As you may have seen from some of my earlier posts, I'm attending Ringling School of Art and Design. I was attracted to the school because of its computer animation department, which is considered by many to be #1 in the country. I also liked the friendly small campus atmosphere of the school.
What I believe is the primary factor in deciding what school to go to is what you most want to go into career wise. If you want to do computer animation your obvious choice would be Ringling (as it was for me). If you want to do traditional animation, Cal Arts would be the top choice (being to top traditional animation school.) If you are seeking a career more as an independent film maker/ animator who would show work in a film festival, RISD would be a likely choice. If you want to be a painter I would highly recommend Kansas City Art Institute.
I completely relate with what you are going through. I remember the confusion I felt when applying to schools. There were so many routes to take. I agree with Elliot that you shouldn't go nuts with applying to too many schools, but you should definately keep your options open and apply to a fair number of schools so you have the freedom to change your mind. So have plenty of backup schools, because you never know, one of the schools you consider to be only a back up may later on become your first choice. This is exactly what happened in my case.
At first I had my heart set on going to RISD, partly because many peeople call it the best art school in the country. But I visited the school and I didn't feel really comfortable with it and I noticed that the animation department was using outdated equipment. Training on this old equipment would in no way help me get a job. Then I also visited Ringling which I had only applied to on a limb, considering it only a backup, and I fell in love with the school.
You also have to visit the schools if you can. It is expensive travelling to these schools but well worth the investment. If I didn't visit the schools I probably would have chosen to go to RISD and later I would have been disappointed. A school catalogue can only do so much to present the school to you. First hand examination of a school is invaluable. It gives you the chance to preview the school and ask lots and lots of question.
Also regarding art schools vs. universities I agree they both have their advantages/disadvantages. I chose an art school over a university because I like the idea of being at a small school. It gives you a chance to really know people and to develope a tight-knit community. Also, the level of talent at these art schools is pretty amazing and you learn so much from the other students work. It is competetive, yes. But the desire to keep up with everyone else keeps me on my toes. I do agree that if you are not sure art is what you want to go into take the safe route and go to a university. Either way you can't go wrong.
Reflecting on my experience at Ringling thus far, it has been very challenging and straining. I've had strict deadlines to meet and sometimes I have had so much work that I had to prioritize the things that most had to be done and not worry about doing the rest. There were also very few breaks. In the past school year I've been working on projects seven days a week most weeks from the time I wake up till the time I go to sleep(which sometimes would not be until very late at night.) I am also realizing now that I have to detatch myself with grades. I've caused myself a lot needless stress worrying about getting good grades. Straight A's are almost an impossibility at art school. So the key is to just be content with having a few B's and knowing that you did your best. I'm not trying to scare you, I just wanted to let you know what it is really like. But if you are ready for challenges and are driven to succeed you'll be fine. It will be a tough four years, but if you do your best you'll be ready for the real world.
I know I've just been rambling on, but I hope I've been of some help!
Posted on May 12, 2004, 7:47 PM from IP address 12.72.114.93