School Advice

[Kortez]

Hi,

I'm just seeking information regarding Art Schools in the US and also, any information on International Student Programs would be greatly appreciated.

Thing is, I've always been interested in art. Comics when I was younger, and now more recently, concept art and computer art seem to impress me, along with some special fx art-work.

I imagine the perfect job as working on concept art for a computer game, even character design for that matter.

I'm 17 years old now and because the school system here in Iceland differs from the US system, I'll finish college when I'm 20. I'm going to spend the next 2 1/2 years improving my drawing and english, although I have lived in Britain and english isn't really a problem.

But I'm just wondering if the International Student Program is a must, even though you could easily pass the TOEFL ?

And what schools do you consider the most "suitable" for me. I want to do concept art and "3d artist" doesn't really interest me all that much, at least not as a full time job. I've been reading and at first SVA seemed like the best choice (I've read both Burne Hogarth's stuff as well as Will Eisner's books on sequential art). But now more recently the dream that once was SVA has faded, and Ringling and Art Center seem to be the most prominent if you catch my drift.

So what should I do, Illustration, Computer Art or even something else? And where should I study?

I know you might think that I'm hastening, I've got 2 1/2 years to make these decisions. But I really want to be well prepared.

Any feedback is more than welcome.

Thanks a bunch in advance,
Hlynur Hallgrímsson

[goldenavatar]

Most schools in the US will require you to take the toefl if you're an international student. The only alternative is to gain resident status in the US, and frankly, since Sept/11 you're better off as an international student. If you're looking for a school to apply to, try going to Embark.com, now princetonreview.com. They've got some pretty good source info that helps give you some BASELINE information on schools with the programs of interest to you before you request info from them. And you'll be able to get in touch with the admissions and international students office easily.

As far as WHAT you should study specifically, someone else will have to help you with that one.

[Kortez]

Ok, thanks for the info. I'll check that out. :)