5 answers
Excellence
Student
Texas City, Texas
2
Questions
Updated
260 views
Where should I go to college and set up my life as a concept artist ?
I know somewhere like LA or New York may have the best opportunities to make it as an artist, but not only are they expensive, they are crowded, smoggy, has pretty sparse nature, and overall not what I'm used to as a Texas resident in a small town. Are there any less crowded more nature filled areas that also have a lot of artists and animators to network with and ideally a reputable college for artists nearby.
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5 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
70
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Excellence,
Good question! It sounds like you’re looking for a balance between opportunities as a concept artist and a lifestyle that aligns more with your small-town vibes. Here are a few recommendations based on your criteria:
Top Colleges for Concept Artists
1. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Savannah, Georgia
2. Ringling College of Art and Design - Sarasota, Florida
3. California College of the Arts (CCA) - Oakland, California
4. Academy of Art University - San Francisco, California
5. Otis College of Art and Design - Los Angeles, California
6. University of Texas at Austin - Austin, Texas
7. Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)- California
8. DigiPen Institute of Technology - Redmond, Washington
9. Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) - Columbus, Ohio
10. Sheridan College - Oakville, Ontario, Canada
These colleges provide reputable programs with great potential for career opportunities while being located in less hectic environments.
Things to Consider
1. Cost of Living:
Cities like Savannah and Waco generally have a lower cost of living compared to Los Angeles or New York, while still offering access to creative opportunities.
2. Networking Opportunities:
Look for areas with active artist meetups, conventions, or local studio opportunities, even if it means occasionally traveling to bigger cities.
I hope this provides clarity and guidance. Wishing you the very best of luck in finding a college that truly aligns with your goals and aspirations!
Good question! It sounds like you’re looking for a balance between opportunities as a concept artist and a lifestyle that aligns more with your small-town vibes. Here are a few recommendations based on your criteria:
Top Colleges for Concept Artists
1. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Savannah, Georgia
2. Ringling College of Art and Design - Sarasota, Florida
3. California College of the Arts (CCA) - Oakland, California
4. Academy of Art University - San Francisco, California
5. Otis College of Art and Design - Los Angeles, California
6. University of Texas at Austin - Austin, Texas
7. Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)- California
8. DigiPen Institute of Technology - Redmond, Washington
9. Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) - Columbus, Ohio
10. Sheridan College - Oakville, Ontario, Canada
These colleges provide reputable programs with great potential for career opportunities while being located in less hectic environments.
Things to Consider
1. Cost of Living:
Cities like Savannah and Waco generally have a lower cost of living compared to Los Angeles or New York, while still offering access to creative opportunities.
2. Networking Opportunities:
Look for areas with active artist meetups, conventions, or local studio opportunities, even if it means occasionally traveling to bigger cities.
I hope this provides clarity and guidance. Wishing you the very best of luck in finding a college that truly aligns with your goals and aspirations!
Marisa G.
UX / UI Designer
3
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Hello!
Your question is a thoughtful starting point, addressing how to align your career aspirations with your personal values. We live in a globally connected world where sharing and discovering creative work is easier than ever. I don’t believe you need to live in a bustling metropolis or attend an expensive private art college to succeed. For example, while I attended the Savannah College of Art & Design and don’t regret it, I wish I had explored more options first. Ultimately, trust your instincts—no one knows better than you on what feels right.
Here are some questions to guide your journey:
• Are you actively making artwork? What do you envision doing over the next 10 years?
• Have you researched artists you admire? Where do they live, and could they mentor or work with you?
• Where would you like to live long-term, and what appeals to you about those places?
If you have a specific profession in mind, check job postings on platforms like LinkedIn to see required skills and tools, then invest in learning those. For location-based fields like animation, cities such as Chicago, LA, or New York might have opportunities, though studios could also exist in places you haven’t yet considered.
Careers are rarely linear, especially for creative individuals, so adaptability is key. Thinking in a 10-year timeframe allows you to commit while staying flexible, knowing that your path may evolve in unexpected ways. This is an exciting period of exploration and growth—best of luck as you navigate your journey!
Your question is a thoughtful starting point, addressing how to align your career aspirations with your personal values. We live in a globally connected world where sharing and discovering creative work is easier than ever. I don’t believe you need to live in a bustling metropolis or attend an expensive private art college to succeed. For example, while I attended the Savannah College of Art & Design and don’t regret it, I wish I had explored more options first. Ultimately, trust your instincts—no one knows better than you on what feels right.
Here are some questions to guide your journey:
• Are you actively making artwork? What do you envision doing over the next 10 years?
• Have you researched artists you admire? Where do they live, and could they mentor or work with you?
• Where would you like to live long-term, and what appeals to you about those places?
If you have a specific profession in mind, check job postings on platforms like LinkedIn to see required skills and tools, then invest in learning those. For location-based fields like animation, cities such as Chicago, LA, or New York might have opportunities, though studios could also exist in places you haven’t yet considered.
Careers are rarely linear, especially for creative individuals, so adaptability is key. Thinking in a 10-year timeframe allows you to commit while staying flexible, knowing that your path may evolve in unexpected ways. This is an exciting period of exploration and growth—best of luck as you navigate your journey!
E. Meyer Flowers
Concept Art
3
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
E. Meyer’s Answer
I went to college in Washington State for my degree in animation. While the prices certainly aren't great since I was there, it is much more nature-filled than, say, LA (I've lived there, too). You might want to give that a look. Georgia, too, has some animation studios and Savannah College of Art and Design.
What you're going to find starting out is that college itself is the networking opportunity. The friends you make in your class are potentially going to be your peers one day, and may be able to lead you into opportunities ahead of you. If you're looking to get into the field, I would personally focus on a good college first and not focus on settling down permanently quite yet.
I say this because the truth is: animation and concept art are very crowded fields. Especially when you're first trying to get your foot in the door, a studio in LA is going to generally opt for the person who's local over the person in another state. It's competitive, and anything you can do to make you more competitive -- say, for example, mobility -- will help you stand out amongst all the others. I've personally moved from Washington State, to LA, to SF, and then to Texas all for work.
(Note: Texas itself has a lot of tech companies. So if you're looking to get into games, at least, you may not have to move at all!)
That's not to say it's impossible, especially with remote work being much more popular nowadays. And having an incredible portfolio supersedes everything. There's also fields in art that aren't as crowded and may be much more flexible, such as freelancing or graphic design.
In short:
1) Look into places like Washington or Georgia.
2) Focus on college, that's where your networking is. Your school should also be able to provide you opportunities to connect with industry professionals who are happy to connect with students.
3) Make a standout portfolio. If your work is amazing then you'll attract attention even if you don't have the network or the experience.
4) Keep your options open when you're just starting out.
What you're going to find starting out is that college itself is the networking opportunity. The friends you make in your class are potentially going to be your peers one day, and may be able to lead you into opportunities ahead of you. If you're looking to get into the field, I would personally focus on a good college first and not focus on settling down permanently quite yet.
I say this because the truth is: animation and concept art are very crowded fields. Especially when you're first trying to get your foot in the door, a studio in LA is going to generally opt for the person who's local over the person in another state. It's competitive, and anything you can do to make you more competitive -- say, for example, mobility -- will help you stand out amongst all the others. I've personally moved from Washington State, to LA, to SF, and then to Texas all for work.
(Note: Texas itself has a lot of tech companies. So if you're looking to get into games, at least, you may not have to move at all!)
That's not to say it's impossible, especially with remote work being much more popular nowadays. And having an incredible portfolio supersedes everything. There's also fields in art that aren't as crowded and may be much more flexible, such as freelancing or graphic design.
In short:
1) Look into places like Washington or Georgia.
2) Focus on college, that's where your networking is. Your school should also be able to provide you opportunities to connect with industry professionals who are happy to connect with students.
3) Make a standout portfolio. If your work is amazing then you'll attract attention even if you don't have the network or the experience.
4) Keep your options open when you're just starting out.
Thank you so much!
Excellence
Greg Kearney
Editorial cartoonist
3
Answers
Topeka, Kansas
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Consider exploring universities in Utah, such as the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, or Brigham Young University. Particularly, BYU offers a comprehensive program in animation and film, with strong ties to the professional industry in Los Angeles. It's important to note that BYU is a religious institution (Latter Day Saint) and has certain unique rules, like a no-drinking policy. However, if these rules align with your lifestyle, BYU could offer an exceptional education in the field you're interested in.
Marisa G.
UX / UI Designer
3
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Hello!
Your question is a thoughtful starting point, addressing how to align your career aspirations with your personal values. We live in a globally connected world where sharing and discovering creative work is easier than ever. I don’t believe you need to live in a bustling metropolis or attend an expensive private art college to succeed. For example, while I attended the Savannah College of Art & Design and don’t regret it, I wish I had explored more options first. Ultimately, trust your instincts—no one knows better than you on what feels right.
Here are some questions to guide your journey:
• Are you actively making artwork? What do you envision doing over the next 10 years?
• Have you researched artists you admire? Where do they live, and would they be open to a 15 informational interview? - Changed this to something that is a bit easier for anyone to provide :)
• Where would you like to live long-term, and what appeals to you about those places?
If you have a specific profession in mind, check job postings on platforms like LinkedIn to see required skills and tools, then invest in learning those. For location-based fields like animation, cities such as Chicago, LA, or New York might have opportunities, though studios could also exist in places you haven’t yet considered.
Careers are rarely linear, especially for creative individuals, so adaptability is key. Thinking in a 10-year timeframe allows you to commit while staying flexible, knowing that your path may evolve in unexpected ways. This is an exciting period of exploration and growth—best of luck as you navigate your journey!
Your question is a thoughtful starting point, addressing how to align your career aspirations with your personal values. We live in a globally connected world where sharing and discovering creative work is easier than ever. I don’t believe you need to live in a bustling metropolis or attend an expensive private art college to succeed. For example, while I attended the Savannah College of Art & Design and don’t regret it, I wish I had explored more options first. Ultimately, trust your instincts—no one knows better than you on what feels right.
Here are some questions to guide your journey:
• Are you actively making artwork? What do you envision doing over the next 10 years?
• Have you researched artists you admire? Where do they live, and would they be open to a 15 informational interview? - Changed this to something that is a bit easier for anyone to provide :)
• Where would you like to live long-term, and what appeals to you about those places?
If you have a specific profession in mind, check job postings on platforms like LinkedIn to see required skills and tools, then invest in learning those. For location-based fields like animation, cities such as Chicago, LA, or New York might have opportunities, though studios could also exist in places you haven’t yet considered.
Careers are rarely linear, especially for creative individuals, so adaptability is key. Thinking in a 10-year timeframe allows you to commit while staying flexible, knowing that your path may evolve in unexpected ways. This is an exciting period of exploration and growth—best of luck as you navigate your journey!