I apologize for the separate thread; this was initially a response to the Bloomberg/Schools for profit thread (http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=191237). I didn't want to derail it and this seemed like a better way to get the response I need. That thread really scared me, and it definitely struck a chord. I have a year towards an associates degree from the Art Institute of Houston, and tons of debt to go along with it (interactive media design). I no longer wish to continue with the degree, and naturally I don't think I can afford to continue at the Art Institute. They essentially got me the same way they get everyone else. My goal has always been to work in the game industry or 3D design / animation. The only place that offers a degree in game artistry that will accept all of my credits is the art institute online (pretty cool, huh?). Of course, the Art Institute is really pushing me to try and take this type of course. I took a class at Houston Community College for 3ds Max; that's when I first really began to understand how much I was overpaying. I've considered taking classes there in game / art design but it doesn't seem like a degree from a community college will really hold water. I do realize that my portfolio is what will get me a job at the end of the day (I feel like I'm capable of making a good one given the experience, based on prior results). I just don't want to make the same mistakes again. Anyone have any advice for me?
Well, I did the same thing 10 years ago. 3D animation was just starting it's big craze and I wanted to be a part of it and even, like you, wanted to go into gaming. I was sold by AI of Houston about how great a program it is and how they would do everything they could to help me to find a job when I graduated. Eck. Well, I never enjoyed the tediousness of doing the animation (though I'm sure it's MUCH better now with the improved technology/software). But, when i graduated and talked to the councilor about finding a job, she basically told me there is nothing in the Houston area to work at in the field. She said if I didn't want to move to LA, then I should just find a graphic design job in town. So, I sign up to go to your school, my parents and I agree to pay thousands for me to go, and at the end of my program you tell me to go into a field I wasn't even taught during my tenure? Gee, thanks! My graduating class of animators had a job fair where we showed off our demos. Only ONE person got offered a job and that was a girl who was approached by a p*rn magazine. I did end up finding a graphic design job with a small newspaper and now I'm about to celebrate 10 years working for a pretty good local magazine/publication company where I'm the Production Manager. It ended up working out OK though graphic design/print media is starting to take a turn towards eventual extinction (or close to it). But, I'm still paying on student loans on a degree that did nothing for me. I really can't give you much advice about any other direction to go. I'm sure there has to be good programs and degrees through universities that would be MUCH better. But, JUST based on MY experience, I would say ditch AI and don't even look back.
That definitely helps; there's 2 major game developers in Houston right now though (Timegate/Pi studios). There's a ton of developers in Austin and Dallas as well. I would like to think that there are opportunities, and like I said...I'd be happy with working for some sort of design firm as well. I just wish I had some idea of where to go next, it seems like HCC is going to be the best bet as far as money issues and distance. I'm just concerned about people laughing when they see I graduated from there on my resume.
That's good at least cause, in '98 when I graduated, there was NOTHING. I wish I could help direct you where to go. I basically just made the best of it and the circumstance I was in. I personally just wouldn't go with AI. Good luck.
