relevancy to my skill level?

[max xiantu]

howdy.
I'm basically a beginner. I started studying art in August, but I've been studying hard. I'm interested in the workshop, but would it be worthwhile for someone of my skill level? Check my sketchbook to see where I'm at, if you would. I know you can always learn something from great artists, but would it be smarter(and more valuable/cost effective) for me to study up and go to the next one in the states?

Thanks.

[Layil]

Hello max

we'll its a personal choice really, but i can tell you that though there'll be a lot of amazing artists at the workshop, there'll be a fair handful of beginners too. the workshop isnt just about learning to draw, it also serves as an eye opener for those who are thinking of becoming a concept artist or illustrator down the road and want a glimpse of what's in store for them.

The Demos will show you how the professionals work, and a some time saving tricks to give you a jump start. however, these shortcuts are no good without the basics, so id advise spending a good amount of time at the insomania atalier (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=80402) during one of the drawing classes. the instructors there are excellent and have been teaching a long time. they'll be able to give you a good ground to start on.

if you decide to come, bring a sketchbook and an open mind. the rest will take care of itself. youll be left with enough inspiration to get keep you going for a while.

in the meantime, make good use of the information available to you here on the forums. there are some really good artists lurking on here, and plenty of middle tier guys and gals willing to lend a hand. check out the
FINE ARTS, STUDIES, & DISCOVERY (http://conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7) subforum for tons of good teaching material and help.

draw your ass off, and i hope to see you at Insomania.

[Justin.]

One thing I should mention (though I'm not going),

if you are going, I suggest bringing 2 sketchbooks. I filled up 140 pages in 4 days in Montreal without even trying very hard. (8.5x11)

Judging by your sketchbook, I think you would gain a wealth of knowledge, but make sure you talk not only to pro's, but everyone... can't stress that enough, I learned more in Montreal from other people than from the instructors. Look through a sketchbook and ask someone why they did something like this or that, ask them what their favorite thing they did is and why, it really gives some insight into things one might not think of usually!

Good luck and have fun if you decide to go!

[nonie]

I'm planning to try oils for the first time ever there. My skill level's good with digital but color mixing with pigment and painting wtih brushes is not so great :/ I'd been planning to take classes at the university, but why study with strangers who may or may not be any good (I'm not at a good school) when I can learn from pros I already know I adore?

At my first workshop I didn't know that many of the other posters very well and was way too shy. What Justin said about talking to *everyone* is essential and something I wish I'd had the guts to do... This time I'm gonna drink a ton of energy drinks and thus hopefully be more outgoing :)

If you're into art enough to know you're serious about it, which is sounds like you are, then you should go. It's really one of those things where you get back what you put in, no matter what your skill level is.

[Zarett]

Yeah, when I was first deciding whether or not to go, I was wondering whether I'd get enough out of it to warrant the tuition fee. This was mainly because my focus is in animation - not as an animator, but as a storyboarder and sketch artist. I mean, there's only so much I can follow in a painting demo before I lose track of why he's putting what there, or it looks finished enough and paint is still being added, etc.

But I can follow life drawings, and I know a lot of these guys are really good with line, AND there's the added bonus of all the other artists in the same place, drawing and wanting to learn and being excited about it. The charge that comes from a collective of artists is easily worth half the tuition, IMO... you can surf on it for weeks.

Nonie - if you live near a whole foods/natural foods store, see if they have any guarana seed powder. It's basically what gives energy drinks their kick, doesn't dehydrate you, and you can put it in any drink you have. You gotta be careful because if you put too much in your system at once you'll get heart irregularities, but it will DEFINITELY make you more talkative (I'm really quiet, but when I put a teaspoon of it in my coffee, I caught myself telling my coworkers basically everything they never wanted to know about all my favorite comics... whoops...).

[nonie]

Nonie - if you live near a whole foods/natural foods store, see if they have any guarana seed powder. It's basically what gives energy drinks their kick, doesn't dehydrate you, and you can put it in any drink you have. You gotta be careful because if you put too much in your system at once you'll get heart irregularities, but it will DEFINITELY make you more talkative (I'm really quiet, but when I put a teaspoon of it in my coffee, I caught myself telling my coworkers basically everything they never wanted to know about all my favorite comics... whoops...).

Heh, thanks, I'll get some before the trip! I'm always shy until a certain breaking point, which seems to be energy related, and energy drinks do make me get a lot more loquacious :) I really, really regret not talking to more people so I am definitely going to need something to get me started so I don't to that again. Does that stuff have a strong taste?

[max xiantu]

Well. Y'all sold me.
Got my ticket, my plane ride, and I'll be staying at the downtown International Hostel 14th -18th. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Don't be shy. I'm 6'3" and tatted up, but I'm really gentle :teeth:

[Layil]

yay! see you there!

[silvestri99]

I'm in the same boat hoping to learn some tricks with oil painting. And i hope there is a coffee shop nearby to keep the creative and exploration juices flowing!!