UK Student's Big Decision

**Kian** · November 27th, 2004, 08:38 AM

Hi everyone, I'm a student in the UK, and i've got a massive decision to make, which is starting to drive me insane. I'm coming to the end of a college dimploma on general graphic design. Now there are 2 course at university which both sound very appealing: BA(Hons) TV/Film Design, and BA(Hons) Automotive Design. Now all my concept heroes such as, Feng Zhu, Scott Robertson, and (The Man) Syd Mead, have all done a form of industrial design at University. My goal is to work on concept designs for films. So if anyone has any advice on which course would suit my goal, it would be greatly apprieciated. Thanks

**Storyboard Dave** · November 27th, 2004, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by kian3001

Hi everyone, I'm a student in the UK, and i've got a massive decision to make, which is starting to drive me insane. I'm coming to the end of a college dimploma on general graphic design. Now there are 2 course at university which both sound very appealing: BA(Hons) TV/Film Design, and BA(Hons) Automotive Design. Now all my concept heroes such as, Feng Zhu, Scott Robertson, and (The Man) Syd Mead, have all done a form of industrial design at University. My goal is to work on concept designs for films. So if anyone has any advice on which course would suit my goal, it would be greatly apprieciated. Thanks

Wow...tough question to answer considering I have no idea what your portfolio looks like and what classes you've taken prior to. If you've got lots of drawing in your portfolio already then I'd say take the film class. If you're lacking in drawing skills then take the auto design.

Ultimately it's not what class you take but what you're going to need to flesh out your portfolio for a gig in the concept design field. For all we know the film class could have you doing storyboards constantly and the auto class is a lecture series. Both of these classes can help you out in various ways but only you know what your portfolio is lacking in.

And if making a decision is too tough, over load the class work and take BOTH courses. Consider it an investment in your future.

Good luck.

**darth massacre** · November 27th, 2004, 06:50 PM

Dave's spot on. See what you're lacking in your portfolio.

Doug Chiang had both ID and Film backgrounds. I'd say do what you want, or do both. Coz the skills you acquire in those courses are tools that will aid you in your chosen field, and not restrict you.

I've seen doctors and engineers give up their career to do art for a living and they're good at what they do...be it practicing medicine, engineering or art. If anything these folks often use their knowledge in their previous career to create more realistic and believeable artwork.

**Kian** · November 28th, 2004, 02:38 AM

Thanks guys. I knew I'd get some good advice. So basically it'd be ok for me to do either course, just as long as I have 40 odd pages of breathtaking artwork in my portfolio. I think i'll get practicing!!!

**Storyboard Dave** · November 28th, 2004, 03:39 AM

Originally Posted by kian3001

Thanks guys. I knew I'd get some good advice. So basically it'd be ok for me to do either course, just as long as I have 40 odd pages of breathtaking artwork in my portfolio. I think i'll get practicing!!!

40? You think we're gonna let you get off the hook that easy? I want at least 80! Anyone want to request 120 pages from him??

Good luck with it all.

**darth massacre** · November 28th, 2004, 12:56 PM

Here we go dude.....its always never enough LOL

Lets push for 160 ....... for now.....

**Storyboard Dave** · November 28th, 2004, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by darth massacre

Here we go dude.....its always never enough LOL

Lets push for 160 ....... for now.....

G'Lord... it's gonna start sounding like a livestock auction before long here with the numbers.

**Bun** · December 4th, 2004, 01:39 PM

I got one question though, does digital painted images can be count as part of portfoilo work? or they (schools) only looking at traditional artworks

**Storyboard Dave** · December 5th, 2004, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Bun

I got one question though, does digital painted images can be count as part of portfoilo work? or they (schools) only looking at traditional artworks

Art schools want your best work. They would prefer traditional styles BUT that's not to say they would exclude digital paintings. They want to know that you can handle drawing from observation- can you look at an object and draw it from afar? They also want to know whether you can handle drawing the human form as well.

Digital paintings won't hurt your portfolio at all but they still want to know can you master some of the fundamentals as well. Show some variety and I think you'll be okay.