idk how many college-searching-aged folks follow me here but I really wanna stress to the artists out there that big schools like calarts or ringling or w/e are NOT worth being in debt for the rest of your life, because with those price tags you will be
I learned more about art and the animation industry from following professional artists online and going to conventions and events. I learned more about how to apply for and get jobs by asking other artists who weren’t my teachers. If you want a job in art, make a portfolio, meet pros, and apply for every job you see regardless of your qualifications. This goes for every kind of art job, not just animation.
if you really want to get better at ART and aren’t wanting a job just yet, take community college art classes and practice life drawing on your freetime. it’s a cheaper or even free way to learn a skill thats improved more by effort than knowledge
tl;dr you shouldn’t go upwards of $200k in debt to learn a skill that’s free
EVEN BETTER!! to all the kids currently in art school who just don’t think it’s working out for you: the turmoil of school is not representative of the real world. your degree will not ensure you a job. seriously consider your values and if you don’t think it’s working out, you can quit and start the job search immediately before accruing more debt!!
I say all of this as someone who went to art school for 4 years and loved it. it’s not necessary. it’s not worth the price tag.