Alternatives to the Art Institute [Archive]

hyphen

June 9th, 2003, 06:16 PM

I dont think that arguement proves true for the Los Angeles branch. I was a bit skeptical after hearing the rumors, but my professors have done pretty well in teaching me. I'm in the Animation program have learned a myriad of things. They have also made it mandatory for the professors at our to school to maintain an industry-related job and show us examples of their professional work.

Just to give you a few examples of my professors:

Mike Rogers - Currently with Clasky-Csupo, worked on Duckman and many other T.V. shows.

Rafael Cruz - Worked 4 years on King of the Hill doing layout. Also worked on Mission Hill.

Norland Tellez - BG layour and Design for Iron Giant.

Briar Lee Mitchell - Numerous matte paintings, worked on Pinky and the Brain, currently working on effects for the tv show CSI [crime scene investigators].

And list goes on. I've also had my share of bad teachers, but I believe all schools have theirs. The main reason I think the LA AI is a bit better is the fact that it's in the heart of the industry, right in Santa Monica. Hell, we're right next door to ActiVision. Anyway, I've read some bad reports on the AI schools, but none have been from Los Angeles, and I'm fairly content with my school thusfar. [From what I hear from my professors, AICALA is the Art Institute's flagship school]. I do later plan on attending Cal Arts to get my degree in Experimental Animation afterwards.
All-in-all, I don't believe people should be making assumptions of schools that they've never attended. It's like me saying that Art Center or Otis is a stupid school because of few of their graduates were unhappy about their education.

hyphen

June 9th, 2003, 06:28 PM

Originally posted by David
Here are some ways I felt cheated by AI.

1. Credits not transfering
2. Many teachers didn't have the "real world experience" they claimed.

- Answered above

3. Teachers didn't teach. I recieved 1 leacture my entire time there, no joke.

- about 90% of our courses require at least 1 hour of lecture per class, except for the labs.

4. They didn't teach me what I needed to know to be a good designer. All they ever talked about was Quark, Photoshop & Illustrator. That is not design. That software will be obsolete in 3 years.

- Probably due to the lack of experienced staff. I'm not even in the Design program and I've learned quite a lot about design.

5. The school was not involved in the local design community
at all.

- Our school [AILA] participates in almost all the art events that come along. We have bulletin boards with contests, shows, galleries, etc. Just recently we had an earth day competition, the grand prize winner had his art displayed on a few public transportation buses.

6. The school nor the teachers had any contacts to help you get a job.

- Not true at all. At least, not for my school. Excluding my professors who are industry professionals who work for big name companies like Disney and Clasky-Csupo, the design professors at our school do a lot of work as well. Matte Paintings, DVD menus. And most of them have their own small design companies who actively recruit from the student population. [I was actually recruited by my physics teacher to do concept art for his production team.]

7. The facualty was far too easy on the students, they never pushed you to do great work.

- Most students hear complain that the professors are too mean. That the teachers tear the work apart. I love it when the teachers do that, because I'm not paying 65k to be humored. We don't have a problem with teachers being too easy.

8. 11 weeks per class is not enough time to learn.

- Welcome to the real world. A lot of schools, including universities are on the quarter system. You can't expect to be hand fed the education. They're supposed to give you a premise to base your knowledge on, it's up to you to learn the rest. People graduate from my school saying "I didn't learn enough 3d Studio Max", so I go, "Why not? I'm only in my 4th quarter and I know more than half of the 8th quarter students. Maybe you didn't apply yourself".

9. The administration just doesn't care about the students. They tried to hold our graduating class show in the basement. It took a student to make phone calls to book a better place.

- This may be true, but I couldn't care less about the administration either. I interact with them maybe once a month, if that. I don't expect them to care about me, they're not artists and most likely never will be.

10. We never had any guest speakers or outside designers come to review our portfolios.

- We have guest speakers come every couple months or so. The last guest speaker was one of the art directors for Medal of Honor.

Those are just a few of the reasons I feel cheated. My opinion is not rare either, go to the school and talk to some students during their break.

David

Once again, I don't claim that AI is the greatest school, but the Los Angeles branch is nowhere near as horrible as everyone claims their branches to be.

David

June 9th, 2003, 07:41 PM

Hyphen, I never said anything about AILA. I made it clear that I went to The Art Institute of Philadelphia (AIPH) and said that I had no experience with AI San Diego (the school in the original question).

Hink asked me to list why I thought that AI failed me, so I wrote about my experiences at AIPH not AILA.

At the end of the day you are the one that has to be happy with your education. You don't have to convice us all that AILA is a good school, you're the who has to pay for it.

The fact is that AI is a for-profit corporation. Their only interest is making money. In fact you can buy stock in them.

I'm not saying that you can't be successful if you go to an AI. Everybody knows someone who graduated from an AI and now has a job where naked women bring them crisp $100 bills all day. I just think that there are much better choices you can make.

Once again, I don't claim that AI is the greatest school,
For 65k, it should be.

hyphen

June 10th, 2003, 12:34 AM

Well, Cal Arts is 80k for the BA, and Otis is more than that. For an art school, AI is pretty cheap. And you said that "all AI schools are the same", which they aren't. That's why I'm posting.

emesen

June 10th, 2003, 05:56 PM

I am gonna go out on a limb and say for someone who is really serious in art, you will get something out of any school... true the school you graduated from might mean something to a future employer and if that is important to you then go to a school with a good rep...

however if you are dedicated to excelling you are going to get something out of it no mater where you go. I spent 2 years at the school of the art institute of chicago which is always one of the top five and I learned more from students then I did from instructors.

I am studying privately with a local artist who is an Art Center alumni and I have learned more from him in the last year then I did at my 4 years of school. He's just a great teacher and knows what he is talking about. Which probably says something about art center. I don't know much about the AI schools other than what I have heard... and reflects pretty much what everyone says here.

So go where you are comfortable, look at student work, and make the choice from there.

David

June 10th, 2003, 07:03 PM

Well, Cal Arts is 80k for the BA, and Otis is more than that. For an art school, AI is pretty cheap. And you said that "all AI schools are the same", which they aren't. That's why I'm posting.

Hyphen, your right I should not have said all AI's are the same. I didn't mean my post to come off nasty or anything. I really believe that you are the one who has to be happy with your education.

My opinion about AI is mine and nobody should go by just one opinion. They need to ask everyone they can and come up with their own conclusion.

As far as the the price of the school, I think the cost of education is outrageous everywhere not just AI.

And for the record, I did very well at AIPH. I just feel that I did it all myself.

emesen, I totally agree with that.
But students should remember that they are paying the school to teach them what they need to know. Dedication is super important but the school should play a big part in your development.

David

dzu

June 13th, 2003, 10:59 PM

Hi there. I also live in San Diego and am taking classes at the Watts Atelier in Encinitas. Their website is www.wattsatelier.com

I'm having a blast and would recommend that you check them out and see what they have to offer.

Dzu

sexorcistohell

June 15th, 2003, 11:22 PM

Yo Hink,
There are plenty of bitter ex AI students out there. They were the ones who were not doing shit the whole time I was busting my ass. I got a bachelors in animation from Art Institute of Colorado and am very happy with my education. It got me the job I wanted. All you gotta do is work your ass off and draw everyday. If you need a professor to hold your hand every step of the way and hold a gun to your head and tell you to draw every day, don't go to an AI school. If you actually plan on working hard and putting effort into every project, then yes AI will help you get a good job. If you can't handle that, then you don't want a job in the industry anyway, cause that's exactly what you'll be expected to do when you get on the job.
Like I said:
There are a lot of ex AI students out there who were very lazy during the time they were at school and expected a job to be handed to them upon graduation.
The biggest problem with AI is that they seem to have a habit of telling kids that if you go to AI you are guarenteed a job whether you work hard or not. I think those recruiter people must work on commision. But anyway, ANYONE THAT WENT TO ANY ART COLLEGE FOR FOUR YEARS AND COULDN'T GET A JOB PROBABLY DIDN'T DO SHIT WHILE THEY WERE THERE. AI is just as good as most art schools, better than a lot but still not perfect.
What ever you do, for God's sake don't start at an AI school and not finish, because an AI degree is worth a lot more than the sum of its credits. If someone tells you that there AI credits didn't transfer, their portfolio is too weak. Any art school in the country will give you credits for the work in your portfolio that you did in classes if your work is good enough.
Yes, all AI schools have pretty good job placement. Will some secretary knock on your door and say "here are all the jobs I found for you today sir!"...? No. You have to worrk a little harder than that. Is it true that over 75% of all AI graduates are placed in a job in their field of study within 6 months of graduation? Yes. But guess what, only about 10% of all kids who start an AI education actually graduate, most drop out because they realize they are not good enough or have to quit because of financial problems.

IF YOU'RE NOT A HARD WORKER, DON'T GO TO AN AI SCHOOL, BECAUSE YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT IN IT (just ask anyone who is unhappy with their AI degree...)

jfarsenault

June 18th, 2003, 02:19 PM

Will some secretary knock on your door and say "here are all the jobs I found for you today sir!"...? No. actually they pretty much did that for me at AIFL (Ass. GD) they hooked me up with a thick ass list of jobs every week or so untill I found a job... the job didnt work out but, they worked pretty hard to help me find a good job and 90% of the teachers I had were great, I thank you for the good words on AILA, I plan on attending their Game Art and Design program next fall and am taking some AIOnline classes starting this fall (by the way anyone have any experianced words about online classes compared to live class rooms?). thanks!:D

sexorcistohell

June 18th, 2003, 04:42 PM

Cool! Yeah, the job placement is actually really good, but I was just making a statement that you have to work hard to get a job anyway and you shouldn't expect one to just land in your lap if you have been lazy. By the way, I went down to your school a while ago and talked to some people, its a nice place. My buddy owns a house down there, we thought about taking a full quarter of G.E.s at that school just for a change of scenery!

I just went to AIC's portfolio review last night and was reminded of just how awesome a lot of the students coming out of AI are. There were a lot of industry big wigs that were there recruiting. I strongly feel that, at least the AI's I have seen are a force to be reckoned with! But I keep hereing the same things about the on in Philedelphia being shitty...I don't know about that...

jfarsenault

June 19th, 2003, 10:54 PM

man, I started off at the Filthadelphia branch for 4 quaters in their IDT program, then switched to GD, I had a some realy good teachers and some not so good there, but I dont think that the school was that bad. It was the city, its a realy shitty place, it just seems to rub people in the wrong way, after you live there for more than a couple months you just have a realy negative outlook on everything, atleast I did. meh.

octodigital

June 23rd, 2003, 04:50 PM

I don't want to open wounds here and tell my sad tale, and convinve you I had it bad. I'm hoping that in this little passage I can share just enough of what I've learned about Ai schools ( I've been to four of them, and conversed with many students from many others) and school life in general.

Education Inc - the giant corporation that owns the Art institutes - but the not the art institute of chicago ( completely seperate entity). has faced and will continue to face many lawsuits for the sub standard schools it owns. It creates scam like facilities for those of you who don't know this already. It uses the "ART INSTITUTE OF" prefix to create a mental tie-in with the art institute of CHICAGO, a very repsected school. It puts everyone on a quarter system because it means more quarters per year, therefore, more classes, therefore, more money. You think it's cheaper and faster than a four year school. Sorry man, quarter system schools' credits are .66 credits in a normal, state of private school system - so multiply your price by 2 if you ever plan to transfer. So your 2 YEARS of sleepless concentrated study becomes 1 year and a summe session, IF EVERYTHING TRANSFERS I did so did three of my friends all to diferent schools - every one of more than a dozen people I've talked to.Because the school is in a quarter system many of the classes are pointless and broken up in a very retarded fashion.A quarter system means that if anything goes wrong that quarter - a bad teacher, a sick aunt, just a human bad couple of months - you fail. not take backs. you lost thousand of dollars and you can't emergencey withdraw accept the first week and only if you havent attended a class that whoole week. I've been through i know. I complained to corporate it's corporate policy.

If you are the type that needs school, or just want school, then you are basically saying you need a good are and amount of time to incubate. Stop trying to settle for anything but the best and optimale situation. People go to places like CAL arts or art instittute of Chicago because they want the reputation, they want the four years atmosphere. They know they need to grow as a person and an artist and that takes time. It's takes hard work, f-ing duh, but the school you go is like chosing a womb to be reborn in. Don't short yourself, find a place that can give you time and direction - AND GOOD PEOPLE, and diversity. a school with many diferent programs give's more veriety, and more wealth of experience, which is where we all get our real art from anyway.

octodigital

June 24th, 2003, 01:23 AM

sorry for the lack of spellcheck. I was late for a friends graduation.

LiL QoH

June 24th, 2003, 11:09 AM

I'm not going to write and essay about my school but, I go to the AI of Orange County. I think it's a pretty good school. Although there were some bumpy times, there are people here who will help the students out and go out on an extra limb. Sure it's a corporate school, but I think our school does a pretty decent job at addressing the students needs. Since the school is fairly new, I'm sure it's not established as AIC and places like that. I'm only 5th quarter, but I can say that the school has helped me tremendously. The person who was my addmission counselor waves to me in the halls and talks to me all the time when he has the chance to see how I'm doing. Our school has an EXCELLENT faculty! I've only encountered one problem with someone, which she was fired at the end of that quarter. Plus, I would rather pay 62K or whatever it is now, than 80K at art center or other expensive schools. I didn't go shopping around for art schools because I simply can't afford the ones in LA and AIOC is right down the street from my house. I don't care what other people think of our school, because in the end I know that I will come out as good as anyone else. Anyways, thats all I can think of for now... I'll post more later maybe.

Diablo™

June 24th, 2003, 08:44 PM

I personally dont like to tell people what to do, or where to go, and especially what school to attend. Its like taking my opinion on what food tastes better at which restruant, its a matter of 'taste'. Having that said, Ai is not a bad school, nor is it a great school, its a school, just like any other private school they charge a large sum of tuition (60k) to afford the benefits students gain.

Each school shares there own problems, our school fails to recognize the importance of a 24 hour facility, but there are worse problems in other schools as well. About the credits not transferring, that is also true, and it does not depend on your portfolio quality, it is a matter of business between competitive private schools (yes, its all business, thats why its private, think of these 'schools' more as companies than learning facilities). I do not want these words to sway your opinion nor push your selection on deciding which school to attend.

In the end, I hope you'll understand the importance of deciding your future, in order to pick the right school, you must make the right decision. Because all schools are the same YET they are not the same. CalArts is focused on providing students finishing-studies on Visual and Performing arts, they relate more to cinematic and theatrical art. While Art Center of Pasadena is focused on the Concept Arts and Design media, and of course The Art Institute branch is focused on a Fundamental scale of arts, intended for students that is not yet sure of they're potential, but wishes to explore in the field of Arts and Animation.

It is this paradox that forces us to find our inner strength and weakness and decide which path to lay upon. It is your future, so make your choice wisely.

morgoth

June 28th, 2003, 02:30 AM

no matter what school you go to it's up to you to become the best you can. you can expect the school to teach you everything. it all up to how much you push yourself to learn.

I've seen people not even go to school and they are better then the best student from calARTs, art center or AI's. it all lies in your hand.

S13Drifter

September 22nd, 2003, 03:07 AM

Diablo - Hey Ken is that you? well anyways i'd like to add my 2 cents on the AI matter. I do agree with pretty much all of which Diablo has already stated. But the truth of the matter is all schools have their strengths and weakness's..... some more apparent than others. But in the end it all comes down to the individual, and how passionate they are to achieve greatness in their craft. You cant expect to magically become a good artist just by going to a highly reputable school. It takes hard work no matter what program you enter.

BadMange

September 22nd, 2003, 08:20 AM

sexorcitohell-

You hit the nail on the head with what you said about AI students being very lazy. I used to go to AIC as well, but transferred to ILIC because I felt that the school and instructors sucked in the animation program. Teachers like life drawing/storyboarding/2d animation instructor Flannigan don't help students, they just like to say negative things about everything. I can take criticism, but if all you hear is negativity then that's no good for anyone. A teacher shouldn't be negative to their students. And don't get me started on the department (dick)head for animation. That guy was worthless, and made me miss Frank a ton. Even though he went psycho...

Anyway, some seem to think that you get out of it what you put into it. That's very true, but to a point. There needs to be a base for you to start at, and that base should be quality teaching. If you get crappy instruction, how much will you get out of the class? For any program, you have to supplement your learning by visiting sites on the web, check out others' work to see where you need to set your bar and go beyond that.

Comments?

-Bad Mange

Iiori

October 6th, 2003, 02:31 AM

Seems kinda mixed on the topic, Im just curious if anyone knows about AI of Minnesota ?

Im sorta in a cross between that and Maryland Institute of art at the moment.

SkyRabbit

October 6th, 2003, 11:16 AM

I got a MFA from AI San Francisco...It was a waste of time...
a lot of attitude with very little content. and very exspensive..spend you money elsware..AI was in it's hay day in the 1950s..The avanguard Artist where also the instructors...well..all of them are dead..and so are the AI schools.The instructors now are former students...they didn't learn anything and they can't teach you anything but
attitude...Go to a technical arts school where you will learn technique...in the Field that you are interested in making a living in..Illistation/anination/digital art..LA..Art Center...NY..Art Center..Look on the internet..find an Artist...Animater..what ever..look at their Bio..see where they went to school...send them an Email..pick their brain...but don't spend a dollar until you connect with one you like..

Wight Zombie

October 9th, 2003, 04:39 PM

hey man, i went to AI san diego before it actually was AI, a couple years later it was bought over by AI.

i was generally skeptical about forking over a HUGE sum of money to go to school full time there so what i did was get a part time job (stock boy) then i decided to try thier night class. this was interesting because we were taught by many of the same teachers and also we interacted with the full time students after hours in the labs etc.

generally this college teaches more heavy into computer design and computer skills. if your looking for more of a traditional art learning, at the time it was not emphasized overly. thgings may have changed, not sure in that respect.

in regards to the digital illustration it was pretty damn tight, thier were full time students who were already doing freelance before they got out because they were that good and thier teachers hooked em up. the teachers had worked on some pretty good stuff and did side work besides teaching for companies like yellow pages, sdg&e, the san diego zoo etc.

about thier getting you a job. if you go full time they will try and place you in a job you want if did your work good. a few people however said they were just getting thrown in any job the school sent to them. also this was true of the night course, after i did a full semester i told them i wasnt overly interested in moving on and they basically send you job interviews to any place and you have to go to them until you get one. if you dont, then they cancel finding you a job.

the work was okay, they ran me through the basics from learning computers all the way to working in websites, photoshop, adobe premier, digital video and audio editing, 3d packages, illustrator and quark with design emphasis. some of it may be boring if your already tuned into the computer apps, but my teachers let me do several pieces of work instead of one so i was able to churn out 2 or 3 times the volume of the norm and get it graded and critiqued.

all the teachers i had were very nice and great pro's. you also get to evaluate them.

the hardware was decent to work on, nothing horribly outdated.

if i was into school and forking over that huge amount of money i may have gone full time student. they even offered me a decent scholarship but i still choked at the end tuition :) but going to school thier got me college credits and a solid enough start to actually get a job in the field. if you go full time there you will probably leave the school and get a good paying job right away, as i was seeing the full students there working for indy mags and getting posh jobs at local web companies etc.

on the flip side my friend went to mesa college and took there 3d art course and some sculpting on the side and i have to say with the price he paid (pretty cheap) he got some decent education. he can now sculpt decently enough so visiting friends actually think his sculptures are action figures, and he learned flash animation and 3d and has picked up a small amount of freelance work just by showing off his samples. not to mention his teacher was a cool dood who did work on those tight ass scifi commercials, and has worked for fox animation in ideas and 3d. his teacher talked to him alot, helped him with anything he needed, he got great student discounts on software, and a the end of the day he easily held a part time job and took night courses 3 times a week. you can take more if you like or even full day courses.

while i felt that AI was more completely geared for everything compter and thats what you ate breathed and slept which was fun and interesting i have to say that comparing my friends education to mine back then, he learned basically what i did and MUCH cheaper even though i took the AI night courses too. if i had to do it all over again id go local standard college all the way, night classes, get my BA, get snatched up immediately by a local company hopefully doing decent layout or design or publishing, then in a couple years advance to another job or a better position. if you have a solid resume with some experience you will waste newbies and even some college peeps with 4 years of college.

san diego is a wild bumpy job hunt, good luck in the future.

Dra6oN

October 14th, 2003, 04:23 AM

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents on this AI thing. I'm currently a 6th quarter Game Art major at AILA, and my opinion has changed about the school drastically since I started.

I used to hate it. The classes were mediocre and uninteresting, the instrutors seemed really strong in their fields, but the classes and assignments left MUCH to be desired. (there were definitely exceptions to this, but whatever) I also had this overwhelming feeling that they were letting in random idiots off the street that had no prior art experience. Well, it was more than a feeling, they most definitely were.

However, once 3rd-4th quarter rolled around, I started to feel a distinct change in the class structures, and the students. I was looking around my classes, and realizing that just about everybody who had started the same time as me was gone (about 75% gone). All the retards and lazy ones were dropping like flies, and what was left was a really talented group of people. The classes were also laid out much better, and I felt that the quarter system was actually causing the profs to push us harder to succeed because of the reduced class time.

I interviewed with all the schools in the area (Cal Arts, Art Center, Otis, etc.), and with the exception of Otis I got the the best vibe from AI. I got accepted to Cal Arts, but I decided I really didn't want to be a graphic artist forever, and even in the short time I spent there, I was getting REALLY fed up with their "if it ain't bizarre and over-the-top artsy, we don't like it" attitude. I guess it all just comes down to what you really want to do. Wanna design cars, toys etc? Go to Art Center, wanna be a fine artist? Cal Arts. I have to say that AI is very computer oriented, and lacks some of the fine art courses that I would be interested in (oil, acrylic painting!), but when I feel like painting, I just drive over to art center and crash a class. If you're really interested in Game Design like me, go to DigiPen, and if you're not one of the luck 100 they let in every semester, go to AI. ust my opinion :)

ps: I've talked to a lot of students who have transferred from other AI's, and over and over I hear about how they were either too laid back and not helpful, or just plain bad. I have friends who live in San Diego and transferred from that AI to here, and commute from San Diego each day. To me, that says alot about the LA branch. My 2cents.
-Dra6oN

enigma

October 28th, 2003, 12:40 PM

one more vote here for the art institute :), at least the one in phoenix, i'm currently in the game art programme, one thing i did notice is that people seem to base how good a school is on how 'cool' it is or how it caters to their particular interst eg. character designing, (note i'm not pointing any fingers), but you have to remember you are in a course, you have to be open minded and well rounded, i got out of high school at 15 went to college for two years for a degree in graphic design then came here, and i notice that alot of the people here are straight from high school and are not used to the hectic schedule, they slack off, and they expect to be rewarded, they often complain and simply don't try hard enough, then have the audacity to stand up and give the school a bad name.
i've traveled a long way to attend this school (international student) and so far i have not been dissapointed, maybe the phoenix branch has had the better luck with recruiting good teachers, but up to this point i have only come across probably 3 classes/teachers that i really think weren't up to par, but hey, there has to be an instance like that every once in a while right?

cateaic

October 29th, 2003, 01:30 AM

BadMange and sexorcitohell...all else here.

Ive been at AIC for 2 years now and I agree with both of youre views of AI students. I think AI gives you about 30% of what you need to know and the rest is all up to you.
As for teachers? there needs to be a good balance of constructive criticism...dont be negative constantly and dont be a push over constantly...simple as that.
I saw something really sad today...I walked into a flat art PORTFOLIO class and it was like a circus in there. Nothing was organized and it didnt seem like the teacher was going to each individual student to see what their progress was. He sat there and was basically letting this guy pass with shit for life drawings...making NICE comments about shitty artwork!
I have seen very good students and very bad ones come out of that school. I think you have to be very self motivated and actually work to be GOOD at what you do wether its more 3D based or 2D based...you cant just dabble here and there or youre work will turn out lukewarm...you need a PASSION for something.
A lot of students at that school are lazy because AIC gives you so much freedom and you can turn in a shitty project and the teacher passes you.

tinyhands

October 29th, 2003, 02:14 AM

.......

TheYellowDart

October 29th, 2003, 10:54 AM

My friend is at the SD AIc. We both got out of high school, he went there, I went to Watts Atelier. He wants to go to Watts now but can't because he's already so monetarily invested in AIc.

While at Watts a while ago, a teacher, Erik Gist was talking to some new students about the whole, "Cal Arts, AIc, etc" schools. He said:
"Yes, some of these schools might have about one teacher "better than/as good as" we have. But, no other school we've seen can produce the consistancy in the student quality of work."
It's so true. You're not going to find anywhere (very easily) that is going to have as many good students/teachers as watts.

In art, your skills speak for you, not your degree. The one thing Watts lacks is a direct: "we will find you work" type of thing. But to tell you the truth, there are so many professionals from different arenas at the school, that almost anyone you ask for help with job placement is going to be able to point you in the right direction.
That's one thing I love about the school, you need help in anything art related, drawing/painting/sculpting/work/studying/portfolio prep/what ever you can think of, there WILL be several people who are going to help you out.

Don't spend 60 grand on AIc when you've got Watts for a hell of a lot cheaper and better instruction.

grinn

November 10th, 2003, 07:34 PM

I went to the Art Institute of Los Angeles but left because of the poor student work and the complete lack of caring among the students there, doyou think that Watts would be a good option for me?

tinyhands

November 10th, 2003, 10:51 PM

.........

grinn

November 10th, 2003, 11:35 PM

how long is their program? or can I just go down there and take a few classes?

tinyhands

November 11th, 2003, 12:10 AM

........

grinn

November 11th, 2003, 12:41 AM

I dont want a degree at all, I just want some real help producing great work. I am only 17 now, I tested out of high school two years early and attended the Art Institute of Los Angeles but I was just really unhappy with it. I have been doing a lot to improve my work on my own but I would really like to get into a classroom with a number of students who really care and an instructor who really knows their stuff.

tinyhands

November 11th, 2003, 01:00 AM

.......

Airetal

November 25th, 2003, 01:27 AM

anyone know about the art institute her ein vegas? Im gettign to sit in on one of the classes to see how it works. Some of this stuff in this thread os turning me off to it :-/ . I dont want my parents to waste money but would like to get a degree tha means something. hmm any opinions on ai in vegas?

Hink

November 25th, 2003, 06:08 PM

Well I started this thread around summer time earlier this year and during the time in-between I have been taking classes at AI SD. Generally speaking, people's gripes with AI seem to be very exaggerated.
Of my 10 teachers I've had only 2 of them were subpar. My principles of animation teacher (which is a very, very basic class anyway) and my english teacher. All of my other teachers were great and have had previous employment with Disney, the Simpsons, King of the Hill and Sega. It may not be true of all AI schools but my teachers actually care about the students. They fight to build relationships with big name companies to get us internship opportunities.
On the other hand, however, you guys hit the nail on the coffin about student laziness and poor artwork. Seeing that I am paying 60k and my love of art, I work my ass off but this doesn't seem to motivate most of my fellow students. I sat next to a guy who turned in only homework once the whole semester. I see this guy and his other loser buddies play video games in the lounge from 8am-10pm and on fridays they have to kick them out so they can close the school. Now about the poor artwork, we definitely have our share of great artists but there is one or two in each class; the rest are pretty much mediocre to just plain shitty. People at this school seem to be obsessed with anime but they can’t even draw in that style correctly. I think we can all agree that if you’re not an expert at that style your anime drawings look very, very shitty. It’s hard to believe that any of these people could get jobs unless start drawing every day from now on and develop their skills. It also sucks because when you’re surrounded by incompetence and laziness you lose some of your dedication. I’d rather be a mediocre artist in a class of great artists than one of the better artist in a class of mediocre artists.
Overall it’s a good school, great teachers, good internship opportunities but if you are a crappy artist who want’s to waist 60k AI will take you cause they don’t even require a portfolio for you to apply. Well, that’s my two cents, hopefully this will be helpful for anyone who is thinking about coming here.

PeggyChung

November 26th, 2003, 11:40 PM

so its just the students pretty much? hmm i dont think i would just NOT go to AILA just cause of the students. its about the quality of what you learn isnt it? and if thats the case i ll just try my best to avoid the ppl around me lol. AILA is having a open house soon in dec right? i think i will be checking out the open house next year.

grinn

November 29th, 2003, 01:41 PM

thanks to a couple of posts on this forum I have gotten to look at some near-graduating portfolios from the art Institute of Los angeles and I have to say I am glad I left. I think my work is better off after spending just 2 months browsing these forums and learning from other peoples work.

if you go to one of the Art Institutes after what you have heard on these forums about them....at least make sure you get all of the GE credits taken care of at a CC first so you dont waste $1500 a piece on stupid classes.

in all fairness if I hadnt gone to AI I probably wouldnt be on these forums trying to improve my work, I probably would be on my way to becoming an acountant or something.

but I dropped out of AI.

And now I think I am going to be heading down to Watts Atelier. Anyone have advice on what classes I should take? I only want to take 1 or 2 at first, and I would really like to get some good practice in with life drawing and portrait drawing. I am pretty much a beginner in both.

dzu

November 30th, 2003, 01:45 AM

I'd suggest taking the Intro class as a start, especially if you don't have any experience in tonal drawing. In addition to that you could also take Head/Figure/Quicksketch, which is several weeks on each topic. If you just want to focs on one thing and you have experience in tonal drawing, then you can take the Head Drawing, Figure Drawing, and or Quicksketch as individual classes. If you take all 3 core classes you get a 10% discount. Hope to see you next semester.

grinn

December 1st, 2003, 02:02 PM

God I am not even sure what you mean by Tonal drawing, but I do have drawing experience, I am not too bad. I just have no life drawing experience, have never drawn from a live model.

Maybe I will just take it for the sake of more practice.

tinyhands

December 1st, 2003, 11:43 PM

.......

Skank

December 2nd, 2003, 04:39 AM

im very interested in watts now.
i PM'ed you tiny, but just in case you didnt see it, can you tell us how much it costs per class? or does it vary alot.
im planning on moving down to cali next year to attend art school, and watts sounds like the perfect place.
can you get student loans for it?

dzu

December 2nd, 2003, 10:35 AM

It's not accredited (meaning no formal degree, but there is a certificate program) so you cannot get financial aid. However, class tuition is only $335 per class with a 10% discount if you take all 3 core classes. If you take 4 or more classes, the uninstructed drawing workshop is free (this is just more model time). IMO it's a great bargain for the quality of the instruction and student body. I've seen noticable progress in my own skills as well as that of my friends since I've been there. The new schedule should be out soon so check www.wattsatelier.com within the next week or two for classes offered next semester.

Skank

December 2nd, 2003, 10:47 AM

wow, that sounds about like if i went to the local university here, thats really affordable!!
im very very interested.
how many students do they let in per semester?

dzu

December 2nd, 2003, 11:04 AM

There arent any requirements to get in other than a good attitude. Anyone is welcome and there are no portfolio requirements. It's just a great school for whomever has the drive and dedication to do the hardwork to get good.

tinyhands

December 2nd, 2003, 11:33 AM

........

Skank

December 2nd, 2003, 11:56 AM

i wish i could attend that early, but i wont be able to move till next fall....:(

thanks for the info guys :chug:

jadedchron

December 3rd, 2003, 01:31 AM

I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Even though I heard people say negative things about the school, I decided to enroll anyway (Media Arts & Animation). I worked for about 3 months and it just seemed like a never ending year of beginner stuff (things I already learned in 7th grade). So I'm no longer there and about 1k in debt for 3 months. I did learn a few things from my color theory class, since I've never really dealt with it, but everything else seemed elementary. I wouldn't say the price is worth it, atleast not for the Pittsburgh school.

LiL QoH

December 3rd, 2003, 05:50 AM

Come to AIOC, it's nice here.

grinn

December 4th, 2003, 03:41 AM

I am probably going to drive down to Encinitas just to check out the school before I make any decisions to go to Watts. Otherwise come January I will probably move up north and work with a guy I know in Monterey.

But its sounds like Watts is definately something I am interested in.

dns2k

December 6th, 2003, 05:42 PM

I also am a Watts Student and I am very happy with what i have seen at Watts and Learned. At other schools both public and private i have not gotten the impression from the teachers work like i have at Watts. Every teacher there including tinyhands has done something there that i just had to take a couple minutes and stare at in admiration. With Classically trainded teachers like Jeff Watts and Ron Lemen you cant go wrong. Look at Ron's tutorials in the life drawing section to see a glimpse of how he approaches his drawings and teaching at Watts. Definately worth checking out.

-dns

TheYellowDart

December 6th, 2003, 11:25 PM

I was writing some essays about education for a k-12 public school superintendent in Arizona and I realized something about Watts I had over looked before that is very, very important to the school/to any school you consider going to.

Most schools/colleges/universities almost always lack a very important thing, development and change. Every subject lacks a chapter in its textbook on how the subject has developed to its current state.

At Watts, there is a rich history to the school/method of drawing that most students know/learn as they study there. The teachers know their subject, drawing/painting, in and out to the degree of which they can tell you how it all developed, where it's been, where it's going, and how it got to its current state.
This allows for something that most other schools don't have much of...and that's change. At Watts, there is always "something new" or someone furthering the techniques. Each semester is very different, very new. The school/students/teachers are CONSTANTLY expanding and that is something you will not find, consistantly from semester-to-semester or even year-to-year, at other colleges/schools.

Just another reason why Watts Atelier kicks so much ass.

gOOdcHiLD

December 8th, 2003, 09:42 PM

First off, art schools are art schools. They are a business, and in order to survive, business' need to make money---nuff said. Also, to re-cap what was said earlier. Art skuels are what you make of them. Peeps come into the school paying absurd amounts of money, and expect to come out good with little or no effort...complete idiots, they are.

I graduated with a b.s. in media arts and animation. At first it was rocky because it was such a new skool, but thanks to a certain few individuals, the animation program did a complete 180 for the better. Downside of AI. is that you have to take several classes that you will probably never use ever again in your life(not g.e. classes). Overall, I feel completely comfortable with all the digital programs i learned while attending, but if your looking for more of a traditional fine art school, then this is definitely not the place to be!

Also, personally speaking, @ 10% of the animation students there will be able to secure a job in the real world, and @90% are garbage---this is why people say art schools are so money hungry...oh well, better luck tomorrow!:bash:

MVEAlpha

December 9th, 2003, 10:04 PM

Hey. My fiancee is going head over heels to attend the AI in Atlanta (I'm not an artist myself.) Is there anything she should know about that particular school before she goes in there and gets herself screwed over?

jadedchron

December 10th, 2003, 07:27 AM

Another negative thing about the AIP -

They had a collection agency calling my apartment trying to rip payments out of me a month before my first payment even started. That and I emailed and called about them helping me get a job and they refused because I wasn't a current student even though I just left a week or so before.

Astrid

December 26th, 2003, 12:56 AM

Sky Rabbit,
I am not sure that the AI of San Francisco is the same family of art schools that are being talked about on this thread. From the history you mentioned I think you are talking about the San Francisco Art Institue, which like the Chicago Art Institue is a single school not a member of the set of AI schools. I graduated from SFAI with a MFA in painting. What seemed different about SFAI, as far as being in a graduate program went was the focus on creating a statement through a body of work, or pulling the diverse elements of one's experiences and art inclinations together. I have to agree with many of the other students' comments, you have to work hard and really want to continue life long doing the work. For undergraduate work I went to U. of Wash and got a very good traditonal art education. I majored in Ceramics. Later I went to JC to learn to draw and paint realistically, and I worked very hard there as well, then to CCAC (College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland) taking ceramics and a few other classes. By this time I had developed more skills for two dimensionl art and was encouraged to further my interest in painting. I applied to SFAI and got into the program. This is the point where I had to pull
everything together to create a statement. I painted a lot of work, in the process eliminating what was no longer exciting to me, and evolved a statement. I do not know what you have ultimately ended up doing, but I will say painting is a journey and you do not find the answers for yourself unless you are willing to paint your way to it. There is no magic short cut and you have to work very hard. I once had a drawing instructor who said that fine art students could learn a lot from students who were going into commercial art. He said that if fine artists worked as hard at what they do as "commercial" artists do, they would be more successful. Every one's path is different, and what is there to learn is not always what is most obvious. In spite of you experience I hope you have not given up on what you wanted to do.

BenB

January 3rd, 2004, 09:32 PM

My experience with Ai in Dallas.

So far with 6 months I'm very happy. The teachers have real world experience and some are still in the industry. And have contacts and can tell you anything you want to know about being in the field. I am very happy and have had to leave due to money problems, but I cannot wait to go back and continue. They push you to do better and are more than happy to talk and spend time with you.

I can't speak for any other Ai other than Dallas..I hope this helps someone.

Sheff

January 11th, 2004, 11:24 AM

I'd like to hear some opinions on Scottsdale Art School. I've signed up for a workshop in May.

I'd also like to hear some opinions on AI Las Vegas. I've been trying to get a figure drawing teaching position there, but they keep offering other me classes like color theory. Not really sure if I want to pursue it anymore.

Also, from what I've seen, the art side is more geared towards designers and digital folk. It's a nice building, but it's an office building, not a studio environment per se. It seems that their focus is equally divided if not more so on their culinary program.

Personally, my wife would like to get a culinary certificate. If I were teaching there full time for a year, she would be eligible for free tuition. And they have a nice facility for their culinary students.

I would like to be a learning environment. In Vegas, I feel pretty much like I'm in a desert. I went to Art Center and I miss it. There isn't much out here in Vegas other than a couple of uninstructed figure workshops. I have my degree so now I'm looking for places where I can gain specific knowledge in things I'm interested in.

Any advice or feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks

yeahyeahyeah

January 30th, 2004, 11:06 PM

hmm after reading some of the replies im starting to think twice about goin to the Ai in chicago. I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on their CA department. Im also thinking of applyin to columbia, if anyone knows, is their CA better? thanks

grinn

January 31st, 2004, 12:41 AM

If your refering to California, I believe they have 4 schools here. I attended the Los Angeles School, and I think it might be a great school for someone completely new to the field, a lot of money to throw at it..and a crapload of patience for the other students.

If you have all of that. I think it might be a good school. I didnt have any of those. I didnt last long.

The other schools I am not sure about.

If your refering to Concept Art. I was in the Game Art and Design program, but really didnt get far enough into it to really see what was what. I have heard both good and bad from people I know who still go there. But it would seem that my work has improved far faster than theirs by just studying these forums here. and it doesnt cost me 6 grand a quarter either.

jadedchron

January 31st, 2004, 01:57 AM

Welp, I'm now enrolling back into The Art Institute, but I'm doing it online til I move back to Pittsburgh (even then I may just continue doing it online -dunno). I like the digital factor of AI, and I don't think there are any other school's that are cheaper. They've changed the major that I was originally in for -- which was Media Arts & Animation - which was a 3 year degree -- and now it's Game & Art Design which is 4 years. The courses look MUCH more exciting and I can't wait. I believe I start April 5th - hopefully, some of my credits from my first quarter when I attended originally will transfer over.

I'm a lil more mature than when I first enrolled so now it's just a matter of excelling in the work - and I'm prepared for that. I was going to just skip the whole school thing, but this is a lil more structured/organized and you get this lil paper thing called a 'degree' :)

-nick

yeahyeahyeah

January 31st, 2004, 12:29 PM

oh i was refering to computer animation or as they say "media arts and animation"

Mighty5cent

February 2nd, 2004, 04:27 PM

Another AI Colorado kid, here. It sounds like I am having the same problems with the animation program as a lot of other people. I feel like most of the time I am paying crazy amounts of cash to motivate and inspire myself, and although I felt very inspired by the environment when I started, a year and a half later I feel like every day I am just spinning my tires.

I want to do something more illustration and/or concept art involved, but can't really afford to pick up and move right now, so I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design illustration program? I assume they are cheaper than AIC, but I don't even know that...

Can anyone help me out? Are there other schools in the area that would be better for illustration and/or concept art? Or should I just plan on heading to California?

flavorite

February 6th, 2004, 09:02 PM

i was planning to go to an art institute, but i'm not so sure anymore...

anyone have anything to say about the art institute of portland or san francisco? both were reccomended to me, but i dont know anything about em.

if those arent any good, what would be the best option for college?

and maybe it's just because im an immature 15 year old kid, but im not as interested in actually learning in school as i am in getting a reputation as an accomplished artist when i'm an adult and am looking for an employer... these days all i do is goof off in school and personally hate the art classes we have here (at high school), and have learned everything that makes my art from personal experience and other artists outside of school (places like this! :D) but maybe college will change my outlook on education. either way, i always prefer a party over homework. :chug:

PeggyChung

February 6th, 2004, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by flavorite
i was planning to go to an art institute, but i'm not so sure anymore...

anyone have anything to say about the art institute of portland or san francisco? both were reccomended to me, but i dont know anything about em.

if those arent any good, what would be the best option for college?

and maybe it's just because im an immature 15 year old kid, but im not as interested in actually learning in school as i am in getting a reputation as an accomplished artist when i'm an adult and am looking for an employer... these days all i do is goof off in school and personally hate the art classes we have here (at high school), and have learned everything that makes my art from personal experience and other artists outside of school (places like this! :D) but maybe college will change my outlook on education. either way, i always prefer a party over homework. :chug:

hmm well atfirst you have to be very dedicated, as the ppl earlier in the thread have said, that a lot of ppl in the class were goofing off. party over homework? well maybe it isnt your place then, its all about self motivation. you have to know that you are going to put effort into it because thats a lot of mula your giving to them.
not interested in learning in school and just want to be known as an accomplished artist? ahh wouldnt we all want that? well what you could try is assign your self a certain amt of drawing to do a day, everyday, that is if you havent yet. that IMO is a taste of how artschool hw would be like...cept A LOT MORE.
remember this is all my opinion, im only 15 also but i have been trying to push myself ot work more. i ll be back
:rolleyes:

flavorite

February 6th, 2004, 11:36 PM

i draw plenty, and i always want to learn more about art and how to do it, but what i mean is that i just dont get work done in a scheduled classroom environment... and i think that art should be fun, so forced art will never turn out good in the eyes of the artist.

for example, i learn about 100 times more by taking a short visit to this site and looking at other artists, or practicing on my own for a while, than by sitting in a classroom for an hour.

poasted

February 12th, 2004, 11:58 PM

Eveything said here is true both good and bad. I will be graduating AISD this year and know that there are some things that I should have done more on my own. At AISD you have to choose a major the reflects what you want to do. It's not a fine arts school..it's a tech school. If you want to be a graphic artist you don't want to take graphic design you want to take animation.
Look at the course load carefully, If the classes don't look right to you then look at all th classes for differt majors. The main thing to remember is that this is a relatively new school ( in San Diego) Many of us that went to the old school before it was bought out by AI were much happier. Now that AI has commercials all over mid day television it's become saturated with crappy student who have no work ethic. This lack of drive is begining to show on some of the teachers who can't stand these new student and let it effect their teaching quality.
So, like I said there's both good and bad. If you want to really draw or especialy illustrate, then don't come here. If you're willing to (or able to) focus then this is a great place to network with some very talted individuals like yourself.

Goober101

February 13th, 2004, 03:06 PM

Hey everyone. I am new to this site and have been reading your messages about the AI schools and Watts. Most of you have various opinions about AIs and I agree mostly with the people who think that all the schools want is your money. I visited AI of Dallas and was not impressed at all. Watts on the other hand sounds like a great school. But I am worried about the moving there. I have never been to California and I have heard that living is expensive as hell. As of this moment, I am enrolled at the University of North Texas with a Drawing and Painting Degree. I am not sure this school is challenging enough in the arts (I took art throughout High School), and I want to get out into the movies or gaming world as fast as possible with a good degree or respected school. Should I consider leaving my current school and go to Watts or should I get my degree here, then go? And if you guys have experience with conceptual illustration, your feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

dzu

February 14th, 2004, 12:29 AM

Well I go to Watts so I might have a biased view. There are students here that have relocated specifically to go to study here. I think you can rent a room from someone for about 400-500 a month in San Diego.
The environment here is a major selling point because you are surrounded by like minded and driven artists. I

f you're tired of most of your classemates being indifferent towards art then you will be surprised to see a friendly competitive and supportive group of students here.

My experience with college and university art courses is that the teachers and students don't always share similar tastes as you (ie illustration, entertainment art, concepual design, etc.).

If you're really serious about this as a career and you can afford the relocation as well as not catching flak from your family, then I'd suggest the move. You can stay at your current place and get your 4 year degree but then you probably will need more training after that to hone your skills or in some cases, retrain to remove bad habits. If that degree is really important to you then stay there and finish it out, but realize that there are tradeoffs with that as well.

ducktape

February 29th, 2004, 04:26 PM

Before I read this entire thread and feel a little more angry, I wanted to post my two cents.

*I* graduated from AI Houston (with a 3.8GPA) with a degree in Animation Art and Design. I can't comment on other AII schools, having never been there, but let me say this about AIH: you get out of it what you put into it.

I worked my rear off. I graduated with a good portfolio and had a job in animation within a month *in Houston* (not exactly the hotbed of the animation industry.) I won't tell you I liked every class, and ESPECIALLY every instructor, but I used what I was presented with.

For the arguements about classes not transferring? Guess what folks, AII is not a junior/community college for you to jump to a four-year program. (And fyi - I started college again 2 years later and almost all my credits transferred. The exception was the specialized classes that the new college didn't offer.)

Maybe the AIIs don't have the best reputation... it has been my experience that employers look at your talent, then your motivation, and then everything else on the resume. Who would you rather hire: a highly motivated and talented AII graduate or a graduate of Big Impressive Art College who barely scraped by comes across as not giving a sh** about getting the job.

If you do go to an AII my biggest piece of advice is take advantage of the internships. I had the chance to take one, but car problems prevented it. It is the one regret I have from AI Houston.

ducktape

February 29th, 2004, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by flavorite
ieither way, i always prefer a party over homework. :chug:

If this is your attitude towards college, I highly suggest your local state university. Its cheaper and will probably have more parties. Art schools, even the "lowly" Art Institutes take a lot of work. :rolleyes:

And by the way, it doesn't matter where you go to school. You will not walk out the door an accomplished artist without some (or in most cases, a lot) of work.

flavorite

March 1st, 2004, 02:52 AM

i know, i know.... i was being childish... i really am interested in working as hard as possible in the arts, and i really do want to learn as much as i can about art as it's one of my greatest interests....

i think all the pointless classes in highschool are just getting to me. i can't stand doing math and history and pe etc. homework when i know that i could be doing things that will actually help me reach my goals.... the art classes in my high school are all the same and the teacher is evil.... :( but i think if i was doing something i was even remotely interested in, i would work as hard as i could and love it.

(my proof is that i have given up going to parties just so i could stay home and draw with a wacom :) )

ducktape

March 1st, 2004, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by flavorite
the art classes in my high school are all the same and the teacher is evil.... :(

I think its pretty common to not like high school art. My dad used to say it was like the analogy "Those who can't teach"...
He had a theory (and if you're an art teacher reading this, nothing personal!) that most high school art teachers were failed artists. (He didn't get along too well with them either.)

Just try to remember this: high school is short (thankfully), and though it might suck now, college will be another ball of wax! :cool:

EarthClimber

March 1st, 2004, 06:11 PM

Hello, Im in Austin, Texas right now and I'm very interested in game art&design. Sadly, I haven't seen any colleges in Texas that offer game art&design classes. It seems ALL of them are elsewhere. Enigma, could you tell me about Phoenix, and how you like it please. I dont know where to go, and time is almost up Im a senior in highschool. All help is appreciated, thank you very very much:)

I didnt take any art classes in high school, mostly because i didnt have room at first, then i realized i would only be in low lvl art by the time i was a senior. I really regret not taking it now

Ater

March 4th, 2004, 06:47 PM

I live in vegas,if th eAI sucks,than where should I go?

Sheff

March 8th, 2004, 10:22 AM

As far a Vegas is concerned, I agree, that there's nothing really out here as far as art schools are concerned. All I've found is an uninstructed figure workshop which I've just started attending again.

If I were you Ater, I would move somewhere else and go to school for a couple years.

I graduated from Art Center in Pasadena, and I really enjoyed going there. I thought I was miserable when I went, but looking back now, ten years later, I think those were some of the happiest days of my life.

I mean, what better way is there to spend the day than drawing and painting with your friends?

I would suggest if you have money, go there, or maybe the Academy of Art in San Francisco. If you're on a tight budget, maybe consider Watts. You could rent an apartment and find a part time job while going to school.

Again, it's all about having a quality portfolio. You don't have to graduate to get one. If your goal is finding work, make sure your book is good enough to get it. If your goal is a degree, you know where you'd want to go.

It's up to you. The only thing keeping me in Vegas is family. That plus the fact I love living here. It sucks for a freelance illustrator but those are the breaks.

nudge

March 31st, 2004, 10:00 AM

yeah but watts does not take financial aid...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i recomend it otherwise seems you def will walk away with more than you went in with...

YO sheff happiness is right now!!!!!
you gotta see it .. man yer brinning me down mano-

enigma

April 3rd, 2004, 01:16 PM

EarthClimber said:
Hello, Im in Austin, Texas right now and I'm very interested in game art&design. Sadly, I haven't seen any colleges in Texas that offer game art&design classes. It seems ALL of them are elsewhere. Enigma, could you tell me about Phoenix, and how you like it please. I dont know where to go, and time is almost up Im a senior in highschool. All help is appreciated, thank you very very much

hey earthclimber, as far as im concerened this is a damn good school, but thats all a matter of opinion i guess, i haven't encountred major problems, they have nice facilities and a good staff.
there are some teacher that i believe are not up to par as i pointed out earlier, but really its not something i don't expect in any school. the campus and class sizes are small which means u work in a tightly knit environment which is always good for inspiration in my opinion.
the only major problem i've encountered was getting a job on campus but thats only in the case of internationals, however i wouldn't be to enthusiastic about convincing an international to come here if they have no means of income- this school is pretty much like some sorta 'home environment' everyone seems to know everyone, lotsa weekly activity things going on, and further more they offer work shops like life drawing and sculpture painting=).
i initially chose to come here because it was in phoenix and i hate the cold...aaand because it was one of the few colleges that offered te game design programme at the time, but after sinking into the system i realized it must be one of the best game design programmes offered, i'm not sure about the other courses, i can only say the game art, web design and graphic design programmes are good.
hope i shed some light =)

Gr8t100

April 4th, 2004, 03:30 PM

I attend the Ai of Phoenix, Arizona and here is my view on it.

First of all, I was not someone who came straight out of HS. I graduated from HS, spent 6 months in community college, dropped out, and took 5 months off (while still making art) while awaiting to attend the Aipx.

Being there for over a year and a half, I've come to love the school. For those who bash it or claim it is a waste of time, speak for yourselves, please. These are the people who jack off all day and do half ass work 15 min before it's actually due. These are the same people who spend their free time doing jack shit and wondering why they aren't as talented as the other students. And for those who want to argue about that, if the school is so bad and you aren't able to get a job from it, let me ask you this? When did you carry a sketchbook with you outside of class? How often did you spend time outside of your classes at the school? When was the last time you asked to be tutored for something you didn't know? Who did you ask to look at your work before turning it in? When was the last time you did research on different art styles and artists? Do you even know the history of the business you want to get in to? Probably not.

I can't speak for everyone, but only for myself when I say this, but don't expect to walk in to this school, fuck around all day, and expect some hot shot to fall on his/her knees and beg you to join them. You need to bust your ass off 24/7 and forget about your bitching and whining and focus more on what you can do to make yourself stand out.

Ravenmoonfs

May 19th, 2004, 12:29 PM

Hi! I just wanted to give my input on the AI. I am currently enrolled and this is my 2nd quarter. I am not very happy with the what Im learning and considering on going to Cerro Coso Community College located in kern river valley California. They have a web design program you can do online and get your AS degree which is transferable to any other University if you so choose to continue your education to receive your BS. Since Ive been attending the art institute, I have noticed a few students who have received their AS degree there and none have found jobs.The big bummer is that the courses are not transferable so you are waisting alot of money going there. I think you will like Cerro Coso because its so much cheaper and they are considered real school credits. To me Ai Is a joke full of Sales reps trying to get you in as well as being deceived. Although Im only in the certificate program for webdesign, i feel like a big dork for every going to this scam school! Please dont do the same mistake I did!
http://academic.cerrocoso.edu/Media-Arts/web_design.htm

Ravenmoonfs

May 19th, 2004, 12:42 PM

I also would like to ad that what I have found out in this Ai school and the one in san diego, that its so easy that anyone can pass it. I have gone to the advertising arts college in 1997 with a certificate in graphics design. Although they gave me leads, I still couldnt find a job. I worked for My father who owned a recording studio then which was fine but since his business ended up going bankrupt, i had to search for jobs.Most of these jobs expect you to have a BA degree which I didnt even have at the time. I tried to transfer my classes to a community college but they wouldnt take it. One corporation in Irvine really wanted to hire me because they were blown away with my art work but because I didnt have a BA they wouldnt take me. If your looking to do freelance then im sure youll do well at the ai. but if for some reason you are having problems finding jobs even freelance and you want to change your major later you will have a very tuff time as none of the courses transfer to other schools except for ai. You might as well go to community college with just as much experience and training with a great relief over your shoulders.

sixBlade

May 19th, 2004, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by Hink
Well I started this thread around summer time earlier this year and during the time in-between I have been taking classes at AI SD. Generally speaking, people's gripes with AI seem to be very exaggerated.
Of my 10 teachers I've had only 2 of them were subpar. My principles of animation teacher (which is a very, very basic class anyway) and my english teacher. All of my other teachers were great and have had previous employment with Disney, the Simpsons, King of the Hill and Sega. It may not be true of all AI schools but my teachers actually care about the students. They fight to build relationships with big name companies to get us internship opportunities.
On the other hand, however, you guys hit the nail on the coffin about student laziness and poor artwork. Seeing that I am paying 60k and my love of art, I work my ass off but this doesn't seem to motivate most of my fellow students. I sat next to a guy who turned in only homework once the whole semester. I see this guy and his other loser buddies play video games in the lounge from 8am-10pm and on fridays they have to kick them out so they can close the school. Now about the poor artwork, we definitely have our share of great artists but there is one or two in each class; the rest are pretty much mediocre to just plain shitty. People at this school seem to be obsessed with anime but they can’t even draw in that style correctly. I think we can all agree that if you’re not an expert at that style your anime drawings look very, very shitty. It’s hard to believe that any of these people could get jobs unless start drawing every day from now on and develop their skills. It also sucks because when you’re surrounded by incompetence and laziness you lose some of your dedication. I’d rather be a mediocre artist in a class of great artists than one of the better artist in a class of mediocre artists.
Overall it’s a good school, great teachers, good internship opportunities but if you are a crappy artist who want’s to waist 60k AI will take you cause they don’t even require a portfolio for you to apply. Well, that’s my two cents, hopefully this will be helpful for anyone who is thinking about coming here.

I can't really talk about art institutes, since I'm from England and there are very few here that I know of. However, I'm doing a multimedia course (which is mostly web design but also includes 3d, video and sound work) and I kinda feel the same way about the mediocre artists.

It is really my fault for going to a pretty average place to learn, but I see a couple of the guys in my class are really good at design, but the rest.. some of them I consider to be the most incredibly amateur designers I've ever met. It seems they hardly think about the visual aspect of it.. they open up photoshop and do some quick bevelled boxes and thats their website background/buttons finished, ready to do the animation.

Its really disappointing to see people creating stuff like that and still doing ok on the course.. the visual aspect is so important to me I just cant understand them. I'm hoping some of them improve but I don't think they will. Disappointed to have these guys as my 'peers.'

*end rant*

DigitalPutty

June 12th, 2004, 09:32 PM

Originally posted by Gr8t100
I attend the Ai of Phoenix, Arizona and here is my view on it.

First of all, I was not someone who came straight out of HS. I graduated from HS, spent 6 months in community college, dropped out, and took 5 months off (while still making art) while awaiting to attend the Aipx.

Being there for over a year and a half, I've come to love the school. For those who bash it or claim it is a waste of time, speak for yourselves, please. These are the people who jack off all day and do half ass work 15 min before it's actually due. These are the same people who spend their free time doing jack shit and wondering why they aren't as talented as the other students. And for those who want to argue about that, if the school is so bad and you aren't able to get a job from it, let me ask you this? When did you carry a sketchbook with you outside of class? How often did you spend time outside of your classes at the school? When was the last time you asked to be tutored for something you didn't know? Who did you ask to look at your work before turning it in? When was the last time you did research on different art styles and artists? Do you even know the history of the business you want to get in to? Probably not.

I can't speak for everyone, but only for myself when I say this, but don't expect to walk in to this school, fuck around all day, and expect some hot shot to fall on his/her knees and beg you to join them. You need to bust your ass off 24/7 and forget about your bitching and whining and focus more on what you can do to make yourself stand out.

Amen to that! :)
I am attending the Art Institute of Colorado ... and, am just finishing my third quarter.

I am really happy with the school. The teachers care about what I am doing ... and, take time to help me if I need it. \

(I am majoring in Media Arts and Animation).

I see myself improving every day ... or, when I am taking time to practice my drawing. Unfortunatly, I do not practice as much as I should ... but, I plan on starting after this quarter is finished.

Your school is what you make of it. If you are a slacker and dont do what you are suppose to ... you wont get anything out of it ... If you practice and learn what you are suppose to ... you will get a TON out of your education.

Just my .02

AIW sucks

September 27th, 2005, 02:03 PM

Too bad I didnt read this post two years ago...

Now im fucked.

Ant Jay E.

February 1st, 2007, 12:36 AM

Hey,

I know this is an old thread, but I'm thinking about enrolling in the Art Institute of Portland. It seems like experiences vary by location, professors of course, and attitude. But does anyone here have experience with this specific school? I'm interested in the Media Arts and Animation program, as many others have posted in this thread.

I'm also curious about admissions. My instincts tell me that it shouldn't be difficult, but information I've come across with google has stated the statistic of 59% of applicants are admitted. It seems that their admissions process is not the typical process for most schools. How much do they care about grades, test scores, and such? It seems that they largely decide based on an interview, and if you decide it's the right place for you. Perhaps this is because of the slackers mentioned 3-4 years ago in this thread. If one is expecting traditional art training, it's likely not the place for them. Maybe the 59% comes from people who decided with the advisor that it's not the place for them (or never met the advisors, wasting 50 dollars).

It would seem that a portfolio is required for Media Arts and Animation (though other text suggests it to be optional). 10-20 drawings. What kind of skill level are they expecting? It does say that those who don't meet the skill sought for game design might be placed in media arts temporarily, so I'm thinking they're only looking for basic skills. I also find it interesting that they ask for nothing regarding digital art or animation you've previously completed.

Also, I'll be a sophomore transfer student from a university (which lacks in digital media programs). I can find very little info on how transfer students are treated with regards to admissions.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully someone around here has some information that'll help. I'll take a browse around the site, as I actually haven't done that, having just been linked to this thread from google.

enigma

February 1st, 2007, 05:46 AM

I can only answer the part about transferring to the art institute from another college. I've known some that have done it, and apparently it's alot less hassle honestly (if the college is accredited it's very easy), and if you are in an art program (though it may not be the one you intend to study at AI) it's even better, they will register your credits (basic drawing, ethics, social studies etc) that would have been outlined in your AI courses and you won't have to take those classes.

In my case I did not even have to show a portfolio, it might be because my program was completed (associates in graphic design) so I guess it wasn't necessary :S, they just took whatever credits applied to their program and I went into their Game Design program

Maxine Schacker

February 1st, 2007, 08:48 AM

No diploma or degree will in itself get you a job or a career. Education, on the other hand- real education- gives you real knowledge and real skills. The old saying, "knowledge is power" is accurate. We are a small school and we can't help everyone, but I can assure you all that Max the Mutt (Toronto) was founded by artists and animators. We want everyone to make a fair income but we never got into this to make a huge profit. Our mandate is to offer top quality education that is affordable. At this point in history we seem to be very unusual.

There is great pleasure in trying your best to do something well, and even greater pleasure in lending a hand to the next generation . Take a look at our website.

MOST IMPORTANT: NEVER SIGN ANYTHING WITHOUT READING THE FINE PRINT! BE SURE THAT PROFESSIONALS ARE TEACHING, STANDARDS ARE HIGH, LOOK AT THE WORK OF GRADUATES (GO TO THE YEAR END SHOWS) , ASK FOR EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS, and ask if you can speak with current students and graduates.

I wish you all the best of luck. retain your faith.

Sheff

February 1st, 2007, 10:53 AM

One really good indicator of how good a school is is how good their graduates are. Take a look a the gallery of student work. Take a look at the catalog. There should be examples of student work. Go to the other schools/universities around where you live and compare. It's good that you're here doing research.

I teach at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. As a school that is publicly owned, we must answer to our shareholders. Therefore, pretty much anyone with a pulse and a wallet will get in. So as a teacher they drill you to make your numbers. My biggest frustration is that I constantly end up with kids who either have no desire, no talent or no direction. Many of them are painfully unaware of who is doing what in the industry. From what I have seen in students, without even meeting you, I would guess that your portfolio is probably good enough to get in. The talent level is increasing slightly and ever so slowly, but there are tons of people who suck who are still in the school before there was a portfolio requirement.

My advice is to you is know what you want to do with your career. As long as you know what you want, you can take better control of your education as opposed to letting some guy who's making a commission on how many kids he can sign up tell you what to do with yourself.

In my opinion, AILV is expensive for what they offer. I cannot speak to what the other AI schools are like. Other schools may be more mature and have their growing pains all ironed out. But I can't say for sure.

There are more cost effective ways to gain the knowledge which you seek, however, these would not be degree granting programs. These would be get the skills you need to create the book that you need to get the job that you desire. I have seen some incredible people who are self taught who read a couple of good books on painting and drawing and they practiced on their own.

Here are links to some of the websites of myself and other instructors.
My site (http://www.sheff.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=7&Itemid=41)
Randolf DiMalanta (http://www.randolfdimalanta.com/instruction/winter_07/index.html)
Ruel Pascual (http://www.ruelpascual.com/gpage12.html)
David Calabrese (http://www.davidcalabrese.com/academia.html)
Amanda Farrar (http://farrar-ailv.livejournal.com/)

Judge for yourself. I think everyone should look at the work of the teachers they are learning from and decide for themselves.

Rate my Professor (http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/SelectTeacher.jsp?sid=4817)

Take this site with a grain of salt.
Good luck.

grinn

February 3rd, 2007, 07:34 PM

Last time I posted in this thread I was a frustrated ex-AI of Los Angeles student. But I am now, and have been a student at Watts Atelier for 7 quarters now. My work has improved tremendously, and I think I have spent around $10,000 total in that time for classes. I really feel confident about my future in art/illustration and if I could just buckle down and really get to work I would get there faster. Watts really changes you a lot. I love it here, its a great environment and I hope more schools like it start popping up.

Because it is not a degree program, and it is a very relaxed atmosphere it is really best for fairly organized and responsible students. I still struggle with getting work done at home.

Anyways, I saw this thread active again and thought I would give some input about Watts since it hasnt been mentioned in here in a couple of years. Its still around and its still great. And also, I can now safely say with experience at the AI of Los Angeles and Watts Atelier, that the program I was a part of at the Art Institute of Los Angeles was horrible. I am not commenting on any other Art Institutes I have heard good things about some of the others, but Los Angeles was..a costly mistake for me.

leite

July 11th, 2009, 10:38 PM

stay away from the art institutes. while all schools have good and bad teachers the ones who lack the ability to teach find their way to these schools. While i cant speak for other programs I can speak of the industrial design at the A.I. of fort lauderdale. I wanted to quit with in the first few quarters but comes out i couldnt transfer any credits. throughout the time all you see on the walls is TAKE 5 CLASSES AT A TIME - IT WILL SHORTEN YOUR TIME IN SCHOOL. we do have ONE great teacher he really takes the time to show the good and bad of your design. the others should be deleted. While they might be good at their job they suck at teaching.. examples...

One teacher is always telling student how good he is and how this and that company offered him jobs yet he still works their. also if you are hard press and ask him for help your really going to annoy him. He just says why you make eveything so hard or my fav " I could show you - but, you wouldn't learn anything" what an ass.

another teacher allows you to skip 60% of your class and will still give you an A. no matter what you turn in. he doesn't push you to be better he just sleeps in class, seriously. I had a furniture class and this one student made a project out of quarter in plywood and then used 4 inch dry wall screws to put it together needless to say he had 3 inches of sharp metal sticking out everywhere an the teacher told him he did a good job and gave him an A.

another teacher I did a project and wanted this teachers opinion upon showing this teacher my project and asking them what they thought. the teacher went "hmmmmm, I dont know - I dont like it." well okay that happens so I ask what can I do to make it better. The teacher said " Hmmmm .... chaaange the color." Yes, Of course! why didn't I think of that. changing the color of a product would certainly make it a better product. I can see the product flying off the shelves now.... what a joke.

Dont go to the Art Insitute period. You would learn more from doing tutorials.

I hope this helps

leite

July 11th, 2009, 10:46 PM

Sheff

July 12th, 2009, 10:44 AM

As an AI instructor, I see former students on Facebook complaining about not being able to find a job and how much they paid for their degree which is doing nothing for them. I also see students who are happy in their jobs. It's also an indicator of talent as to who's working and who's not.

They also make the rookie mistake of coming up with a fucked up domain name that you can't remember or can't find. Besides that, living in a town that is limited in the work it has to offer is no help either. For example, if you want to be in movies, live in LA. If you want to be a fisherman, don't live in the desert. Keep in mind, that in this economy, even friends of mine with 15+ years of experience under their belts are having trouble finding work.

It's a student mentality to think that the degree means anything. It only has value if you intend to become a teacher. Besides that what matters is the quality of a portfolio.

Can the typical student or art director name where George Hull went? Or Craig Mullins? or Dylan Cole? Most probably can't, nor does it matter. What matters is how good their portfolios are in their respective fields. I would hope that people reading this thread would already know who those guys are without having to look them up.

While it's always the case that you will have a few (maybe 3 -5) good students, the rest will ususally fall into the lower categories. Now I can only reflect the interest level of the student. I am very excited by having a student who wants to learn and put forth effort. I will stay after class and spend extra time with a student who is hungry.

On the other hand, you also have students who miss close to half the class and give me sob stories, like my cat(or dog) ate my homework or whatever. I used to maintain a list of pathetic excuses I've heard in the past.

Now I get a lot of apathetic students and students who I question how they even got into the school, but there are a few who are dedicated and hungry and have ability. It's these students who I am willing to bend over backwards and help. There's a student who is training himself to be an illustrator even though there's no illustration major at this school. I feel bad for him because of the two of us instructors whose degree actually is in illustration, neither one of us has had him as a student. And he's easily the most talented one at the school.

At every school, you're going to have people who are good and people who suck. That applies to teachers as well as students. The bottom line is you need to know what you want to do. If you can answer this question, it will tell you where you should go. The best thing you can do is train in what you want to learn with someone who has ALREADY DONE what it is you're trying to do. Whether that means a degree or taking workshops or seminars, it's up to you.

The thing you will find is that many people learn more on the job than they did in school.

manzanita

July 12th, 2009, 11:33 PM

I really shoudn't talk about this as I always mix up personal issues with the actual topic, but I couldn't resist a topic such as this one...

As a student of AI-SanFrancisco I can only be greatful for the faculty there in the Animation department, at least. They are very much against the way Pittsburg/EDMC runs them (they can't even set up the internet access right, it has to go to PA first and then back to our server!), but there's not much they can do about it. We lost most of our best staff (ones that actually have worked in the industry) that way...

I've come to discover that my strongest suit is actually in writing, not visual storytelling. I've actually had to develp any skills in drawing from scratch, not talent. It's been three years in the program and I'm finally coming to terms with gesture, mesuring/blocking, and volume. I have a good understanding of timing for animation, or so I've been told. It's probably because I studied music theory at a community college before animation. My teachers have been very crucial for this development. After that is where the ball drops.

There's very little emphasis on story development here. The best that one is allowed to graduate as in that department is a chacter devloper. No one here is expected to be hired for storyboarding, concept art, and the like. The main point of Ai, with it's short BA programs, is to get you good enough for an entry level job. Thus we're forced to work with entry-level creativity.

I can't say if it's a bad thing (because I'm wrong almost all of the time), but I really haven't gotten better with what I love to do at this school because of this limitation. My writing ability almost came to a halt during the years I've been training. My ambition is nearly exhausted, not due to the work or lack of skill, but because of the negative attitude about what I want to become. I'll likely never have the chance make a film like the ones coming out of CalArts over here.

Even if I did get over that, I'd still be lacking in skill because even the teachers acknowledge we aren't being taught the right things when it comes to modeling, lighting, materials, rendering, etc. We've even been encouraged to pick up torrented , digitital-tutors, and other tutorials if we want to become compitent if not excellent in any of these skills. The most success the school's had with their graduates is with their riggers and modelers, but that mostly results from personal training than from the instutition.

The school does let almost anyone in, although the standars are tightening, but they aren't looking for anyone with a innovative or entrepenurial attitude. I only came here because I didn't have the financial aid (not even from my family) to apply for anywhere else, but I am greatful for what I have recieved there nontheless. They've given me a good understanding of the film and gaming industry, and have taken me far beyond the crude high-school anime art I thought was getting me somewhere. They've gotten me to acknowlege how far behind I am to the industry's standards for any 3d skill (2d is dead altogether to them), I just don't know where to go from here on out...

That's my case as it stands at the moment, hopefully I can make it read clearer to you later on...

Squeesax

August 18th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Ok I really know nothing about the art school thing but I applied and was accepted to the AI in Dallas, and now I'm trying to get out of it before classes start (I've not payed any money yet, so I better >_>). I have a relative who went, who was able to come out of school with job offers making quite a good paycheck STARTING. He's very good at the technical stuff, and even the decorative things as well.

AI does offer BAs now, and will doing the BA program make any sort of difference?

It seems most of the people who complain about their degrees being useless are the ones who got the AAs, which I've been told numerous times are extremely useless in the art world. I know a few people who have gone to AI, got those degrees, and are now working retail with no hope of art jobs, and some of them are REALLY good, not just so-so or decent.

I've been looking over this thread and was seeing if I could get a bit more input on this matter of it being worth it.

I don't think it is for me right now, it's $93,000, I have no scholarship money, no aid whatsoever, I have no credit to qualify for loans and my mom's credit is shot to hell/makes too much money (even though its eaten by bills and debt) where she can't get loans/grant money. Definitely not getting a cent from good ol dad either.

So even if I knock out credits in CC, is going to AI even then not worth it at all?

Aryeh

August 19th, 2009, 01:00 PM

Here are some ways I felt cheated by AI.

1. Credits not transfering
2. Many teachers didn't have the "real world experience" they claimed.
3. Teachers didn't teach. I recieved 1 leacture my entire time there, no joke.
4. They didn't teach me what I needed to know to be a good designer. All they ever talked about was Quark, Photoshop & Illustrator. That is not design. That software will be obsolete in 3 years.
5. The school was not involved in the local design community
at all.
6. The school nor the teachers had any contacts to help you get a job.
7. The facualty was far too easy on the students, they never pushed you to do great work.
8. 11 weeks per class is not enough time to learn.
9. The administration just doesn't care about the students. They tried to hold our graduating class show in the basement. It took a student to make phone calls to book a better place.
10. We never had any guest speakers or outside designers come to review our portfolios.

Those are just a few of the reasons I feel cheated. My opinion is not rare either, go to the school and talk to some students during their break.

David

I attend the Art Institute of Dallas, i STRONGLY disagree with all your points. Not only are the teachers professionals who have experience, but all of them are friendly and willing to devote even personal time. Art institute has high standards regarding teachers. Every class is devoted to atleast 2 hours of lecture (according to the standards set by EDMC. And although we dont oil paint or do acrylics. We do study gauoche, watercolors, dry media, and digital media.

AI is not a fine arts school. It is a commercial arts school. And although Graphic Design can be geared towards illustration, do realize that some of the schools dont offer as much flexibility or resources as others.

If you want to go to AI go to one that is within a city that has an actual market for what you desire to do. If you want to be an illustrator...go to Florida, not Minnesota. if you want to go into cooperate identity and marketing, go to Minnesota, not Dallas.

There are major differenced between the Art Instituted, and for that reason it is not fair to make broad sweeping assumptions and conclusions. I think that the things you and other people say are in stark contrasts to the facts and statistics of graduates from the Art Institute programs. The fact that there is a 97% hiring rate, that the Animation programs are among the most renowned, and that AI has a great record of being constantly on the edge of the market and technology.

here at Art Institute of Dallas, our program is intergrated with illustration more so than most of the other Art Institutes. I feel fully confident that ill be prepared to enter the world of Media Arts with the skill level that i could achieve at any of the other schools that people are so hyped on.

All this aside, it really comes down to initiative. Ive seem people graduate from AI with amazing talent on par with students from Otis, Ringling, Cal Arts. And i've seen students who get washed away and discouraged.

AI is designed to be an intensive, concentrated, program. AI is designed to prepare students as commercial artists. If you want to learn oils, acrylics, sculpting, dont come here. But if you desire to do digital illustration, animation, previs, graphic design, pre-press, game design...then AI is more than sufficient (and cheaper than most Art Schools).

Summary: i love AI. And the people at my school love it here as well.

GO AID!

Aryeh

August 19th, 2009, 01:03 PM

AI's credits are not transferable to most schools. It's not because their program lacks, it's because AI uses an 11week quarter system instead of a semester system.

But, as for accreditation, we are accredited out the ass. Students from our programs can and do go on to get their masters and doctorates degrees in Fine Arts.

My biggest suggestion is to talk to the department dean before you begin AI.

Squeesax

August 22nd, 2009, 02:39 PM

Well its good to hear input from someone who has attended the same school I'm looking into going to, it seems that the quality varies greatly from school to school o.o;;

Aryeh

August 24th, 2009, 04:28 PM

I would say, visit the school. Talk to students. And Talk to the actual teachers...look at student work (not just the stuff on the walls...).

Make sure the faculty is really nice and helpful, and willing tot answer ALL your questions, even if its about stuff you wont learn in your program. That is the biggest determining factor.

I havnt heard good things about any of the AIs except FT Lauderdale (but you might as well go to ringling since it's in the same state...) And Dallas (which is my school.

AI has a very intense program. Be willing to work...alot...but if you are faithful to do every homework assignment, and absorbe everything (even if you dont think it will be important to your desires to be a concept artist) you'll find yourself in a very good place when you graduate.

shandyray

September 1st, 2009, 03:31 AM

darkwolf29a

September 1st, 2009, 08:42 AM

I have said it before in these type of threads, and I'll say it again...Don't go to AI schools unless:

1) You are willing to work hard!!!
2) Are willing to put in the time it takes to learn!!!

Look, like ANY school you can go to, this school is only worth the time you put in, period.

I go to AI Pittsburgh, online division. Am I happy here? Heck yes!! Am I working my butt off? Hell YES!!! Why? Because once I'm done, I'm done...period. That first job might be a bit harder for me to find, why? Because I live in Wisconsin and will have to move someplace, I bet. Is that bad? I don't think so. But, then...I've been moving my whole life.

I've been to SDSU, community colleges in California, and tried a few colleges in Georgia, and now I'm in AIPOD. They're all the same. Make no mistake about anything. Schools are there to make money, period. Honestly, none of them care about whether you get something out of it or not...that's NOT their job....that's YOUR job, period!!!! They aren't in the classes, doing your homework, reports, paintings, drawings, or anything else. They present you with information...that is all. And they aren't going to repeat it for you to learn. Note that I didn't say memorize, I said learn. That means, internalize and really understand. That takes a lot more work than just doing, and handing in your homework. You have to stretch your boundries, try new things and ideas.

If you expect that ANY school is going to hand you an education, you are sworely mistaken. And, you won't get anything out of whatever school you go to.

Once you are done with school, what have you got? A piece of paper and some pretty pictures, right? The paper is useless after your first interview. And, during that interview you will find out, that piece of paper was useless before you walked in the door. What isn't useless are those pretty pictures and the knowledge that you gained while learning how to make those pretty pictures. The school doesn't matter, the degree is useless...unless you have done the homework, drawings, reports, paintings, etc and are able to prove that you learned everything that they taught you.

Aryeh

September 1st, 2009, 01:25 PM

Hey everyone it is good to see a forum about the Art Institute of California - Los Angeles . I attended this school for two quarters. I withdrew and will actually be attending a real school. The Art Institutes are not well run in my opinion. There are too many of these places. There are so much schools in the state of California alone. The one in Santa Monica looks a little decent and they constantly brag about have Activision across the street from them. This place is located in the Santa Monica Business Park along with other companies. I personally would not recommend this place to anyone.

Hey did anyone stay in student housing? I ask this because it is a joke. They make so much money ripping off students.

I would not recommend this school because it is so damn expensive and you cannot transfer. A real school looks at the credits or as they call them "units" and laughs. I wasted my time here and I seriously regret it. This school is so very over priced and the tuition just went up. If you attend school here on just taking out loans you will be in debt until you are an old geezer. I like so many others have put up with so much crap here. They care only about your money. They want your cash. You show up to class and they get your cash. It is like a thousand something dollars for one "unit" that is insane. Not to mention that even when you get a degree whether it be your BS which is BS or Associates it is still hard to go for a higher degree. Your degree is questioned. You are better off attending a community college if you did not g Devry et accepted to a good art school. Go to a state school go to a real school stay away from the Art Institutes systems. THey also have commercials now. They are like Devery, IIT Tech, AIU and University of Phoenix. They want your money they want you for you money. Some of the instructors are okay most of them are very arrogant. I have to say their were like three instructors I liked, the rest were full of crap. I am bitter over my experience. The Admissions office is like a cult and they will do whatever it takes to get you in. THey will call and call and call and email and email. I am sure they get commission or something. The different departments are all a mess. Anyway be careful and think twice about attending school here.

Im not sure exactly what has compelled you to make such broad statements about the whole AI system. Firstly, AI is a commercial art school. And comparing it to schools like Devry, ITT Tech, is not accurate. AI schools are accredited out the ass. Credit transferability is not a determining factor of that. (For instance i spoke with admissions at MCAD and some credits are transferable, but only for introduction courses). Pheonix online is acreddited nationally by the way...so i dont even get you point in making the comparison (because i know many people who have gone to school there and run/manage/own businesses)

Secondly, AI's program is designed to be quick paced, intense, and geared towards practical application to the work environment. Where as classical art schools take an "academia" approach to arts, giving them application which a more vague realm. Neither is better than the other.

If you attend AI you really have to be of mature stuff. meaning...that you need to be the type of student who does all his/her assignments, asks questions, and takes the class work beyond the book.

Going to AI takes a lot of dedication. And the problem with students is that the come here expecting some hoity toity art school where they can goof off and still do well. And, it's not.

Now i cant speak for all the AI schools. But i think that the ignorant comments really should cease.

Thirdly, making the assumption that ALL AI campuses are even remotely similar is an extremely ignorant idea. Alot of the campuses share similar programs, and similar guidelines for the majors...but.

Most of the AI campuses where infact independent Art Schools prior to becoming a part of EDMC. For instance, my school (AID) was the Dallas School of Arts and Fashion... so it is not like the schools are just (as you say) popping up.

They reason why they are expanding is because there are students who are interested in recieving the quality education they give. now, like i said. I cant speak for good and bad teachers. But i can say that every school has its good qualities and bad qualities. But the truth is that our teachers are not only M.A.s but they are professionals who work in studios like LucasArts, Disney, Pixar, and the like. And im sure this is the same for any other school.

so if you are a person who knows exactly what you want to do, and is willing to have an intense 3 years of study and hard work, and exposure to the field of you choice in a dynamic way...then yes the art institute is for you.

and if you feel the need to recieve a classic education that allows yo the flexibility to do inter-disciplinary studies in a traditional setting. then schools like Otis, Ringling, and CalArts is for you.

I think ultimately there needs to be a reality check because there are only more AI's because it's the commercial art community that is support them at the core.

Also, as a last comment: If there is anything i would like to personally impress on you all. It's that AI is a school system designed to produce quality illustrators, animators, advertising designers, ect. not only that, its a school that is dedicated to serving firstly the market to which it supplies artists. Regularly AI holds dinners, conventions, gathers, and events when professionals are invited to come and communicate to the administration about the needs of the work force.

I think its vital that even if you dont support the AI system, that you atleast be active enough to attend these meetings, especially in places where there are no other alternatives to AI for students who desire to practice traditional skills. Because the community really does effect the growth and development of AI.

Also, most AI campus' tuition are about average (usually under) the standard fees and costs to attend an Art School. And i'de like to see any argue that. Check the prices for Ringling, CalArts, Otis, Savanah, MCAD...

Lastly, i think that if we are going to make critiques we should do them in a way that actually helps and motivates, instead of discourages. Do realize that the bashing (however well intended) does discourage a lot of people from continuing their education. Even if you don't believe that this school is the best you should atleast respect people's decision to attend

Quilly

September 28th, 2009, 01:53 AM

I thought about making my own forum for this, but seeing as how this ones still active I'll just post here. I have read through this entire forum, and well, I decided to post my dilemma.

So. I graduated High school in June.
I was set to go to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in August (all paid up with fees and things). But then I had to push it back to October. Now I have to push it back AGAIN. (All postponements were for financial reasons. But my mom sees it as a sign that maybe I shouldn't go. :P )
I was supposed to be going into the Game Art and Design program at the school. Now, I think I still want to try for the video game industry, but I'm not sure what school.
I visited AIP like, 3 times. I liked the city. The school physically looked nice. I saw some class rooms and things. And I sat in on a semi-class I guess? It was more like a club of the students and the two professors making their own game and they showed us the concept art and the maps and their progress and stuff. The teachers were pretty cool. They said something along the lines of only the people who work their asses off make it that far. Like half the class drops out before they get very far. Or something. I didn't like the dorms because they had cement floors, but I think thats standard in all dorms.
I've heard mixed things about AI in general. I've heard they're "diploma mills", and that you don't get a good education for your money. I also heard that a lot of their credits don't transfer. I'm also worried about job placement. My boyfriend went to Fullsail for Film, he moved to LA to find something, didn't work out, now hes going to the Air Force to pay off debts.
I've also heard, from more people in real life than online, that its a great school. Mostly from my art teacher of 7 years, he went there too. I've been told that if I put all my effort into this and work hard that this is a great school. I think thats true with a lot of schools though.

I have checked out others, like SCAD and one in Chicago. But I didn't really pursue them becasue they were a bit further away from my current home (WNY). Pittsburgh is only 3 hours away, as opposed to, like 14...
I've now thought about going to a SUNY school for a few years, or a Community college to get some credits and then transfer to make it cheaper (hopefully..) The thing is though, I was really hoping to get out of this area. But, seeing as how the economy tanked, I don't think its possible just yet..

Yes, I did read the post about art schools at the beginning of this forum. I probably should re-read it though.