Advice needed - Not sure what to study

[Karl Schulschenk]

Hey everyone.

New to all this, so please bear with me while you read this.
I'm an 18 yr old from South Africa and am really passionate about art, been drawing since i was able to hold a pencil. I'm particularly interested in the Gaming and Film Industry, especially fantasy and sci-fi genres.

I'm currently in the process of finding somewhere to study next year, and with much uncertainty. The problem is that here in SA there aren't art schools which are specifically focussed on teaching/or cater for Concept Art.

What i am basically trying to find out is which is the best possible course i could study to be prepared for the concept art industry.
From what i have read online and heard from people, the two best things to study are either Illustration or Industrial Design.
I'm planning to do an undergraduate in one of the two, and then specialise overseas.

If someone can help me out with a little advice that would be great, and would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Karl

[Seedling]

You seem to be on the right track.

There is a link in my sig to info on the games industry that may be of interest to you.

Good luck!

[Maxine Schacker]

I'm the Director of Max the Mutt in Toronto. We are introducing a 4 year concept art diploma program which has a strong traditional drawing and painting component. We received advice and suggestions about the curriculum from major concept artists at EA and Rockstar, and Pseudo Interactive as well as concept artists who are freelancing and doing very well. Our instructors are all working professionals, class size is small and tuition is affordable. When you are looking over potential schools do check us out: www.maxthemutt.com.

[Lothelawen]

Hi,

I know exactly how you feel since I'm in the same position. I'm sorry I didn't see this thread until know but hopefully I can still help a little bit.

I really wanted to go study overseas but with the exchange rate being what it is it just isn't possible at the moment.

After much head bashing I eventually landed up studying towards a BA in Motion Picture Medium at AFDA film school in Cape Town. It's not ideal by far but there are plus points for a aspiring Concept Artist in some of their subjects:

Production Design: Concentrates on conceptualising an environment that can amplify the story in a film. Designing sets ect.

Costume, Makeup and Styling:
How to create believable and appealing looks for characters. You learn everything from designing and making costumes to special effects makeup.

Animation:
What's nice about animation at AFDA is you all the conceptualising for your own short animations that you write, direct and animate right from 1st year. You do 7 of these in different mediums in three years.

What the course really lacks is a focus on art though. I'm doing all the drawing and painting I can on the side plus doing 2 hours a week of figure drawing in the evenings.

At least in three years you have an internationally recognised degree which you can use to get visas to work/study overseas.

As I said before, it's not ideal. You'll spend a large amount of time looking at the '1st World' art schools being green with envy but I really think South Africans can become great concept artists with what limited opportunities we have and good old hard work.

Good Luck and don't give up!