will of course be different between Savannah and Atl, how are they down there? I've heard some pretty bad things about them, even before I came here. I do know that a lot of teachers here will be sent to the new school, so i have some hope there regardless.

[Mirana]

Being regionally or nationally accredited seems to make no difference in the validity of your degree. As you said, there are different classes that don't match up elsewhere...and that's why schools like SCAD ask for course descriptions in order to fit the classes in best. Obviously, if you plan on transferring, you want to make sure to take classes that will move with you. I actually took some "for fun" classes at my community college, and they transferred even when I wasn't expecting them to.

You've heard BAD things about the profs??? I've heard nothing but glowing things from fellow students in other majors. My own profs are simply AMAZING artists, teachers, and friends. I have heard that it can be rocky in basic level classes because #1 SCAD fills those with young teachers and #2 any "older" teachers are teaching them b/c SCAD told them to, and they may not be as interested in teaching them as their particular major courses.

I have heard from my Dept Head that SCAD is *trying* to get some of their established profs to go to Atlanta to settle things, but nobody wants to move. The SCAD Atlanta profs in my department are both fresh teachers, and industry people they just brought in who'd rather live in Atlanta than Savannah.

It's also different in each major. I'm Seqa Art...I don't know what you're in.

[HugeHarHar]

The stuff I've heard, was from a SCAD alumni was that there were teachers who just didn't care. I think this was just the animation department though.

Anyways, you're definitly giving me hope, so I'm not going to say much more about that.

Also for the SCAD Atl I know there are a lot of ACA teachers who are going over there, mostly because they would be jobless other wise, but that means that the whole fresh teacher syndrome won't be to bad. I know for sure that the lead of the Painting department is heading over there, and that's where I'm heading.

I heard that most SCAD students didn't or don't know about the whole thing. I've talked to a few who had no idea, so it seems like a very odd situtation over all.

But, in the lighter side of things, we'll technically be classmates in a year, so cheers to that.

I guess anything that brings more artists together can't be to bad.

[Mirana]

You're very optimistic (which means you're a much healthier, happier person than I ;D).

So most/some ACA profs WERE hired back? This is good.

Most SCAD students...didn't know ACA got bought, or some detail pertaining to that...?

[treeboy]

i find students who request that their work *not* be published and used in school advertisements rather perplexing to be honest. I mean seriously, its free publication and exposure.

[Mirana]

Treeboy: Have you known anyone who would do that? I could understand if....you think the work is not "good" enough to represent you, or if you're submitting a piece to a contest that requires a "non-published" work, or if the school was using a logo/design often that they hadn't paid you for.

In general, though...I agree that it's flattering and good business to let a school use your work.

[unknown_epiphany]

Besides still lifes and portraits of people and such what else would you put in your portfolio? I am a real stickler for my portfolio and i need like 15 more things for it=/( damn hatred for my artwork and being a perfectionist=( But what scholarships would you suggest i really look into. Because my intelligence does not lie in academics.

[Mirana]

unknown_epiphany: Not just portraits of people--you need to have full body studies. If you can't do any nude model studies, then do some clothed ones. These are very important. Also a good idea are some architectural studies...showing that you know perspective and linear form (I'd say "landscapes," but to most people that means organic shapes...and that isn't as impressive to the board).

Try different mediums. Pencil, charcol, pastel, oil, arcylic, watercolor, gouache, etc. A few completed works are good, but studies are equally so...especially if they have a range of composition, movement, or technique.

You don't have to send a full 20 pieces if you think some of the last few are weak. You can also do pieces specifically for your portfolio.

If you want to include pieces that show your interest in Illustration, try approaching a piece as if you were doing it for an employer. Do a children's book ilustration, or an editoral, or a book cover. Include work from your previous studies (After all, art is art to the scholarship crew, even if it's not what you want to keep studying).

I've looked around at scholarships and really found none suited to me other than the one from SCAD. If you want more scholarship money after hitting the school up for some, you're going to have to look elsewhere as you can't combine SCAD scholarships. Of course, your individual background may help you get outside scholarships easier than I. G'Luck.

[unknown_epiphany]

Thanks Mirana for the kind words and the kinder help=) and i do like the idea of the employer assignment that you suggested.

[Outshined]

I'm currently studying at SCAD, and I have to say I enjoy it. Sure, there are teacher that are bad/don't care, but that's any school. You just have to ask around to find out who the best teachers are... and believe me, there are some very good professors here.

One thing to consider, though, is that although almost everyone gets a scholarship of some kind, basically no one gets a full scholarship, even if you are really talented, so you'll still have to pay out the ass. I have so many loans right now it's not even funny.

[Mirana]

It's a very small percentage that get a "full" scholarship. At my awards dinner for the top 6% of scholarship recipients, the ones who had a "full" scholarship were adults that were already established in the field (and probably people SCAD wanted to keep as professors, or at least advertised that they had attended). Even so, I say "full" because it's unlikely those people lived in the dorms, and thus they only got 70% of their award. Tricky, tricky. ^_~

Grants or loans from the govt. pay quite a bit if you can't. Most private school attendies have private loans, so it's not like there's some magic way to get out of paying for your education. Even my profs are still paying off their degrees.

[AndyLC]

Mirana, it sounds like you are going to SCAD right now? I'm interested in going there myself. I went to a SCAD day and got a really positive response.(his name was... P. Hogan I believe) The guy said it would be good for me to transfer there as a sophmore and get some scholarships. Right now I'm a freshman at a community college to take some art courses and just work on my portfolio. My brother also goes there (doing the France thing right now).

what I had were... still lifes in oil, some landscapes n' master copies in oil, also some nudes (gesture drawing quickies, but he liked 'em.)

Now I just need to go n' apply for scholarships. I just don't know how to go about doing that. And do you know if AP credits are accepted at SCAD? I got a 5 from the AP testing for english (so would I not need to take any english courses at SCAD?)

You're in sequencial art you said? What's that like? I'm interested in it, though haven't really done anything.


*and I just took at look at your website. A 'Bastard!!' fan! Hurrah

[AmishCommy]

some advice from the real world. your SCAD degrees are worthless out here. most school degrees are. all you need is a good portfolio.

I went to SCAD and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I got screwed by the Sequential Dept becasue the year i was gradumakating and had a portfolio to show they canceled Art Directors day. There was a lot of financial and adminstrative BS, and all kinds of under-the-table scholarships for atheletes and people generaly not artistically inclined. I double majored in Sequential Art and Illustration. I'd recomend taking illustration and painting classes and a few basics in sequential. the illustration profs are more professional. Don't get me wrong, Pendarvis and Gildersleve are good guys but they rarely taught anything worth a damn. and John Lowe (who is head of the department) my only experience with him is him being a student at the same time as me. He's a good guy too, but i know nothing of his teaching style.

that said i do miss Savannah (eventhough i hated it when i lived there) and all the great friends i made that were more instrumental in my development as an artist than the school itself. and as far as artschool horror stories i've heard its not the worst.

[Mirana]

AndyLC: Sounds like the guy from SCAD day told you right--stick with the community courses, then get a transfer scholarship to SCAD later. Your current portfolio sounds just fine. I don't know if AP credits are accepted, but I assume so. When you apply to SCAD for acceptance, you can send your portfolio (CD or slides, in a separate envelope) as well, c/o Scholarship commitee. Saves you postage and time.

I love Seqa Art. The curriculum prepares you for a lot. Writing scripts, sculpting maquettes, illustration, composition, digital coloring, in-depth perspective, backgrounds and linear forms, figurte drawing, panel placement, lettering, inking, movement, transition, storyboarding, character design.... Getting this degree opens up illustration, comics, storyboarding, film design, toy design, game design, script writing, etc.

However, if you've never had a solid interest in creating comics or storyboards, perhaps it's not the major for you.


AmishCommy: Having a good portfolio is anyone's #1 goal, but a lot of people are not going to push themselves to have that portfolio on their own. Also, "worthless" is a very harsh word considering I've gotten two jobs where the interview started out with, "You're a SEQUENTIAL ART major? Wow! We need a comic book artist, but didn't realize there was a degree for it!" One Art Director was looking for people with illustration degrees b/c she thought that was the closest thing. The other had come to SCAD specifically to look at the program so she could hire people later.

Comics Art Forum and Editor's Day were cancelled on account of SCAD not willing to give the department money for them--it wasn't the Seqa Dept's choice. They've since been brought back. Besides which, if you'd needed to show your work all you had to do was approach the head of the department and ask him/her to send it to the people they were going to invite.

The "atheletes" scholarships thing makes me laugh. My best friend was turned down for a scholarship (after they'd given a low one to her) b/c they told her they needed to give scholarships to more sports-inclined people. SCAD was doing it to get teams together so they could make more money, I believe. Either way, I haven't heard a word about it since then (a few years ago).

Now, so far as you ragging on the Sequential Profs, that bugs me. "Professional"? HA! I'm sorry, I'd rather be taught by a bunch of fun, goofy professors than a bunch of intimidating, egotisitcal ones. I've actually heard a couple of my illustration major friends complain that the illustration professors won't let you draw in any style but their own. Never had that problem in my department. Hell, a lot of illustration majors take our classes, or switch majors. Painting dept...I've only heard that they're a wee bit egotistical about their "Fine Art" ...that, and the couple profs I know have been sniffing thinner too long. ;)

Yes, Bob Pendarvis does not teach much--he's the #1 comic fan in the universe and co-created the program. In that, he is great for History classes and we wouldn't have a department without him. Otherwise, I would be cautious about take a drawing class from him (although I've heard he's excellent at critiquing). My first class with Gildersleeve has been incredibly good. So much so, that some of the other profs want the "Backgrounds" class he's teaching to be a required class. John Lowe is the kind of professor who takes no prisoners...he's up-front, rude (in a good way--makes you work harder), and generally takes no crap. At the same time, he's thorough, a harsh critic, and will work damn hard to keep up with you and give you all the oppertunities possible (I got a ton of crap from him for not signing up for the current Comics Art Forum....and I'm not even in any of his classes >_>;;; ). He's the absolute best choice for a Department Head--and he still inks 2 Archie books a month.

Mark Kneece has written comic books for ages. Paul Hudson is everyone's god, as he worked for NASA designing space suits and the FBI tried to get him to work at re-constructing heads. Ray Goto worked as a storyboard artist for everyone, including Warner Brothers, where he currently does consulting. We had Linda Medley last year, the two-time Eisner award winner. This year we have Tom Lyle, best known for his long-running Spider-Man books and design of the Scarlet Spider. (Just to name a few)

I don't think you can get much more "professional" than that. Sorry you got burned.

[AndyLC]

athletes shouldn't be hated on so much tho'. If they do have a team going, they bring money for the school, money to spend on your facilities and such.

Hey, think I could get one of those if I played lacrosse n' fenced? :D

[mybutterflyiris]

This is a good thread. I am a senior at the Univ. of South Carolina and really want to do my grad work at SCAD. However, I want to do it in animation or visual effects, and my degree will be a BA in art studio with a concentration in painting....I am hoping that won't be a problem.
Anyways, I'd also like to point out that there are good and bad teachers at every school. However, I get the impression that there is a good number of teachers in each dept. at SCAD which is probably nice and can help avoid the not so good ones. Here at USC, there are only 2 painting prof. and they are married, so it's alot like only having 1 prof. for four years. They are really... scatterbrained. *sigh*
P.s. First post! :bashful:

[unknown_epiphany]

yeah this is a good thread. Now that i keep on hearing about all these seqa art stuff though it has me thinking. I always had have a fondness for certain comic books ( Batman, Astro City mostly) and i might check out that department too.

[Mirana]

AndyLC: Yes, there are lacrosse and fencing teams here. I would definately mention those in the "hobbies" section of your application. ^_~

mybutterflyiris: My best friend went to USC for a BFA in Art/Graphic Design. She hated it there. ^_^;; Of course, she wasn't painting, so maybe it's better for you.

As long as your BA/BFA is art concentration of some sort, you should be fine in whatever grad degree you choose.

[AmishCommy]

Mirana - my hate mostly goes out to the school administration rather than the Sequential Department. I love those guys too. Just criting about my experience. Kinda sucks to find out that they got their shit together after i left. BACKGROUNDS!!! i wish they would have kicked my ass more about my lack of backgrounds. Good to hear that Lowe takes no prisoners. Happened after George Pratt kicked both his and my ass for not working hard enough. and you're totally right Paul is GOD!!! i whish i would have taken more of his classes. The school has a lot of potential. its too bad there is a lot of administrative BS that prevents the good things from trickling down.

my main recomendation, and i know its tough at 3K per class, is to take as many classes as you can that are in various majors. Especially for Sequential Art, most of the other majors can only improve your comics work. oh and the figure drawing on Fridays is awesome!!! the only time i woke up before noon.

[Mirana]

AmishCommy: I keep *meaning* to go to Friday life drawing ('cause I LOVE life drawing), but I work Thursday nights and it just kicks my ass so bad. I've heard that the ones at Anderson (as opposed to the early-mornin' ones that Ben runs at Norris) are much later, but I've no idea. I neeeeeeeed to go. I want to play with charcol again!

Hmm, any stories about John getting his butt kicked are good ones. It gives me something with which to snark back at him, the bastard.

[Meretrix]

Mark Kneece's Writing Class made me lose all hope for being a Sequential major. I just.. felt as if I was wasting my money? The class was, literally; write stuff as simple as you can, as general as you can, without heart, like a 7 year old would write something. Something Archie Comics would like.

I guess perhaps so many years in the industry have made him bitter? Not that MARK KNEECE seems BITTER!!! No, no not at all *snickers*.

But yeah, the Sequential professors are pretty damned decent with their repitiore, I just think perhaps the flood of mangaripoff wannabees who refuse to draw anything 'out of their STYLE' and not being able to fail the shit out of them grates on the professors' nerves.

I just transferred to the Illustration department and currently my *only* professor thus far is Peter Pohle (http://www.peterpohle.com/), who worked for many years at Hallmark and such like that. Again, haven't had much of a taset of the Illo department? But I am in *love*. I'm actually learning techniques versus, in my experience with the Seq Department, it was mostly about practice and a large workload. Personally, I need to plan out a comic page completely in photoshop before I go to 10"x15" bristol, but that was kinda frowned upon by my professors of the time. Wasted a lot of money on bristol and ink nibs, thusly.

Yes, Paul Hudson IS A GOD.
By the way.
I wish Goto and Hudson would do more outside of the Sequential Department- most of the Conceptual art classes and soforth are only in that department! Lame.

What else can I say?
SCAD is my third college after going to Regents College in London England and Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs New York. You have to find the best professors (i.e. through scadstory.com) to get your money's worth, and really understand how each department approaches TEACHING as well as how accredited the professors are.

The worst things about SCAD stem from the fact;
A.) It's in the South. Bible belt a-hoy hoy.

II.) The President, Paula Wallace, is inexcruciatingly rich... off us. And she (they?) keep expanding SCAD to Lacoste, Atlanta, allowing more to students to enroll than they have space for, and as with every college in America tuition isn't going anywhere but up. I'm pretty sure Paula Wallace is researching ways to make a transcontinental portal just so she can open up or buy new facilities in San Francisco. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.

3.) In general, the people who RUN the school are money grubbing bastards who know shin-dizzle about Art and make the professors sad, poor, and scare them away. But the professors and utilities themselves? Faaaaaaab-u-lous!

Be not lead astray by the rich little snobs who don't want to go to real school and have their Mumsy and Dadsy pay for a pricey Art School instead so they can stay away from the real world for another 4 years.
Or those who've decided they're going to illustrate the next DragonBall Z, and then the few who are here on full Sport scholarship and are still pissed that when they got here they learned they had to major in ART.

This, if you try a bit, can be a damned good school.
*my 2 cents*

[unknown_epiphany]

wow holy crap. brain overload on that one. well all colleges are after money though, they are just businesses. but still i work only in traditional media so i have no idea which department would like me best ( not painting though as much). yeah im from a republican state so i can understand all of the rightwing and Bible stuff. that doesnt bother me, what does bother me is that i want to do my own style and hopefully get one lol. sorry for the grammar issues but i hopefully got the point across.

[unknown_epiphany]

and just forgot to mention that yeah i know the type who wanna do DBZ and make anime and manga for the rest of their lives. I am getting kind of sick of it myself. well to each his own i guess=)

[Mirana]

Meretrix: Methinks Script Writing is presented at a basic level because most kids are in the major to DRAW. If they want to write, then they take Advanced Script Writing and they major/double major in Creative Writing.

I just think perhaps the flood of mangaripoff wannabees who refuse to draw anything 'out of their STYLE'

Wow. 'Cause it's not like there's a flood of "I-read-american-comics-all-my-life-and-can't-draw-anything-but-Rob-Liefield-lookalike-CRAP" or "JHONEN VASQUEZ is SO GOTH! DEATH-BLOOD-EMO!" Way to look ignorant, sterotypical, and assy. Go YOU.

The profs don't want to force you to draw out of your style, but they present the oppertunities and influence to. I respect that. Especially since anyone who's tried to do comic or animation art in HS understands the persecution one can go through for their style. Ultimately, those to try different artistic approaches are the ones who will get the most jobs ANYWAY.

You aren't going to have much of a problem with "Bible Belt South" wilst living in a dorm and going to classes in a blue county. Maybe if you get a job here. In southside. Hell, there isn't even a COUNTRY bar/club here...but there's a gay/goth one.

Paula Wallace and her council are minions of the devil. I don't think anyone is going to dispute that.

I also work at one of the art stores here, so I feel you on the moronic, "Yaaah, so this is my DADDY'S black credit card that's paying for me to go to school for FASHION! 'Cause I like BUYING CLOTHES! (Sewing? What's....that?) :D"

[unknown_epiphany]

wow you remind me of someone i know mirana. although you have artistic ability and probably have a cool accent=) all i know is that my favorite comic is astro city and thats because the story and artwork is breathtaking. but enough about comicbook styles and stuff. cuz lets just be honest anything cookie cutter sucks regardless of how it looks(though pretty is pretty) im sorry but there is one department at scad i really do not get. FIBERS what the hell... cant that just be part of fashion?

[Mirana]

Cool accent...? More like a bastardization of my northern parents and southern living.

Fibers...I don't know much about it other than it's a combo of fashion, interior design and graphic design. It's not a art most of us think of, but still valid.

[unknown_epiphany]

lol im from delaware so i sound like a little bit of southerner already... so yeah the true redneck side of me will show fairly quickly down there=) yay as long as i dont like nascar ill be fine

[J Bradford]

I thought I would give my own thoughts on SCAD. Before I start though, for the record, I left there 2 years ago to jump on a job offer, leaving 1 year left. I sort of wish that I had finished for the peice of paper and to feel "complete", but I've got the experience and portfolio now.

SCAD gave me a lot of advantages to be immersed in the art environment day in and day out. I got to network with some good folks and was in general just surrounded by artists all day. The professors that really stuck out to me were those in the foundational departments; you have to know your stuff to teach there. Specifically, Hung and Markowski. I don't think the computer art department's professors are worth anything, though, because most of them aren't artists but just those who know how to operative the software they are teaching you (these are things you can learn on you're own). If they were talented 3d artists then it would be a different story. I left before SCAD started the Atlanta and Locoste projects. I think the idea of expanding out of Savannah like that is a major disapointment because keeping the school in a nice sleepy town was what made it appealing, and unified. It really sounds like in a few years you will see SCAD TV commercials like you do Devry.

I guess to sum it up SCAD to me was good for networking and getting a very large chunk of time (3 years) to do one thing only: art. I wouldn't be where I am now because of it, but at the same time I could have found a different route. Tuition is something like 85k for 4 years and honestly that is not worth it. Go to an artellier (better foundational training and way cheaper) and learn any software you need to on you're own. Use forums like this one for tips and networking. I don't mean to diss anyone in here that is currently at SCAD, this is mainly comming from a 3D artist's POV and not illustration or sequential. I have just seen too many students rack up major loans and never actually land a job with art.

If you still think SCAD is right for you; don't slack. Live and breath art everyday so you make that tuition worth it. A good number of the professors I had never really pushed the students that hard so you have to do it yourself. SCAD is really good about offering great facilities and equipment so take advantage of that. Go to every single friday life drawing session.

[Meretrix]

Meretrix: Methinks Script Writing is presented at a basic level because most kids are in the major to DRAW. If they want to write, then they take Advanced Script Writing and they major/double major in Creative Writing.

This is very true that more kids want to draw than write in the Sequential department, but I still don't think that's a very good excuse to make the Script writing class as very lax and undemanding as it is. Take "Writing Fundamentals for Screen and Stage" or the "Short Story" english classes; very decent exercises in writing believable dialogue and making a compact plotline respectively.
Those are the principals which should be brought into the script writing class, since most kids don't have the time nor money to keep pursuing classes outside of their basic required major curriculum. It was my experience, and that of some of my peers, that the Script Writing class was just an exercise in the format of comic scripts and how writers ought keep them simplistic -- yet professor Kneece gives stellar examples, i.e. Frank Miller, who do the exact opposite of being as basic as possible with his panel descriptions and character actions. If you try to write like Frank Miller in his class; you get a poor grade. It happened to me. If you write very generalized and with short descriptions; A.

IMHO, either the course needn't be a requirement for the major since, as you said-- most kids just want to draw anyway -- or it should have more substance to be worth the $2,400 it costs. That's a lot of pocket change to haul out for something of rather low expectations.



I just think perhaps the flood of mangaripoff wannabees who refuse to draw anything 'out of their STYLE'

Wow. 'Cause it's not like there's a flood of "I-read-american-comics-all-my-life-and-can't-draw-anything-but-Rob-Liefield-lookalike-CRAP" or "JHONEN VASQUEZ is SO GOTH! DEATH-BLOOD-EMO!" Way to look ignorant, sterotypical, and assy. Go YOU.

Uhm, thankyou...? :[
I was just being very general. Yes, there are plenty of other artists that the kids copy here, and not just in the Sequential Department but Animation and Illustration as well! Just 'anime' sums up a good chunk of them, in my experience. And I know that people can be quite successful in those styles! My friend Jisuk Cho for example, didn't even finish getting his degree at the Art Institute of Pheonix, and left them for a character design job at Nickelodeon-- as you can see at his DA page (http://maui.deviantart.com) , his style is VERY anime influenced!! But he's living in New York, hired by Necklodeon, and thusly much more successful than me even though he's only, oh, a MONTH older than me :P (I'm 21)
But it's hard!
it's hard to get a job with any sort of very stylized art.
Flexibility is always a plus.


The profs don't want to force you to draw out of your style, but they present the oppertunities and influence to. .... Ultimately, those to try different artistic approaches are the ones who will get the most jobs ANYWAY.

They don't want to force you to do something... but as you say, those who do it are the most successful! Thusly, since this is an art school, shouldn't the professors be whipping our ass as much as possible towards the end goal of BEING more successful?
SCAD is very expensive school, and one of the largest ( maybe THE largest..? Unsure, probably just a marketing ploy I heard.. ) art schools in this country. I don't see any reason for the professors to be lax on us just because of size and because we 'seem' to be able to afford to do whatever we want. A good professor will demand the best out of every one of his or her students, and help that student be a success later on. So many kids graduate SCAD and end up working FedEx delivery, Savannah Tours, or some other non-art related field for quite some years afterwards if not the rest of their lives.
I just think that would change if the demands were higher.

I know at other schools, RISD if I'm not mistaken..? Carnegie Mellon University at least, art classes can run anywhere from 5 to 9 hours straight in one day. THAT'S getting your money's worth, that's practice and education!
Not to say I don't love SCAD, and at least I'm smart and use my extra time still feverishly trying to perfect my work, but... I have a friend who'll graduate in May 2006, with decent grades mind you, who's only NOW really getting basic Anatomy.

*shrugs* Sorry if I offended. :^^;:

[doven]

HI I'm naturally ungifted at writing, but I'll try to make sense...
I'm a SCAD graduate in illustration. I can definitely tell you that I'm a much better artist for having gone to SCAD - It is definitely what you make of it.

I thought I'd tell you a bit about the illustration dept.
The kids who are going to get the most out of the illo. dept., and who get the most attention, are the ones that start off with their own consistent style. Big duh right?? That said, I don't recommend it for somebody who's still trying to learn how to draw because it can be extremely frustrating. I feel like I wasted my early years at SCAD being indecisive and doing work that was inconsistent with any style. Undoubtably it helped me learn, but even if you're giving 110% on every project it's not going to matter later on when it's time to put your illo. portfolio together and nothing fits!

Also, yes, what meretrix said was true. Choose your professors wisely, there are some real gems at SCAD and some real not-gems...

In the illo dept. I can definitely recommend Vargo, Muhammed ( though some would dissagree), Linda Warner, and Catherine Sandoz.
I'm not recommending Don Rogers, just because all his projects are so hackneyed and leave so little room for creativity, he also isn't very straight-up during critique leaving you a bit miffed when you get your grades back. He'll be like "OH this is great! nice work!" and won't say anything more than that, only to give you a C back on the same project. zuh?

Julie Lieberman is a big dork idiot who cancels classes to get her hair did. Cornrows! I shit you not. And while Dick Krepel is an AMAZING illustrator and a very sweet guy, he is a seriously bad teacher who has no concept for structure. I learned it the hard way by taking self-promo with him, probably the most important class you can take at SCAD. We spent most of the class looking at the websites of alumni, something I could have done on my own time, rather than critiquing the projects that were due.

[Bsmith196]

can anyone comment on the visual effects program?

[Meretrix]

...but her boyfriend.

I am a Visual Effects major Technical Driection Minor at SCAD and i'm thoroughly enjoying both. With the VisFX dept there are enough classes that you can tailor the major to yourself in multiple ways; be it Compositing, 3D modeling and rendering, Light Rigging for CG scenes, Particles or Dynamics. 3D animation is, obviously, covered by the animation dept (which is in the same building) but there is a lot of overlap between the majors if you're not a traditional animator.

The Tech Direction Minor is relativley new and is geared a little less towards the artistic side of things and more towards the nuts oand bolts of VisFX production flow. THere are classes soley on Lighting or on Materials and Textures for 3D objects. There's also a required class in C++ so beware of that if you're not a coder (i'm muddling through well enough the teacher is cool)

As far as I know SCAD is one of the few, if not the only, schools that teaches classes on Renderman and Houdini. And the teachers for both are simply amazing. In fact the Houdini teacher here is now teaching up at SCADlanta.

The is a lot of overlap between VisFX the FIlm and Animation depts, so if you want to Double major or Major/Minor in any then you have a veritable cornicopea of classes to choose and tailor your major too.

Hope this helps.

_dave

[Bsmith196]

sounds good. thanks

so you like the teachers right?

and yeah I've always wanted to learn C++, but find it hard to teach myself it.

[HugeHarHar]

Wait, so SCAD's art classes aren't 5 hours long? How long are they?

I mean, maybe I just assumed that it was a good standerd class time, because we do it here at ACA.

Damn...they better transfer that to SCAD-Atl.

[Mirana]

At SCAD-Savh classes are 2 and half hours long.

[unknown_epiphany]

ok Mirana say i take 3 classes like 8 am, 1pm, and 4 pm do i only have to take those classes once a week? or is it twice or three times a week?

[Mirana]

Actually, It would be 9AM, 12PM, and 3PM (Late block is 6PM) -- classes do not begin before 9AM. You have classes twice a week: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.

[unknown_epiphany]

ah ok so that makes alot more sense then. how many hours a week do you work Mirana? (sorry if this comes out as being too forward) I just want to know a basic amount i think i will need to work a week to live down there. also do you have a car or any sort of transportation outside of walking and or buses. my tourguide said that a car is not nec. for a student. I believe this when i saw the historic district but how far out do the SCAD buses go out?

[Mirana]

Uhm, I work anywhere from 26-32 a week (I'm strictly part-time so I can ask off from work at any time for school or my second occational job--otherwise I'd be working 40 hrs) and I have some "living expense" money built into my education loans. It depends on what job you get and how much you get paid, of course.

Yes, I have always had a car, but that's partly because I have lived in the area around SCAD for over 10 years now (My parents and younger siblings still live about 45 mins away from Sav'h). A car isn't necessary, but it is VERY helpful. The SCAD buses go no further than downtown (and only stop at SCAD buildings), but the city has it's own public transportation buses that go all over Savannah (downtown, mid town, and the southside/business district). I believe freshmen are encouraged to not have cars b/c parking is such a problem. SCAD goes so far as to not allow freshmen to park in SCAD lots. 9_9

Many of the students also have bicycles, but be forewarned that bike theft is a serious problem because of it. Buy yourself a BIG chain.

[unknown_epiphany]

im fat and fat kids dont do well on wheeled devices j/k well thats good to know about the busing. guess il be riding the bus and walking my ass off then. and you just gotta love that southern humidity ooh boy=)

[unknown_epiphany]

well whatever the case id really like to thank everyone who gave me vauable information on SCAD. Mirana especially and alot of others. damn i wish they had people as informative as you as my guide when i visited.

[Bsmith196]

Meretrix....

I was wondering how a lot of the VFX classes are run. Like how do they teach you the material....do they jsut give you small assignments that are due next class? etc.. Also do you have to make like short films or whatever at teh end of each class or some of the classes?

[Meretrix]

Classes are set up acording to the material they teach, obviously. The VisFX curriculum (sp?) starts like any other at SCAD, core classes in art. Drawing Color Theory, that kind of stuff. The next step are the Intro and/or computer art classes, which cover the basics of a lot of programs, the Adobe suit, intro to 3D modelling and compositing, stuff liek that, and varies from teacher to teacher. Then you get into specifics, There is an intro to Maya class that teaches you the basics of 3D modelling, work flow and rendering and you produce the first assignments out of the textbook, then individual assignments then you usuallt end with a group project. So roughly 4-5 assignments across a 10 week period. A week or more per assignment.

There are classes for learning specific programs: Shake for compositing, Maya for animation or modeling, Houdini for procedural effects and particles etc etc. And classes that teach specific concepts. THere is a digital lighting and rendering class, though taught using Maya, could be applicable to any major 3D program. THere areTExture classes, classe on using z-brush or on digital matte painting. I just took the first class offered on HDR Imaging, a new class they offered that is now a part of the school.

All of these usually consist of a finite amount of assignments( how many depending on the teacher. I've had classes with 8 assignments for the quarter. i've had classes with just 2)

Once you get into your senior year you take "Project" classes that give you free reign to do individual and group projects soley for application as part of your demo reel. Then a Portfolio class as the final one which is about self marketting and getting your applications ready and sent.

I've kind of rambled but i hope this helped a little. Feel free to ask more if you want. I'll be reading over Meretrix's shoulder :)

_dave

[Bsmith196]

yeah that helped thanks....and feel free to ramble all you want.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to scad...I'll be transferring....I have no idea where I would start

[Bsmith196]

hey I was wondering what type of programming languages you learn? I wanna start tot teach myself.

I hope Python is one of them...b/c I'm about to d/l the complier.

[spacemanchris]

Its important to note that SCAD is not nationally accredited. They are only accredited with the southern states.

This is just flat out incorrect. As a SCAD Alumni working in LA, I know.

I learned a ton at SCAD, but it's like any school, it's only worth what you put in. The deep south takes some adjusting, but it's got some really cool history. The common complaints I would hear are "too easy" but this came from people who generally didn't work too hard and skated by with B's and C's. I worked my ass off, got a good GPA and got a job pretty fast out of school with my portfolio.

Every school will have pros and cons, my experience was good, if you ask people what professors are hard but fair, take advantage of the equipment and studios, really check out the history of the city and work your ass off, you'll have a really great education and a great college experience.

One thing I can say with certainty, it has the best computer equipment and best film equipment of any school. Probably worldwide. They are big on getting the newest stuff, they purchased the HD 24P camera that was developed for the 2nd star wars movie right when it was publically available. At that time their were only 12 in existence. It cost them something close to $1mill.

If I could go back in time, I'd make the same choice.

Also, it is the biggest art school, meaning having the most students, which is nice for the whole college expereience, especially with something like 60% girls. Man, there were so many hot girls :)

[spacemanchris]

hey I was wondering what type of programming languages you learn? I wanna start tot teach myself.

I hope Python is one of them...b/c I'm about to d/l the complier.


get a CS degree if you want to do programming. Don't go to art school. My roomate went to SCAD with me, and he is interested in the technical programming side of effects, he really wishes he had gotten a Computer Science degree. There are worlds of code you just won't be exposed to at an art school.

[rblitz7]

How are the living conditions at SCAD?

[Mirana]

In the dorms or in an apartment?

Dorms = Old Motels (except for Boundry Hall, which has people sleeping overnight in the hallway for applications). I would never live there.

Apartments = Cheapest, safest and new in Southside (which is a 10-15 min drive from downtown where SCAD buildings are). Midtown is also nice. Downtown is nice only if you have a lot of money...otherwise it's best not to live there.

[spacemanchris]

bah! don't bring a car! It's so easy to bike in Savannah, I miss that, since I now bike everywhere in LA. Apartments are nicer, but I think a big part of going to college is the "college experience" the dorms are pretty kickass as far as dorms go, but they are just taht, dorms. You'll meet way more people in the dorms. Live at least one year in the dorms, I have so many stories of crazy fun hijinks that happened there, my group of friends was so close that we all stayed in the dorms sophmore year too.

But read up on Savannah, figure out what areas are good and bad, where you shouldn't be at night. It's like most cities, good and bad parts.

[Vebelfetzer]

This is just flat out incorrect. As a SCAD Alumni working in LA, I know.

so it IS nationally accredited? Because the website says: "The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404.679.4501) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees."

This sounds very regional to me. Southern Associations? Help me out here.

[Mirana]

*sigh.*

SCAD is accredited by a regional institution which is recognized by the US Department of Education (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/accreditation-associations.htm). The actual association is not national, but the Dept of Education sure is.

In any event, I don't see how it's relevant one way or another. Many art schools are regionally accredited (Art Center = WASC (http://www.wascsenior.org/wasc/)).

[spacemanchris]

like Mirana said, the actual degree that is awarded is nationally recognized, not that it even matters, no one get's hired to do art based upon their degree or school even, portfolio is king in the end. Yet, getting a nationally recognized bachelor or masters degree is important if you decide to not even go into art after school as people sometimes do. PLus it helps sell the school to your parents :)

[Silveraxe]

Heya,
I started SCAD fall 2005 and so far it seems nice. This quarter my teachers rock! They're so much fun and they kno their stuff. But I believe the real experience will start when i start to take my major classes (which will be illustration).

About the portfolio stuff, i kno it says 20 pieces, but i sent 25 slides and plus a CD with my digital stuff and pencil work. So i don't think it matters that much, as long as you *don't* have less than 20.

Something good about SCAD is that there's a website where you can read people's comments and ratings of their teachers. It's very useful indeed.

Btw, if there are international people thinking of applying to SCAD, I been there, so i'm open to questions.

[unknown_epiphany]

lol i kinda sent scad 14 pieces in my portfolio. i sure hope that is enough though. and the book i got said 12 to 18 pieces. i never read anywhere that said 20 pieces. i am trying to be an illustration major by the way.

[Serrat]

I'm an illustration major, and I'll just state for the record that I'm very pleased with the program and the professors in it. One thing SCAD understands is giving students as much of a grasp as possible on just what the business is like, instead of just the artistic side, and illustration in particular is all about that. Also, I've never had a problem with profs wishing I'd only draw in their style. It makes critiques a bit odd, since it's like comparing apples and oranges and pears and tomatos and...

If you're looking for concept art, I'd look into taking more sequential art and storyboarding classes. Anatomy, perspective, and drawing from imagination as opposed to reference is what they're all about.

It's good that you went through your growing pains beforehand, as well as classes that'll get you out of most of your foundations courses (with their depressing supply lists)

[Silveraxe]

unknown_epiphany: well i cant really remember the exact number ( i just went with 20 due to conversations above) well, the book would be more accurate than me for sure hehe.

Yayy another illustration person! I barely know anyone from illustration. Whom ever I ask their major, its either animation or sequencial art.

Serrat: i cry inside whenever i walk to the cashier in the art supply shop.. x__x

Its good to hear positive things about the people in my major. I had heard the school was very good and was getting popular etc... before I came here. but after my first year I wasn't sure what made the school 'good'. But I think its getting better now.
But yeah, really depends on the teachers too! My drawing I teacher was the most boring person ever, but today in Draw II we had a model posing like a jedi for us! How cool is that?! :D

[Mirana]

Silveraxe - Did you get a scholarship after sending that many pieces?
Unknown - I say 20 because that's what the limit was when I submitted. I guess it's been lowered since then. 14 seems like a good amount...shows you weren't stretching to reach the limit, but were confident in your abilities so you didn't use the full 18. ;)

[Silveraxe]

Mirana: Yup, I got a small scholarship, even though I hadn't applied for one :)

[rblitz7]

Mirana: Yup, I got a small scholarship, even though I hadn't applied for one :)
How exactly does that work? was it just based of your portfolio?

[Mirana]

SCAD will automatically give you a scholarship if your SAT score is high enough, or if you send your portfolio. (You don't need a portfolio for admission...if you send one, they assume you're doing so for the portfolio or class exemption.)

[Silveraxe]

rblitz7: well i guess as Mirana said, it works that way. and also i think they might want to lure the good portfolios to themselves so they give a little 'charity' :p
i dunno in which category i go into though eheh..

Mirana: well my SAT score wasnt that amazing XD but i guess they want to lure people to their clutches by giving away scholarships

[unknown_epiphany]

yeah im really hoping for a 5,000 yearly to 10,000 yearly scholarship but the chances of that may be slim.

[Silveraxe]

unknown_epiphany:well i dunno, 5,000 is a more possible one i guess, i know that SCAD is easy to get scholarships from, but mostly they have these small scholarships (what i call 'charity' eheh). So i'm not sure about the percentage of serious scholarships. But you can always apply for a bigger scholarship while you're studying here... That's my next goal XD

[Mirana]

Only 6% will get the higher level scholarships (10K-15K a year). That's not something to bank on, but certainly something to work towards. The easiest way to get one of those is to keep taking your SAT or ACT until it's high enough. A portfolio or merit scholarship is tougher since it's more subjective and you're going up against mostly adults/established pros that want to get a degree or masters.

[Bsmith196]

get a CS degree if you want to do programming. Don't go to art school. My roomate went to SCAD with me, and he is interested in the technical programming side of effects, he really wishes he had gotten a Computer Science degree. There are worlds of code you just won't be exposed to at an art school.

actually to tell you the truth I don't want to program. I just heard (and I might have heard wrong) that the VFX major invovles a lot of programming for shaders and what not...and I jsut want to get a head start on that b/c I know if I wait I'm going to get behind.

[unknown_epiphany]

Does the ACT/SAT score still even matter if i have been out of highschool for two years? Or does me even retaking the SAT/ACT even matter then? My question is will my College gpa take over the score of my dismal SAT score?

[Silveraxe]

unknown_epiphany: Well I think they ask for recent SAT scores, but you might want to double check it on the school website (http://www.scad.edu), under Admissions > application requirements. But I heard of and know people who got accepted without SAT too, but having your scores will be to your advantage for sure.

[spacemanchris]

actually to tell you the truth I don't want to program. I just heard (and I might have heard wrong) that the VFX major invovles a lot of programming for shaders and what not...and I jsut want to get a head start on that b/c I know if I wait I'm going to get behind.

the majors are really fairly broad. They have changed since I've been there but you can still basically do the same things you could when I went.

If you want to learn to do VFX, like doing particle simulations and cloud effects and all that procedural stuff, in order to be successful you'll have to learn scripting for whatever program you are going to focus on. MEL scripting for Maya, etc. etc.

But if you want to just learn to do 3D for FX or games, no programming knowledge is necessary. I do it for a living and I couldn't code myself out of a t-shirt.

If you want to learn something just start doing tutorials for the programs you want to use, maybe bursh up on some Geometry math if you want.

-Chris

[Mirana]

Unknown: If you're a transfer student with two years of college under your belt--then you don't have to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, academic scholarships are based solely on SAT/ACT and not transfer GPA.

If you've just not gone to school for two years...you have to hand over the test scores (or...take them again. It's only $13 ;) )

[unknown_epiphany]

YAY more organized tests. Delaware Education Board is trying to rip me off then lol. trying to charge me 25 dollars hmpph. well i raise them their 12 dollars to a game of 3d wizard chess. I don my robe and wizard hat.

[Mirana]

Hmm, SAT website (http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html) puts it at more than that (I think). I took mine before they started including the essay portion (which takes longer to grade) so the fees have gone up.

[unknown_epiphany]

WOW SAT must die for them and their silly michevious money making ways j/k. i dont really want to have to take the new SAT ill probably just study my ass off and take the ACT.

[Bsmith196]

ok so I'm goin to be putting my portfolio together...I'm thinking of using slide format for my traditional drawings and stuff...but I kinda taught myself how to paint using Photoshop, so I have a lot of digital paintings..how would I submits these? There isn't any way of making these slides too is there? Can I submit slides and a cd at the same time?

[Silveraxe]

Bsmith196: yup, you can send CD's. Actually they 'want' your digital stuff in the CD anyways. So you can send both CD and slides together.

[monsterfeets]

I'm really super interested in SCAD. I'm going to visit sometime in february just to check it out ... I've heard that SCAD doesn't require a portfolio to get in, you don't have to submit one at all? What *is* required for admission. Do you need the letters of recommendation? Because I don't have any of those things :\ (other than decent ACT scores) I mean I've been out of highschool for 3 years, and I've drawn plenty but I've never had a figure drawing class. I also cannot go to community college. Well technically I could but the closest community college is 45 minutes away. I literally live in the middle of nowhere and the community college consists almost entirely of people from my highschool, which is a part of my life I'd personally rather remove my own eyeballs with a sharp object before re-living.

I would submit the art I've done as a portfolio but I'm a little worried. The last time I tried to apply to an art college (Kansas City Art Institute) they basically laughed me out of the admissions office and told me I "drew too much anime and used my imagination too much". Which is a whole lot of crap because I hate most anime and don't watch it (no offense to anime fans XD) I couldn't really make out what they wanted out of me though. They told me to draw more from life and then turned around and told me to be more abstract using examples like "paint something and throw water on it" or "once I made a bed of nails with exactly 1012 nails in it." I KNOW I need life drawing, observational drawing and anatomy skills. I just plain suck at realism. But that's why I want to go to school, to learn. I mean if I already understood why anyone would want to nail things into a bed and put tape on lightbulbs I wouldn't need to go to art school. (Or y'know, if I could already draw at a professional level.)

[Senira]

SCAD does indeed require a portfolio; it's not only for admissions, it's also to decide what scholarships you qualify for. If you want the full admissions info, got to www.scad.edu and click the admissions tab on the main page.

I wouldn't worry too much about your portfolio-- they aren't too strict when it comes to that, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's an easy school. Some teachers here will work you till your eyes bleed... ;_;

[Silveraxe]

monsterfeets: SCAD doesn't require portfolio, but if you want to get scholarship, you might wanna send one, if you don't trust your grades.

Well, it is important to do observational drawings, because you need to be accurate when you draw sometimes, if you don't know how an object or a person looks like in details, you can't really draw it from your mind either.

Like you said, people who want to learn how to do stuff better go to university. That's why you dont have to be "perfect" with your portfolio. I presume you have at least some skills so that you trust yourself you can make it in an art college.
All you have to do now is to take some objects and make a composition or have your family members, friends pose for you and you use that skill you put your trust in, and do some drawings.
Portfolio reveiwers like different media. So use some ink, some charchoal, pencil or if you are somewhat skilled in oils, acrylic and watercolors make some paintings with those, or pastels, coloring pencils.. really it doesn't matter what you use. Just have some variety in your work, so that it's not monotone.
Just do your best and that should be it.

About the things required; go to school website (http://www.scad.edu) and go to "Admissions", there you'll find all the information you need.

by the way, what major are interested in?

[monsterfeets]

Ah okay, the website says "Portfolio encouraged, but not required, for undergraduate or transfer applicants." On the "timeline for admissions" page. I assume that means that I don't absolutely need one, but it'd probably be a good idea. I'm hoping they can make some kind of acception for the recommendations because I absolutely have no way of coming up with recommendations. I don't know anyone :\

I do draw from observation a little. I just have a hard time concentrating for long amounts of time on artwork. Not because I don't like to draw and not even because I don't want to spend a lot of time on things. I'd love to spend all day doing art. It's mostly because of the environment I'm in, theres a lot of distractions and stress ... not that I don't expect there to be distractions and stress at school. But not the same kinds, heh.

I hope it's not an easy school XD I enjoy learning/challenges and I like keeping busy doing things I'm interested in (which is pretty much anything to do with art/film). I only hated highschool so much because of a specific group of people who decided it would be amusing to make me miserable. o_O

I want to major in Sequential Art or Animation. I'm leaning more towards Sequential, though. I dont actually want to be an 'animator' although I'd like to learn how to animate. I'd rather do the concept art/storyboarding type things. Or even direct.

[Silveraxe]

monsterfeets: About recommendations, you can go back to your highschool and ask your ex-teachers. but double check it, i dont remember if all your recco must be from an academic. I remember I had from the company i interned in... So if you interned in somewhere, worked or something you can get recco from those ppl.

Yeah no absolute need for portfolio, but i'd reccommend you do stuff for yourself. Go out in your free time, sit in a cafe (or wherever) and sketch there. Or go to your friends' house if you cant find peace at home. I bet your friends or relatives will be willing to help.

Sequential is pretty good. I'm planning on minoring it.

[Mirana]

monsterfeets: Don't complain about the recommendations. SCAD wants to see that you're motivated. If you can't be bothered to go through a little inconvience to get to your dream, then you definately don't need to be spending wads of cash on it. Go back to the old HS, ask a boss, a religious leader, or another artist that you've "studied" under or with. Get creative--I showed my work to a prof at SCAD and had him write him write me a letter after he'd seen it. You could do the same if you go to a SCAD portfolio day.

I also find a problem with: I just have a hard time concentrating for long amounts of time on artwork. WHAT? Why the hell spend $21K a year on it, then?? You need to change your focus, my friend, because SCAD (or any other art school) is ART 24/7. Furthermore, you said you've been out of HS THREE YEARS and not in college. WHAT--pray tell--is taking up so much of your time that you can't draw? Don't tell me work, because I work full time and do the school thing. No excuse. Going to school in the hopes that they'll beat you into working on it is NOT going to change anything. You need to do it now.

Do figure drawing, still life, environment. If you want to do concept/storyboards, then do some of that to show your focus. If you choose Seqa, you're going to get a mix of comics, storyboards and concept work. We actually have a number of ex-animation or double-major kids in the department just because they want to be concept artists.

[monsterfeets]

Mirana: I didn't mean to sound as if I was complaining. I realize that there is a reason they want to see recommendations. I'm not sure I can go to my highschool to get recommendations (although I'm STILL going to call/visit and ask you can be sure of that) because I did very poorly in highschool because of events that happened in my past. I normally do not talk about this because I dont want people to feel like I'm making excuses but you seem to want an explaination. I still would rather not go into details. I became severely depressed after freshman year and developed a hardcore case of social anxiety which I still have issues with. Before that I was a straight A student and was very happy and self confident and optimistic about life. It was not something I planned or wanted. My anxiety is why I have not been in school, on top of not being able to work for the past year and a half because my grandmother had to come live with us, and *I* am the only one capable and willing to stay at home and take care of her. My mother has to work to support all of us and no I certainly don't feel good about that. This is why I want to do something with my future now that I have a chance. I've been recovering and getting better slowly without the help of ANYONE as I don't have health insurance because we can't afford it. My environment is not a happy, relaxing or creatively stimulating one which is why I have a hard time concentrating. I still manage to draw every day, I still manage to push myself, but I want to push myself further. I've been kind of stuck in a black hole for the past 6-7 years of my life. I have a chance now, I want to do something. I'm finally to a point where just going to the grocery store doesnt send me into a panic attack. If I end up having to wait another few years, and drive nearly an hour to community college and get a job at the Outlet Mall folding t-shirts to be able to go off to art college, I WILL do it, if it comes to that. I would just RATHER go now.

You are right that I should put a little more effort out though, I should atleast attempt to put together a portfolio. That's just my self-conciousness and previous art school rejection getting in the way :P Hell, I dont even know If I WOULD be able to afford it. I have no idea if I will qualify for enough loan money. But I have to try. Y'know?

Thanks for the info/suggestions, too. I think I will bring some work with me when I visit just to see what they have to say and if they have suggestions.

[Mirana]

Mmm, I had depression and was an introvert for most of my grade school life. I still don't like rational things...like calling people. I HATE that. Get the shakes and all--it's great. 9_9

However, going to school where your personal work is critiqued every day is not going to improve on your social anxiety (and it only gets worse when your employers are doing it). Be prepared for a major up-hill battle. Unlike others, you're going to have to work twice or thrice as hard to make it work. :/

Incidentally, I spent two years at a university that was an hour away from my house...so was my job. I ended up spending all waking hours in the city because I didn't feel like driving back home for the few hours inbetween the two. An hour commute isn't as bad as it seems--especially if it gets you away from a suffocating home life.

[monsterfeets]

Ergh I'm sorry. Depression is horrible, I am so glad I'm past that part. Being in an extremely small school didn't help matters (only 78 kids in my graduating class. people know about things before you even know you knew them o_o)

Calling on the phone is still really hard for me too. And I imagine going to art school will be kind of like getting hit by a truck. When you live in the same little town for so long and hardly talk to anyone everywhere else may as well be Neptune. I have found that I tend to feel a lot more comfortable around people who are interested in the same things as me though. I am not sure how well I'll fare in critiques but I'm not really overly emotional about the quality of my artwork. I actually get more frustrated when people WONT give me crits. They just kind of pat my head and say 'good job'. >_< I honestly usually have NO idea what's 'wrong' with something, just that something is wrong. I am sure it will stress me out like nobodies business but -everything- stresses me out.

Yikes that's a lot of commuting. I'm used to commuting since I live in the middle of a field of cows XD but it's usually only about half an hour to shopping/resturaunts. I just really really like the idea of getting out of here and going somewhere far away I suppose. It's very adventurous and 'not me'. So i'm all excited about it and being stubborn ;P

I'm also considering RMCAD though because it's closer. And I like Colorado. And it's cheaper ;) But we'll see how everything goes. I need to start a sketchbook in the Sketchbooks forum I think.

[spacemanchris]

Monsterfeets -
I totally understand what you mean about escaping your town. I lived in a very rural area in Michigan, went to a high school that was 99.9% white and I needed to go somewhere totally different. I ended up going to SCAD, a 25 hour drive away, in a city much more culturally diverse. But I think the most important first step is just flat out escaping, not neccesarily going right to a school you really want to attend.

My advice, and mind you this is just based upon your posts, I really have no idea what your situation is like, is to move 3 hours away, get a job, earn some money, work on a portfolio, maybe take some general ed classes at a community college, basically get your life straight. Submit your portfolio, get a decent scholarship (which can be done with hard work and the help of people on this forum) at this point you'll be much more likely to get all the loans you need, you'll be saving money with your scholarship and you most likely have grown as person who has lived on their own and earned their keep.

Jumping in without a financial plan, when you are artisticaly unprepared, and desperate to escape your past, is a formula destruction, IMO. You don't want to get going, drop out, still have a chunk of loans to pay and have little to show for it.

As for your portfolio, we can help you. You say you feel like you are stagnating, we can help you. Start a sketchbook thread, we can help you. There are so many talented people on this thread who have been through the portfolio process completely willing to help you. I am willing to help you, if you want me to come up with a list of things to work on, I'd be happy to help you. And if you work hard, I'd be happy to write you a letter of reccomendation, as a professional artist and a SCAD alumni, I think that might hold some weight.

So there you go, if you want me to come up with a portoflio plan, I'd do it tonight.

-Chris

[monsterfeets]

Wow thanks Chris :)

And yeah I may be jumping into things a little too soon. It's mostly because of being out of school for 3 years and I feel like I need to start *now* :P I'm only 21 but I feel like I've missed out on everything and 'wasted' a lot of time.

I've considered moving out before going to college. But I could never figure out where to go or what to do. College seems like it would be sort of my gateway to the real world rather than just jumping straight into the real world. I've been thinking it over for a long time and arguing with myself about it. I'm pretty much to the point where I want to just make a choice and go through with it no matter what.

That would be awesome if you could make suggestions for my art and portfolio, though. I will go start a sketchbook thread. Thanks!


Edit: here is my sketchbook thread all ready to go: http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=60752

Edit Again: Ahah, Oh Sure. Nevermiind. I just found out. I can't get a loan for atleast another year because of various financial situations. So it's not even an option right now :P Figures. Ah well.

[HugeHarHar]

I know that many if not all SCAD students are un-aware of this, but since this is the SCAD thread, I think it's the best place to put this.

It's a little rant-ish.

SCAD and the Woodruff Arts Center (where the Atlanta College of Art is) are being sued. And this time it's not because of the merger, though they did add that in which I think was a mistake. It's about the two breaking contracts and well being generally fucking evil.

About a month ago WAC asked all the teachers if they we're willing to have any visitors, no specifcations on who they would be, just visitors in general. Most agreed, and they began planning out visits with different people. Well some employee for SCAD arranged for a meeting with one of the teachers and didn't show, so what. Well they came a few weeks later unannounced and evaluated the woman. This evaluation, and several others that happend we're to determine what salaries they we're going to offer the teachers, irregardless of the contracts the teachers already signed.

Ok, that's pretty mean. But there's more.

The whole "merger" that's going to happen in a few monthes was set so that current ACA students could still continue the ACA curriculum next year at SCAD. Well some unimportant employee from SCAD came down and told the administors and faculty here that they weren't going to offer it, that they didn't have to. Well, that guy pretty much got flogged to death but we now have to deal with the possibility that whoever is going might not get their education.

That's the evil part, and for some extra fun here's a quote from some PR demon. "This merger is for the good of everyone, including the students. It will offer more flexibility for them."

If anyone want's a link to the article give me a few days. I just wanted to put this up, first because I find it disgusting and it's an immediate part of my future.

[rain polsky]

I had a pretty good time at SCAD. I think the school is a little too big, so sometimes beaurocratic stuff gets in the way, but the illustration department and the sequential department (my major) was small and wonderful. I liked it there.

[atlantamx3]

ahhh good ole SCAD... not.

Here is some info from the ACA100 website explainign a bit of the background of the SCAD take-over of ACA.



ACA100 is a coalition of outraged students, alumni, parents and friends of the college who stand in opposition to the Woodruff Arts Center 's sellout of the Atlanta College of Art to the Savannah College of Art & Design. We are devastated. The news that negotiations between select members from both the ACA Executive Board, SCAD and the Woodruff Arts Center had been taking place since as early as September of 2004 is extremely disturbing given the secretive nature of the meetings. By secretive, we mean to indicate that NOT ONE member of the ACA faculty, student body or administration was informed about this proposal until LATE JULY-- that's barely three weeks before students begin the fall semester of 2005. Even ACA President Ellen Meyer was kept in the dark about this enterprise! This is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE behavior from an organization (WAC) that claims to be a supporter of arts education and culture.

The ACA 2005 Student Handbook clearly states, "legally under the authority of the Woodruff Arts Center 's Board, the college's board of directors has the primary responsibility for college policies." It is important to note that the ACA board - NOT the WAC board - is charged with governing the college. The presumptuous nature of the collaboration between WAC, SCAD and the ACA Executive Committee is in direct violation of the aforementioned policy that is detailed in the current ACA student handbook.

ACA100 challenges unfair and completely misleading characterizations such as "weaving together" and "collaboration". How could anyone characterize this takeover as a "weaving together" when ACA loses its name, NASAD accreditation, its 100 year-old legacy and, ultimately, its endowments? ACA100's vision of a collaboration that would benefit the arts community would be ACA establishing a partnership with another institution with the same standards for NASAD accreditation, academics and small class size. Unfortunately, this is not the vision that has been put forth by the ACA Executive Board and WAC.

ACA100 also strongly objects to representatives from SCAD actively surveying, inspecting and monitoring ACA facilities, staff, students and faculty at the Woodruff Arts Center. This unwelcome presence creates a threatening climate that is completely demoralizing. We feel that such activity may be intended to create an environment of futility.

ACA100 is committed to continuing public protests and maintaining a dialogue with members of the press as long as public pressure is needed. We are actively communicating with concerned lawyers, legislators, business leaders, donors and the Atlanta community about the true nature of the proposal which would allow WAC and SCAD to destroy not only the Atlanta College of Art, but the diversity of Atlanta 's art culture. Since the proposal has such devastating implications for students, we demand to present our position to both the ACA and WAC Boards before any further decisions are made.




There are plenty of horror stories about SCAD. Not just from former students, but from former faculty as well.

SCAD is a BUSINESS. NOT a school.

They have been known to fire the ENTIRE teaching staff all at one time.

As another poster mentioned, they are not accredited by NASAD. This means, your degree from SCAD is worthless if you even try to go to grad school or transfer out of there.

I know of stories from faculty at several schools- that if they receive a job application from a candidate that has attended SCAD, they immediately throw out their application.

Do your research about SCAD before you waste your money there.

[Jcapur20]

Hello,

I am a third year Illustration student at SCAD. I'd like to just put this out about accredidation. We are accredited and it is nationally recognised. We are accredited by the same group of folks that accredit Georgia tech and other big schools. So I hope that clears it up.

Our Illustration department is amazing. Just go check out the work and client list of Don Rogers. Also, Peter Phole is a hallmark illustrator. Our other faculty is amazing and the small student to teachewr ratio is great.

[Mirana]

Atlantamx3: This essay you've posted is one-sided and not very well written. It's not what I'd call "background" on the situation.

- First paragraph is about the distrust of the WAC board--not SCAD.

- Second paragraph seems to contradict itself as it outlines how WAC and ACA boards were in talks with SCAD to sell ACA--and then says the handbook states that those boards are in control of the school. HOW is that a violation?

- Third paragraph is a whine about a choice of words and the loss of the name? XD Also, SCAD had the exact same accreditation that ACA had (and has), the same class size, and--since they both just went through re-accreditation--the same standard of academics. None of this paragraph is founded in fact.

- Fourth paragraph is my favorite because it is so pathetic. SCAD owns ACA now. It's laughable to complain about them being present in their own classrooms to evaluate the quality of the professors and curriculum. It would be common sense for any school to do. It's also the only paragraph to mention any "wrong-doing" on SCAD's part.

- Yes. SCAD is a business. Guess what? EVERY private school (including ACA) is a business. Duh.

- Hmm, where has SCAD fired a whole teaching staff? I know they "fired" the adminstrative staff at ACA, only to have them reapply under SCAD-Atl.

- As another poster (me) mentioned, SCAD is accreditated by SACS. This means, you don't know anything about the accreditation process and jumped to conclusions because you're pissed. I'm SO TIRED of this rumor and the people who don't bother to do a simple check on the facts for themselves. You can transfer out just as you would with any other school. As for ACA, it was accreditated by SACS as well, before SCAD bought it (not NASAD) and has since been renewed under SCAD-Atl.

SCAD is accredited by a regional institution (SACS) which is recognized by the US Department of Education (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/accreditation-associations.htm). The actual association is not national [it doesn't HAVE to be], but the Dept of Education sure is.

- Your story about having applications thrown out because they're from SCAD sounds very far-fetched. The most obvious reason being that any applicant would have no idea why they didn't get a job--let alone that their application was thrown out (just who would bother to call them and say, "Hey, we're throwing you out 'cause you went to SCAD"?).

- Do your research before you post.

[HugeHarHar]

atlantamx3- I think you only hurt what I was trying to say. Like, hurt it bad, and add to it that you've only posted once...damn it. Thanks for the effort I guess.

The whole accredidation thing as I've been told, by the SCAD counselers and such, is that as long as you stay in the south then the credits will stick. If you try to move like to the north or whatever then that's when theres problems. Also there are classes at SCAD that are equivilants to other classes, but are to different to count and such. In all honesty the only time that matters is if you want to go to graduate school.

The whole "business not a school" thing is usually based around the thoughts that a)you don't NEED a portfolio to get into SCAD, b) the fact that there's now three SCADs and c) the president of SCAD makes over 2 million dollars.

It didn't really bother me until they started to breach the teacher contracts. The teachers here at ACA are incredable, and whatever contract and salery they have now shouldn't change because some execs at SCAD feel like it.

So Miranda, please just ignore atlantamx3. Or, well, try at least.

[Mirana]

I have to admit that the counslers here at SCAD suck. I had to tell mine that even though I tested out of classes, I still had to take substitute classes to get the credit. He didn't believe me and had to go ask somebody else to find out I was right. This is the dude that's supposed to tell ME what classes I need.

My point is they don't know what they're talking about. The regional accreditation on your school (west, east, middle, new england, north central, northwest, etc!) DOES NOT MATTER. Your credits are still valid at any other regional or national accreditated school. The obvious discrepancy is that any school you transfer to will want to make sure your credits match their offered classes, and you're still taking a certain number of hours at their school. That's normal.

SCAD is definately a business. Their adminstrative department is as irritatingly bureaucratic as it can get (although the state university I went to was JUST as bad, they just weren't as good at making money). It's the education that makes it worth it. Nobody going to college is going to tell you, "Gee, my school's administration is so nice and charitable!" XD

Unfortunately, SCAD owns ACA. They're going to set whatever policies they want to within their legal right. It sucks, but it's a fact of business. I know professors in major departments make a good living (they'd have to, if SCAD wanted to have so many pros working), but the foundations profs just make okay salaries (most are SCAD grads and not experienced pros, so I've heard).

[dguy]

Damn that's really shady stuff going on down South. It's like a secret corporate takeover. That's a shame for all the students that are affected by it.

[Mirana]

It's not that much of a shame. Old ACA students are not without benefits. From a SCAD news advisory:

SCAD and ACA have taken great care to address and meet the needs of
both ACA and SCAD students in a combined institution. It should be
noted that the agreement between the Woodruff Arts Center and SCAD
provides that all currently enrolled ACA students are eligible to
transition to SCAD without incurring any additional financial burden.
All students who have declared ACA majors will be able to finish that
major at SCAD and graduate on time. ACA students also may choose to
apply their credits toward a SCAD major.

[dguy]

Well, I was refering to the way they conducted the merger. To do it in secrecy is just shady. Even in business you have to disclosed information early on, and not spring it on your customers and employees (students and faculties in this case). That is just disrespectful in my opinion, but you are welcome to disagree.

[Mirana]

I wouldn't take that essay at face value since it has some of it's facts wrong. I don't really know how far in advance people knew, so I can't debate it. If I were a student, it would definately be a shock, but I can't say how much it would matter to me if my school was bought--so long as it didn't screw up my classes, finances, or graduation time.

Part of me can't blame them anyway since there was nothing TO announce until the board agreed to sell the school. They should announce the possibility of a sale?

[dguy]

"Part of me can't blame them anyway since there was nothing TO announce until the board agreed to sell the school. They should announce the possibility of a sale?"

Yes, they should have announced the possibility of a sale. Businesses announced when they are in talk of possible mergers all the time.

I'm quoting HugeHarHar now:

"About a month ago WAC asked all the teachers if they we're willing to have any visitors, no specifcations on who they would be, just visitors in general. Most agreed, and they began planning out visits with different people. Well some employee for SCAD arranged for a meeting with one of the teachers and didn't show, so what. Well they came a few weeks later unannounced and evaluated the woman."

Seriously, how can anyone think that something like this is business as usual. Granted it is WAC's position to be more forthcoming with it's faculty and students, but any institution involved in this sham should be embarassed.

[Bsmith196]

I was just at scad two days ago on a tour. It was pretty cool. Wasn't a huge fan of the historic district, but I was glad to see the more modern part of the city a little more south.

Meretrix, do you know if the vfx teachers in atlanta are any good? Atlanta is a little closer..as I found driving from michigan to savannah is not cool at all.

[HugeHarHar]

Mirana- they told us about the merger about three weeks before school started. That's when everyone not on the commetiee thing found out, even the President of the school didn't know until then.

I've given up caring about these repricussions, and I'm just hoping that next year won't be a waste of the money I'm going to give them, because as of now I can still choose another school and probably get better scholarships and such, but I really want to stay in ATL.

[sankofaman90]

Hey everybody. Im a HS senior and homeschooled in Georgia. I got some info from family friends about SCAd and im supposed to be visiting there for a SCAD Day, ive read up on it and i am interested in going there:bashful: . In the past year i started a business designing flyers and logos. Its a side hustle thats been going pretty well and my clients say i have what it takes (theyre doing the recommendations) I also have been drawing and studying anatomy for years (from comics, books on how to draw them, anatomy books etc.) I have my own style of drawing but i am a perfectionist, I like detail. I want to major in Seq-Art and minor in Illustration. I really think im ready for the challenge and i need it. The only issue is that im home all the time and really young, and financially my family doesnt have the biggest purse (im the oldest of seven.) I want to know if i should just go ahead and apply to get in, or wait a while? If I do wait, what will I need to do to actually be "ready"? Im 16 and im new to all of this (from my house to the whole college experience), but im clear on what i want to do. Any advice from you all would be greatly appreciated.

[•Lindsay•]

I didn't feel like starting a new thread. But anyone who wants to go to SCAD might want to read this http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE3DA1E3BF930A1575BC0A9649582 60&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all The article's outdated but it's interesting.

[moroi]

Yes PLEASE note it is outdated. By sixteen years.
Do you know what's happened in the last ten years? Paula Wallace is now in charge (she and her husband split). In the last ten years the industrial design department was founded, and then rose to be (as of this year) the fourth best undergraduate industrial design program in the country (courteous of Design Intelligence). Compared to some schools on the same list who have had the major for forty years.

I don't see why you're bringing up such old news in an old thread. I won't deny SCAD has its problems, but they certainly aren't as extreme as they were (in fact they are mostly the same problems as any other private college). And the college is constantly making improvements and changing. I think for many departments it's going in the right direction.

[treeboy]

these scad horror stories are pretty hilarious. i'm just about to finish my 4yr stint there as an animation major and i can honestly say coming here was one of the best choices i've ever made. I've learned a lot from the other students as well as the faculty. I've made amazing friends among the same people, and made more than a few important industry contacts.

generally the people here want to be here and they want to work hard to stay here and do well. If someone is complaining about getting shitty grades and/or not learning anything they either suck, don't pay attention, or generally have no clue what they actually want to be doing with their lives. To be honest i wish the grading was stricter in a lot of cases as a lot of times i've seen shitty art (even my own) get away with ok grades (i term 'B' as an okay grade)

as with anything in life, but art school especially, you get out what you put in. You should want A's, you should be trying for A+'s and if you're not getting them you need to stop and figure out why then fix it