Art Schools in FLORIDA...help?

[Kittywolf13]

http://www.academy.edu/programs/grap...gn_outline.asp

Does anyone have any opnions on the above school?? i'm just doing research but you know their website and their staff will do everything in their power to suck you in. so i want to know if anyone has any experience about em. I heard about this school from a friend online, so i was just wondering...

I'm trying desperatly to figure out my options. i need to figure out a school to attended. i was aiming towards Graphic design cause theres more work out there. but i wouldnt mind doing illustration as well.

i'm just kind of desperate to get a move on with my life, and i feel i need to go to college to get some proper training to at least motivate me the right way, and because in today's world everything has to have a degree.

I live in south west florida and would like to stay in this area...or at least florida. I do not like the Art Insititute, because they are not an acredited insititition. other then that its free game.

please help, as i could use the insight.

[Kittywolf13]

PLease anyone? or is there a thread i've missed and should be reading. -_-

[Elwell]

Ringling

[Kittywolf13]

is that the only recomendation? i havent heard very good things from ringling. i've had several of my friends attended, and all were kicked out for very odd reasons...none haveing to do with bad grades or bad conduct....so i'm sort of against ringling...is there nothing else?

[robin-eleven]

there are a few schools that have good graphic design programs, but they are not particularly Art schools.
the university of Florida, and Flager have good programs from what i hear, but they are definetly not south west of florida.

I heard of a school in miami but i've never looked into it.

[Kittywolf13]

thanks robin.

[Kittywolf13]

One got kicked out for haveing a history of mental illness (which she has long gotten over.) she became overwhelmed cause she was out of High school for a few years and this was her first time from home. She became overwhelmed and depressed, and the staff and conslours feared for the well being of the "other" students...not her well being, but the other students. (mind you it was a serious depression she was treated for, not killing other people.)

My other friend got kicked out for being a wican. she had countinual conflicts with roommates over her relgion (which she is not the type to push her beliefes on anyone. believe me as i am christian and have never had a problem with her.) she went through several room changes due to this, had roomates trash her stuff, and the people in charge blammed her for it all. in the end she was kicked out because of health issues, and was unable to attend classes...(mind you she fell down their stair cases, and had a history of health issues, which she should never have been given a second (whatever story) story dorm. She had constant issues with certain teachers over her religion as well...true it wasnt completly due to her religion, but it had alot to do with it.

i do know ringling is a good school. its also expensive, and since all my funding may have just ended for me...i think its out of my league. but yah know, things got complicated for me recently...so i'm back at square one anyways. *shrugs*

I'll look into those other schools though. the more info the better, ne?

[Pixeldragoon]

I think basing your ideas of a school off of others' experiences is a bit odd. Personally, (I don't know anything besides what you said about the situation), say hypothetically, I was a smoker, and my best friend got thrown out of Ringling just because a square foot of grass got burned after he dropped a cigarette. I wouldn't leave just because of that, nor hate the school. They may have hurt my friend's short term future, but I don't think I should take the hit as well, unless that was stacked on me not liking the teachers, having administration problems, finance problems, transport problems, didn't like my dorm, etc.

Something that isn't even really associated with you shouldn't affect YOUR future. It may sounds selfish or arrogant, but think about it. It's the REST OF YOUR LIFE!

Back on topic; I don't particularly think it matters where you go, rather, what you do. Not in terms of a Major or Minor, but in terms of dedication. I want to try to avoid college because I think there will be too much Liberal arts work, and not enough art work, or not enough time for the art work. I think if you just learn on the boards, maybe find a figure drawing session place around town (RSAD has one during the season), and dedicate yourself at LEAST 4-5 hours a day, painting, drawing, sculpting, learning, and observing for a year, you will be just as good, if not better, as a year through college. There are a large variety of pro's around here, Try PM'ing some, ask for what you hit a snag on (politley of course), and maybe they can advise you a bit.

Good luck

[Kendraad]

is that the only recomendation? i havent heard very good things from ringling. i've had several of my friends attended, and all were kicked out for very odd reasons...none haveing to do with bad grades or bad conduct....so i'm sort of against ringling...is there nothing else?

I'm currently attending Ringling, and I'm sorry to say, ALL the students who have been kicked out of Ringling DESERVED to be kicked out. Ringling is a very demanding school that takes complete dedication. They require everyone to be professional, which is what makes Ringling one of the best art schools in the country, and so highly sought after by professional companies because they know they're getting the best. Ringling does not deal with people’s immaturity bullshit because this school is not a bullshit art college. If they failed and were kicked out they were not dedicated enough to this school to stay in this school. Ringling doesn't kick out dedicated hard working people, and dedicated hard working people won't do anything to get them self kicked out keep in mind. You need to question your friends who attended there and who speak badly about it. If they were kicked out for crying out load that says a whole lot more then their word of mouth that "it's a bad school." regardless for the reason they give you. Ringling doesn't kick people out for religious differences, or personal problems, they were kicked out because they failed to have the professional attitude this school demands. It's as simple as that.

I would highly recommend Ringling's graphic problem. It is one of the best graphic problems in the country if not THE best. The stuff that comes out of GIC is absolutely amazing. It would be sad to see you miss such an opportunity because of your friends.

[Storyboard Dave]

I'm inclined to agree with the last two posts. Just because friends got kicked out of or didn't have the kind of success they wanted at Ringling doesn't mean Ringling isnt' a good school or Ringling isn't right for you.

My assertion is that there isn't one school ideal for everyone. Each person has to find out what school is right for them.

Have you gone to Ringling as a prospective student and looked around or talked to their Admissions people? Who knows? It could be right for you.

[Kittywolf13]

it is true what everyone says...but i still dont think ringling is for me. it was never a prospect, because i know i'd never be able to afford it...not without haveing god knows how many loans. and haveing just been fired from work, i'm not in the finacial postion to even think about it...bah i dont know...

[Kendraad]

keep in mind, most all art schools that provide a good art education will cost a hefty load. You might have to make a few sacrifices and choices that are hard to make dealing with money.

[Dekard]

I disagree and feel school is just a tool to get the final goal. I find alot of the people that attend Ringling to be pretensious artists who think they are 'the best' as the poster above so eloquently put it.

You get what you put in, I'm going to IADT in Tampa 6 semesters in. Some of the folks can't draw to save their lives and there's a few that I look up too; but in the end it's not necesserally what's been taught but what you put into it with what you've been taught. Anyone can teach you how to do something but it's up to you as an individual to run with it and make it your own and 'own it'. A school is just a school, a degree is just a degree, just because you went to Ringling doesn't get you a job, a life, a wonderful new car, it's what you do with the information that's given to you.

I know this is a couple months old, just sick of College bashing of any kind, it's not about where you go but what you get out of it. I've taken story board classes with Pat Broderick a former Spidey pencil/inker and other great industry folks and it's all about your 'drive and determination' get the basics of art down and then add on..

oh well just my 2 cents.

[IcyM]

I only can say that you might come across Full Sail in Winter Park, and I certainly do not recommend that one. I'm not sure on its accrediation, but when I attended it was nothing more than very high tech equipment, fancy hallways, lots of shiny bells and whistles, but the coursework was nothing but "classroon in a book" series and guides copied from other "how-to" books. The only degree it seemed to have down right was its music/sound courses. Its a private school as well and certainly not cheap.

Another school kinda close, yes its another state, but adjacent is Savannah College of Art and Design? It seems to be a school of good reputation...

I'm not sure on your level of ability but starting local is always good. Many schools have basic classes like Figure Drawing 1 or Still Life Drawing 1, its always going to be more expensive to take those classes at the private schools, but at your local community college? Certainly less expensive and you can see if the schools you want will allow you to transfer those basic art classes, thus, saving you time and money. I did with mine, took some pushy calls, but I save several thousand when I went to the private schools.

[JessicaNoel]

Here's the thing. Do your research. Any FISKE College guide will tell you RSAD's acceptance rate is roughly 70%. In my eyes, that's not good. HOWEVER what you WILL get at RSAD is that thriving environment of art students who ARE above average. When I interviewd at IADT (and I will school bash here) three years ago I hadn't taken ONE DRAWING CLASS. I had always drawn growing up, painted a couple murals and that was it. On my way to the office to get interviewed I was very unimpressed by the artwork on the walls. They were not good. I like to be in a constant state of betterment. I like to be around people who are STRONG ARTISTICALLY, WISER. The woman was shocked that I "could draw." She said I made up 2% OF HER STUDENTS. Yes, it's cheaper than RSAD. And in Tampa. And yes, they just added a new campus/building with high-tech supplies. But like someone said, school is WHAT you make of it. However, So are CONTACTS. And so is recognition, like THE RINGLING NAME around the state. If you have the money, and the drive, go. If you're doubting, don't. Some people I know left b/c they didn't want to be taught theory. In my eyes, I was blown away by RSAD and can't wait to go.

[Hett15]

Just wanted to say I completely agree with everything Kendraad said about Ringling. If you can't make it there you won't make it in the business (although I admit some extraordinary cases have prevented people from completing their degree on time or at all however) I am not saying at all that you can't make it as a professional if you don't go to Ringling. I just know that Ringling is a great place to surround yourself with incredibly talented people. You can learn so much from a close community of artists (such as here at ConceptArt.Org). Do what you need to to stay with it. I reccommend just taking some drawing and art history courses at communnity college for a year or two and save up some money. Good Luck.

[Pixeldragoon]

Any FISKE College guide will tell you RSAD's acceptance rate is roughly 70%

O_____O REALLY?

Wooooooooow. I figured they had more applicants than that... Am I the only one who sees that as really high?

[Rogue_A]

Eh, no, it doesn't surprise me. In a logical sense, if RSAD had a huge pool of applicants, they wouldn't need the rolling admissions for most of their majors. Note that the Computer Animation major has a deadline, because, well, it's known throughout the US (and over a few oceans too) for animation, and supposedly a lot of people apply for it each year.....

But logic doesn't have a great deal to do with the quality of the school. Just because a school has a 70% acceptance rate doesn't mean it's the "wrong" sort of school. That is for each of us to decide on their own,really.....pretty much my opinion on the whole "what school I should choose?" issue. We're just here to help others formulate their own opinion on something. Unless we like screwing around with free will, we can't make the decisions for anybody.

[mac_p86]

http://www.academy.edu/programs/grap...gn_outline.asp

Does anyone have any opnions on the above school?? i'm just doing research but you know their website and their staff will do everything in their power to suck you in. so i want to know if anyone has any experience about em. I heard about this school from a friend online, so i was just wondering...

I'm trying desperatly to figure out my options. i need to figure out a school to attended. i was aiming towards Graphic design cause theres more work out there. but i wouldnt mind doing illustration as well.

i'm just kind of desperate to get a move on with my life, and i feel i need to go to college to get some proper training to at least motivate me the right way, and because in today's world everything has to have a degree.

I live in south west florida and would like to stay in this area...or at least florida. I do not like the Art Insititute, because they are not an acredited insititition. other then that its free game.

please help, as i could use the insight.

well i don't know where you got that the art institute is not an accredited school. they are, it's just that there accredidation is different from a junior college or a state college or university. you won't be able to tranfer credits from the art institute to a four year institution. however, in my research i have come across some success stories of people who have graduated from the art institute. i know the gaming industry has recruited alot of alumni from this school. 4 of it's previous students had worked on the "Polar Express" film. EA games has been know for recruiting students. and there is one individuale on this sight who testifies of people he/she knows personally that have had success. Of course i'll admit I'm still doing my research in finding more success stories.
some may even say that going to a four year institution is better and going to an art school is a bad idea period. i feel it depends on you. if you're anything like me your not four year institution material. i'm sorry but contrary to popular belief i don't believe a four year institution is tops!! considering that all departments compete for finacial support from the school which the art/graphic design department doesn't always gain support. i've taken a 3d animation class a year ago which tought bryce, a low end 3d program thoughts not even industry standard!! it's been tought at the school for the past three years and just this coming fall semester they're finally gonna teach maya!! this is an industry standard program!!! at any credible art school such a progam would have been in the schools curicullum for years constantly being updated!! point is an art college/school stays on point with an industry that's constantly proggressing. not to mention in the professional world, based on some film producers i know and what they told me, is that in the entertainment industry the degree is not always valued. they're more concerned about your commitment, dedication, skill level, and talent. and some of my current instructors who have worked in the industry and yet some still are tell me the same thing. nevetheless since you're going for design a degree may be more suitable for you since graphic design carries over into various markets.
the best advice i'll give you is what others have told me; attend a junior college and get your a.a or a.s. then transfer over to any college you want art school or not. this way the tuition won't be so high.
another thing to consider is that i'm out here in the state of california where there is a large mecca for arts and entertainment. i don't know how things are in florida as far as the mecca is concerned. i would recommend checking out one here in cali. but it's up to you. cal arts in so. cal is sponsored by disney, the pasedena college of art and design is another good one, again the art institute of los angeles (which is where i plan to attend) again has had some success stories that i've read about. the art institute of chicago was one of the schools recommended by pixar pictures. i do know san jose state, ucla, usc, and chico state here in cali have good art and design programs. i would think location is a major issue to consider on this subject.
just do all the extensive research that you can and keep your options open. as far as opinions are concerned, you'll here some good and some bad, you'll have to make that decision.

[mac_p86]

keep in mind, most all art schools that provide a good art education will cost a hefty load. You might have to make a few sacrifices and choices that are hard to make dealing with money.

thank you for making that statement!!!

[KuJo]

Well the mentality with loans is that if you take them out now, they will free up your ability to totally focus on your education, and also grant you the ability to get said education from an institution that could very well be expensive.

That way, yes you will pay a substantial amount in loans, but the payoff is that your education and your ability to focus on it fully (not having to deal with part / fulltime jobs - school should BE your fulltime job) will result in a job that'll make the loans far less consequential.

Right now as the lowely student, loans seem huge - but if you land a decent job after you graduate (which is when you start actually paying most loans, aside from interest) you'll be fine.

Don't do what a lot of people I know do - work a job instead of dealing with loans (and do awful in turn), or limit themselves to schools that are affordable to you now.

Big mistakes in the longrun.



Also, I agree with previous comments - you shouldn't base your opinions of the school on the bad experiences of two friends who, from the sounds of it, are both individuals with very particular circumstances. And in regards to the one girl getting kicked out over her religion, I'd really be hardpressed to believe that it was her religion, and not factors of her health (which, as you said, caused her to miss class) that caused her expulsion.

Same with the other girl. If she was suffering from severe depression, and being "overwhelmed", then chances are she was doing poorly in her classes in turn.
If Ringling is indeed as competitive as it sounds, both of these people would have been prime targets for being cut. Not because of religion, or being a victim.

It really sounds to me like these two are trying to convince either you, or themselves, that they were victimized into being removed from Ringling, not that their circumstances of health (physical and mental) were the reasons. Schools accept you based on a demonstration of a level of performance, and character - regardless of what you're studying.. if that level of performance falls below those acceptance standards though, thats just how the cookie crumbles.

I'd really recommend that you reconsider Ringling, or at least apply for the sake of seeing if they accept you. I went to UF my freshman year, and absolutely hated it (not much to do but drink in Gainesville), but I'd never tell someone not to go there because of that. I know lots of people who love it. It's all up to personal experience and preference, and I'm sure you have your own particular preferences that aren't that of your friends. Trust them during this process

[jennibell]

I am a current Ringling student and I am a diagnosed eplileptic and Pagan - and I have had nothing but support and help from my classmates and the Ringling administration. I have had my teachers give me extentions on deadlines due to my illness and have created projects completely based on my religious beliefs (talking openly about them in the critiques and everything) and had nothing harmful done to or towards me - from classmates or adminstration. I am also a Student Ambassador for the Admissions Dept. and am one of the students who greets prospective students and their families when they apply. Ringling is not ashamed of me, nor me for myself.

Ringling is not what your friends have made it out to be. Come and visit us. Trust your own instincts and find out for yourself if Ringling is the place for you. Take their stories with a grain of salt. After all, it seems as though they may have an axe to grind.