SVA Vs. SCAD for animation

Colleges and Universities A-Z School of Visual Arts
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<p>Hey Everyone!! I have applied to CalArts, SVA, and SCAD for fall 2010. CalArts is my #1 choice of course for their character animation program. So assuming i'm not accepted there I wanted to start debating SVA vs. SCAD. I wanted to hear from people in the animation programs at SCAD and SVA. I am looking for an animation program that includes 2d, 3d and stop motion. Both schools do, but I want to know which one is rated better?! I have tried to search this everywhere!! I know that SCAD's animation dept. was rated in the top 3, but couldnt find what rating SVA got. Help? I just got my acceptance letter from SCAD the other day, but i'm waiting on the other two. Thanks!!</p>

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<p>SVA, the teachers are super experienced veterans who have worked there for a long time. SCAD is having trouble right now hanging on to teachers because of how they treat them. Almost sort of funny it’s SCAD vs SVA… SVA tried to open a branch in Savannah years ago but SCAD sued them and tried to make up a huge conspiracy thing. I think you would be happier with SVA, besides the fact you won’t have to live near a ghetto or a whole row of crack houses. SCAD likes to put their students right next to the action to try to make it “safer” which is backfiring in a bad way at the moment.</p>

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<p>Why don’t you apply to CalARTS once again?
Well…there is no question that Calarts is the best animation school in the world.
If you spend 1-3years more to get in CalArts, you will have much more opportunities. </p>

<p>Actually, every Pixar and Dreamworks Directos are from CalArts.
I atteched the Animation directors list. Please see this chart and think once again. </p>

<p><a href=“http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs476.snc3/26081_108719095813924_100000275028316_178293_5466569_n.jpg[/url]”>http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs476.snc3/26081_108719095813924_100000275028316_178293_5466569_n.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I signed up at College Confidential just to answer your question. I was actually looking up the history of SCAD animation on Google for an accurate timeline of what courses were available at what times. (Couldn’t find it. So, don’t take everything I say for fact.) I’m currently finishing my sophomore year at SCAD right now as an undergrad. </p>

<p>As for looking for a school with 2-D, 3-D, and stop motion, I can’t say which is better. I can tell you that the 2-D program at SCAD is very new if you compare it to CalArts which has been around since… the 70’s/80’s. I forget. SCAD currently has two animation professors here who worked at the Disney Florida Studios until 2004 when they shut down. One was an effects animator (I’ve taken 3 classes with him and he’s wonderful) and another was a character animator (who studied at CalArts - I’ve met him and am taking his Character I class in the fall). Since I’m focusing on 2-D animation, I can’t back up the 3-D professors or stop motion very well. Although, I think I saw our department chair was teaching Stop Motion fall quarter. His wife worked on Who Framed Roger Rabbit as a 2-D animator when it was being made in England. The two 3-D classes that I’ve taken so far as a requirement for my major have been excellently taught since I thought I would never understand Maya when I first touched it. Now, I’m comfortable enough in it that I don’t feel like a moron. :)</p>

<p>I don’t know how well SCAD is treating our professors per say. I assume it’s not so terrible in the animation department. I know one really great professor is leaving next year, but he’s a free spirited type who is always making animated films and tends to go where the wind/best offer takes him. The only major thing I’ve heard of is the fashion department losing 5 professors next year. I have no idea what that’s about, but a friend in the department said that each person had a different reason why they were leaving. Also, I don’t think every artist wants to teach for the rest of their life and will at one point or another move on. Such is the nature of the beast.</p>

<p>Safety concerns… Yeah we have them. But you really have just have to be aware of your surroundings. Savannah can be problematic when it comes to crime. It’s pretty much common sense not to go out at night alone. I have friends who do and are fine, but I don’t take the chance since I’m 5’4" and barely weight 120 lbs. We have an excellent bus system. Montgomery Hall, the animation building is the farthest… building from the front part of campus (you can’t walk there since it’s… at least 2 miles from the regular dorms). SCAD is really spread out. I don’t know how SVA is, but we’re not a enclosed campus. All of our buildings are random buildings that SCAD bought and renovated for teaching purposes. For instance Montgomery Hall, I hear used to be a factory that built coffins back in the day. :slight_smile: Anyhow, our security does a good job of keeping us safe. You just have to be proactive with your own safety (as you will for the rest of your life).</p>

<p>I hope that helps at least a little. I think SCAD has a great animation program depending on how you use it. As with any arts degree, it’s all about YOU and less about the program. Although, I probably wouldn’t go to the Arts Institute. :slight_smile: Good luck deciding!</p>

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<p>where is SCAD located at?</p>

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<p>Natuy200x , SCAD has campuses in Savannah and Atlanta in the US. I think they have some foreign campuses too.</p>