Asking for advice about school...

[Ann Foerster]

Slipped at work, so I plan on resting my leg and interacting more Online...

A pain I very recently realized was that I couldn't profit from the student licensed Adobe CS3 software I have. Thanks to Denny Furlong (awesome person!), I've been figuring out how to get back on track with this little issue. Painter Essentials 3 came with my tablet so I can use that until the time comes for the better one. I'm broke so it all goes hand in hand. If anyone can give me some helpful hints on avoiding the same problem again that would be awesome! I have been considering looking at area cons to go to over the summer as an artist.

Next point of business...! I think I have previously mentioned that my major at Kent State U. (OH, USA) was Visual Communication Design, a.k.a. Graphic Design & Illustration. Problem is, the major is sucking the life out of me (probably the norm in the industry but I got absolutely no sleep for a week and a half... on this one class), not to mention all my other classes, my part-time job, and trying to have a social life... it's hard. I almost blacked out and I can't remember much. My grades are slipping, my studio class for VCD is going horribly, and I'm at a loss...

I have good artwork, it's just that Kent State isn't artist friendly. I've had better luck teaching myself artwork anyway... I have good writing skills when it comes to story lines, just not for journalism or research papers. A transfer has been considered... I would drop and freelance or something, but I have a lot in loans and not the job to pay them off...

I've been talking to as many Fine Art majors as I know, and I've heard mixed reviews about the major. Most of the news has been bad. I have also considered Creative or Novel Writing, but I hear that no one knows what they're doing there. There is an animation course, but it is a 2-year program for engineering (a lot of math and science). Plus I hear it fails. I've been considering a language, I've always been able to catch on to a few well. I would probably see if there is Japanese (which I have started to teach myself), or I may take a stab at French/German/Russian. Other possible interests are history, music, and

My step-sister says I should go into business, but it's probably math heavy (me+math=*unwritable obscenities*) and I hear it's too easy.

So, I'll take any suggestions or what not to help me figure things out.

*sigh* I need to lighten up...! ^^;

[Karen Miller]

Thought I might help with a software suggestion. Full disclosure...I work for a web company that provides free (and fun) animation software. The company is: http://www.doink.com Check us out and let me know what you think. Thanks!

[Vincent Veidt]

Look into open source drawing applications. They may not be as powerful or comprehensive as Photoshop, but they should get the job done.

As for majors; there's a reason artists go to art schools. I would recommend that you major in a field that would provide marketable skills during those periods when the job market (especially the artistic market) constricts. If you really want to pursue your art over job security, a notion I have recently devoted myself to, look into MA/MFA programs after completing your first degree.

I've never liked the "Fine Arts" major at any school. I find that if the program is worth the effort, the name will reflect its concentration (e.g. - The MFA in Experimental Animation at CalArts). Look into these programs when you truly believe you've found your artistic voice/medium.