I am a high school sophomore (in two weeks at least). I love art and I love drawing, and my dream career is working for Disney, Dreamworks, etc. as an animation artist. I already have my colleges chosen, my top choice being Calarts.
I know it’s probably too early to be thinking, and my choices could change. I’m not sure if I can even afford going to CalArts, if I even make it in.
However, I’ve begun planning my portfolio for CalArts anyways. But I’m not confident of it. I’ve started pouring hours of my day working in my sketchbook, watching videos on youtube of artist’s sketchbooks who’ve made the cut. Searching the web for tips and things CalArts likes to see. I keep pushing myself harder and asking anyone for suggestions.
Art is my one true passion, and it’s what I want to do for a living. But if it’s a competitive field, and it’s hard to live off of, I wonder if I should really pursue art in the first place.
I also wonder, with CalArts being such a hard school to get into, if I even have a chance of getting in. I don’t even know how to animate yet. And I have only just started to explore my creative side with my artwork, after having traditional training most of my life. I’m definitely not confident of my creativity.
I’d appreciate any tips. This year I’ll also be meeting with my school’s art teacher to work on my portfolio. But I’d like to get as much information as I possibly can.
Nobody on a site like this can possibly rate your chances for admission to a selective arts program, where a portfolio or audition will be central to your application. Nobody. Anybody who remarks otherwise has no idea what he or she is talking about. CalArts is insanely competitive. Most BFA programs are, for both performing and visual arts, and it is not unusual for students to apply to more than 20 programs.
Most high school students do not have professional experience. The admissions committee will look for talent and creativity. The forum for art majors on CC can be helpful. Every school will have its own criteria and requirements, so study them carefully.
Some BFA programs are more selective in terms of academic stats. I don’t believe that’s true for CalArts. With a few exceptions, your portfolio will count for much more than your transcript.
Are you determined to go to college in CA. Ringling, in Sarasota, FL, is excellent for Animation.
Columbia College Chicago is another popular safety for students interested in Arts and Media. It has near-open admissions, and some good programs.
Go to the Visual Arts forum and peruse the threads there. There are many threads on National Portfolio Days, type of art to concentrate on for animation. Some discussion of schools.
Some of the threads are older but much of the advice given remains the same.
Computer animation is extremely competitive. The top two schools are Cal Arts (for 2D) and Riingling (3D).
Don’t know about Cal Arts but Ringling’s admittance rate for animation is around 10 per cent.
All of it is expensive.
There are many facets to the animation industry. There is also game design and motion studies. They each have a different focus but you may find one more interesting than another in the long run. Do some exploring of the student work–Ringling has a great site for this.
You don’t need to come in knowing how to animate (that’s why you go to school) but you should be computer savvy.
Art-wise focus on drawing from life so no drawing from photos, NO anime. Avoid static scenes like landscapes. Work on action and figure drawing. Work on perspective (downfall of many).
If at all possible consider doing a pre-college program in CA to find out if that is really where your interests lie. Computer animation is 24/7 in front of a computer screen–it is not pencil and paper on the park bench. Some find that their love of art is hands on and not with a computer.
Look into CSSSA – California State Summer School of the Arts. Takes place at CalArts with CalArts professors teaching several classes. Competitive program and the deadline for applications is late February. http://csssa.ca.gov