Hello all,
I need some advice.. I am currently majoring in Engineering. This fall will be my second year. I am planning on finishing a bachelor's degree in Engr before moving on to obtain a second degree in CG. I am looking more towards computer animation/special effects at the Academy of Art University in CA. (Am I looking at the right CG school??)
My dilemma is that I really don't know if this educational path is right for me. Even though I've always envisioned myself going to college for Engr (given that it's a rational, safe major, etc.), the courses in CG I took in HS really made me think twice about it. I know that in the heart of hearts, my passion lies in CG.. but at the same time, I'm not much of a risk taker (moving across the country, high tuition, etc.). And even though I'm looking forward to going to CA and taking the chance then, I feel as though I am robbing myself of four years of college that could have been spent on a major that I really enjoy. Nonetheless, a representative from the Academy of Art Uni says that it'll take me only 2 years to finish their bachelor's degree given that I already have one from an accredited university. Whatever the case... please give me your insights.
A much distressed,
Ravenhawn :confused:
[SIZE=2][SIZE=3]~~"There are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics."~~ :eek: [/SIZE][/SIZE]
rationality? bah! If you know in your heart that you want to do animation or effects of whatever, then you should do it. If its not something your in love with, then it might not be for you because its a major comittment of time,energy and love, often without much reward.
I think education is invaluable, but that's just me. I love going to school for CG and have learned a great deal and met a lot of really cool, talented people.
As for which school to choose, visit the campus. Its a big decision picking a school and you don't want to make it without seeing the place you're going to be spending all your time in for a few years.
That's all I got.
Ender
Now that Ender has covered the artsy fartsy love side, I'll cover the paractical side ;) I'm kidding by the way.
I graduated from the the Academy of Art University, the one in San Francisco, waaaaay back in 1999 when it was still called a College. Back then, they had a really developed 3D animation department. I did learn a lot from that school, although I majored in traditional animation. A pluss and minus of the school is that they require all their teachers to be working professionals, so they get animators from PIXAR and PDI and other studio. The minus of that is that many of them don't know HOW to teach. They now their subject but sometimes they don't know how to get that across to their students.
As for it taking only 2 years because you already have a degree, don't bet on it. When I was there, you were only able to transfer a certain amount of classes to the Academy, maybe enough to knock off a semester of classes. Also, people with previouse degrees, weren't aloud to go into the BA program, but had to go into the Masters program. These classes were the same classes the BA students took, but were charged MORE per credit.
Now this might be different now, but be sure to ask their addmissions director all this first. Oh, and there is no "campus." They have several buildings around downtown San Francisco, so you actually walk around the city to get from class to class which is really nice. If you like walking up hills though ;)
Good luck,
The Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
Coming in from the engineering side of the world ...
I do graphic design in marketing for an environmental engineering firm and might be able to shed a little light on the technical world, even if I'm not an engineer -- if you do the CG program (which I recommend because it sounds like that's your calling) you can always transition back into engineering either through CADD or 3D design.
There's definitely a niche for 3D rendering, animation, modelling, video, and design in both engineering and architecture -- either in-house or thru Ad firms that specialize in A&E. Might be an avenue to look into between special effects jobs.
The best thing about engineering is they will take people on at different levels and they usually have excellent tuition reimbursment packages; also there can be a lot of movement from within. So, if you decide to go back to engineering, there's a very good chance a company will pay for schooling. Engineers usually continue with grad school and get whatever licenses are needed so education benefits are high up on their benefits list.
Just saying this crossroad isn't as all or nothing as it seems and it might be easier to do CG now rather than later. Good luck, difficult choice.
p.s. yeah, what Butrous said. But can we still drink Mountain Dew in CG?
Take your risks now while you're still young and have plenty of recover time.
Don't be that pathetic engineering slob stuck in a small cubicle existance filled with Mountain Dew empties, dashed dreams and an ever-increasing backside spilling over the sides of your ergonomically designed computer chair. It'll be unpleasant for you to have to live through and really unpleasant for the rest of us to have to look at.:p
Seriously though, do what you love for as long as you can get away with it.
Ciao!
I was somewhat the same way as you are Ravenhawn in that I saw myself in a different career and then suddenly after taking a few 3D classes, I realized entirely new options. Although, my previous career choice, dancer/performer, was not all that "rational" or "safe," but it was a different field nonetheless. I am going back to the "artsy fartsy love side" of things here, but I really think that is an important part. As someone who DID make the career change, it has to be something you are willing to put your heart and soul into. You wrote, "in the heart of hearts, my passion lies in CG," so I think you will regret it if you didn't make the change. For me, regret is one of the worst feelings. Do what you love and don't hold back.
As for the school, it's a tough call. There are too many conflicting opinions about schools for 3D, so I would suggest visiting as many different ones as you can and see what vibe you like best.
Good luck!
"i love the graph editor"
[ChrisMagovern.com]
and visit me on myspace...
Thank you everyone for responding. :o *tear*
[SIZE=2][SIZE=3]~~"There are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics."~~ :eek: [/SIZE][/SIZE]
I don't know about you, but I don't believe in reincarnation. So I tend to live up every second of my life towards doing what I really love. Anything else is a waste of the only thing in the universe you can get for free buy can't buy more of it: life time.
Never lose time, you can't find it again. Do what you want.
danielpoeira.org
Just wanted to show you that you never know WHERE your creativity can be put to use. Here's an environmental website that put together a cute little animation called Lord of the Streams. No it's not Pixar, but it's fun, it's creative and someone paid for it.
http://www.mwdh2o.com/