So...I love college. I loved being a student and I love being a professor. I see a great many advantages to getting a degree in art and animation - it is an amazingly rare opportunity to grow and develop and discover in an energetic atmosphere. That being said, it's a path that's not for everyone. While it's true that a "degree" is not needed to get a job in the industry - I do believe that an "education" is necessary to become a viable (and hire-able) artist.
To often I see people (often those initially trying to get into the industry, but others too) say they are going to be taking time off to "work on their portfolio for a bit" - words that strike my soul cold. So I would like to offer a few thoughts on “portfolio development” based on what I’ve seen others go through over the years…
Even if you’re not pursuing a traditional education, I highly recommend taking some online classes. Some of the most talented artists I know are now also doing online classes – many include personal feedback sessions and are I think the best education you can get right now if the goal is to get “into the industry”. A bonus result is also the start of networking. I know my wife and I have recommended students we had in online classes for entry-level jobs (or work too busy to take on). These workshops are almost always shorter than a usually University semester (4 to 8 weeks) and can be a more affordable option.
Why I recommend these is so that you aren’t developing your work in a bubble (even sharing among your friends and online peers is still a bubble). An industry pro (who doesn’t have time or patience for B.S. work) is a great mentor and forces you to A) work outside your comfort zone B) have hard deadlines and C) have to share your work with a new set of peers who have different backgrounds/expectations. I’ve seen too many people who spend years working (or worse, endlessly “revising") their portfolios with no deadlines or honestly any real improvement. Don’t get trapped into an endless spiral of just “portfolio development” - get out and get some experience too!
My ideal world for someone would be to get out to a city with some industry jobs (Vancouver, LA, NYC) and get some job in the industry (ANY job..even a production assistant busy getting overtime dinners ordered) while you take some online workshops. Get feedback from artists at the job/internship you can land – THEY are your best chance at a full-time job. A great portfolio can sneak a foot in the door – to have it open wide you need job experience and a hearty couple of recommendations from current employees.
All that being said, a few online places I recommend (depending what you want to build your portfolio on):
CONCEPT & ART
3D
2D
2D/3D mix
