going back to school & lookin for advice

#1

hello everyone, i juz signed up and this is my very first post.

i m trying to pick up a school that fits my situation best and lookin for advice. and below is sth about me.

i juz came to the US a month ago and i m registered in a community college with a f1 student visa.i used to work in china as a modeling/texture/lighting(as for junior level, we do not have clear field positions, when the deadline is coming up we use everybody to do everything) artist in a film company for 2 yrs.

i read some of the posts about picking schools and i understand that “is not about the school is about you” and i totally agrees that this industry is a lot different from the other, there are lot of useful tutorios online and you can always study on your own. But in my case, during my 2yr working time, i found out that i m lack of artistic and theoretical skills. The only education i got that is related to 3d film is a 8mo long training course i took in china. It was one of those courses that only teaches you how to use softwares to do the job but not the concept.

Therefore my current plan is to take general edu courses in a community school, improving my english and then transfer to an art school that offers a major that suits me. i have no traditional art background at all, i do not draw or do any other art in any forms. But i love movie,manga and animations.and during my 2yrs of work i did participate in 3 movie projects and 1 animation-movie project.

i m looking for a degree program that will guide me to become a better lighting artist in the 3d film industry and will help me to find a job. The tuition costs for private school and public school are no that much a different for an F1 visa international student, so i m considering whatever school that fits me better.

all comments are welcome and i will be really appreciated for all the advises. i m pretty new to this country and juz starting to research. and trust me everthing is expensive for a international student so i really wish i could pick the right school that worth it.

#2

come on guys…i really need advice…

#3

“Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.” -LOTR

That being said, since my children probably do not consider me wise, my advise certainly could be dangerous, but I think if you review most of the threads in this forum you will start to see a set of consistent common thoughts on education here, many that appear sound. MrPositive has recently answered a large block of posts with some really good suggestions. It might be good to search those and others out here in the forum. One issue of divided opinion that consistently comes up is that of traditional classes or online training. Only you can really answer what learning style suites you, but I suspect that there are certain requirements with your visa.

More specific to you here are two thoughts:

I think learning the basic underlying principles to lighting–both artistic and scientific-- is a good decision, along with sharpening your language skills. I know of many people that speak more then one language fluently and it usually has been a contributing factor in their success in many fields. Sometimes it has actually helped them find unexpected career paths and opportunities.

Also, when choosing a school, along with it’s curriculum also consider how that school will help build your contacts/networking within the industry you are pursuing.

Good luck

#4

i certainly understand the dangerous of advice but i also appreciate ppl who knos the dangerous and the possibility that one might be blamed but are still willing to give out advice. Tending to make decisions for others is dangerous but giving more information to ppl who needs it is a kind action.

thank you for reading my post patiently(i kno my english kills) and reply it. your advice is wise and helpful.

right now i m thinking about Ringling, SCAD,AAU, and might give a shot to calarts.
AAU(academy of art,San Francisco) seems to be a good choice for now because of the location and its connections(like you suggested) but the experienced AAU students seems to have very different attitude toward it. Like totally good or totally bad. Maybe is because of their major or other reasons.

Anyway i m trying to get more recent information and talk to ppl with my major to get a more objective view.

thank you again~ :slight_smile:

#5

hello, I currently planning to going to US for continuing my study. can I ask back because my current position is at where you before make the thread. and I very much think to ask like you did.

so can I ask how you gone through all of it till now?