Confused and Running out of time

[Forthekids]

I've known about CA for a few months now and I decided to join because I'm going nowhere on my own, and I honestly don't have a lot of time left to continue going nowhere.

I'm in the 11th grade going on 12th in a few weeks. I want to go to Calarts after graduation and major in character animation, but the problem is I don't know anything about anything. And I've been going off of random tips I've seen from random places after spending all my life drawing random cartoons, and it doesn't feel like I'm learning anything.

So I'm hoping that by joining here I could learn how to improve and actually get to were I want to go.

Its nice to meet all of you

[Star Eater]

Hi and Welcome

Taking part in the community and submitting your stuff for advice should
see you improving in no time. Just be sure to take the honest advice on
the chin and be prepared for a lot of intensive, but satisfying, work!

Most importantly, enjoy it.

[Elwell]

The CalArts Character Design Program is one of the most selective animation programs in the country. If you really "don't know anything about anything," I'd strongly suggest having several backup plans in place.

[Star Eater]

The CalArts Character Design Program is one of the most selective animation programs in the country. If you really "don't know anything about anything," I'd strongly suggest having several backup plans in place.

Interesting! Good to get some local perspective, I had
no idea at all...

[Forthekids]

Hi and Welcome

Taking part in the community and submitting your stuff for advice should
see you improving in no time. Just be sure to take the honest advice on
the chin and be prepared for a lot of intensive, but satisfying, work!

Most importantly, enjoy it.

Alright
I'm perfectly fine with people critiquing my work and having to do intensive studying. I'm willing to go through a lot to improve.

I'll try my best to enjoy all of it

Thank you

The CalArts Character Design Program is one of the most selective animation programs in the country. If you really "don't know anything about anything," I'd strongly suggest having several backup plans in place.

I know its very selective and takes a lot of knowing and dedication to get in and get through, and I am willing to get to that type of level.

I honestly haven't focused too much on backup plans (though I have a few) because I know what I want and I'm going try my best to get it.

[Star Eater]

Well it's always good to have backups when you are university
searching. It's just a standard and safe thing to do. Don't see
it as any kind of negative premonition, but rather as safeguarding
your future no matter what.

Having said that, go for it with everything you've got and best
of luck.

Nice avatar.

[Elwell]

All of this talk about dedication blah blah blah is academic until you show some work. Start a thread in the Sketchbooks or Critiques section.

[Forthekids]

Well it's always good to have backups when you are university
searching. It's just a standard and safe thing to do. Don't see
it as any kind of negative premonition, but rather as safeguarding
your future no matter what.

Having said that, go for it with everything you've got and best
of luck.

Nice avatar.

True :/ and Thank You

All of this talk about dedication blah blah blah is academic until you show some work. Start a thread in the Sketchbooks or Critiques section.

I'll be sure to do that soon, Thank You.

[SpaceJelly]

All of this talk about dedication blah blah blah is academic until you show some work. Start a thread in the Sketchbooks or Critiques section.

yep. Showing your work and getting feedback is the best way to improve. that and working your bo****ks off

Anyway, hello and welcome. I too know the perils of spending too much time drawing random cartoons. I spent most of my teenage years doing this and I'm trying to get back doing a wider range of art now.

My advice would be to get back down to the basics of drawing and build from there. This place is full of geat resources, so I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here.

Get posting and good luck!

[Arshes Nei]

All of this talk about dedication blah blah blah is academic until you show some work. Start a thread in the Sketchbooks or Critiques section.

Hell, even a blog!

Least having artwork out where someone can see helps! Show that you're drawing. Not "I feel like going to this really cool art college" and have no work to show.