25, broke, and need a school for character animation

#1

Hi everyone. I’m a bit of a jam. Before I ask anything specific, let me give a bit of info about myself. I’m a US citizen who graduated with a BA in film production a few years, ago. Now I am abroad as a video editor, but I’m just about fed up with what I do and I’d like to change the course of my life direction. So I am looking to upgrade myself by going back to school in the states to study 3D character animation.

The problem is I can’t decide which school. I’ve been doing research and this site has been a big help to me. Yet lurking only gets me so far, so now I am in need of some more personal advice. The first concern is money. I’m not exactly rolling in cash, and having already gone through a 4 year degree before, I’m not looking rack up tens of thousands more USD in debt. Places like Ringling, Cal Arts, and possibly even SCAD, seem to be beyond my financial reach. Moreover, their animation programs are mostly 4 year BAs or BFAs. Do these schools usually allow someone who already has a bachelor to cut down 2 years of GE courses and jump straight onto a track for a 2 years bachelor’s degree? The real burning question is, am I good enough to get in, let alone get any financial aid from these competitive schools? I haven’t done much drawing over these years.

I’ve put together a “portfolio” here, if you can even call it that:
https://www.behance.net/the_soloman
What do you think? How far can my work get me?

The other option is for-profit schools with 1-2 year certs and diplomas, but the reputations of these seem to vary wildly and the feedback floating out there on the internet are rife with horror stories and unsavory experiences. There seem to be a handful of good ones in Canada, like VanArts, but I would prefer FAFSA supported financial aid as well as a work permit, but the only school that has both of those is Capilano University (which has a good 2-year 2D animation program but I’m looking for 3D animation), a school that has seen some cutbacks last year.

I’ve also considered Animation Mentor, the online school which everyone seems to recommend, but I’ve decided it is not for me. I need to be physically surrounded by similar minds and work off people with creative energy.

Besides the ones I’ve mentioned above, I’ve looked into the following schools, and would appreciate feedback for any or all of them:
Gnomon: (well regarded, but any good for character animation? Also, expensive)
LCAD: (has Disney vets as professors, but how competitive are they?)
Acadmy of Art U: (alumni went places, but also shocking amount of negative feedback)
Expressions College of Digital Art: (equal amounts of good and bad feedback out there)
Columbia College of Art and Design: (is high on some list, looks affordable, but not much info out there for the animation program)
UT Dallas: (Locals seem to go there for animation, and it’s super cheap since I am a resident, but doesn’t have much of a rep anywhere else)

Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I could really use some advice and help.

#2

Hello,

Glad to see you have really thought about this, many users post just asking what do I do without any thought so far. You are on the right track by digging around online thoroughly and looking at reviews. When I was trying to choose a school I looked through student work and courses as well to get more of an idea what students were doing and learning.

I attend Academy of Art University and saw the same stuff you have where there were a hefty chunk of negative reviews. Personally in my experience I haven’t seen anything unsatisfactory and have loved my time at the school thus far, the instructors are a mixed batch but regardless they have been more than qualified to teach the courses. Some are from all around the industry (one was on Nightmare Before Christmas and Monkeybone, another has history from Pixar, Dreamworks and Blue Sky) while others are just people that went to school and didn’t do much industry work before being a teacher.

I think why so many negative notes on schools show up is because people are more likely to speak their mind when they feel wronged than when things are going right. There is also a few students that just can’t handle the system, grading is harsh at the school especially foundational courses (perspective,color fundamentals, figure drawing etc.) They clearly stated this in every class as well saying that a C is considered doing all required tasks by the instructor and showing that you have learned what they taught. While an A is considered “industry” level meaning for instance your drawing could be sold or commissioned just like any other artist if you are getting an A.

I don’t want to really push your towards or away AAU as it shouldn’t be my words that makes your decision and I feel most schools are similar to this, I am just saying in my time at the school it has been a great place for me to nurture my abilities.

#3

Thanks for the lengthy and informative reply! Any feedback helps, especially from someone who is attending one of the schools I am looking into. Your perspective has lead me a step closer to my decision.

#4

I’m going to be blunt you can go to any school you like, its not going to guarantee you a job in a limited field of employment that’s shrinking. As you already have a degree I think its pretty pointless raking up more debt.
Instead I would advise doing a beginners short course to see if you A like it and B actually have any raw talent to be a good character animator. Raw talent is a must …

b

#5

work off your debt ,no questions about it .
you can work for a year doesn’t matter what job as long as it’s legal .
mean while try an online school it’s cheap yet very help full .
i’m sure you can do it .and you can have some money left to study and get your animation diploma .

25 you still young

#6

You don’t need a school. Also you don’t need a great portfolio.

You just need the right connections and friends inside the industry.

It’s the truth.

#7

Yep. My best gigs haven’t come from my portfolio, but from my network connections (some were developed at college though). :beer:

We use Lynda and DT very often in our studio to keep the artists up to date or to learn a quick technique to deal with a problem or task at hand. Develop all your trade skills on your own at this point. If you want to invest into college any more, I would recommend a master’s degree in business or marketing. About 15-20 years from now, you’ll want that.

I thought your children’s book illustrations were pretty cool. You don’t have to be the best to get paying work. Can you generate enough money to get a subscription to one of the online tutorial sites? If not, just scourge the internet for character animation tutorials. YouTube seems to have a lot of information. Of course, rolling your sleeves up and just getting into the process will also teach you.

I’ve been in the business about 20 years and have moved up through the production ranks, into management and now looking further ahead. Right now you may be a bit short sighted (Looking to change mediums and get employed). Long term security, success and growth may not be built on “getting employed” but being able to generate business, finding and developing the work and leading others. By those means, you will be employing others, but ultimately, not relying on others to provide you with employment.

Good luck!

#8

I’m with xmxthellord, You can do lynda.com or digital tutors for pretty cheap, and If you put in the time You will learn as much as you need and more. I went to school for architecture. after I got out I started learning 3d with Lynda.com. I have been making a living with 3d ever since. Learning on your own isn’t for everyone, but If your really passionate about 3d It can be very efficient and cost effective. That being said keep researching programs. If you have a way to not go into too much debt and you find something you like go for it. But schooling is only as good as the effort you put into it.

good luck :slight_smile:

#9

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