Fork in the road... problem=[

[vivid-silence]

hi, ive been a lurker here for quite a while now and i just thought id sign up and get more involved.

Anyway to cut a long story short. im currently 20 and attending the school of visual arts here in New York city. Im sophomore in the Computer Art department concentrating on 3d animation. However, i've been drawing for quite a while and have been slowly changing my goals to become a concept artist after college.

There are doubts in my head from time to time debating whether or not if this is a wise route to take Do you think i should continue with my current path of doing 3d animation while also pursuing my endeavours of becoming a conceptual illustrator after college? OR do you think its wise to focus on 3d for now.. secure a job in that department, and as a lifetime goal continue do painting and drawing?

Any input would be most appreciated.

[EruditeBadger]

I think as an artist you will ALWAYS be a student of something or the other. I think 3d skills can be important. You better understand where the concept art is going to go and can keep that in mind as you are doing your concepts. Understanding the process is always a good thing. Not to mention 3d skills can get you in the door at various companies and help you on the road to the concept artist.

If you don't think you're getting enough skill in the other than I would suggest picking up supplemental education either through SVA or elsewhere.

[Storyboard Dave]

However, i've been drawing for quite a while and have been slowly changing my goals to become a concept artist after college.

Ask the concept guys who are doing it for a living. They draw first and foremost. Having some 3D knowledge is wonderful but they get paid to think and draw first. It's almost two different career paths you're looking at here. If you really want to go down the route of concept artist, I would go hardcore to more drawing & painting to develop your eye. Having those 3D computer skills will just enhance your drawing abilities, but you've got to be able to see if first before you can tell the machine what to render.

Remember that a computer is only as talented as its operator.

Good luck.

[Saturns Gate]

Exactly, its always a safe bet to learn what you can because at the end of the day you never know where you might have an opportunity to land a job. Some companies take on concept artists as just that, artists. While other places like Valve prefer you can be multi talented.

[Homeless Foxman]

The 3D skills can be very important even for a concept artist. You'll get to know more what the animators want from you, like no EXTREMELY tiny details and those things. And also, the 3D concept artist field is in decently high demand right now. If you look at a lot of video game companies, that's something many of them are looking for. I'd say stick to it, while taking some 2D classes in the fray.