What would you recommend?

[TechLoveAffair]

Hey guys, I've been wading through hundreds of college reviews for some while now, and while some institutes sound horrible, others sound really fantastic. Problem is, even though I hear so much about these schools, I'm still not sure where to attend. Any suggestions from the pros for a serious art student heading for a career in concepting?

[Storyboard Dave]

Hey guys, I've been wading through hundreds of college reviews for some while now, and while some institutes sound horrible, others sound really fantastic. Problem is, even though I hear so much about these schools, I'm still not sure where to attend. Any suggestions from the pros for a serious art student heading for a career in concepting?

For starters (if you haven't already), I'd check out:

http://www.aicad.org/

My best advice for anyone wanting to choose an art school is to physically go visit the place. Talk to the Admissions people there. Get a feel for the campus; see if it fits you. Take a look at the work on the walls and be intimidated- it should be work that you want to strive to achieve. Ask about where their graduates are working after graduation (not some percentage). Who are the instructors? Are they working professionals or are they folks with fancy degrees and no practical experience in the field you want to go into? Ask any and all questions.

There really isn't one school that fits all. If there was, we would've all attended there! You have to find out what school makes you feel comfortable for own personal growth. What works for one student might not work for you. Choosing a school is a very VERY personal choice. You can ask us all for our experiences but when it comes right down to it, it's got to be your choice.

Good luck.

[TechLoveAffair]

Wow, thanks man. We're too poor right now to even afford the gas it would take to drive to different schools, let alone plane tickets, so I been stickin to student reviews, looking more for quality of instruction and success rates than anything. Truth is I never even thought about my comfort with the school itself :p

Thanks for the luck too, guess I got some savin and some drivin to do ;)

[Storyboard Dave]

Wow, thanks man. We're too poor right now to even afford the gas it would take to drive to different schools, let alone plane tickets, so I been stickin to student reviews, looking more for quality of instruction and success rates than anything. Truth is I never even thought about my comfort with the school itself :p

Thanks for the luck too, guess I got some savin and some drivin to do ;)

Right now with the price of gas, EVERYONE is too poor to get themselves around! One suggestion if you wanted to see as many art schools as possible might be to see when the National Portfolio Day is near you (there seem to be a few Portfolio Days in nearby California in late January)

Here's a link to their website:

http://www.npda.org/

You could go to a nearby host institution with your portfolio and talk to each of the college's representatives to get a feel for the places. Grab as much literature as possible from them. Ask them as many questions as you'd like and then some.

When you think about it, all the art schools offer a decent education for the most part; if not hey wouldn't be around. But ultimately it's got to be a place you feel comfortable with. You've got to feel as though you will be challenged there and nurtured there as well. You shoud feel some sense of intimidation, trepidation and fear because within the next few years- you're gonna be in for some serious growth artistically as well as a human being.

It's all good though. Do some of the research now while you can and find the one that suits your individual needs (and if even after a year or two there, it doesn't work out- move on!). It's got to be your call. Find YOUR happiness.

[Storyboard Dave]

Wow, thanks man. We're too poor right now to even afford the gas it would take to drive to different schools, let alone plane tickets, so I been stickin to student reviews, looking more for quality of instruction and success rates than anything. Truth is I never even thought about my comfort with the school itself :p

Thanks for the luck too, guess I got some savin and some drivin to do ;)

Good luck with your choices. While it's important to make a wise decision, if it doesn't work out initially I hope you'll also have the heart to jump to a place that will fulfill your needs as well. It's all about you and your happiness in the long run.