Online training vs classroom training

#1

What are your opinions on learning 3D/2D from a school that offers the programs/degrees online versus on campus? Do you think the student learning online would be at a disadvantage to a student learning on campus? And another question while im at it, is anyone familiar with/able to state an opinion on the RMCAD(Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design)? Is it a good school?

#2

Hi there!

It’s my last year before high school and I’m seriously thinking about an artist career. I don’t want to waste money and time by studying in a school whereas I could simply get the same result (or even better) by studying by myself.

My point is that in art school, you’ll study a little bit of everything without deepen in anything and you won’t really study what you have preferences for and what you want to focus your career on. I mean, all 2D or 3D artists have a specialty, and that’s what they were aiming at. Art schools give a lot of knowledge that I fear isn’t needed for the prospective art career, while self study gives direct experience that prepares better for a professional career. I’m aware that self study is a LOT of personal work but I’m prepared for this since it’s my passion. Of course, art schools have some advantages like the environment, the training, etc…
Moreover, art schools REALLY are expensive compared to the 59$ per month with The Gnomon Workshop for example.

I feel like art school is a waste of time and money and I know several self made artists that are recommending self study, but you know, I want more and more advices, and I’m still puzzled about self study. It’s my life I’m talking about.

What maybe I’m looking for is to self study for one year, see if it works and if not then just try an art school.
Nevertheless I still want opinion from people who know what they’re talking about, so even if you have a single advice for me please take a minute to give me your opinion.
Thanks a lot.

Peace.

#3

Both learning routes are equally viable options. In saying that to be honest its entirely dependant upon where you see yourself progressing too, either profession or hobby. From my experience I think I’ve had the best of both worlds so to speak, having attained relevant skillsets through both formal tuition visual fine art and mostly online self taught 3D/2D CGI.

Primarily with a traditional art background I found the transition across to digital a rather less tedious overall affair, due to a solid grounding in the 2D art foundations coupled with for a time experience as a working professional portraitist. The fact of the matter is without foundational knowledge development as a “well rounded” artist irrespective of discipline cannot be achieved.

Just to clarify in short, prior to the advent of the “digital age”…yes I know difficult to believe nowadays there was indeed a time without personal computing, internet or CG art, where as the “trade” tools consisted of usually charcoal, graphite, brush, pigment, paper and canvas, that had remained relatively unchanged down through the preceding millennium in western art history, thereby a given work was rendered in totality by hand.

So essentially as a practitioner from that era my thoughts are heavily skewed towards formal “classroom” 2D art. That being said I’d recommend splitting to an extent between campus fine art training and online self-taught CG. I do understand the financial costs is an issue that must be considered together with entry portfolio requirements, if a feasible choice for you to explore.

In addition another suggestion is to browse the Art Techniques and Theories Forum:

http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=166

The information in general especially the master threads “stickies” might prove useful in further highlighting other helpful avenues to pursue in terms specific to your initial inquiry.

Cheers :wink:

#4

I follow, Thankss

#5

A good school environment will always outperform unguided study, as the knowledge recorded online does not give you the experience, guidance, critical thinking, pressures, objectivity, soft skills and onslaught of critique that is then also combined with all that online knowledge.

Problem is there are a lot of cg schools not delivering on that front, and offer little more than what you could get from your online sources.

If you don’t have access to a high end school, start by yourself first and see if that suits :slight_smile:

#6

Thanks for your replies, that’s really helpful. I’ll reconsider my choices and try both school and online training. There’s a nice school next to my city so I’ll try out!

Thanks again! (if you’re reading this and have another opinion or advice, feel free to post it, I’ll continue to check this topic out)

#7

This is such a tough question to answer because there are so many variables to account for and because we all learn differently. I went to Ohio State and received a BFA and while it was a valuable education in many ways, it taught very little in 3d digital art. Thus I was ill prepared to enter the industry. Today, I’m working hard to get into the field as a character artist and am receiving an education in three different ways:

  1. Self Education - This consists of tutorials DVD’s etc. as well as personal tutoring outside of school. This helps because it allows me to be flexible and you can learn at your own pace. The downside to this is the lack of structure which can be very helpful.

  2. Online courses - I currently take online courses at Gnomon and it has surprisingly been helpful for me. The courses are streamed and you have live interaction with the instructor and other students during the sessions. I had serious doubts about online courses until I began at Gnomon. The downside to this is that networking and general education interaction can be limited.

  3. On campus courses - I also take campus courses at Gnomon and enjoy them as well. On campus classes are a great opportunity to meet and work with other students, instructors, visiting artists as well as attend special campus events. Of course the costs of attending a campus course can be extremely high depending on the school.

All three have proven to be valuable to me. Of the three, I would say I’ve learned the most from self educating. Classes, whether online or campus, are valuable in helping you learn but they are generally a starting point to your education. If you are to become successful then you will need to spend oodles of time outside of school learning.

I think one could learn most of what a school offers(at least technically) though tutorials and such but you would be missing out on other important elements of school. Networking with the students and instructors can be the difference between finding a job and not and its difficult to do from behind your computer. It’s good to work with other students who will be entering the same industry as you.

I would say the most important thing to consider is the quality of the education. Whether you learn on your own, online or on campus, if you’re not absorbing the necessary tools and knowledge to be successful, then your journey will become extremely difficult and your investment will be wasted.

#8

Thanks for your reply, that’s very helpful.

I’d like to get more information about your self education! Especially what kind of DVD tutorials are you using? Are you referring to Gnomon?
I’m just “studying” with online tutorials (YouTube or else) but you must know that, it’s kind of hard to find a good and well structured one. I’m picking a little bit of everything but it’s all kind of messed up. Is there something or someone you’re recommending? (even if it’s payable) Since I’m little I’m learning alone and I’d like to learn with something at least a bit productive for once. (outside the school obviously)

Anyway thanks again for spending your time.

#9

I’ve utilized subscriptions at Digital Tutors, Lynda, Gnomon, Stan Winston studios etc. While DT and Lynda are good resources for learning the technical aspects I find they are very limited when it comes to the art side. Thats where Gnomon steps in. The Gnomon DVD’s are taught by artists in the industry who share their artistic processes as well as the technical side.

I’ve come to use youtube a lot less now than before. I have found much of the material just isn’t good for learning the best way to do something. Not all, but a lot.

Honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact some artists in the industry that you follow and ask questions. You’d be surprised at just how many are helpful.