Studying in Cape Town, South Africa

[leigh]

Stay in Canada, and study there. Seriously. You'll get much, much better value for your money and far better tuition. The standard of CG education back in SA is pretty low and employment opportunities there are rather abysmal.

[NiveouS]

Thanks for the reply.

One of the real major motivations for me to study back in SA, is the tuition. As an international student, the tuition of any course is extremely high. I could possibly pull it off, specially by doing college instead of University, but it is/will be very difficult. Another, the SAE Institute does not require a portfolio (good or bad? debatable.) But, since I have no portfolio, this is a good chance to learn/build one, and then apply to probably complete a degree outside of South Africa. I'm going to side with needing a degree (though it is debatable), since there is no way around it, I'm going to be working overseas constantly. Just makes things simple, though its not what I really would prefer to spend the money and time.

Following my plan, attending the SAE for a year, I earn the certificate, and hopefully have a worthy portfolio. With that, I can then apply to other Unis, either UK or Canada (or even US, unsure), for admissions in a Degree program. I would prefer not to have to get a degree, but with residence in South Africa or Israel, I don't see much of a strong industry there in both film or video games.

I did some research, mainly within Toronto, and found that the majority of courses, especially degrees (which I haven't seen yet, accept for Fine Arts), require a portfolio. I definitely don't have one, due to having pretty much no traditional art background. Photography/Graphics Design is something that I've enjoyed as a hobby, but what the programs say they're looking for traditional art portfolios. That you can draw, which I honestly can not as of this moment. Sure I can learn, eventually, but as we speak, I honestly can't.

Any suggestions of places within Toronto pref., though anywhere in Canada could work. That don't require a portfolio. (I understand why they do want one fully, and it would really take me a while to build one).

Thanks,

[R10k]

If SAE in Capetown is anything like it is over here in Australia, I wouldn't look to it as a way to learn about CG/animation.

My other option is self-taught, but knowing myself, I'd be better off with a structured course.

If you have the cash, there's always Animation Mentor (http://www.animationmentor.com).

[NiveouS]

If SAE in Capetown is anything like it is over here in Australia, I wouldn't look to it as a way to learn about CG/animation.



If you have the cash, there's always Animation Mentor (http://www.animationmentor.com).

Yeah, I kind of doubt the SAE, but from what it seems, they do teach the basics with some drawing. I'm not really expecting to learn everything, or the major things. What I'm expecting is to get a good introduction, and have some form of portfolio to apply to some University. But if its not good, or not worth it, then I highly doubt going into it.

The animationmentor looks pretty cool, and I do have the money for such a thing, if it is really worth it though. My dilemma is, I only can legally work in South Africa and Israel. And these are not two locations that I want to work at. Getting a degree, I believe would open a good few doors/options. Or, is it not like that? From I understood, getting a VISA in the US, and most countries require a degree of sort.

What would be the best way to build a portfolio worthy enough to apply to University in the UK for Animation? Kind of frustrated, since the only time I can start Uni again would be next year September. Such a waste of time. Can only find Canadian universities who's deadline hasn't passed, but struggling to find any program that I'm really interested or can gain admission to.

Edit: Just found that the Bournemouth University offers a Foundation Degree in 3d Modeling and Animation that takes 2 years. It has no portfolio requirements from what I see. Following that foundation year, I can enter a 1 year BSc program to earn a BSc in 3D Computer Generated Imagery: Modelling and Animation BSc. How does this sound? Sounds quite perfect for me, get both the degree and the education and the price is fairly reasonable. It's not a BA or a BFA, but it is a Bachelors degree non the less. Only problem is I missed the UCAS deadline, though I could still try get late admissions. Any thoughts?

[Pyke]

Stay in Canada, and study there. Seriously. You'll get much, much better value for your money and far better tuition. The standard of CG education back in SA is pretty low and employment opportunities there are rather abysmal.

QFA. I would have LOVED to study overseas. SA's 3D scene is rather small. And the teaching is rather 'meh'.

[leigh]

Another, the SAE Institute does not require a portfolio (good or bad? debatable.)

In which case, run away. Seriously. Schools that do not require portfolios for entry are schools that you should avoid. Because they're obviously not interested in teaching people who are actually suited to the course, they're only interested in making money. And you make more money by not filtering applicants and therefore not refusing the ones that will not cope with the course. When schools don't filter applicants, then it's a huge warning sign that their course is going to be a massive waste of time.

That you can draw, which I honestly can not as of this moment. Sure I can learn, eventually, but as we speak, I honestly can't.

Then I suggest you start learning!

Any suggestions of places within Toronto pref., though anywhere in Canada could work. That don't require a portfolio. (I understand why they do want one fully, and it would really take me a while to build one).Thanks,

The best schools in Canada for a CG education, that I know of, are VFS in Vancouver and Sheridan in Oakville.

You also mentioned Bournemouth in the UK in your last post. Their course is also very good.

[NiveouS]

Thanks for the replies all.

So, I think I'm going to apply for the Bournemouth foundation program in 3D Computer Generated Imagery: Modelling & Animation. Should be able to get in, and then see from there. If they don't have too many applications that is.

They offer a BSc in 3D Computer Generated Imagery: Modelling & Animation once you get the Foundation degree. Not sure how it works, but really does sound good. The program is in association with Bournemouth & Poole College.

This is not Bournemouth's well known Animation program, but the degree is still awarded from them, so it can't be bad I assume.

Does anybody know of any other programs in the UK that offer a 2 year Foundation + 1 year BSc?

Thanks,

[moidphotos]

A foundation degree is a much lower level of education compared to a real degree - yes you can be offered a one year 'top up course' to give you the full degree but it's usually a major shock to the student who hasn't had to achieve work to degree standards for two years and then suddenly finds themselves on level 3 of a degree with level 3 marking and expectations from the lecturers...

Before you sign up to this you really should try to find some artwork from that course.

Personally I would recommend you to join a one year intensive traditional art programme - lots of life drawing and perspective drawing, some painting (realistically) and do a little 3D modelling in your spare time from web tutorials or DVDs from companies like Lynda or Gnomon or Digital Tutors for example. That will give you a portfolio that is much more likely to get you into a course that you'll really want to be on (the NCCA Bournemouth courses for example).

If a UK animation course offers entry without portfolio you should tread extremely carefully, because all the good ones will want to see your portfolio. Caveat Emptor.

[NiveouS]

I understand why a portfolio is important, and why it is required. Also, I understand why you suggest taking a more traditional art program fully. My only doubt is whether I have the ability, or patience to go through a full traditional program. Personally, I want to avoid such a program, that I don't really want to do one. Probably not the right attitude of somebody who wants to enter a visual arts profession? I've had some bad experience from teachers and traditional art classes, that just make me shiver when I think about it. I should suck it up, but yeah, I really do not want to do that for a full year or more. I don't mind classes here and there, but not as a full program. Maybe because of that, this is not a career for me? If I'm not going to have much success because of this, please tell me. :) For now, I'm going to really lack the formal art background. Once I explore more 3D Animation/Modeling, and if its really worth the while, I will do it to improve and make myself a better artist. But for now I'm looking for a start/introduction.

I have done some Photoshop design (not animation obviously) and have been following tutorials on Blender, with enjoyment and I would say some success. I do also love photography and have quite a bit of experience in it. I would say, I do have a good eye for design and what looks right and pleasing. I am creative. And got quite a pretty wild imagination. But no formal arts ability, again and this is what made me never think about such a profession.

Anyways, the sad truth is, my goal is to get the piece of paper. I would want the best education I could get obviously. I hope to learn as much as possible, but as so many people say, a lot of the content can be self-taught. And, at the end of the day, experience/a good demo real is what counts for the most part. I want the paper, to simply make getting a VISA in foreign countries easier and to have some form of qualification. I know its the real bad way to think about it, but it is my honest feelings about a degree. If I did not feel the need for a degree, I would most likely take the AnimationMentor and teach the rest myself through books, etc.

This is why, I'm still leaning towards a Foundation + Top Up, even if its not the best education possible, it does seem the most practical to me, and also, very affordable.

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.