Suggestions?

[kmblackbear06]

Hey everyone, I have a few more questions that have been in the back of my mind recently. I understand its never too late to start, but I am wondering what is the proper way... actually, what are your personal recomendations on how to start? I am near my final year in the New Media program here in Maine, and am interested in going to an art school to add to my skills, and better prepare me for the industry. I have never painted traditionally before and would love the chance to do so, I have never traditionally modeled before, sadly everything I have done and know is on a digital basis (which I think is kinda sad now that I look back on it all) Where did everyone go to school? How about those self taught gurus? What about the people in my position, and the masters here? I really would like to hear from many people on this topic. I really want to have a career in the visual fx field,wether it be in 3D modeling/Sculpting (which I plan to do)/drawing+ concepts/painting/matte paints/special effects/video editing whatever... I know a little about a lot of things and that is what New Media has done for me, but I just don't know a lot about a specific topic... On the same hand, wehave very few people that are skilled in the Film Industry here sadly enough... I appoligize for the long post but this is quite important to me and it'd be great to have some sort of direction, guidance, suggestions, comments, or whatever helpful information you may have to share. Thank you all in advance...

[adam]

Hi Kyle,

I'm a self-taught visual artist and I'm always learning from
observation. I guess what you've asked depends a lot on the
individual and his/her way of learning, discipline, lifestyle, inherited
skill level, passion, etc.

For me I'm content with locking myself away from
distraction in my studio and just drawing and painting, it's my biggest
interest and love, other than my woman. :)

I enjoy school but I don't think it's necessarily the right
path for everyone. If you're the kind of person that can choose a focus,
set your own projects, get feedback and practice I think you could learn
a lot very quickly. Of course it depends on how passionate you are
about your chosen focus. If you've got the money for a
univserity/college education then it's definitely a good option. I'd
never discourage someone from learning, and school is a great
environment.

I'm sure some other guys here can share their thoughts on this. I bet
there's a lot of great insight from others here. I think the only thing
I can advise is have fun, experiment, learn to draw, learn perspective,
think in world space, observe, paint, and just go for it!

All the best,
-Adam

[kmblackbear06]

Thanks for the information and words of wisdom Adam. I'm already in schoolat the moment, but have been looking at a lot of art schools. And I really think I would benifit from going to one, even if I could get more practice with painting and drawing and learn a bit more of what I dont know that I should know. Honestly I am a bit afraid of finishing school and not being quite good enough to land a job... Maine is not know for it's Visual Effects classes/courses mainly because we really have none. But I am going to take all the art classes that I can, that will help me out. I've got a million and one questions in my head but I'll spare everyone the pain of that.

There must be some others around here that has some valuable input for me... People in school? Professionals? Self-Taught people/freelancers/pros? School recomendations anyone? I have been looking at SCAD, and Art Center College of Design, Ringly...