School choice's tips

#1

Hello to everyone. I’m 18 years old and this year I will get the high school diploma.
My dream is become a 3D artist, specialized on 3D modeling, so I should choose a school (I know that school isn’t needful, but it would be better if I will study). Here, in Italy, the Game Industry is almost entirely absent and there aren’t good school in Digital Arts.
Please, answer me to following questions:

  • there are good universities in Europe in Ditial Arts and 3D animation, or similar? (possibly with an annual cost less than €3000)

  • I’ve found a lot of one(or two) year courses (not bachelors), but I would prefer get a degree. Do you think these courses are better than a Digital Arts (or similar) degree?

  • I’ve read someone recommended a degree on Fine Arts, instead of Digital Arts or 3D animation. I know that a 3D artist must be familiar with the traditional art, but i wouldn’t learn to use 3D also at school (in Italy during a Fine Art’s degree, you wouldn’t learn how to create something in 3D)

  • Is really difficult get a job in videogame industry?

I’m practicing with 3DS max for few months, following tutorials.
On the web I’ve found some schools… what do you think about them?

Thank you

#2

You have to ask yourself what is it you want to do long term? I don’t imagine you want to model until retirement. :wink:

I am part of the “get an education” group because I do feel that education is going to be better for you long term. If I had the opportunity to get a fine arts degree in Italy, the birthplace of western art, I would jump at it. Some will argue the costs of that education aren’t worth it but I would wholly disagree as it will influence your artistic vision. Getting that exposure to multiple forms of art is a wonderful experience and you may find that while you feel that 3d modeling is your future now, that may change in school. You’ll get access to wonderful resources, other art students who share your passions and inspirational instructors who will show you processes and techniques for creating art you would otherwise find difficult to learn on your own.

I really feel that if you want a “job”, then you could create a wonderful portfolio and find work but if you want a “career” as a artist, get that education and embrace the learning experience because it may be the difference between simply working and finding the right path to professional(and personal for that matter) satisfaction.

But that’s just my opinion. :slight_smile:

  • I just realized I think I only answered one of your questions. lol.
#3

First of all, thanks for your reply.
Yes, I think you’re right but, what about programs and everything concerning 3D? I know that 3D is connected to traditional arts but, in that case, I should learn 3D animation, modeling ecc. entirely on my own, because I know in Italy 3D’s preparation isn’t as competitive as abroad.
In conclusion, I would prefer a school which would teach me how to use 3D. Obviously, I will do practise both with 3D and 2D on my own.
For what concerns the future, I would like to specialise myself not only in modeling, but everything about the 3D, such as light, animation, visual effects, texturing and (why not?) concept arts. Moreover, I would learn programming, but only once I get a job which allow me to pay other studies.
My dream is to become a flexible artist and worker in video game industry, allowed to choose different companies and countries (I love Japan and Square Enix), once I’ll get the right experience.
In conclusion, 3D modeling is my favourite aspect of 3D, so I would start working this. Any tips? :smiley: