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What factors should I consider when deciding if attending art school is worth the financial risk, or if I should explore other paths to incorporate my passion into a career?

I’ve always been passionate about pursuing a career in game and animation arts, but my current school doesn’t offer specialized courses in this field. I’ve considered transferring to an art school to get the training I need, but given my financial situation, it feels like a big risk. I want to make the best decision for my future—whether that means finding alternative ways to develop my skills, or choosing a major or minor that allows me to incorporate my passion in a practical way. Any advice on how to navigate this decision?

college art career-choice artist animation video-game-design 3d-animation
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Kelvin Kelly’s Answer

Hi Madison, The best I can also tell you is follow what you are passionate about, if film making is what you are really passionate about then take your time and trying leaning on your on.
Nevertheless you can also serve as a volunteer to film hubs that are closer to you.
If this is your chosen career path it will surely make you successful.

I hope this helps.
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peter’s Answer

Volunteer to apprentice yourself to someone or some studio that is already doing what you want to do so you can experience what working in the field involves. Your expectations on the reward-sacrifice ratio must be grounded on actual experience and gathering as much information as possible.

peter recommends the following next steps:

Have a frank talk with a professional to see the reality of working in the field
Learn it on your own through Youtube videos, downloading free software, and reading manuals
Find a cheaper, online school
Take a relevant class in a summer session or adult education to network to find a job in the industry and accept any entry level position
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Macy’s Answer

I absolutely love this question!

As an artist myself, I can tell you that art is a true passion of mine. It took me about five years after college and starting a full-time job to realize this. I strongly encourage you to go to art school and chase your dreams. If you want to mix art with another career, try to fit art classes into your schedule anyway. I'm 30, and I'm thinking about returning to art school to refine my self-taught skills. If you have the chance to go, seize it!

We creatives are special because we see the world in unique ways—that's our superpower! Even though I'm not a full-time artist, I still bring art into my work life. I view my daily tasks as an art process, just like creating a painting from start to finish.

Wishing you all the best! Keep on creating!
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Priscilla’s Answer

My daughter graduated from Mt. Holyoke and later decided to further her training in art. She attended Maryland Institute..MICA in Baltimore. It was not worth the cost in her case. It was really for serious artists whose talents and drive will take them to the top of the art world. After attending Cornell University School of Art and Architecture, I attended The Jiranek School of Furniture Design, part of the New York Phoenix School of Design. They had practical classes in furniture design, construction, fashion design, photography and others. The furniture design school is no more. I would have attended Pratt but the cost was too high. I am trying to say, go to an art school that has practical applications unless you are pursuing the dream of being a world class artist (and have the talent).
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Joseph’s Answer

There's only one thing that an art school would provide that self-directed study will not, and that is connections. Art school can provide valuable connections and a supportive community of like-minded peers and mentors-assets that can be difficult to replicate elsewhere. This is true for any college, not just specialty art schools. Do find a college that has a good art program, that way you have access to quality faculty and staff.
Now more than ever, there’s a wealth of free or low-cost tutorials, courses, and resources online. Platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, and Coursera can help you build technical and artistic skills relevant to game and animation arts.
So, in short; go to college, but I wouldn't worry too much about going to an Art College.
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Doug’s Answer

Okay, here's the facts! You probably shouldn't take the financial risk. If you are an artist. Now if you want to be a doctor,in accounting,RN, ect then yes. But the best way to do it if you plan on making a career out of it is form an LLC which is actually free and if you have to pay state fees it doesn't cost much. There's a rumor that starting a business costs lots of money but that's what companies tell you just to get money. I know for a fact, because I have done it, that starting a business that is completely legal and comes with the option of being able to hire as many people as you need. And just spend time spreading teaser art across all social media platforms so people get to know you. And you can actually create your own ads, logo, ect and post them for free. Good luck.

Doug recommends the following next steps:

1. Hone your craft
2. Practice daily
3. Come up with your own brand
4. Design your logo
5. Look in the answer box I'm going to write,lol
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Andria’s Answer

If going to an art college would be harmful to your financial situation, I'd recommend looking into learning from YouTube videos or low cost courses/tutorials instead. Unfortunately, the gaming/animation scene is unpredictable these days, and frequent layoffs are making it difficult to get a job, let alone keep one. It would be disappointing to put all of your time into studying for specific careers only to struggle to get your desired job, and have loans on top of that. Try to see if you can find the things you're looking for online before making a big decision.
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