Hi!
So, about a year ago I fell in love with animation. I’m very passionate about it. I would love to work for an animation studio, preferably Pixar, and maybe even directs my own feature.
And I would love to attend CalArts as they are the best in character animation and they will teach me what I want to know. However, I know that my drawing skills aren’t strong enough, and I’m on a serious time crunch. I’m a junior in high school, and I have less than a year before I start applying to colleges. I’ve always had the talent to draw, but I never practiced as I got older because for a few years I wanted to go into acting, which should help me in the long run, but now I’m stressing about building a portfolio.
I’m taking art right now, and I signed up for AP drawing and painting my senior year. I will also take the summer to completely dedicate myself to drawing. But I’m a little lost. There are so many things to teach my self in art, and I just don’t know where to start. What is CalArts looking for in a strong portfolio? Where should I begin? I know I have the potential, but time is not on my side. Nevertheless, this is my dream and passion and I could use all the help and advice on how to get there. Thank you so much!
I’m in the same boat! Sort of anyway, except I’m a senior in highschool. I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue art at all until December… Even though I’ve been in art classes since sophomore year my portfolio is lacking a bit (especially to get into character animation at CalArts…) I’ve applied to RISD and Ringling for illustration but then I realized that I might like majoring in animation a lot better (sigh).
Just remember that it’s fine if it takes you longer. I’ve seen some people mention that a lot of people who start their freshman year CalArts are in their 20s and it isn’t that weird.
There are a lot of videos on YouTube of people’s submitted sketchbooks/portfolios and I think someone put together a post about what to put/what not to put in your portfolio (http://michellegoestocalarts.■■■■■■■■■■/post/96947079397/how-to-get-rejected-and-accepted-from-calarts)
But also remember that just because CalArts is the best at character animation doesn’t mean that it’ll make you the best, since if you try hard enough, you can be successful anywhere you go to.
@obsessiveDreamer have you considered taking a summer Pre-College course at your local art college? Many of the AICAD (i.e. American Independent Colleges of Art and Design, of which CalArts is a member) offer multi week immersion programs over the summer where you basically take intense studio classes in drawing, design, art history and your field of interest. This is the best way to build up your portfolio AND experience what being in art college is all about.
Google AICAD, find the school closest to your area - or choose to go to the CalArts program! - and apply without delay. Good luck!
