Ringling College of Art and Design 2013 Hopefuls

[MangMang]

List out the benefits of going to school here, what do you think they are?

Quality of their education. It's very well-rounded, especially for animation. A lot of schools want you to focus on 2D or 3D, but rarely teach both in the same program. Ringling's curriculum seems to have more bang for the buck.

What is it about your chosen major that really interests you?

I love having the power to bring my mental scenarios to life. It's awesome. Though, I'm at a stand still, sort of. I love to animate, but I seem to enjoy 3D modelling and character design more. Ideally, I'd want to get into 3D modeling and would absolutely LOVE to be bad ass enough to design characters for video games. I have not touched on environments...nor do I have a whole lot of experience with animation. Maybe if I learned more about rigging, I'd enjoy 3d animation more. 2D is where it's at, in my opinion. I think you have more control and can put more emotion into your drawings for 2D than with tweening in 3D. BUT I could be wrong, I have not had a lot of experience... I have dabbled in 3D animation, but something awful happened when trying to animate my character - the geometry would screw up and deform EVEN AFTER I added paint weights. GRRR. The problem with going to a community college is they only have so many classes, and by the time I got into Maya 2 for this project, I knew just about as much as my instructor did. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my animation instructor, but holy wow it is frustrating when you have this awesome story board and you cant wait to animate it to show everyone how it plays in your head, just for Maya to be a total mysterious bitch. I never got to animate my character....After days of searching tutorials online, and even looking through books, I NEVER figured out what the hell happened with my character. Going to an actual animation school would be awesome. I bet my instructor there would know what to do almost immediately. O.O

Do you have a feeling towards what you want to do already, if so what? I guess I already mentioned that. Based on my knowledge, I'd rather get into 3D modeling and character design and concept art than actually animate. But I have no idea. My experience with 3D animation was sort of a pain, because my instructor lacked the knowledge to provide a decent education. My classes were basically "buy this book and teach yourself through a butt load of tutorials instead of me actually teaching you. If you have questions, look up even more tutorials". O.O FRUSTRATING. I love animation, don't get me wrong...I would like to learn more about 3D animation so I can successfully produce shorts without getting headaches all the time. Maya....she does what she wants sometimes, and there is no reason for it. >.< I've always dreamed of designing characters for video games. I think animating characters for video games would be freaking awesome. In my experience, characters in video games are easier to get emotionally attached to. That would be SO cool if I designed a character for a new RPG or something that fans admired. hell yeah. But I also adore my cartoons, and always have! Character design for feature films would kick ass, too. Either way, I absolutely love 3D modeling. So fun. XD I love it all, though... Yep. It is hard to decide. That's why I thought Ringling's CA program would have what I am looking for. Their CA curriculum sounds like it covers everything from story boarding and concept art, to 3d modeling and animation.

What will you do if you don't get into Ringling or choose not to come here?

Have any of you guys heard anything about Animation Mentor? I'm looking into them. Their program is one and a half years. I am thinking that if worse comes to worse, and I don't get into Ringling this year, I could enroll with AM and finish their program in the time it takes Ringling's application process to finalize, and still have about a month before classes start next fall.

If I don't get in, I know I don't want to spend the year just waiting for my next opportunity to apply. I want to still work towards something. Hell, if I decide on this AM business, I could essentially get an animation degree under my belt, and then try to get into GAD at Ringling next year.

It'd just be convenient, because I would not have to move anywhere. There are not a whole lot of schools here in Colorado that focus on the entertainment industry. It's all...graphic design-based. Ughhh....I find graphic design suuuuper boring. So that leaves me with an online school...

What is your backup plan if you don't end up pursuing your dream major?

I refuse to give up, man. But I guess if I had to, I would get into the veterinary field, or maybe just...be a receptionist. Or maybe get into dermatology. But SCREW THAT, I'll be chasing my dreams until I die, I think. If I am ever forced to choose a different major, I would still do whatever I could to incorporate art into my life. Maybe market myself as a caricature artist or something (I do that for a company on the side right now, but it would probably bring in more business if I advertised on my own)...I also really enjoy face painting, I'd continue to do that, for as long as I could. Hmmm.....there is always freelancing, too. Just spend my time building up a decent concept art portfolio or something and wing it in California. There are a lot of companies that are willing to telecommute. Who knows...

What is a subject you have struggled most with in school?

Algebra. I don't mind mathematics, until it reaches a point in which I cannot see the value of learning it anymore. Math gets to a point where I question HOW it will ever assist me in life, and when I can't answer that, then I lose interest and focus on it. Screw you, algebra...no one wants to look at your parabolas.

[themegagod]

What will you do if you don't get into Ringling or choose not to come here?

Have any of you guys heard anything about Animation Mentor? I'm looking into them. Their program is one and a half years. I am thinking that if worse comes to worse, and I don't get into Ringling this year, I could enroll with AM and finish their program in the time it takes Ringling's application process to finalize, and still have about a month before classes start next fall.

If I don't get in, I know I don't want to spend the year just waiting for my next opportunity to apply. I want to still work towards something. Hell, if I decide on this AM business, I could essentially get an animation degree under my belt, and then try to get into GAD at Ringling next year.

It'd just be convenient, because I would not have to move anywhere. There are not a whole lot of schools here in Colorado that focus on the entertainment industry. It's all...graphic design-based. Ughhh....I find graphic design suuuuper boring. So that leaves me with an online school...

What is a subject you have struggled most with in school?

Algebra. I don't mind mathematics, until it reaches a point in which I cannot see the value of learning it anymore. Math gets to a point where I question HOW it will ever assist me in life, and when I can't answer that, then I lose interest and focus on it. Screw you, algebra...no one wants to look at your parabolas.

I've looked a bit into Animation mentor, and I was thinking of doing the same thing you say you might- I think if anything I may go to animation mentor after I graduate GAD. It seems like a good education for those whose want just an education in animation-nothing else. I figure if I still want to play around with animation, or pursue it, animation mentor, will be able to fill in the gaps GAD has left me with as far as digital animation alone is concerned. I'd have a lot to learn, not saying I could compete against CA majors, lol, but from what I've read about it, animation mentor is really good at teaching you how to make a 3-d character move.
I wouldn't do like animation mentor seems to advertise, just use their education to get a job as an animator. It seems like a REALLY good additional education, like an animation crash course, but I doubt it is worthy for most as a stand alone art education. But there are some who get jobs with animation mentor alone- so I'm just speaking for my own personal choice.

Though is a bit useless, as far as algebra is concerned, try to think of it as a puzzle- where all you have to do is plug in the right pieces to get the answer. I also think it is mostly useless, but it gets easier for me to think of it as a really un fun game. Calculus is a ball of fun if you don't like algebra. oh so much fun. And this is sarcasm, just so that you know. lots of sarcasm. I've been pretty good at math, but I'm not a fan of math.

[WaterVase17]

List out the benefits of going to school here, what do you think they are?
I think everyone already said what I want to say for this question, but another good thing about Ringling is that every students are dedicated to work hard.

What is it about your chosen major that really interests you?

I always been interested in animation and storytelling. I don't exactly what I like about the major since I haven't study it yet, all I know is that I want to tell story and bring life to my imagination. Like most people said, it is fun to be able to show people what's going on in your mind. To me drawing isn't enough, even a realistic drawing still feel like is missing something (don't get me wrong, I love drawing, painting and all that) but I want to do more than just drawing, I guess what I'm trying to say is I want to create a world, create character and give it a personality, characteristics and a background story. I guess it's because I didnt have much friends when I was little, in fact I only had a friend or two, but they live faraway. Everyday after school, I would read manga or watch anime other than hang out with friends. Most people wouldnt play with me b/c I guess I didnt fit in. So I created a strong bond between me and the anime/imagination world. Watch anime or read manga always cheer me on and make me feel like im not alone. Main reason why I want to study animation is because I have a goal to accomplish. I also love realistic film over 3d animation, dont get me wrong I love 3d animated film too, but I like realistic animation and VFX just a bit more. (like the video I posted on the other day) That is the kind of animation I want to do.

Do you have a feeling towards what you want to do already, if so what?

comment above ^

What will you do if you don't get into Ringling or choose not to come here?

Like I said in the earlier post, I'm currently studying at a community college and it's been 2 years here already. I can't waste anymore time at a community college (not that I dont like my current school, I love it here but you know you cant stay there forever). I need to move on, even my professor said I should move on. I also applied to SVA, Montclair and I'm thinking to apply to SCAD (well if it's not too late that is, I havent check their deadline yet), but if god forbid then well I guess I will go to SVA. I havent hear back from SVA yet, they said they will notice me in about 2-4 weeks.

What is your backup plan if you don't end up pursuing your dream major?

I kind have 2 dreams, I talked about it in the comment above that I have a goal to accomplish (in the comment above). My goal is that I want to create my own anime show. I been writing about the story and hoping someday to turn it into an anime show. My other goal is that I want to work for either a game or film company doing either storyboard, concept art or character design. Well if none of them work then I guess I will go to Japan and study to be a Mangaka, studying manga can also help me accomplish dream one.

What is a subject you have struggled most with in school?

History, not because I don't like history, but like im not good with remembering names and dates. I can remember an event but I wouldnt be able to tell you exact date. I love math and science. I would study Forensic Science but like I said im not good with remembering things. Remembering formulas would be very difficult.

[WaterVase17]

Oh btw anyone knows ringling offer sculpture for animation majors? What I mean to ask is I visited AAU and they have a course for animation major to study sculptures. I ask this is because I love to do sculpture as well.

[themegagod]

Oh btw anyone knows ringling offer sculpture for animation majors? What I mean to ask is I visited AAU and they have a course for animation major to study sculptures. I ask this is because I love to do sculpture as well.

I'm not sure if it is a separate class, but I know for a fact that you will be doing sculpture. I believe it's a part of both ILL and CA's core program (freshman year).

During the open house, we walked through a hallway filled with figure sculptures. these were done I believe in a class called 3-d design. as I said before my memory for exact names of things could be better, but it was 3d something- and its one of the foundation classes.

GADs do sculpture work too, but theirs, from what I understand, its more in the classes dealing with toy and chess piece design. I think they do eventually do figure sculpture work if I heard right, or have the choice of doing figure sculpture work, but I think in foundation, theirs is more design based.

But, yeah there will be sculpture done, but I'm not sure if it's so much a separate class as it is part of another class.

Q: In (if you go) FEWs can you use sculpture if you are comfortable in that medium? just curious since I brought up figure sculptures.

[escaphilia]

List out the benefits of going to school here, what do you think they are?

I’d have to echo what everyone else has said on this one. I discovered Ringling quite some years ago, and although at the time I didn’t think I’d pursue a career in the arts the school stuck with me. From everything I’ve seen Ringling produces some of the best work and seems to have a huge focus on storytelling and marketability. Like already mentioned, I thought the student films were bar none. In a more personal facet, I wanted to stick to southern areas and while I also looked into Calarts, Ringling had more of an appeal to me; aesthetically and with the quality of education, especially with the animation department.

What is it about your chosen major that really interests you?

I love that Ringling has a focus on the whole gamut of animation; from 2d and 3d. I grew up with a lot of the Disney classics - Lion King, Aladdin, Fox and the Hound, Beauty and the Beast…in fact; the first movie I ever saw in the theater was the Little Mermaid. After seeing it my family went out to Red Lobster and I burst into tears when my dad ordered the flounder lol. I even had Little Mermaid curtains, bedspread, toys, etc and then soon I transitioned to Beauty and the Beast and so on. Needless to say, I have a love affair with animation even to this day and I love all kinds – stop motion (Mary and Max still makes me cry), traditional and digital animation, etc. To be able to do that - captivate audiences with stories (in any format) is incomparable in my opinion.

Do you have a feeling towards what you want to do already, if so what?

Yes, indeedy! My short term goal is to be able to stop freelance work and be able to live off the merit of my creativity. Don’t get me wrong, I am undeniably blessed to be able to work from home and enjoy what I’m doing, but I want to tell my own stories. With the skill set I have now I don’t think I could give any of them justice, but as I learn various skills I want to start self-publishing some things. As I attend school I plan to seek publication for my written works and not just the stuff that needs artwork attached to it. Other than art, my secondary passion is writing.
My long term goal, assuming that I actually can start generating profit off of my own work is one day open a small studio that features animation, games, and other odds and ends. Of course, it may very well be a pipe dream, but I’d like it to be very indie oriented and have some part of it be philanthropy based. For example, 10% of a film’s gross would go to a specific cause, or having a small section of the building be classrooms for youth that want to go into the arts. Obviously that’s like a thousand years in the future kind of goal, but hey a girl can dream lol

What will you do if you don't get into Ringling or choose not to come here?

Fetal position + floor = my reaction. lol Jk
If I didn’t get into the CA program I would aim for the GAD or Illustration program in that order. If I didn’t get into the school at all, as unfortunate as that is – I would just try again next year. In the meantime I’d work on my current skills, maybe take a few classes here and there; that sort of thing, but I would definitely try again.

What is your backup plan if you don't end up pursuing your dream major?

For me personally, it’s not really a question of not pursuing my life goals. I’ve seen the alternative and I didn’t like it, so no matter how much I have to roll up my sleeves and work on it – I’m confident in getting what I want out of life. Maybe that sounds arrogant or naïve, but I honestly would be happier making less money doing what I love than being wealthy and unhappy. Being unhappy with what you’re doing sucks, I don’t want that for myself again.

What is a subject you have struggled most with in school?

Math!

I have dyscalculia, not even sure if that’s spelled right but it’s basically dyslexia with numbers. I’m actually proficient with writing, though occasionally I can accidentally put the wrong word or get words backwards, but primarily most of my problems lies with numbers. Like, I not only get numbers backwards but I can’t visualize them and I pretty much fail at anything over basic math. Sometimes I can’t even add/subtract the basic stuff correctly. It’s like my brain KNOWS that something isn’t right, but I can’t get from point A to B.

Anyway, math, algebra, and anything else math related was absolutely horrid for me. Other than having a bit of an attendance / authority problem, I did just fine with every other subject. In fact, I’m a bit of a nerd actually lol

[anomalexie]

List out the benefits of going to school here, what do you think they are?
Out of all the schools I've looked at or considered seriously, Ringling students produce the highest quality of animation work and most finished pieces. I was discussing this with my animation teacher who has a preference for SCAD and she agrees but she liked that SCAD kinda lets you do your own thing and gives you more scholarships and she was really concerned about Ringling being accredited, even though it is, but yknow. I've gone through a lot of animation shorts from a ton of other schools and very little had the quality most Ringling videos had. OR the ones that almost did, specifically from SCAD, were made by students with masters. CalArts did really well in 2D and story, so I mean it's not like Ringling is the best best best. I know it's got its weak spots, I just think it's pretty well rounded for the quality they produce. I don't want to go through a masters to be able to get the education Ringling offers in four years. Plus I really love that it's a small school, it's relatively close to home for me, there are a lot of Florida scholarship programs that can help me out, so I really believe this is the best choice for me. I've heard lots of great things about the program, lots of sacrifices obviously but I'm willing to sacrifice it for a program that's worth it.

What is it about your chosen major that really interests you?
I think its that cliche idea everyone says about animation: bringing a character and story to life for others to see, evoking emotion in your viewers and your character. Bringing a 2D idea to 3D I think it adds a whole new level of creativity and there's a lot you can do in 3D just like there's a lot you can do in 2D, but 3D speaks to me more on a creative and cinematic level. It's just a medium where I personally think, making changes is easier, like lighting and camera angles, and allows for more flexibility. I also really like the versatility of the major, being able to go to film or television or gaming. I feel like I'll be able to gain a lot of experience if I try to do at least one project in all these fields.

What is your backup plan if you don't end up pursuing your dream major?
Software Engineering/Computer Programming with a minor in art or something. I'm currently interested in app making so hopefully that will help spark an interest in other projects like websites and such. But I'll probably reapply with a new portfolio if I don't make it in this year.

What is a subject you have struggled most with in school?
Science. Chemistry, Biology and such were always my weakest grades. It's just kind of difficult for me to understand something that seems limitless and I don't really know how to explain it. Maybe I'm just stubborn or not willing to understand it, but I just find it to be a little bit ridiculous. I really do appreciate all that science has done for us and I'm always in constant awe at the things scientists discover and create for us, but chemistry is the only class that I've ever done atrociously in. I barely passed with a 60 for the semester, even though I retook it online over the summer for a "forgiveness" grade and worked my ass off for an A and finished the course 3 weeks early. I understood physics majority of the time, its formulas and concepts that are straightforward. Genetics was interesting even though I didn't do spectacularly. It's funny that my sister loves science and hopefully I'll be doing art so we'll be in completely different fields.


> also has anyone heard from admissions lately?

[WaterVase17]

@themegod I was thinking to be a sculptor that work along side with animators. I submitted 2 sculptures work in my portfolio.

[WaterVase17]

This is one of the pieces in my portfolio.

[themegagod]

I'm a Florida resident already, I just gotta find a place to live near Ringling that isn't too shabby or expensive ;x Isn't Tampa far from Sarasota? How long is your commute gonna be? Dimg]http://www.itrainnow.info/1.jpg[/img]

I'm assuming that's me you are talking about, since I am, as far as i know the only one in Tampa, and I can tell you, I'm not planning on staying in Tampa. I'm looking to relocate to Sarasota, or at least south bradenton. I can't see the 12k a year dorming being affordable, yet, traveling any further than 20 minutes a day driving would be a bit too much- especially if I may eventually be dealing with minimal sleep. I there may be nights where I simply sleep in the car- but a communte from Tampa- I think that is impossible.
I'm even contemplating the bad neighborhood of sarasota, Newtown, but dealing with a drug dealer with minimal sleep isn't much fun either, XD.

[anomalexie]

I've been checking out places around the school. The farthest I plan to go is 10-15 minutes, but I'd have a car. Most places are between $700-$900 a month for a room, but if you room with someone obviously costs go down, but less space, idk. I figure I do a semester at ringling, make some friends and then room with people I find I can live with off campus

[themegagod]

I've been checking out places around the school. The farthest I plan to go is 10-15 minutes, but I'd have a car. Most places are between $700-$900 a month for a room, but if you room with someone obviously costs go down, but less space, idk. I figure I do a semester at ringling, make some friends and then room with people I find I can live with off campus

Same sort of idea, but I figure If I buy a "fixer-uper" in a buyers market, with room enough for at least myself and my mom, for under 50K- roughly the 12k over 4 years- and while going to college, fix the house up- after graduation, if I can sell it at an up market cost, or use it as a rental property, and help out future students it should pay for itself.
It is going to be hard, and if I buy wrong, I'm stuck with a debt rather than an asset- but if I do it right, it can technically be like living for free.

[anomalexie]

That's a cool idea, but you're gonna have to renovate it a lot and maintain it a lot. That might end up taking up a lot of time and money :/ unless you're okay with that, then thats cool xD

[KellyDKim]

@kelly: If you do go the "boring old major" route, what would you study? There are a lot of boring majors out there to choose from, lol.
You must be a really compassionate person, being so worried about burdening your family, and that is very admirable. Hopefully you can find a way to both pursue your dreams and not be a burden, whether it is in Ringling or else where, because as I've heard for years, "If you can find a way to do what you love- and be persistent with it- you will find success."
Out of curiosity- if money were no choosing point- as though you were independently wealthy (let's say you won a massive lottery or something) what would you want to study if the pay from the job at the end of the road didn't matter?

I have no idea what I would do. Probably do the whole psychology thing or something. I would like to say that I'm intelligent enough but I don't know. I would have to go in undecided and go from there.

If I had unlimited amount of money, I would definitely study everything. I don't think I would ever quit school. I love school and I love the idea of specializing myself. I would choose fine arts if I had to choose one specific one. I find it really interesting and it's what got me first interested in art. For other people I feel like it was more of manga or an animation movie but I only started art in sophomore year so I started off with Fine Arts that I learned for AP. It would be a hard choice between animation though because even though mostly is because of the money, I have become very attached to the idea of me becoming an animator and learning the process and all that comes with being part of the art field. I don't know, big dreams~~

Do you think that if you had unlimited amount of money you would still choose Ringling and GAD?

[themegagod]

Do you think that if you had unlimited amount of money you would still choose Ringling and GAD?

I think even with unlimited income, If I had to choose only one area to study, I would choose the path I am going down.
AS I state in my response to Lectrices questions, Games are a major part of my life, and it is only after much introspection that I have decided this path.

When thinking about school, I came to the conclusion that with the economy the way it is, next to nothing is guaranteed, and nothing is actually a secure career path. This meant no matter what I studied, It may count for nothing as far as what a job is concerned. So when choosing GAD I decided on choosing a program of study where I was purchasing the education, not the job at the end of the road. I figure the skills that a GAD gains, are skills I want to have whether it is for work or just for personal gain.

I think the only difference with the unlimited income, like you say, is that I would never stop going to school. Even without unlimited income I may still try to keep going to school, I plan to pretty much be a professional student. No idea how this can be affordable, but I love learning.

[MangMang]

Heeeyyy guuuyyyyssss! I stumbled upon this online animation school, too. Has anyone heard about it? http://www.ianimate.net/

In case I don't get into Ringling this year, I might just get a degree in animation through a different college and then reapply to Ringling's GAD program, since I can't seem to make up my mind. I like animation AND character design/3D modeling...May as well study both.

[themegagod]

@mangmang: I've yet to hear about this school, but it does sound really promising. At 2000 dollars per 14 weeks it isn't all that expensive an education, and it also seems to be a pretty good education. Their feature animation course looks to be about 2 years, long, but their animation for games is not even half as long. it does seem as though it costs less than animation mentor which costs roughly 25-30 thousand for roughly a year an a half of animation classes, where as the rough break down for the ianimate feature animation would only be approx 15 for the 2 years.
now that the basic math is out of the way- it seems some of the major differences between the two, have to do with Animation mentor, working on a more mentor and apprentice basis, and ianimate is more generalized workshop built. I have no ideas if I'm right or if there are particular benefits to one way or another of teaching; It's just what it looks like to me. Also it seems ianimate is newer, with much less history to build an opinion based off of.
It seems like a good school, though, and thank you for showing us that. That may be where I wind up going now, if I have any animation blanks I'd like to fill.

Q: this is to who ever, and it is really kind of an odd topic, but I was wondering, what are relationships like while in Ringling?
The thought occurred to me when escaphilla joked about not wanting to be a cougar (age is just a number by the way) that I'm not sure if relationships are even a possibility for most while in Ringling. I mean, just getting my portfolio together, and working a full time job, was too much of a strain on my old relationship, and we broke up- so I'm wondering does this happen a lot? The work load breaking relationships? It seems (especially in the more intense majors) when the work load gets heavy there is no time for anything outside of school, and in such a small school (I'm used to schools in the thousands of students) I can only imagine the hallways and classes get pretty awkward if you "date around" a lot.
I understand this happens in all college settings, but ringling seems to have a very intense workload, yet it also provides a very non traditional (traditional in the sense of national lampoon lol) college experience. Its just one of those odd thoughts, since college is of course a time to meet people, yet it seems ringling has a unique way of handling all college situations.

And this doesn't only pertain to the ideas of intimate relationships- how about just friend relationships in general? The majority of the school, would be of a mentality that in most places is a minority- and it's interesting to think of how this effects the overall sociology of the environment. In other words, no longer are there jocks based on football, but nonetheless is there still the popularity struggles, and the cliques based on minutia in group differences? In a school of serious, passionate, over achievers, is the class clown frowned upon? is the D & D dungeon master hailed as being awesome? Is the best artist idolized in the same way students huddled around the MVP quarterback (or what ever sport)?

In many ways I know this question is trivial, but perhaps one of the main reasons many of us even choose to study in school versus self teach (besides of course having a teacher sort of guide us in the right artistic directions) is to network and meet groups of like minded people. I'm just wondering, in the social arena (that I've normal handled with the highest levels of awkwardness) what types of hurdles will we be facing in the strange microcosm that a school like ringling creates.

[anomalexie]

I feel like suffering (in a good way) together brings people together. I mean who else are you gonna stay up with in the computer labs rendering at 3am? Or screaming about passing that one class with a C? As for relationships, idk man. My bf is long distance so I hope the amount of school work doesn't harm our relationship too much. I figure if your other partner is in the same major as you, it shouldn't be too bad.

[squareyes]

Ive gotten 4 other packages in the mail. all pamphlets and advertisements for Ringling telling me why i should apply....

[escaphilia]

@ MangMang : by your "Heeeyyy guuuyyyyssss" I thought you were going to tell us you got a certain something in the mail xP Thanks for the link though! Ill have to check them out eventually. I'd like to start looking into workshops and such, whether or not I get in.

@ Themegagod : haha too true! To be honest, I tend to date younger as opposed to my age/older. I think the reason why that age group never works out with me is because I end up with some dream killers who are like "wut, no you shouldn't do that" or "you can't do that". Bah! so annoying.

Anyway, I agree with anomalexie! By the connection of going through something really, really hard - you get closer. Also, I can't speak for everyone else but sometimes it's nice to just sit with your SO. Granted I can talk (lord knows I can talk), but It's also nice to just read or work next to someone when they're doing something similar, and it's just quiet and peaceful. So, I imagine when things get hectic within the majors there's a lot of that going on.

And honestly, if your SO gets burnt out over you spending too much time pursuing your dream wellll it probably would have failed with any trivial thing tbh.

@ squareyes: I keep getting their proof book @_@ but since themegagod let us know what it looks like I haven't freaked every time I've seen something from then lol though I might if it was a straight up letter xD;


It feels weird that it's March though. Like, it could be ANY DAY THIS MONTH whoa o-o Also, I just found out that pretty much every relative I have has decided they won't board my doggie while I'm at school T__T so I'll pretty much have to find housing off campus. Hohum.

[themegagod]

Luckily the relationship I was in, and this was like 2 years ago now, needed to end- but I can't imagine how those in relationships will hold it together. More power to you guys, I hope all of your relationships have some really strong unbreakable bonds, but it just seems like it will be an astronomically intense challenge. I wonder how others have fared while in Ringling? I assume as the work load gets to that scarily heavy point, people will be too tired to notice loneliness, so there is hope in that.

I can see how no matter what class systems, or other bothersome social heiarcy nonsense naturally goes on, everyone would have very similar interests in (if nothing else) their art. I guess besides your classmates, who else will understand when you speak about spending 16hrs in the computer labs? As it stands all of my friends are either into computer programming, art, or music, so I guess It just funnels into more specialized artists as I become more specialized.
It's a hard idea for me the wrap my head around that what in some social settings would make one a pariah, it seems in art school makes for awesomeness. I guess that is true for all peculiarities, if one can find a place where that following exists, but still coming from an uncultured urban area, it seems odd to think of passionately creating art as cool within a group. To think of a school where everyone is regularly drawing is very opposing to the world I know of, where people give the person with a sketch book strange looks.

BTW I love those proof books! I don't know why but I do; I constantly request information so that they'll send them. I assume If I can find time, I may try to work on the books when/ if I can.

and the time is ticking down CAs! Soon you will receive your letters, hopefully all of you will get good news! Check your mailbox everyday. okay so you may have a few more weeks until you are actually expecting the letter, but so what? check your mailboxes anyway!

[escaphilia]

haha well I'm single so maybe I don't know as much as I think I do XP

Yeah, to be honest that's something I am looking forward to - being around like minded individuals. Friends here are friends from hs or college or volunteer stuff or whatever, so it'd be nice to talk art or nerd rage with peeps. It's one of the reasons why I love this forum

I like the proof books too, but I've got so many xDD and each time I'm like...but what about mother earth D= lol

Yeah even if, based off what I keep hearing, it's a few weeks I'm still religiously checking my mail haha today I got a black package and was like OMFG but it ended up being some kind of smoking advert thing. Which is weird because I don't smoke lol

[Zaqschlanger]

I tend to date younger, but I haven't really dated too much, so that may change. I mostly just try to date to be happy, and often times some people who are older dont want to be happy, but I know everyone who is older isn't a buzzkill
I actually want to date older people, I value maturity, and now I'll be a freshmen so I will be able to try that out haha

[steampoweredseagoat]

List out the benefits of going to school here, what do you think they are?
The quality of the education. Everyone that comes out of there is excellent. The animation the art. Now, I'm not saying it's the best program out there it has it's chinks like all programs. I think SVA, SCAD, CALArts, Digipen, and Laguna put out similar quality but it lacks a lot of heart from I've noticed. It's pretty, well done, and professional but that's it. You don't get much feeling from it like you would with Animation that comes out of Ringling. That school's alumni have won so many awards for their beautifully done animation. They pour everything into it and you can tell, well, at least, I can tell. It's more of an opinion thing really. Another benefit is the area and the weather. It's right by the beach and it's usually warm in Florida, it's rarely ever goes below 50 from what I've noticed. The weather is nothing like the weather in New Jersey. I hate the weather here.

What is it about your chosen major that really interests you?
The ability to be able to tell a story through art. I've always loved writing and roleplaying. I used to draw my characters out all the time when I was a kid. I stopped drawing, more like gave up, for a long time after middle school. I decided I was unhappy doing this and picked it back up again two years ago. It's been my passion to go into animation ever since.

Do you have a feeling towards what you want to do already, if so what?
Animation, mostly computer animation but I have no problems learning 2D either. I love using traditional drawing tools and I feel like you can't learn one without the other so....yeah.

What will you do if you don't get into Ringling or choose not to come here?
I'll be going to Digipen, I was accepted into their digital art and computer animation program so they are pretty much my back up school if I don't get into Ringling or SVA.

What is your backup plan if you don't end up pursuing your dream major?
I'll probably just go into international studies again and become a translator that was my original plan. Can work anywhere, anytime, learn new languages, and travel. I hope it won't come to this. I mean, I don't hate this path I just prefer to do something I really love.

What is a subject you have struggled most with in school?
Math and anything that has to do with numbers I literally shut down. They make me so nervous. I hated math, physics, and chemistry. lol. Seems like I'm not the only one in this thread, though.

[anomalexie]

Last time I spoke to admissions, which was yesterday (every time I dream about getting an acceptance letter, I call them up to check the status on decisions. I'm getting really impatient XD), they said they were still making decisions and to either expect letters at the end of this week at the earliest but next week most likely.

I'm getting extremely impatient. I just want to know already.

[Lectriece]

Hmm. It ate my post: long story short good luck with relationships, very hard to maintain, especially long distance. I personally avoided relationships, so did most people I know.

College isn't highschool, groups of friends are a bit different than cliques, although it seems like cliques form within clubs.

Networking should be one of the top 3 reasons you come to this school.

:X

[steampoweredseagoat]

Last time I spoke to admissions, which was yesterday (every time I dream about getting an acceptance letter, I call them up to check the status on decisions. I'm getting really impatient XD), they said they were still making decisions and to either expect letters at the end of this week at the earliest but next week most likely.

I'm getting extremely impatient. I just want to know already.

Ugh! That's really annoying. I wish they'd just give you a straight answer. Of course we're the group that needs to wait longer. That's just my luck. Seems like everyone else got their letters between March 1st - 6th. I'm getting impatient too. I'd like to know if I got in or not, if I didn't I'm just gonna end up going to one of the other schools I was accepted to. BI

[anomalexie]

Right? Every group since 2008 has gotten letters sent out at least by this time.

@ lectriece: yeah ringling's vast network was the reason i was able to convince my parents that attending ringling is going to be less of a gamble than attending other art schools that don't have recruiters so involved at their school like ringling does. when we went for that tour two summers ago, that's what really helped my mom (and i, but more so my mom cos i was already sold when i saw the animation floor) accept that this was going to be the best school for me. i'm really glad ringling has such a good reputation with recruiters and their job network is pretty vast.

[themegagod]

Right? Every group since 2008 has gotten letters sent out at least by this time.

any idea why did they would push back the date? Was there an increase in applicants? It seems odd that they would just arbitrarily delay the sending out of acceptances. Being as accepted students day is a bit before mid april, it really can't be too long until you receive your letters one way or another. If the school waits too long, it will be impossible for some to make it even if they are accepted. I know it's just a bit more than a meet and greet mixed with an open house, but its one of the privileges of getting in. It sucks if people have to miss that because they only find out they got in like 3 days before the event.

@ lectriece: yeah ringling's vast network was the reason i was able to convince my parents that attending ringling is going to be less of a gamble than attending other art schools that don't have recruiters so involved at their school like ringling does. when we went for that tour two summers ago, that's what really helped my mom (and i, but more so my mom cos i was already sold when i saw the animation floor) accept that this was going to be the best school for me. i'm really glad ringling has such a good reputation with recruiters and their job network is pretty vast.

Not to mention, as small as the school is, you may become familiar with most of your peers; possibly across the program major divides. Being associated with people in all aspects of the art world, because you went to school with them, may really provides some interesting openings later on in our futures.

[Zekfir]

Hey there I'm Adrian. So I've been lurking around this thread for a few days now and finally decided to slink into the conversation in an attempt to connect with some potential classmates. I've applied to the computer animation major(go figure) and am so anxious to know if I got in. Like it's been on my mind quite frequently for the past week or so. I really want to know because honestly it was my only real game plan. I have no interest in attending any other school. It's Ringling or nothing. I know that isn't the best way to go about things, I know I should have some back ups or other plans; I know, anything that isn't throwing all my eggs into one basket. I don't even want to attend a community college. Being a senior in high school, I'm so done with the conventional schooling and I'm ready to learn what I was born to do. Sure I know Ringling has the general ed classes but at least they are broken up in a more manageable way and the focus is creating. Sure, I know it's rigorous(notably the animation program) but it's something I need. I need to be surrounded by people who are going to rip my work to shreds and relate to the 'artist woes'. Here's to hoping we hear back soon about acceptances/rejections.

http://zekfir.deviantart.com/ <--- Also here is my deviantart; I'm new to conceptart and I may not be very active.