MICA vs. Ringling Illustration

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

Soooo basically I’ve applied to many different schools for illustration, and so far I’ve been accepted to UNT, UH (both in state safeties haha), CCA, Art Center, Otis, SVA, SCAD, Ringling and MICA. Currently waiting on Parsons, Pratt, Laguna, RIT and RISD (My top choice, but I really doubt I’m getting in)

If I somehow get into RISD, I’m very sure I’ll end up going there. Realistically, I’ll probably get waitlisted or rejected, and the two schools I’m really looking at are MICA and Ringling.

I did precollege at Ringling over the summer which made me fall in love with the school, and I was convinced that if I didn’t get into RISD I would go there. However, on further thought it also made me close my eyes to other schools. The illustration program is incredible and there are many success stories from many of the alumni who attended, my art teacher at my high school being one of them (she was a professional illustrator for many years before teaching). However, the location is not my favorite. Sarasota seems like it would be fun to explore for a couple of months, but then starts looking like the middle of nowhere. I also really wanted to move away from the hot weather, as I’ve lived in Texas all my life. I’m also concerned that since CA is such a focus at Ringling the illustration kids and other majors may be overshadowed, and the greatness that I’ve heard and seen from the school can only ring true to CA…I’m sure this isn’t completely accurate but it’s a concern I have.

Recently I was accepted to MICA, and the acceptance package immediately drew me in. Of course I had done research on the school before but this really prompted me to dive deeper. I did do a campus tour and I do love the vibe, facilities and aesthetic of the school, however Baltimore is a concern of safety for my parents and I. I do have a friend attending Johns Hopkins in the fall, so that would be someone who I could always go out with and know off the bat in the city, but I do have friends like that from Ringling precollege as well. I also don’t know how great MICA is with connections to industries that illustrators would want to work in. I have no clue if I want to do visdev or editorial illustrations, but no matter what I choose I want to make sure that I’d get the opportunity to be connected to possible future employers, which I know Ringling has.

Any insight? Anything is helpful :slight_smile:

2

You’ve already experienced Ringling and enjoyed it. I assume you’ve already experienced some of the faculty.
MICA is an unknown quantity.

Sarasota may not be the most exciting place on earth but at least you can walk around and feel safe. It is growing. (We visited RISD–great school but not a lot there either).
John Hopkins isn’t in a great part of town (actually I wouldn’t even get off the bus) to visit a friend. I visited Baltimore and wouldn’t go out by myself (I did it once but very sorry I did). It’s very easy to get into sketchy areas real fast by only a block or two. Just my experience. (My friend’s D actually turned down John Hopkins because of safety issues but that was a few years back.)

Weather-wise Sarasota can be hot of course but you’re used to that in Texas (TX can be much hotter).
You can exchange sunny and warm (with rain thrown in for Spring) for grey skies and freezing cold with snow in Baltimore. Up to you! I always sing the Jimmy Buffet song…“they’re freezing up in Buffalo stuck in their cars, while I’m lying here 'neath the sun and the stars…” (You can see where my heart lies–I don’t do cold well.)

Are you an “outside” person? Otherwise it’s actually a choice between AC and heating.

Career services at Ringling IS excellent. Many companies come for interviews for illustration (not only CA). They should be listed on their website. I know D’s roommate got an internship with Hallmark and went to work for a movie studio after graduation. (This said, it’ll always be up to you and your portfolio no matter what school you attend but you know that already).

Good luck!

3

Son just got back from his tour of Ringling and loved the school and program but had same ‘cons’ to the area & things to do. They jokingly dubbed it ‘old people Disneyland’.

My oldest is an illustration sophomore at RISD. Re @gouf78 comments it depends on what you want to do. Honestly she’s so busy with her work & campus events that she hasn’t explored Providence nearly as much as we have (I assume the same would happen at Ringling too & reminded son of that). But we’ve found lots to do on visits and have fallen in love with many of the restaurants. Although this time of year, we’re all huddling at inside venues. :wink:

Re Baltimore, we’ve visited MICA too and had a family vacation there few years before. There’s a lot of great arts & cultural opportunities to take advantage of. But yes…the economics of the city (like a lot of cites) changes drastically from block to block. D1 was applying during the height of the response to police events and protests did happen close to campus. I watched how the school communicated the events via their FB page and honestly was very impressed with how it was handled AND how the school community engaged and responded to the larger cultural conversation. You’d need some common sense street smarts, but not unlike living in any medium city. We visited before the events and I noticed there was a visible campus security presence - not in a frightening way but good to see they’re always around/accessible.

Hope this info helps and good luck with making your decision!

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@gouf78 @ArtAngst Thank you both so much for the helpful info! I think that I’m leaning more towards Ringling! I still have to wait to see the financial aid package MICA gives me, but if I don’t get into RISD, I think Ringling will be my choice just because I do like the campus layout better and resources I’ve seen students take advantage of. Will be sure to update when I know!

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“They jokingly dubbed it ‘old people Disneyland’” (Should be “Disney World” though)
LOL.

Honestly I don’t think my D left campus much unless it was to get to the grocery store because she was so busy all the time. Everybody just works on art. Her main retreat was Siesta beach I think.

New College is right down the road very close which is supposed to have some really outrageous campus parties if you’re so inclined on a Friday night. Can’t tell you about them 'cause nobody ever went (or admitted to anyways).

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Oh son got the full low down on the New College & their parties from the AirBandB folks…uh oh. :wink:

And I’m horrified I got my Disney’s wrong! Especially since son admitted he almost had a weepy moment when they learned the drawing light tables were from Disney studios.

Ringling’s on the top of the list for hubs now who loves the beach and sun…especially since they flew OUT of Providence for a ridiculously cheap rate.

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And @pastelrain when you find out about RISD, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good luck with all your great options!

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@ArtAngst Thank you so much, I’ll be sure to do that!

Yeah, when I was at precollege I took an animation class that got to use those light tables. We were all internally freaking out, it was an amazing experience.