3 answers
Excellence
Student
Texas City, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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Where should I start in pursuing Illustration/Cartooning/Art in Texas?
Hello, I am a sophomore in high school. I want to be an 2D Animator or Illustrator when I grow up, however I live in Texas with the rest of my immediate family. There are not many opportunities I have found for colleges and job opportunities relating to 2D Animation or Illustration in Texas. I really want the college I attend to have a drawing heavy art major instead of a painting heavy art major, but I can’t find a college in or near Texas that provides that. Can you guys help me?
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3 answers
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
188
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi!
It's great to hear about your passion for 2D animation and illustration! Texas has several opportunities for studying art, including illustration and animation. Here are some steps and options to help you get started on your journey in Texas:
1. Explore Colleges with Strong Art Programs
Several colleges and universities in Texas offer programs in illustration, animation, and related fields. Here are a few options to consider:
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Atlanta and Savannah:
While SCAD primarily operates in Georgia, it has a strong reputation for animation and illustration. They offer various degrees in these fields. Consider attending their open house or online events.
University of North Texas (UNT) - Denton:
UNT offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design with a focus on visual communication, which can include illustration. They have a solid foundation in graphic design and illustration.
Texas State University - San Marcos:
Texas State offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design. Students can focus on digital and print illustration and very likely get access to courses that relate to character design and storytelling.
Art Institute of Houston:
The Art Institute offers programs in Media Arts & Animation. It’s worth checking their offerings for a focus on illustration and animation.
Sam Houston State University - Huntsville:
Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. While it may not be specifically illustration, you can focus on drawing and design disciplines.
Rice University:
Although primarily an academic powerhouse, Rice has a great visual arts program with strong faculty support.
2. Attend Art and Animation Workshops
Local Workshops: Look for local workshops or summer programs focused on illustration or animation. Many art studios and community colleges offer classes in these areas.
Online Courses: Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or Coursera offer online courses on 2D animation, character design, and illustration that you can take advantage of while still in high school.
3. Build Your Portfolio
Create and Develop Your Art: Start a portfolio that showcases your best work. Include a variety of pieces that highlight your skills in illustration and animation.
Participate in Contests: Join local art contests, including those offered by schools or art organizations. This will help you gain exposure and add to your portfolio.
4. Networking and Community Engagement
Connect with Local Artists: Look for local art clubs, meetups, or groups focused on drawing or illustration. Engaging with peers and professionals can provide support and encouragement.
Attend Conventions: Participate in local comic or animation conventions in Texas, such as Dallas Fan Expo or San Antonio's Alamo City Comic Con. These events often include workshops and panels.
5. Research Online Programs
Consider Online Art Schools: Some online institutions, like Full Sail University or Academy of Art University, provide strong programs in animation and illustration that can be accessed from anywhere in Texas.
6. Talk to Your High School Counselor
Career Counseling: Your school counselor can help you explore options, including dual-credit courses or local colleges that offer relevant programs. They may have information about programs or scholarships.
While it may seem challenging to find illustration and 2D animation programs in Texas, there are many options available to you. Research the colleges listed above, consider attending workshops and online courses, and focus on building a strong portfolio. Connecting with local artists and events will also enhance your experience and network. Stay passionate about your interests, and you’ll find the right path toward a successful career in illustration and animation!
Good luck!
It's great to hear about your passion for 2D animation and illustration! Texas has several opportunities for studying art, including illustration and animation. Here are some steps and options to help you get started on your journey in Texas:
1. Explore Colleges with Strong Art Programs
Several colleges and universities in Texas offer programs in illustration, animation, and related fields. Here are a few options to consider:
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Atlanta and Savannah:
While SCAD primarily operates in Georgia, it has a strong reputation for animation and illustration. They offer various degrees in these fields. Consider attending their open house or online events.
University of North Texas (UNT) - Denton:
UNT offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design with a focus on visual communication, which can include illustration. They have a solid foundation in graphic design and illustration.
Texas State University - San Marcos:
Texas State offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design. Students can focus on digital and print illustration and very likely get access to courses that relate to character design and storytelling.
Art Institute of Houston:
The Art Institute offers programs in Media Arts & Animation. It’s worth checking their offerings for a focus on illustration and animation.
Sam Houston State University - Huntsville:
Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. While it may not be specifically illustration, you can focus on drawing and design disciplines.
Rice University:
Although primarily an academic powerhouse, Rice has a great visual arts program with strong faculty support.
2. Attend Art and Animation Workshops
Local Workshops: Look for local workshops or summer programs focused on illustration or animation. Many art studios and community colleges offer classes in these areas.
Online Courses: Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or Coursera offer online courses on 2D animation, character design, and illustration that you can take advantage of while still in high school.
3. Build Your Portfolio
Create and Develop Your Art: Start a portfolio that showcases your best work. Include a variety of pieces that highlight your skills in illustration and animation.
Participate in Contests: Join local art contests, including those offered by schools or art organizations. This will help you gain exposure and add to your portfolio.
4. Networking and Community Engagement
Connect with Local Artists: Look for local art clubs, meetups, or groups focused on drawing or illustration. Engaging with peers and professionals can provide support and encouragement.
Attend Conventions: Participate in local comic or animation conventions in Texas, such as Dallas Fan Expo or San Antonio's Alamo City Comic Con. These events often include workshops and panels.
5. Research Online Programs
Consider Online Art Schools: Some online institutions, like Full Sail University or Academy of Art University, provide strong programs in animation and illustration that can be accessed from anywhere in Texas.
6. Talk to Your High School Counselor
Career Counseling: Your school counselor can help you explore options, including dual-credit courses or local colleges that offer relevant programs. They may have information about programs or scholarships.
While it may seem challenging to find illustration and 2D animation programs in Texas, there are many options available to you. Research the colleges listed above, consider attending workshops and online courses, and focus on building a strong portfolio. Connecting with local artists and events will also enhance your experience and network. Stay passionate about your interests, and you’ll find the right path toward a successful career in illustration and animation!
Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Excellence
Arnold Legaspi
Artist
1
Answer
Calamba, Calabarzon, Philippines
Updated
Arnold’s Answer
Hi, I am not in Texas and I am not in the US so I cannot advice you regarding where to pursue art in Texas but I can give you a small advice on how to start your path into becoming a good illustrator and 2D animator eventually. First is to make it a habit to draw using a basic pencil and if you need eraser, you can have one plus of course a small sketch pad or a drawing notebook. Always having it in your bag or pocket with a pencil and whenever you have free time - draw! Draw anything and draw from your memory/imagination or from a reference. If you want to be a 2D animator one day just like my dream when I was young - study anatomy and how anatomy or things move. But in starting up your dream as an artist you start by becoming a good freehand artist. Start to copy or even trace your favorite drawings, copy them relentlessly and one day you'll gonna find yourself as good or even much better than your favorite illustrators. But always stay humble and true to yourself, always be kind to others because that is one of the roots of all success. Do not go after money but be wise all the time and always look forward for the advancement of the team and company you belong with and they will be the one who will push you to success too. I hope I answered some of your queries somehow. Thanks and good luck!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Excellence
Angela Y. Smithers
User Interface Design
9
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Angela Y.’s Answer
Hi there!
I grew up in Texas and received my art degree from an institution in Texas. Unfortunately, but perhaps for the best, all the Art Institutes across the nation closed October 2023. This included the Art Institutes in Dallas and Houston.
You're research is correct. 2D Animator or Illustrator as a major in Texas is not available because the tuition spent cannot be justified. Graduates rarely leave Texas and thus never find a job to use the degree they paid for. Are you ultimately willing to leave Texas when your degree is complete?
What I would tell you is not any different from what I would say to any other high school student seeking a profession. Take the end-goal (in this case: 2D Animator or Illustrator) and reverse engineer it. Find companies who have 2D Animators or Illustrators on their staff in LinkedIn. (LinkedIn does have a student version for high school students of your school participates) Then analyze which design schools those 2D Animators or Illustrators attended by clicking on their profile. Do this for at least 21 working professionals.
Do you notice a pattern? Did they attend one or multiple schools? Were any of those schools in Texas?
Telling you a secret: not all art schools are worth their salt. Employers rarely hire from certain ones ... for good reason.
The Art Institutes were very hands-on and art focused. Even the liberal arts classes were geared to use a student's art talents in some way. You will not find that with traditional state colleges/universities.
And forget "online art schools"! You absolutely want to be on campus -- as an art major, you need access to the equipment and machinery. As an animator, you still want access to powerful PCs; you may find yourself in the PC lab running two PCs simultaneously. Unless you have piles of money and your own art studio, your tuition contributed to the university's art budget so make use of that equipment.
If you simply want a degree from Texas, attend any 4-year school and work on your 2D Animator or Illustrator portfolio on the side.
I grew up in Texas and received my art degree from an institution in Texas. Unfortunately, but perhaps for the best, all the Art Institutes across the nation closed October 2023. This included the Art Institutes in Dallas and Houston.
You're research is correct. 2D Animator or Illustrator as a major in Texas is not available because the tuition spent cannot be justified. Graduates rarely leave Texas and thus never find a job to use the degree they paid for. Are you ultimately willing to leave Texas when your degree is complete?
What I would tell you is not any different from what I would say to any other high school student seeking a profession. Take the end-goal (in this case: 2D Animator or Illustrator) and reverse engineer it. Find companies who have 2D Animators or Illustrators on their staff in LinkedIn. (LinkedIn does have a student version for high school students of your school participates) Then analyze which design schools those 2D Animators or Illustrators attended by clicking on their profile. Do this for at least 21 working professionals.
Do you notice a pattern? Did they attend one or multiple schools? Were any of those schools in Texas?
Telling you a secret: not all art schools are worth their salt. Employers rarely hire from certain ones ... for good reason.
The Art Institutes were very hands-on and art focused. Even the liberal arts classes were geared to use a student's art talents in some way. You will not find that with traditional state colleges/universities.
And forget "online art schools"! You absolutely want to be on campus -- as an art major, you need access to the equipment and machinery. As an animator, you still want access to powerful PCs; you may find yourself in the PC lab running two PCs simultaneously. Unless you have piles of money and your own art studio, your tuition contributed to the university's art budget so make use of that equipment.
If you simply want a degree from Texas, attend any 4-year school and work on your 2D Animator or Illustrator portfolio on the side.
Thank you so much!
Excellence