I'm wondering where exactly I should go to study.

[Zurginator]

Hello, I've been working and studying independently for the past 3-4 years when it comes to digital art. I've grown leaps and bounds beyond where I've been in the past, however I feel I'm reaching a point where I can no longer learn what I wish to, without proper instruction.

I was originally planning on going to Feng Zu Design School, however I ran across a few posts here saying they did not recommend this to US students. I am thus wondering where would be a recommended place to study? Money is a concern, as I only have a part time job (looking for a second though). I am willing to save, if it means going to a better school, but I would prefer it be a reasonable number (I had calculated ~$53k for FZD, and that's honestly where I would like to max my budget).

Thanks for any help, I'll check back after work.

[saprissa9]

I don't recommend FZD just because I heard they separate students in groups. They keep the good ones in one side and the "bad" ones on the other side. I've been thinking about going myself but since I am a complete beginner they would probably put me on the "bad" side of the class. To be honest with you people need to do a little bit of research before they come here to ask questions. I am guessing that going to California and study at Concept Design Academy, Red Engine, Kazone Art, LAAFA would be a whole lot cheaper than going to Singapore (just guessing). I think LAAFA is going to offer their entertainment track online in case you want to stay home. But if you want instruction face to face any of those schools in Cali are good!

[Zurginator]

Yeah, I'm doing some research on my own, but I figured getting some opinions would be a plus. I've looked a Full Sail, the Art Institute of Atlanta, Savannah College of Art and Design, and a few others. Most are actually more expensive than FZD, and all have varying opinions on whether or not they are a good idea to attend. That's why I came here, to see what everyone here thinks.

To be honest, split classrooms don't bother me. I already have a good handle on perspective, color, shading, texture, etc.... It's just not completely there yet.

[bodied]

I'd stay away from any Art Institutes. Exactly what do you want to do with digital art - concept art, graphic design, illustration? I can tell you that SCAD hands out lots of scholarships if you have good grades and a decent portfolio.

[Zurginator]

I'm looking at concept art. My problem with SCAD is the fact that I royally screwed up my freshman year, and have been trying to pull my GPA up ever since. Chances of me getting in with my current 2.2 is probably rather slim.

[saprissa9]

Yeah I see what you're saying. Look for a school in Cali. For concept art Cali is where is at.

[Zurginator]

May I ask why Cali is "where it's at"?

I'm sure you can understand me not wanting to blindly go in on this, especially with how expensive it would be to live there.

Edit: did some looking on my own, and see there seem to be quite a few job options there. I'm assuming they prefer to hire in-state graduates?

[Medelo]

SoCal has an abundance of workshops and classes from industry professionals where you can mix and match courses to suit your own needs. You also have the benefit of being in a place where you can get not only art foundation classes but also concept art and entertainment design classes in the same general area. There's literally everything here from classical ateliers (Adrian Gottlieb for example) to workshops from all sorts of professionals like Charlie wen, Jordu Schell, Nathan Fowkes, etc. It's just super convenient to find advice, help,and tutelage here. Having game, animation and film companies everywhere also doesn't hurt.

Edit: One more advantage -- if you know where to look, there is a very generous abundance of free and/or very cheap figure drawing here.

[bodied]

I didn't want to do online classes, so I didn't do much research on it, but it possible that you could check out TAD (ConceptArt's own online school) http://www.theartdepartment.org/

Gnomon DVDs are also usually recommended http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/ this is more on the self-learning side, but Gnomon itself has a school in Los Angeles as well as online portions. It's also a lot cheaper than other schools but I hear it's kind of competitive to get in.

[saprissa9]

Medelo pretty much said everything. That's the place for concept art AND traditional drawing.
Edit: If you are considering online classes then I suggest CGMA. I didn't have a good experience with the other online schools.

[kysg]

May I ask why Cali is "where it's at"?

I'm sure you can understand me not wanting to blindly go in on this, especially with how expensive it would be to live there.

Edit: did some looking on my own, and see there seem to be quite a few job options there. I'm assuming they prefer to hire in-state graduates?

Nope the studios pick the best and the brightest period.

cali is expensive, you may have to share a room with somebody if you don't want to do that, you may live in hollywood or downtown/Eagle rock and all that other stuff. If you don't want to live swoop in for the summer and swoop out.

oh yea I don't think we have a sticky for studios and stuff around the globe, be nice if we did.

[Zurginator]

Thanks everyone. After looking around, Gnomon really looks like my best bet (assuming I can get in). My plan atm is to purchase online access and use that to build a solid portfolio (while I save up money).