if youre poor or depressed, dont go to art school. Do your own work and go slow. Your art and life depends on the time put in and quality of work you put out.
I have been thinking about art school for while and I'm only 14 years old, i want to do animation. But the price kind of has me thinking twice. I really love both 3d animation and traditional animation, but now I'm not so sure. Im worrying about not being good enough and also i have heard a lot of mixed reviews about a lot of animation schools. So now I'm thinking to study medicine instead (since i am really interested in that too), but i still also want to make a living off of art.
I went to Full Sail University for Computer Animation and I ended up dropping out after 8 months. It took my passion out of drawing and made me dread it. My opinion, after having tried two different colleges (a local college for Fine Art, FSU online division for Computer Animation), is this: If I were to go back to school, I would much rather go to school to have a fall-back degree for my art than to go to school for art and end up hating the biggest part of my life. BUT! That said.. I really don't see the need to go to school, anymore, now. I can easily find a job in my area that pays well enough to keep food on the table and my bills paid, while using my art as a freelancer to supplement and help me keep doing what I love. Even with two toddlers to chase all day, I still take commissions and make decent money. Before my kids, I made even better money with just my art. So, really, my schooling meant nothing because my commissioners don't really care about credentials, just my portfolio. Many businesses will care more about your portfolio and results than your education level, too. I wish I would have know this sooner, because then I wouldn't have $18k to pay back (for less than a year of school). Oops!
Jessica Baker Yeah, i have been thinking for a while if art school is even worth it anymore because i don't want my passion to be taken away, i feel like i want to do art for a living but art school is way to expensive and i don't want to waste my money. I am thinking of studying something else but still doing art because its something i want to do for the rest of my life. Thank you for the advice by the way!
I actually was in your situation, thought about medicine as well. maybe you could try to notice if you read something close to medicine theme everyday or draw things all the time. wich is more? I asked myself this, and it helped to make a decision. no regrets. seriously, do what you like, because later you will do it the best. also, maybe you can take a break for a year after school and look around, try to educate yourself and stuff. that really can help.
Went to one for 4 years in a 3 year animation course, only to end up with severe anxiety and depression and quit. It was terrible and in the meanwhile not only did I not learn as much as I could've by self teaching, I was too busy to even have an actual life. Now I'm self teaching and freelancing and it's great! So unless you live in a nice country, with nice art schools, just do yourselves a favor and don't. ..
Art schools in Australia are so different to that in America. There are art schools and there's university. I wish I knew more before going to school, I would have gone to an Art school or done night classes etc. I did not get taught how to draw or how to paint, in the three years of my degree never got taught colour theory or anything. And it was more traditional based mediums and NO digital art at all. It was too heavily theory and history. I felt horrible going there and told what I did was not "proper" but I was making money on the side as a freelancer. My advice is RESEARCH ; write down what your Art and Life goals are and look at all your options. Not just the school your favourite artist went to, or what's closest to home. Research all your options even if its a pipe dream. The only thing I got out of Uni were the friends I made and some connections. I still consider myself self taught because I learnt on my own, or from life studies, or from watching my favourite artists and not at University.
+Monster Maker the problem with art school, is often times it's extremely irrelevant. Like often times you can teach yourself a million different things in art on your own in one year, and learn absolutely nothing in art school. Really, all college for artistic individuals is for connections but you can also make TONS of connections online. Not to mention quite a bit of art schools are extremely behind in mediums and refuse to accept that digital art is a more effective medium than traditional
I know what you mean, but that might just be because you didn't do enough research. There is a difference between studying art (which is theoretical and more of what you did, history of art and all that stuff) and learning a creative job, for example designer or illustrator. You wanted to do the latter I assume, but that's totally different and usually not taught at universities, but at specific art schools.
Yes thats true! I didn't, and its important to know what you're interested in before you do something like that. So research! I'll point out that I didn't know what I wanted to be exactly at the time, and basically just went for my parents if anything. I knew it was going to suck but yeah- Always think of yourself first in important decisions. Don't live someone elses expectation of you. At the end of the day its your life. >.
liightyears lol not same. im 16 and im freaking out because im a junior.😵 im self taught and already know so much about art im not sure if its neccesary for me to go to art school but i think it would be fun.
Oh god just do your research. That has to be one of the 1# points he made that i would scream at people. There's a difference between brick and mortar schools we all know (the basic state university) and private type schools (like LAAFA, Art Center, and smaller institutions more on them later). I visited my fair share of private schools and their approach towards art education differ greatly from standard colleges and universities. Quick Story: I wanted to be a game dev. We're in a time where a lot of these programs are popping up claiming that they can help you make it. In my case my first school was saying this stuff. The kicker was that it was still a college and of course we all know of those Gen. Education classes you had to take. And how many of us have taken college level art courses that weren't theory based only, with little to no drawing, and a focus on Avant Garde Studio/Gallery work? Better yet the actual "game dev" courses were offered at the very end and you had to take pre-reqs in programming and high level math courses even if your focus was in the actual drawing, drafting, design, etc. (Like I was). It. Did. Not. End. Well. Because I didn't check this place hard enough and various other factors (mostly personal stuff). Research the programs, ask what they can do for you and how they go about it. The current college im going through just to get a basic degree, their art department can never give me a straight answer on how they would help someone get the skills they need for an entertainment design based career. Like Ross said check the teachers, see their work! You will see the difference between the work of an instructor who teaches at places like Art Center, Watts, LAAFA, etc. than someone who is an art teacher at a college with no credibility with little to nothing to their name. Who are their most notable alumni? What's their placement rating for jobs their students get. Quite honestly I would recommend looking into smaller private schools that are akin to atelier type of school. Yes they are hard to find but there are some that remarkably still exist. They also tend to be way cheaper, but most are not "college/universities" due to their whole dedication to Art, not having general education courses, and cause of this they are not accredited to give out full degrees (and art degrees is a whole other beast to tackle). And of course you could teach yourself, I can attest to that. Many artists who are insanely skillful do teach online and write books. LAAFA Online, Schoolism, CGMA 2d academy, Gnomon (their school is online and their dvds), Design Studio Press (Founded by Scott Robertson who also has a youtube). (WIP) Im going to try to type out everything. Im sick and tired of artists getting screwed in half baked programs who lie to them and give them nothing. I got worked over but I try to prevent it from happening to other people.
Jam Cam Oh yeah. It's hard to make a full generalization concerning all schools. I could name off a few pros and cons for some. Concerning the smaller institutions where art and design is a 99% of the whole curriculum the main issue tends to be that they are ridiculously expensive (Art Center, Rhode Island School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design (although SCAD isn't as financially imposing as the first two)). Although these schools tend to have good reps and their programs are considered really, really good. The places that are smaller than that (Concept Design Academy, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative (LAAFA) Art, Watts Atelier) are great too but they tend to be hard to find outside California. And when you find these place, in my example for instance the New Orleans Academy of Figurative Arts they have a hard focus on traditional and foundation (which isn't a bad thing) and no digital. The Digital Witchcraft and Magic you have to do that on your own. But places like these (including Watts and LAAFA) focus on teaching you skill and techniques that gives you a foundation so that you can do and figure out anything. In my experience, I have never seen colleges that have been worth their salt. They tend to be like High School. The Art Institute. Stay away from there. At all costs. Never ending nightmare stories on that place. Actual state college pros, well...they're colleges that give degrees. A lot of people (myself included) are in positions where their parents want to see degrees and there's nothing we can do when they are footing the bill. If you are in this sort of position I would recommend you first look at the program and use that red flag list otherwise study something else. Its important to learn other things to broaden your knowledge and learn things that your could use in designs later down the road. For me I'm doing a college first, only because early mistakes, and to get my parents off my back so i can try out different places or just get a job and continue to teach myself on the side using online classes. TL;DR Small Schools Pro: Tend to be better, focus on fundamentals Con: Not widespread, hard to find, some are super expensive Big Schools Pro: Give degrees to satisfy Parents Con: They teach like high school classes, avant garde types where they dont give a flying fuck about draftsmanship and fundamentals, most of the time you will want to avoid these like the plague Hope that helps cause most of the education stuff I know is hard to put to Graphic Design, its more on point with concept art stuff. Although I'm still a person where I feel that you should have fundamental skills and at that point you can do anything you want. If you walk into a school and they can't even teach you how to draw a straight line without a ruler something's fucked up. Since you reminded me of this comment I'm probably going to go back to updating the thing XP. Especially online learning.
***** Wow, that was extremely helpful! Thank you very much for going outta your way to post this. There's a really nice private college nearby where I live that I know would probably help me to become a better artist, and they do offer graphic design classes, but like you said, it's pretty expensive, so that's my only hurdle so far with trying to apply there. I have a 20k grant to go to a state university back home in Texas, but I don't know if it'd be worth the time attempting that route.
Ahhh! Affording a school like Art Center would rock. I agree with you a lot; I tell my parents that if I don't get a good scholarship into a good art school, I'd rather not waste my time or money on something like community college to get an art degree. Maybe to accumulate some credits, but their art classes seem um, uninspiring to me anytime their art teachers give demos in workshops at my high school. You don't always need an art degree, from what I've seen your portfolio is more important, and there's a ton of cheaper resources out there to improve your art.
Honestly. This gives me great confidence in my life as an artist who wants to make it into the professions of the art fields. I'm not in the greatest place to go to any fancy art school financially, so the new knowledge of not having to go right away as an option really gives me courage to keep pushing myself to enhance my skills and have fun with it. I'm 22 and I've always wanted to be an artist and be in the art industry, and only found out that I wanted to become an animator at the end of my highschool Career. I realized that getting into college is a huge hassle, and is really confusing to understand when it comes to financial aid, and that's why I dropped out due to financial complications. Me dropping out of college was honestly the most self esteem breaking things I've dealt with, and really put a damper on how I perceived myself as not just a person, but as an artist too and that's why it's been so hard for me to escape the rut I've been in for a few years. I'm really happy that I found your Channel Ross... Because seeing your art has given me the courage and drive to try putting myself back into my creative state and to do what I love again, and even though i'm not in college, or have the best financial stability, I know that I can always improve myself every day to strive for my goals. Thank you so much Ross, you're an inspiration and I hope to see more amazing artwork from you!
Agreed on the health and life balance. I have friends in art school who are basically zombies who never sleep and are living off 5 redbulls a day. They have no life either so they have nothing to draw upon and don't seem to be improving as fast as some people who are getting enough sleep and distance from their work. The best thing about art school is peer critique and encouragement. Doing online classes its harder to get feedback and perspective. And requires more discipline because the people around you might not necessarily be invested in what you are spending your time doing. Just my two cents!
Thank you for that Ross. I am just kickstarting my artistic career and I am almost done with my first year of an art uni. Here is something I'd like to share, or maybe highlight for everyone who want to start from my current experience: Art Universities will not teach you how to draw. This is something you have to do it yourself. However, they will guide you in a way or another to improve and probably figure out your own personal style. That's pretty much up to your tutors though. People often get the idea that after getting into university you come out an art master. I am referring to young people who want to attend uni after finishing school, guys it is not happening. Skill won't happen just like snapping your fingers. That's completely up to you! A positive thing with university besides internet is that you can get feedback all the time. Feedback helps! And you get it from professionals who actually have the time to spend it for you since you are attending university. Hell guys, SLEEP and rest is so damn important. Obsessing over improving won't get your any better, but in fact it's going to make your health poor, causing you having trouble drawing in the end. Don't do it. Respect yourself and take care of it. Besides sleep, in general, take care of your health and your body. Improving is not only sitting over a table drawing all day. It's taking breaks, giving yourself time to think, time to review, time to re-charge and getting back to it ten times stronger. Make a schedule. Stick to it. Spend time with your friends. Go to gym or do an activity. You like sports? Awesome, spend time on those too. Jog. Do something that will distract your from art too. Your eyes need a break as well in order to process information. Looking forward for the next video! Take care everyone :)
I don't know how it in USA, but in Russia, when i wanted to learn drawing and painting, i am went to 2 years evening art-school courses (courses on base art-school for childrens). It was 5 years ago, and costed 600 or 800 rub in month (1 dollar~30 rub in that times). All stuff except painting board, you must buying too. It's was course for adults and those who want to go to art college. For such tiny money you have 3 lessons in week on 3 hours each (but in reality, you can go so much so you want, even full-week, even 8 hours in day, while art-school don't closed at 21 pm). Courses is very helpfull, because in classroom you can't watch youtube, read facebook or playing in computer games. You can only draw, draw 3 hour without stopping. And when you seeing how good others guys (i remember 10 year kid and he was draw much better than i in my 21), you want to outperform them. And it's cool. It's very motivating (especially when all of you paintings and works of you teammates from 6 month of study collected together and teacher looking at them to give evaluation for you and you skills and in this moment you can really evaluate how you growed as an artist). And of course you have a teacher, who can help you and explained some moments. But for better results you also must draw and read books on drawing in home. For learn basics i think it's the best option.
As an artist the reason I really want to attend to an university is the connection I can make, I think, for a successful art career connections and the education are the most important things after passion.
this is so helpful Ross Ive been fan for this channel and your art work for just 3 months only, but Im attending university and its been 3 years since Ive been in program for graphic designs. logos and typography is beautiful and stunning, but I really want to pursue animation and digital illustrations. I am applying for art school in junior year, its expensive and loans scare me, but I know for a fact that I wont be happy doing graphic design, its lovely and beautiful , but I want to create animations, make things move, and draw characters and concepts. this video I could relate to immensely, and I thank you Ross
I felt this, wanting to do graphic design, but I feel like I’d enjoy illustration/animation more and idk how happy I’d be just sticking with graphic design. It’s a tough call!
I'm in my 3rd year of art school and I feel like it was probably the best decision I've made. I felt so stuck with my art, like I had hit a wall and wasn't progressing. Art school kicked my ass in the right direction! I agree with everything you've said :)
I went to design school and I personally didn't find it too beneficial for me. The egocentric professors and their blatant favoritism combined with the grueling critiques and long class times (along with usual college things like roommate issues, parking availability, etc.) actually made me fall out of love with design. I didn't struggle academically, mind you. I stayed on the Dean's List/honor roll for several quarters. It's just that I lost my PASSION for it as I got bogged down with assignment deadlines and portfolio prep. I actually enjoyed my general education classes far more than I enjoyed my design classes and my desire to quit school was met with disapproval by both my mother and one of my professors, so I stayed on more out of guilt (I mean, the money had already been spent/loaned) rather than actual interest in the topic. I actually ended up discovering a love and appreciation for art history and sociology and filmmaking/script-writing that I wouldn't mind pursuing career-wise. Unfortunately, this upcoming August makes year two of unemployment, despite my job hunting efforts and interviews. I've been tempted to just go for a complete career change since my feelings for design are no longer strictly positive, but then the drastic change I'm talking about require more schooling and as doubtful as I am of the education system already and the fact that being "overqualified" for a job exists, I don't think I want to put myself through more schooling. I don't want my personal experience to damage anyone else's desire to pursue education but I do think the lesson here is that schooling doesn't magically fix life issues, something that guidance counselors have been feeding students throughout high school, that a degree makes you "better." Anyways, this has gotten too long as it is. Thanks, Ross! I love your videos!
This comment is two years old now and yet it remains a reality of today. Same here, Through-out my ed background I've always been an honor student. I'm the studious type but I just suddenly lost my passion, too---both in art and academics even if I still get high grades with my artworks. It just doesn't feel right. My creative fuel is burnt out (I only create for the sake of passing now) and my hands even hurt from the excessive exercises that does not consider the health of the students to the point that my classmates and I get sick. Oh, don't get me started with the Monday to Friday's 8 am - 5 pm full sched with an additional Sunday class of 7 - 12 pm. I am currently enrolled to an art course, with a full scholarship at a State University in my country about a few months ago, and my first semester is about to end. To sum it up, my experience is full of bullshit. I can count on my fingers what I actually learned from mostly "egocentric" professors with favoritism. Some of them don't actually teach and waste both my time and money for art mats. I'm good with the criticism (Although it's hurtful, at least they say it in my face) but I think they can rather approach students in a different manner without killing the idea or to even possibly enlighten the students on how to improve the work. It's quite saddening that the educational system on a government-run university WHICH is actually known to be of "quality", is actually LOW-QUAL, compared to a private university (I've been into one). As I have no choice due to financial problems, I opt to dropout from school and become a self-taught artist with plans to pursue my career with special courses related to arts and design. It's a scary path but I'd like to take the risks and go against the code.
Art schools and film schools can get you opportunities and connections, they look good on a resume. Art can be self-taught, and thanks to youtube channels run by talented artists, information can be gathered much more easily for much cheaper. But again, there is no right or wrong answer. The purpose of art schools, and even art classes in k-12, is to teach you the artistic techniques you need to develop as an artist yourself. Art is a creative medium. I'd argue it can't be taught in a typical academic setting. Being graded on art is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever heard, as the way one views art is completely subjective. But this is all coming from some high school sophomore who's never even set foot near an art school, so what do I know?
Aaaah I'm late but I wanted to make sure I commented because this one had such great timing! I've been feeling overwhelmed about my art path lately and it was so nice to hear these things, because it was really reassuring and reminded me to enjoy my path even if an art school isn't in the works right now- as long as I'm having fun creating and still pushing myself to learn more and not laying around and staying in my comfort zone....! Thanks again for all your great tips, Ross! :D
I feel like I never hear any artist say that art school helped them to actually improve their craft. It's always because it's "an experience." IDK if I can afford to pay $100,000 for an experience. I think I've rather be self taught and learn what I need to from Cubebrush, Gumroad, etc,, and maybe go to a $6 movie for "an experience." Lol!
Lily Estheim Go the self taught route. It'll be much more rewarding, and without all the debt. You shouldn't have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars just to study art. Especially when there's no guarantee of anything.
Thicc Wing My mistake in verbage from earlier. A school still will not guarantee success, nor that you will get into the industry. There are lots of artist who even after three years out of school, cannot land industry work, and many are fantastic artist who went to good schools. Connections are really the only things an art school can get you. But even connections alone are not enough to compensate for the massive amount of debt that you'd rack up. And good luck paying it off. I know personally more successful artist, and people who work in media who DIDN'T go to an art school. Also, connections are not that hard to get if you frequent certain circles; and the Internet and social media definitely make that easier.
Thicc Wing Talking to many professional artist, almost all have told me that art school is only great for if you actually need hands on instruction. Most professionals I've talked to actually regret going to art school, and the massive amount of debt they took on. The debt, on top of living in the city of Los Angeles; where living expenses are already astronomical is not worth it to many. If you can get into a good art school on a full scholarship, then that's all fine, and by all means; go for it. But that isn't what we're discussing here. The internet, social media, and frequenting the right circles will also land you plenty of connections, and a possible job in the industry.
Thicc Wing The discussion of debt and whether it's worth it or not WAS apart of the original discussion since that is what OPs comment was originally about. Check her comment again for reference. Yes it all depends on the individual, their effort, and the connections they make in school, however, you shouldn't have to go into massive amounts of debt just to get first placement into the industry. There are plenty of people who didn't attend expensive art colleges, who work in animation, games, visual development, and comics. The point is, you can make just as many great connections without going to art school, as well as get your foot in the door to the industry without going into massive amounts of debt to get there. As for your point on improving your art, you can hone your skills with the plethora of resources on the internet, books, and in learning to draw from life.
Dude, i come to your channel for motivation. I basically want to do illustrate and do concept art for a living and you really remind me how competitive this industry is but i use it as motivations (friendly competition)! I'm only 20 and hope to be as good as you when I'm 23. Lets continue the journey!
nice thought there Ross! And yes, please do the Art school Survival thingyy... I guess I really need it. I know a good night sleep is really important, but I just couldn't sleep if I don't get the assignments done :" I always feel there is not enough hours in a day. Once again, thanks for sharing, you're an inspiration!
This is a great video! Thank you!! Taking care of your health and having Real Life Experiences are two things that don't get stressed enough. I went to one of the top art schools in the US for three years and then dropped out- mostly for my health but for many other reasons too. I don't regret it at all and am very satisfied with my life now. I agree with what you said- if you have the means (or parents with enough money) to support yourself, then art school is a great option. But I'd strongly advise against taking out loans to go to an extremely expensive school- and if your budget is modest, I've heard that state schools and out-of-country universities can be just as good for a much lower cost. Do your research!! (For example, I've heard that San Jose State in California and Emily Carr in Canada have great arts programs at a way more reasonable rate than your RISDs, Calarts, etc..)
im in year 10 in the UK so im 15 i have this art teacher that is good at art but all we do is tracings of photos and when i go talk to him and show him my work hes like work on in and in my head im like no shit so yeah no help from an art teacher so i terned to pintrest and twitter followed artists pin tutorials and i have been doing this for a year and the amount i learnt is crazy now i feel more confident i can see that i got better at what i like to draw for me its anime manga and kim yung gi i wanted to draw people and things from imagination and now i feel like im getting there if you ask me if you want to learn to draw and will put time into it and know you have a goal all you need is the internet and determination i spend 6 to 7 hours each day drawing and if you will too there will be improvements im your art skill and you will see it. well thats just me anyway
yeah I'm in year 10 as well and I'm in the same boat with my art teachers so I always have to learn things myself with videos and photo studies etc. Good luck!
RAMEN FTW same. ive been self taught since i was 11. im 16 now and tbh classes arent really helpful because ya they will give you imput in what they see wrong but you develop most of your style and skill on your own. lol just me? ok.
I wish I had this video when I was going into college because I really didn't get to pick the art school I went to on my own terms. The school was fantastic, sure, but school has never been for me, it lowers my mood significantly, it's hard to focus, so I cannot say my time at the college was good. Advice to anyone who wants to go to an art school, make sure you absolutely want to go to the college of your choice. Don't try to get into a college just because it's theoretically "The best, most prestigious art school". Aim high, keep expectations reasonable, and don't push yourself if you're not feeling it. Great video, Ross!
I went straight into a private art school after I graduated high school. And I met some of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. The people really do make the experience. I only was able to attend for not even 3 quarters before I just couldn't afford it and it wasn't for me at the time. But I really do kind of wish I stuck it out and/or had done the research like you're saying to do. I think as young adults entering the 'real world' we feel the need to jump right from the high school stage to the next and a lot of us live with the pressure of continuing our education at an institute. But I agree on definitely giving yourself time to research your options and find the best fit for you as an individual. I will never regret the debt I went into trying out this school that probably didn't work out the best it could. But again, the people and the teachers in there I met made a huge difference. I'd dare say that if you're someone who hasn't quite learned how to be a bit more routine on holding yourself accountable for the work you need to put into your craft, to succeed professionally, then the right art school is an amazing resource. But it's definitely not necessary when all the tools are found online. Thanks for the fun and quick informative video as always Ross~
I'm debating going to an art school but I'm really unsure about the whole student loans thing. The amount of people who seem to be crushed by the amount of money they owe actually scare me half to death. does anyone have any advise or can explain that to me??
art schools are great, but sadly they are expensive wich means talented people that can't afford going there will never see how great it is to go to an art school. i bet there is a lot of great people and inspiring teachers but i will never know since i can't go in that heavenly place. I and many others will have to be disciplined and teach ourselves anatomy, proportion, lanscape, concept art, color theory, life drawing and many other things.
I go to an art uni currently and I feel like most of what you learn is managing your time, setting deadlines, experimental things( which you can learn on youtube for free), critique on how nice your art looks and rarely what you could work on, and from time to time little facts on actual lessons. Also lots boring modern art videos that are seizure inducing. A lot of biased teachers, some that like your style some that think its average. You'll find yourself learning more about art on 15 minute youtube video then in a year of uni. But the great thing is you get to hear opinions of different artists which personally is pretty cool because getting feed back on social media like "wow this is great" or "reminds me of.." or "maybe you should" is great but having a person tell you irl leaves something that kinda sticks with you, plus getting the courage to put your art in front of a class room of people for critiques really gets you used putting yourself out there. Also its great when it comes to the social aspect, but learning how to draw and what works or could work could be better, its more so a job then a lesson so most of the time your learning by yourself sadly~
I love arttalks. Right now I'm in the situation you are talking about - deciding about art college. It was very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing your experience!!
Very insightful and good advice, Ross! I've applied for a few different types of art schools, and I'm pretty sure I wanna go. It really helps that you had a good experience with it! Also, I'm loving the catchphrase! "Every day is a color dodge day!" is gonna be on t-shirts soon!
As someone in art school right now I really needed to hear this, especially the part about not overworking, getting out and doing things... I just feel guilty if I'm not working on schoolwork all the time. I know it's only gonna get tougher from here, so I gotta learn to balance everything out!
I don't know why, but i'm crying right now... this is one of the first videos i see of you, and i really don't know but you are like so positive and have a beautiful smile; and about the topic you where talking... i'm going though a lot of things right now... and the moment i saw this video i just fall apart in pieces, haha wellp... thanks for the video
I go to a vocational school and I decided to take the Graphic Design class, I'm currently in my second year and next year I'll finally graduate and go to college. My teacher is a nice man and he has teached me alot so far, he knows about my dream of being an animator and a concept artist so always gives me some extra tips after class along side the computer teacher, she knows alot about animation programs and I'm so grateful for there help and support. They inspire me and ever since I found you're channel it just gave me another reason to do my best and believe in my work, you inspire alot and make me even more determined to fulfill my dream, so for that I thank you. Ross, thank you for giving me more than the motivation I need to keep on with my dream, one day you'll see how my own world will unfold.
You are the best at keeping your videos short. Other's videos would have been ten times as long and you just put it into few, well thought out words. Love that!
Currently attending the same school you did, Art Center. Health is definitely the most important thing to keep in check, so strongly agree with you. Sleep, exercise, and eating healthily is absolutely crucial and should be made into habits before the semester begins or early on in the semester because later on it will be very easy slip into an unhealthy lifestyle in the midst of massive workloads. Another thing is that simply doing the bare minimum for assignments will be a waste one's tuition money. I'm not saying one should overexert themselves, but at least do their best to exhibit growth with every assignment and absorb as much knowledge from the teachers as possible. Finally, students should refrain from any self-depreciating reaction to others doing "better than them" at school. Everyone progresses at a different rate and shouldn't be comparing themselves. Use the success of others to motivate yourself, not discourage yourself. Try to befriend the peers who you admire and learn from them instead of envying from afar. Lastly, research, as Ross said. Research artists that inspire you. Follow artists online with the types of jobs you want to have and study them. Look into what that career will demand of you and try to cater your school curriculum to generating a portfolio for that career. Make friends in school, they'll help you survive and can be networks in the future.
“Don’t think that art school is gonna make you a great artist” LOVE THIS!! Talked about this on my channel too - people need to know this!! Also LOVE the energy you have; your smile is contagious! 😁
I thought about it, but i'm now taking Graphic Design at collage. there's a lot of sketching and creativity in general and what not. I'm self-learned artist beside that. We had a day at the start of the year to teach some basic art stuff then. I also went to Folk high (more or less a free year feeling, but you have classes.. It's a norwegian and danish school thing). I went art and photo there and it was an amazing year where i learned different things and also we did some travel and had our art supply with us and did some painting :D I wanted to go art school, but i'm glad i went Graphic now as it's so much more you can do and you can go with illustration design, book design etc c:
Yeah, but knowing which school you went to (because I experienced a couple month of it)....it REALLY helps being in that environnement (I was one of Scott's students) Sometimes students who went to amazing schools don't realise everything you simply can't learn on your own...I personnaly don't want to go to art center, but I value a lot what I learned there and use it everyday. Seriously 90% of the information online is either way too specific, leading you in a wrong direction or incomplete, and doesn't lead to great results, and it's so hard finding the hidden gems. Teachers like Scott Robertson and Jamie Jones give a invaluable knowledge at every breath, and give you a mindset which makes you save months of figuring out yourself what works and what doesn't to reach your goals. Like realizing the relation between greyscale and form when rendering is SO valuable and immediatly helps you paint better. Buying books helps and is much more reliable than online stuff (depends on the book, again) but if you want to be a world class character designer, it's insanely tough without an institution like Art Center to teach you the concepts of character design. You simply can't figure out on your own the rule of third, someone has to tell you that, and it's not little chunks of informations online which worked for me. And the best information, like CDA, is behind paywall. I mean even the best anatomy I could find online, Kevin Chen's demos, is from a teacher from your school haha. ( www.angelfire.com/art3/kchendemos/ )
I do art as a hobby because it was my dream as a child (which as always gets squashed by adults very early- my brother being a "unsuccessful" artist prevented any positive encouragement from family on top of the squashing by other adults). As always your videos never fail to be anything less than the positive uplifting encouragement that many people need to continue their passions.
Thanks! This helps a lot. I'm in Middle School and I think this is a great time for practice because drawing is my passion! I decided to check out this video so that I could get more information on it! Thanks again Ross!!
I;m only in high school but i really enjoy making art and one time my mom said " you know you could make money selling art" and I was so blow away like "I can't" and then all she said was why not and now i've been questioning what I really want to do and your channel has helped me a lot, so thanks.
I hear what you're saying about choosing whether to attend an art school, or going with self-taught methods and tutorials. Both are great, and it depends on how the individual would like to learn. I knew I wasn't oriented to do self-taught methods on my own time, so I opted for researching the animation school I wished to attend and study at. I looked into all of the teachers and was satisfied :) Of all of the wonderful experiences I gained while attending, having like minded classmates and peers -- Ultimately new lifelong FRIENDS -- was worth going to school. I don't think I would ever meet people of that sort to motivate me if I were staying at home being self-taught. I now work with 6 of them in the same studio, and we all have backgrounds ranging from just out of highschool to 20 years of graphic design experience + 3 kids. If you can meet people through forums or art meetups and train yourself all the while, awesome! If you are okay with exchanging some (reasonable) debt for in class teaching, then that's awesome too! Overall though, before venturing down either path, make sure you are motivated to study your medium, draw from others, learn or experiment.... by you own hand. You your self should be the biggest motivator to becoming an artist :) Have fun with it!
+Norvenom Also online schools are great too, but be cautious with the course. The skill level required to enter them varies and might not be for beginners. Attending them after you have experience could be more beneficial in the long run and save you time/money.
I am completely agree the personal live will become your part of art，if you only see the painting skills ，what you paint will only became a showing skills painting ,if you can see the beauty of life,you will through painting tell people, let them felling what did you see from your life. But sometimes you painting skill is too bad,is hard to let people feeling your images😂
thx for your motivation,its great,yeah i always bring my sketch book everywhere,anywhere,anytime.but still i cant draw everywhere,like if i draw in school.my friends gonna make my drawing worse,and if i draw when im traveling,i cant enjoy my holiday,so my comfortable place is my room at night only,and cuz of that im not getting enough sleep,but its fun so as long as its fun for me,im not having a problem
Being from South America doesn't help me at all on the 'getting art education' business, our currency is 1/4 of a dollar rn, so I study online and with whatever I can get -_- Fortunately illustration resources are all over the internet, but animation not so much, and I feel like I missed the time gap to become really good and make way in the industry...But I still work hard and study everyday, really wish I had a good capable teacher for art critique, since there's only so much people will help with commentary. The good thing (?) is that I learned the hard way how much effort it takes to improve, and used my time reading and studying storytelling, so it seems I found a way to be at least close to what I love so much hahah. Once again, really great topic and very entretaining Ross! I'm really glad you are making videos and helping a lot of people too. Have a great day!
Wow! Ross u posted this video in the so right time! I don't have any schools in my country which are appropriate to me. Each school has only a graphic or costume design :( well, it's not what I need I think because it's so far from concept art. Well anyway thank u for this video bro ;)) it's awesome! Like an always tbh)
I am in an art school in France, and the first thing I can't underline more is that art school is actually hard work. Going to bed late, projects, and overall quite alot of pressure to get things done is part of the course. But if you are motivated by what you're doing, then their should be no problem at all =) Teachers give you tips and advice on how to draw, but in the end, you're the one that's going to be using them to get better. And it's tough work because being in art school doesn't mean that you will magically be able to draw. So do your best, and have a think of whether you're ready or not to put alot of work and hard work into art school.
Alana Morse i was only 1 day there. and i already hated it... i think its better to just stay self taught. at least look at videos but yeah that school sucked the just made us draw something. just puts a plant there and we just draw it.. the only thing she said was.. "Draw what you see" terrible.
Lol I'm already going to Graduate this year. There's no point in backing out now. You're Ross, the only way to be a great artist is to practice and master it your art. And I've already gone thru trial and error for the last 4 years in school. To me it was a blast and the friends I've made, wouldn't change it for anything. Most people will just complain here an there but it all comes down to you. Very excellent opinion Ross!
I'm planning to attend an art school and one of the foundations teachers is an opera singer on the side, and it's not BS either, he was singing full on Italian in class when I took a weekend class on self portraits . He also taught us some Italian, which I can't remember XD and named a skull model, that he said was an Asian female by the bone structure, wither it was true or not, it was amusing and very informative. Those three hours where some of the most art incite have ever got, and it is the school I want to attend, the atmosphere is great.
I’m considering going to Rhode Island school of design! And I want to get transferred and travel the world while also incorporating art work and stuff, I think it’d be amazing!!
Im a freshman in college and was a computer science major the whole time because I thought was suppose to pick something more "academic". I came to a realization that I want to continue to follow my passion and pursue art. I'll be taking summer courses to catch up starting with a drawing 1 course. Don't get lost in the economy and pursue money, please think about in the end what you're passionate about. If you're passionate about something, you're willing to suffer for it. Good luck.
This is great! I want to go off what you said about doing your research and share my story. Coming out of high school I was obsessed with James Jean like a million others in 2009, I wanted to be an illustrator. I found a lot of art schools that had great editorial illustration programs and I applied to a few and ended up going to one. The problem was that half way into my sophomore year I discovered, for the first time, that designing for video games and movies was an entire industry and was more interesting to me in many ways than the editorial illustration industry. Kind of depressed about already being three semesters into my program and already 40k in debt I decided to stick with my program and focus on entertainment design in my free time. I've graduated since then, and I'm happy with all the experiences I had at the school I chose, but I am still chasing the entertainment design skills I never picked up from choosing the wrong school! My advice to my former self is don't assume that working on something big is impossible. Find something you love, get online, and work backwards from the final product - who worked on it? - where did they work before? - and where did they go to school? Good luck!
THANK YOU for making this video i'm in my 4th year in a visual arts program and all of these things are true if your parents are against your going to an art school, do some more research! everyone thinks that getting an art degree means you'll just be painting and drawing after you graduate, but there are so many opportunities out there. being able to make your hobby your job is one of the best things ever (:
Heya Ross :) I currently go to art school, but it right now isn't working out too much for me. The school's okay I guess, but the environment/people just aren't for me. It's kind of depressing in my opinion. Still, I think I learned a lot. I really got into oil painting because of that school, and I appreciate it since now I really love to oil paint next to digital work. But like I said, the school's environment just isn't for me, so I decided to transfer schools. The art school I'm transferring to has a few friends of mine who go there already. I dunno how this'll turn out, but I think I'll be at least a bit better considering I'll have people I can talk to/relate to there. But art school or not, I'll still study/work at my art in any way I can, whether from books or tutorials online, and get inspiration from such motivating artists like you :D
The answer to this question should be a simple one to start: it depends. Nobody is going to be able to tell you whether or not you should go to art school. They can only help you ask the right questions. It's up to you to answer them honestly, take an assessment of yourself and your situation, and make the right decision. This is often easier said than done.
You're right about the perspective about going through and graduating art school. Just cause you walked the stage doesn't mean you're a great artist. It takes lots of dedication and constant reminders that it's all part of a process. I wanted quick results in art school, but with most art, it takes time. My advice is to not procrastinate. More time allows you to feel less pressure. It also allows you to explore and experiment more and feel better about producing a great piece. Another thing: don't compare yourself to other art students' work. Stay focused on how great you want to be and have a goal in mind. Work on reaching those goals so you can master your domain.
I'm going into a major in BFA Game,animation,simulation and this isn't exactly what I wanted but it can work. Games and art are not that big in Arkansas so it is hard but I'm going to keep moving forward. Thank you for the advice and motivation
oh my god, this is perfect timing because I've literally been thinking so much about going to art school. I actually do want to go to the art center, so tips for surviving art school would be perfect! thank you ross, you're awesome!
Art school isn't a must but if you're looking for a school that is centered around creativity art school is def a great experience and offer lots of info and opportunities normally couldn't find on just Google searching ! also art schools vary quite a lot so research is a must and prioritize what you think is important like if they offer what you're looking for or if you have a tight budget! but art school is (at the moment for me) a fantastic ride... also location is important because you won't be spending your entire time at school anyway... exploration of your surroundings is important!
Ross is absolutely right here, and I just wanted to share some of my own experiences for people looking at video game art specifically. Art school is 100% not required to enter video game art. I'm not just talking about being able to teach yourself instead. I mean straight up credential wise. Yes, most of the job listings will say they want you to have gone to school, but I'm working 2d art on a triple-A game right now, and only about half of the team I work with actually went to art school. There are two alternative paths that I see a lot specifically: 1. People being hired as artists for games that they've become known for their fan art for. Game companies will legitely scout out people making exceptional fan art for their games, and hire them. 2. Entering from another department of the gaming industry. People with a passion and skill for art that they've been developing on their own time can quite smoothly transition to art from a different field within the same company. Large video game companies require tooons of different professions. So if your specialty is something else, consider entering the industry as that, and then moving to art. For people without any secondary education, trying to just enter the game industry at all, consider QA. These companies have very little requirements for hiring testers. You can get in as a tester with no education, work hard, prove yourself an artist, and be moved to an art team. I am not the only one who has made it this way.
I'm from a north state of Mexico, and will say that im a bit disappointed with the art concept most of the teacher have... Theres an experience I had: I'm in the Art career in the state's college, but this is the teachers' concept of art: "If isn't REALISM isn't Art, and Illustration isn't art" , they don't allow us experiment any other style besides realism... and they grade our work in base of their tastes and style (by a 70%) and tecnique (30%), that is a big bullshit and pisses me off, even if they say "This work is free themed", isn't completely free, because they are expecting something they will do. And artist, in my opinion, found their style experimenting diverse styles besides realism, you can experiment anime/manga style, american comic style, surrealism, fantasy realism, chinese, japanese, european style, etc and found your favorite style OR creating your own style. I kind of regret studying in that college, a lot of stuff that they teach there i could have learned in art courses... but what i can do now? Now i have to work harder and get by myself the tittle of "artist" where i live :')
My advice would be to if you can, go, DO IT! (Like Shia ;) Also, make the most of it when you are there, I've come to the end of my second term of my second year and it feels like yesterday I first joined, insane. I'm at 'art school' right now (university.) Whilst I admit it's not the best University around it's the best choice available to me right now without having to move country or massive distances away. I'm definitely glad I'm here, made so many new friends, had a spectrum of insane experiences, and so much else. My work has improved so massively from when I started I cannot begin to describe.
I'm looking out for another video like this, I really needed this. I am currently feeling depressed over the fact that the college I'm going to isn't the type of college that I wanted to attend, however your tips on whether or not we should go to an Art School or not really helped me.
This is a very helpful video, thank you. I've always been interested in graphic design/art. So I used to take a tuition course 5 years ago, my teacher worked/still does in the TV business and designed ad banners, and 3D models of certain products. So he taught me for appox. 2 hours every week and I learned about all the tips and tricks on Photoshop and Corel Draw (which is my main drawing hub). The dude was nice and friendly as hell and it didn't cost much either, like Rs. 2,000 a month. He's actually acting now in some Soap Operas lol. I learn the rest of the stuff I need to know, and kinda the advanced stuff via tutorials online, things are way too easy now.
I really want to go to an art school of some kind, but reality kicks in and I can't decide what I want to do anymore... 1. I can't afford it. I need a better job as soon as possible to start saving so I can attend my classes as soon as possible. 2. I don't think I'm in the right location. Yes there are a few uni's here that do provide art classes, but I don't think they're quite what I'm looking for. 3. I didn't study in enough smart classes in high school to be able to go to uni or collage. I didn't study for on OP or an ATAR or whatever you call it because I never thought I would want to go to uni, but I regret not doing that in that perspective, but I also had a tone of fun in the classes I had either way. My point is, I want to get better. I want to get to a stage where I can sell merchandise, prints, commissions at conventions and online and everything. I want to be able to do what Ross does but in my own way. Does anyone in Australia know how to get there. What I need to research and where I need to go to get the information I need to either study online, or just join something somewhere where we can all learn together. I think you know what I mean, and I'm sorry that I'm not that great at explaining things, but I want to learn. Thank you in advance.
Just gonna throw my two bits in the hat. I'm in college, seeking a higher education to the end of being an educator; a teacher. And funny thing is? Word in the world is that college as we know it will not exist in 5 years. Our current system has been outdated and replaced by the internet, font of all knowledge! As far as one college student's advice goes, Do what you love. I need to go to college for the kind and type of learning needed to become a stellar educator. Art, on the other hand, you can learn from Ross Tran on the internet XD He's right though. Anyone can teach you how to do something. if you want to be GOOD, or even GREAT at something, the drive to improve and seek new skills has to start with you.
I went one 10 years ago, not really an art college nor an advanced one, to graduate at least with a Diploma certificate so I can get an average pay job, in my country. Thinks back, the college I went didn't really taught much except many theories, test, paper exams with bit of assignments and projects. What I learn from college was, 1. New explorations into types of applications use in creative fields and how it works ( Adobe CS ) 2. Learn to use foundation skills in Adobe CS and other apps is similar example as learn to drive. To me, it's a baby footsteps into the creative industry. I didn't learn much in college not until I start working as a part timer in a small design studio. I learn more from work experience, mentored and from google, tutorial websites and RU-vidrs. I may not experience the life in real Art college or university, but I bet it would be stressful to get stuck in a highly competitive environment to study art until end of terms.
Yeah I would really like to go to an art school (in Japan if at all possible) for college. I have taken art classes in the past and the teachers have all been unhelpful, so Ive settled with being self taught. I like it much better because I feel like I have improved more by myself than with a teacher. Yes, if you have any tips on Art Schools, I would enjoy hearing about. I think it would be very helpful for me and those who are also searching for Art Schools.
I used to draw a lot when I was growing up. I don't know how good you'd rate my work cause I done it cause I loved it. I took the art electives in high school all I could. I once tried to do the Art Instruction School by mail but due to bad circumstances was not able to stay with it. I am 36 now and I've had several people tell me that I should have done something with art. I've always been interested in cartooning and comic art but don't really know what training and skills needed to have for me to even attempt to doing a school or getting into this stuff. I've been getting the itch and wanting to get back into art.
I'm in the ART school and I like the way teachers treat students and by that I mean my teachers help students to improve their style. I have in class people with very different styles, for example: comic, some abstract and psychodenic style or even geometric. Unfortunately I heard very negative opinions abaut ART school like "you can't improve yourself because teachers don't let you do it" or "you don't have time for your own projects" but I personally think It depends of school you choose.
Seeing your progress is really nice (saw some drawings from your LevelUp video). I want to be a concept artist as well; hope I can play catch-up fast :)
I really look forward to your Art school survival video. My issue is that I am attending an art school (in cold edinburgh, scotland) and while I seem to float through the course, sometimes I wonder if I chose the right thing. Because while the school I'm at is like renowned and thought highly of its...not what I thought it would be. Not what people big'd it up to be? Im in my second year (technically first as I did 1st yr in oxford) of a four year course and I have thought on multiple occasions if Im doing either the right course (illustration) or doing the right thing going to uni at all. And lots (like half) of my course mates struggle with the course just like, understanding what it is the do the grades and so much of it just seems so pointless but our briefs are never really good (I've liked 1 project out of about 9) And most of my friends that struggle with the course seem to be more directed towards digital art, or that kind of area style wise. (Basically don't want to make children books.) Which the importance and creativeness of digital work to my tutor (I only have 1!) and course leader is like this new shiny thing that they sort of just dismiss in the end? Or they're not appreciative because they simply DONT know anything about it and that industry, and I have no access to anyone even close to that. So digital artists doing my illustration degree...it always seems like we and our school see differently. I have no mentoring access to anyone who knows say illustrator or personal advice for techniques and layouts and composition.. I hear of some of the awesome degrees people have done and do in america (over the pond!) and I think oh my god that seems perfect for me (calArts and more are so awesome eh?) but we don't have THAT many specific degree courses like that in the uk and if we do they're very new and still a little wobbly on their feet. SO. I'm very jelly of americans. So...yeah. Obviously I am so happy with my friends but I made a lot of my friend because we were comforting each other with our frustrations with the course which...I feel shouldn't be the case. I just don't get taught anything. I get given briefs and...a few (i want more) life drawing sessions. thats it. Occasional drawing trips. haha how confusing. SO. But alas, I have 2 more years left so who knows. Ive always had issues with grading systems for art and what do I do, meet the grades or be miserable in everything to do with my course? ITS HARD TO WORK OUT. I think obvious opportunity and connections and friends is a big boost for art school but...in my case I did chose a 'good' school and yet why must it be so painful? SIGH. Oh well. Paid for this stupid degree might as well get to do what I like haha. My ADVICE would be...before applying to a course try and find alumni (graduates) of that course whose work you like the look of. Maybe theres a list somewhere or a blog for them but ask how they found it. Because if someone says its good but is the complete opposite of everything you like in art...do you think you'll like the course they think is perfect for them?
I really wanna go to art school back home in Chicago but like most ppl I can't afford it and I've been told I can learn most stuff online but it's not just that I like going to school and learn from diff artist. hopefully I will be able to go 😁😁😁 and have a blast
