Joining TAD, workshops, and age: dilemma

[Dan_Grr]

If you join TAD for 2011, it's said you have one workshop included with your tuition. Would it be possible to attend only the last workshop, or does it have to be the first one?

Going to the US, on purpose, for 3 weeks, with all expenses on my end, it's very difficult. What do you lose by not joining a workshop? It's 3 weeks after all... will anyone not attending be at a disadvantage when starting or continuing the regular TAD classes?

And finally, something that has haunted me for some time. As I'm nearing 30, I feel like an old fart with other students I see on the forum. Kids with 20 years old, that did, 2 years ago (with 18), work that I can't even do now with 3 decades really gets me discouraged and makes me ask what am I doing here or if it's even worth pursuing anything art related, especially in these economic times where my country is nearing bankrupt. I don't even have a wacom or anything, I just draw with a H Staedtler mechanical pencil and buy recycled paper for printers to draw on, or use back of used sheets for that.

I've been drawing 1 hour every day since 2006... it's just not enough, but I need to cope with real life as well so I draw the 1 hour line as a compromise. How am I going to catch up with someone who is better than me and 10 to 15 years younger?

I feel I'm not only at a disadvantage of age, practice, and lacking skills, and also not being able to fully go through the TAD experience. Maybe I'll be able to open an exception and go to a workshop on FALL 2011, if I join TAD, as I probably won't be embarrassed by my skills by then and I'll have more to gain in feedback.

[Jason Manley]

Great questions. You can go to any you choose and are able.

There is no disadvantage. We cover the same information in class online. It is just an added option for students who want hands on time with the faculty and cannot attend the PODs. Less than half the TAD students will attend the workshops over time. We are also going to offer certain portions of the workshop program to the online students so they can get a boost while they wait for classes to start.

Van Gogh started at 32. You are fine and your age brings considerable advantage as you have an understanding for things like time management, and will take the program very seriously. All TAD students are serious but the maturity will help you go a long way. You can be where you need to be, and hope to be in less than three years if you work hard. Nothing wrong with having your dream career in your mid thirties. Most do not take that brave step and end up frustrated they did not do it sooner. You have plenty of time and we are happy to help you. There are a number of older TAD students so you are aware.

Drop Scott a line if you like. He is at infoATtheartdepartment.org and he can assist you directly there too.


I hope to see you in class.


Jason

[Mr.Pryminista]

So good to be reading this. I've been through age insecurities routine myself (and I'm only 26), but I'm over that now and hearing you talk about the other advantages that come with being older is really good to hear. It really is just a matter of knowing how to reframe the situation you're in.

[Thyname]

I started art and tad when I was 23. I know that is a few years younger than your case but I am glad I am going to school now.

I didn't take school seriously my first time around and now I take my dreams and my goals very seriously. I know it took awhile to get to this point, but I feel as if my age has helped me.

Everything Jason said is spot on. It doesn't matter what your age is. What matters is your look on life and your attitude. The sky is the limit.

cya soon. Good luck
-Evan

[Mray]

I'm 34, better late than never -- starting in Feb!

[Craz]

I don't see how your age matters at all, unless you think you're a few years away from your life expectancy. Seems like it's a complete non-factor to me.

[J Love]

Age isn't an issue unless you make it one. I am 32 now, and didn't start my art education until I was 30 at the Illustration Academy. The real question you should be asking yourself is how much longer you are willing to wait until you make this tough choice - to pursue your dreams and believe in yourself and your ability to create the sort of life you desire, or to spend the next 5, 10, 15, or 30 years debating with yourself about whether or not you should do it. Life is too short to sit on the fence. If you commit yourself to it, you can do it. Ask yourself if being an artist is truly what you want, and if the answer is yes, then make the leap and persevere.

[Dan_Grr]

I just made a bank transfer for the whole 5 semesters. I'm both reasonably happy and anxious at the same time... I have very little money left to live (with the help of leeching it off of my father as well), and I still need to buy a wacom, and other supplies in the near future.

I'm still not sure to choose Drawing&Painting or 2d Entertainment Design after Foundations, the digital world may or may not be for me, and on the other hand, I don't think I'd like spending hours doing cast drawing, I like to draw fast.

[Dan_Grr]

What materials (charcoal, wacom tablet, software) would we need for the first semester?

[Jason Manley]

Dan there is time for you to decide. That is what the foundations period is for.

I am happy to be working with you. You are bringing the right attitude and effort and we will be helping you every step of the way.

The materials list will be sent to you shortly.

a. photoshop
b. laptop
c. wacom (9x12) you can get this on ebay (even an older intuos 1 or intuos 2 is fine)
d. the traditional tools in the list. Pencils, erasers, sketchbooks, charcoal, pastels (see list), ink and pen, and a handful of other things. Please email sashaATtheartdepartment.org if you have not received your student packet with the materials list and she will help you directly.


Jason

[Dan_Grr]

I did receive a pdf with a list of materials from Sasha, I was just thinking if all of those you listed are going to be needed for the first semester (if everyone of them, or just pencil, paper and more traditional media).

[knoxie]

Dan, just to let you know, I've just been through the first semester of TAD and I just had my 28th birthday. :D

You are going to love every second of it. The young guys are just as passionate and serious as us "old guys" bahahha.

[wakethedevil]

I am 31 and i live in Malaysia. I am 2nd year at the One Academy and comtemplating migrating just to attend TAD. When i first started out i had the same concerns as you did, but the real question is not how old you are but how serious you are. Your not trying to be an athlete your shelf life will be indefinite.

[Iristhevirus]

You guys are awesome for your outlooks on life. I wish you all the best and hope you never stop thinking about what will really make you happy and going for it! Good luck at TAD! :)