HELP: 3 years formation vs. 5 years formation

[GaussianRaider]

(Forgive me for my dumb english)
Premise: this subject is really important to me, it will probably affect the rest of my life.
Do you think that a 3 years course is enough or that a longer (5 years) course is almost a "compulsory" choice?
My situation: i attend a business school and i hate it, but i'm almost 21, so i feel like i'm too old to start studying art.
I'll graduate in 1 year and a 1/2, by that time i'll be 23...
De facto i've got 3 possibilities:
1. drop the business school now, start studying art right after summer.---> and graduate in arts when i'm 26 (if i attend a 5 years course) or when i'm 24 (if i choose a 3 years course).
2. graduate and start studying art when i'm 23. ---> and graduate in arts when i'm 28/26.
3. keep on studying business and completely ruin my life.

All these options suck majorly: i feel like i've already ruined my life.
Yeah, this thing really haunts me.
Any suggestion?

Thanks for the attention.

[Pau1Winslow]

I don't think you're ever too old to begin studying art. The awesome Bryan Beus was only introduced to drawing at the age of 21 and you only have to take a look at how successful he is to realise that you can begin at any age and flourish with a lot of hard work and dedication. This last year and half before you graduate sounds like the perfect time to practise, practise, practise when you're not studying for business school.. and once you graduate, you have a clearer mind and the freedom to take a step in which ever direction you choose to. And by the end of this next year and a half you may even be good enough to take up some freelance work until you're swept up by a studio. Have a think about it

[Maxine Schacker]

This year we have four students between the ages of 32 and 38 starting first year at Max the Mutt (Toronto). You are not too old, and whatever you've learned about business will probably be beneficial. Nothing is lost. You need a first rate education in traditional fine art skills. Without that you have no foundation. Investigate schools carefully. My guess is that if you want a career in concept art and don't have the foundation, it will take 4 to 5 years. I don't think you can do it all in three years.

By the way, 21 is young! You have your whole life ahead of you. Take heart. You are on the threshold of a great adventure.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions...

[supermark]

You are never to old to do anything!!!!!

I have 40 year old students in my design classes and they used to think the same.

And your crazy if you think your life is ruined. It's far from ruined, and like everyone before me said, you are still young and have the rest of your life to live your dreams. Take at look at your life and examine it, you should find that you are more blessed than stressed when you see the opportunities and road ahead of you. All the information you have accumalated in your life will add to your skills,ultimately bettering yourself.
God Bless.
Dream it, live it.

[GaussianRaider]

Thanks a lot everyone imo pectore...!
You can't imagine how much your invaluable words comforted me...yesterday i felt so miserable!
I'll carry out the business school while practicing with my wacom and perhaps trying to put together a lil' portfolio for the admissions!
Here in Italy the main choice for having a fine arts education is "Accademia di Belle Arti" (literally: "Fine Arts Academy").
The course is a 3 years bachelor's degree on basic painting techniques + a 2 years postgraduate degree on advanced painting techniques, i'm having a look at the content, it's a lot of stuff...
Are there any essential subjects that you think i should look for?
Would you suggest me any good school in Europe that welcomes foreign students?

Thanks again!

[Seedling]

Originally Posted by GaussianRaider

I'll carry out the business school while practicing with my wacom and perhaps trying to put together a lil' portfolio for the admissions!

Hello Gaus! If you need some ideas for that admissions portfolio, have a look at my Concept Art 101 thread. The link is in my sig. Cheers, and good luck!

[supermark]

Dont worry about it raider, it happens to the best of us. It's part of being human, might I suggest that if you have several "miserable" periods like this, you might want to look into some motivational books. It does wonders for me, my art and other areas of my life. If you want any suggestions let me know.

Hasta Luego