To stay in a sub-par program or go general studies?

#1

I’m currently a junior in college at my state university. I want to be a 3D modeler, and majoring in the closest applicable major (as in, the only one with 3D modeling classes.)

However, I’m having second thoughts. The degree program I’m in is for film, and they’re still “trying to figure out” what kind of classes people like me want to take. This degree program used to be endorsed by Sony, but they backed out (for those of you who are curious, it was because a vital tax incentive that was keeping them at my university was taken away). Worst, nearly of my classes either relate to filmmaking or post-modernist art.

Even some of my instructors have outright told me that my portfolio will matter much more then my degree, and that has me thinking. I don’t want to stay in my major anymore, but I still want to 3D modeling. I have access to (and have been using) resources like Lynda, and I do practice regularly. Quite frankly, by the end of the semester, I’ll have learned everything that relates to what I want to do. On a broader scale, I am studying computer science as a minor, so if things don’t work out with CG, I won’t be completely out of luck, career wise.

So is it viable to try and go out on my own, or should I stick it out for the sake of having the name of that program stuck onto my degree?

#2

So is it viable to try and go out on my own, or should I stick it out for the sake of
having the name of that program stuck onto my degree?

i attended a fashion school that had a small 3d program for 2 years, which wasn’t even focused in 3d…it included web design and film making…so you graduate with a very general range of skills.

i took advantage of everything my school had offer, library access to what i wanted, bought software with student discounts, training dvds were also available from professors and classmates willing to share…i got a part time job as a school tutor for cg related programs. i also found my first job at the schools job forums by referral from a classmate.

point is, make use of what you have while you have it…make it work to your advantage as best you can. don’t just stay for the sake of staying…with that attitude, you’re just wasting your time…don’t half ass anything. it’s good that you have a back up plan but that’s all that it should be, a back up. your primary focus should get all your attention.

in my case…even before i started school, i was already learning on my own…i’ll add to what your instructor said.

-it’s your reel that gets you that initial interview
-then your personality and communication skills (job experience / if available) gets you hired
-then your ability to function in a team/professional environment will keep you employed

Quite frankly, by the end of the semester, I’ll have learned everything that relates to what I want to do.

you’ve learned everything a tutorial site has to offer. great. you and everyone else in your field has done the same. now it’s time to apply that knowledge and develop your own style to separate yourself from the crowd. get some exposure early on.

if you’re into modeling, i’d look into zbrush forums and sketching anatomy or even concept art…lots of that around here, participate in them and expand your skills. you’ll see who you’re up against and areas you can improve on. it’s the same learning process but this time around, it’s all about being able to generate your own style and getting feedback/exposure from your peers.

all this is easier said than done, it all depends on your desire to succeed. the fact that you enjoy doing it really helps with the whole process, the rest is a matter of discipline. good luck!