Best Concept Art Schools & Colleges For Top-Notch Training
All-time Concept Art Schools & Colleges For Top-Notch Preparation
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If becoming a professional concept artist is your life's dream, or if yous're simply starting to look into career options, you've probably considered fine art school.
You lot probably have a lot of questions too.
You might be wondering: what is concept art and how is information technology different from other types of creative art or amusement fine art?
What skills does a concept artist need?
Practice you need to go to art schoolhouse to make information technology in the industry?
And if yous really adopt schooling, what's the best fine art schoolhouse for you?
Nosotros go it. The concept art industry is competitive and artists demand to exist at the top of their game to stand out. Formal grooming and academic credentials can definitely help a lot.
So let's try answering these questions and examine some of the peak concept art schools out in that location to see which path might fit best for you and your career.
Do You Need A Degree To Become Into Concept Art?
The short answer is no.
Most game and motion picture studios care more about your experience and your portfolio.
However, a lot of working artists in the field have a degree in a relevant field like fine arts, analogy, graphic design, or film. Some studios volition specifically await for potential hires with degrees, and others won't care.
Many artists choose to pursue a caste or diploma program just to expand their options.
And perhaps the biggest benefit of art school is the connections yous make along the way. Who you know is a large gene in breaking into the industry.
Still, you'll demand a killer portfolio and art school can definitely help with that.
Why Get To Schoolhouse For Concept Fine art?
Some concept artists are self-taught, but many discover that information technology's more efficient to acquire from someone else who has already mastered the fine art.
Additionally, many aspiring concept artists capeesh the structure and accountability that comes with the classroom.
A skilful concept art program will give you a solid, well-rounded teaching in the skills yous'll need as a concept artist and volition help you build a strong portfolio.
You lot'll encounter opportunities you might not otherwise. Learning directly from the best volition put yous in contact with some of the superlative artists in the industry, which volition give y'all an edge confronting the competition.
Many studios also specifically expect for graduates from schools with track records of turning out potent artists. Examples of these schools are listed below.
Whether y'all decide to nourish school for formal education in concept art is entirely up to y'all. Information technology'south definitely an investment, and only yous can decide if that investment is correct for you.
We've identified some of the summit schools for concept art in the globe. They vary from accredited universities with traditional undergrad and graduate degrees to smaller private schools that specialize in concept fine art and offer shorter, concentrated classes or fifty-fifty à la carte du jour courses.
Hold upwards, what does it mean for a school to be accredited?
Accreditation means that a school has been evaluated by a review board and is accounted to exist a high quality instruction feel.
What does that mean for you?
Accreditation means that your credits and caste will be recognized at other schools, should you make up one's mind to transfer to another higher or university. Proceed in mind that different schools have different graduation requirements, so some credits may not transfer even if you did get to an accredited schoolhouse.
This doesn't mean that accredited schools are better than unaccredited ones, simply it'due south something to go on in mind if you're concerned near credits transferring or if you plan to become afterward a graduate degree.
Most game studios that care near traditional degrees will prefer that your degree come from an accredited university. Just think, the vast majority of studios practise not intendance how you go practiced.
They just want to rent someone who tin can do the job.
Accreditation statuses and requirements change, and so if you are concerned about your credits or degree existence recognized by other schools makes sure to bank check with each school's admissions office.
Now let's jump into the listing!
Annotation: Tuition prices are listed in local currency and USD. USD prices are based on exchange rates every bit of 2018.
FZD School of Design
Check Out FZD
But to requite yous an idea of how incredible FZD School of Pattern is, here's a fun tidbit for yous.
Co-ordinate to FZD, 90% of their graduates are currently employed and working in amusement pattern. 90%!
That'south an insane number compared to most other higher instruction programs.
This famous school specializes in concept art and their program is but a year long, then this is an excellent pick is you lot're ready to go all-in on your concept art dreams.
Located in Singapore, FZD focuses on building the foundations before diving into a rigorous program that'south known for turning out incredibly skilled artists. The foundations set your framework for developing long-term skills related to 2D or 3D concept art(or even both!)
The yr-long plan is broken into 3 trimesters of 15 weeks each, with ii weeks of intermission in betwixt.
The first term is all about the fundamentals and focuses on sketching, visual advice concepts, elements and principles of art & blueprint, working with digital programs, and general studio time.
Yous'll get intensive training in vital skills similar perspective, rendering different materials, value, light, etc.
The 2d term steps things upwards with more than challenging design projects, introducing limitations and goals similar to what you'd encounter working in a real studio. Learning to pattern amazing work inside the constraints of a project is a crucial skill to develop.
You'll also acuminate your skills in visual communication and learn to curate your own visual library.
3rd term students narrow their focus and first building their professional person portfolios. This is where artists really develop their style and skills in design presentation.
The focus here is on professionalism, quality, and independence. Students learn how to handle big projects on their own and how to nowadays their piece of work during a task interview.
Though this schoolhouse is located in Singapore, many find it worth relocating because it produces such incredible, industry-ready artists that take an edge over the competition. Plus it's only a one year program so it'southward not a lengthy commitment.
If you lot want to get a genuine perspective of what it's like studying hither check out this interview we published with alum Darius Kalinauskas. He shares every tidbit from his experience at FZD and offers an honest take on what it'south similar attention as a new student.
Entrance requirements here are strict.
FZD requires a portfolio, an interview process, professional recommendation letters, a test, and applicants are required to be deemed mentally and physically well plenty to attempt the plan.
It sounds scary, just it's just because this is an intense art program that can just have so many students.
That existence said, this is not the school for coincidental concept artists who aren't certain what they desire. Information technology is intense. Call up boot camp for concept artists. No wonder and then many students country jobs.
Alumni currently work in companies such as Dreamworks and Arkane Studios, and were concept artists on projects like Ghost in the Shell, Telephone call of Duty, Cherry Sparrow, Star Wars Battlefront, and many others.
Important Info:
Location: Singapore
Tuition(Singapore residents): 35,000 SGD ($25,650 USD)
Tuition(international students): 42,000 SGD ($30,700 USD)
Equipment, Visa, and authoritative fees not included.
Programme Length: one year
Accredited? FZD is registered with the Council of Private Education, but credits may or may not transfer to US schools. Make certain to check with whatsoever prospective US schools to be sure.
ArtCenter
Check Out ArtCenter
Pasadena's ArtCenter offers several different undergrad degrees centered on art and design. The best option for a would-exist concept artists is their entertainment design plan.
The entertainment blueprint program offers three tracks: Concept Blueprint, Blitheness, and Game Design.
All three of these programs cover digital art and concept design then whatsoever would be an excellent option for aspiring concept artists, only depending on their career aspirations.
For most concept artists the concept runway is a solid choice. Just it'due south worth looking into the others if you want to learn 3D piece of work or go into movies vs video games.
Let'due south take a closer look at each of these tracks.
The concept track focuses on foundational art skills such equally drawing and sculpting, illustration, industrial design, and 3D rendering.
Students on this track take lots of drawing, painting, and sculpting courses as well as classes on designing subjects like characters, costumes, props, and vehicles. Business and fine art direction courses are included, and students finish off their degree with a senior project.
Different the other tracks, the game design runway covers programming which volition be useful if yous're interested in the whole pipeline of game development.
In addition to learning all aspects of game design and game edifice, students learn concept fine art specifically for games.
Courses in this runway include art and drawing courses, only more often than not focus on game design and evolution, storytelling, and audio/VFX stuff. Students finish the plan with their ain game project.
The animation runway includes some drawing courses, but focuses more on 2d and 3D mechanics, storytelling, interim, and 3D modeling. Plus it covers a whole lot of animating too.
All students terminate their degree with a thesis project.
Since this is an accredited four year school, all undergrads must also earn general education credits in areas such as English, math, science, humanities, and so on.
Of import Info:
Location: Pasadena, California.
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,408 (per term)
Graduate Tuition: $22,625 (per term)
ArtCenter offers some scholarships. They're an accredited school and then yous tin also fill up out a FAFSA for financial aid.
Program Length: Traditional 4-yr undergrad degrees. Program length varies depending on full time or role time enrollment.
Accredited? Aye
Concept Design Academy
Check Out Concept Design University
CDA's curriculum puts heavy emphasis on drawing and the fundamentals of fine art.
Courses include anatomical drawing, portrait drawing, animal drawing, perspective, lighting, landscape painting, vehicle design, creature design, and a whole lot more.
You can actually find a really great list on their curriculum folio or contact the school directly if yous want to get more details on anything.
Students can enroll in as few or equally many courses as they like. Since this is a private school without accreditation, the courses are meant for skill building and portfolio development simply.
This may audio like a lesser option than a larger schoolhouse like ArtCenter. But you take to recall 2 of the most of import factors when getting a chore equally a concept artist:
- Quality of portfolio
- Who y'all know
Concept Design Academy will assist you lot develop a stone-solid portfolio and y'all'll probable meet some bang-up people along the way.
There is no specific path to follow but it's worth taking a look at their suggested curriculum tracks to get an idea of which courses would arrange your goals.
CDA has outlined a general concept art track, a character blueprint track, an environmental design rails, and a storyboard track.
In many cases the entertainment industry cares more about your portfolio and feel than an accredited caste, and this school will definitely give you a killer portfolio.
This is too a nice option if you already have a degree and desire to build some new skills to further your instruction or make a career modify.
Of import Info:
Location: Pasadena, California
Tuition: Varies depending on which courses you take. Each ten week course ranges from $700-$1100, while shorter half-solar day workshops are usually less than $100.
CDA has a tuition reimbursement plan if you are part of the Animation Social club, Costume Designer'southward Guild, or Art Director's Guild.
There'due south too a multi-course discount.
Rough estimated tuition to follow any of their pre-designed tracks would range between $10,000-$20,000 USD.
Plan Length: Average length ranges betwixt one-ii years. Merely it varies heavily based on your needs and level of attendance. Students enroll in courses based on a pick & choose organisation rather than participating in a set programme, although CDA does offering suggestions for curriculum for certain focuses.
Accredited? No
Academy of Art University
Cheque Out AoAU
University of Art University offers several programs in art and pattern, but the best choices for aspiring concept artists are their Analogy plan and their Visual Development plan.
Both of these are offered on campus in San Francisco as well as online.
Since these are accredited four year degrees they too include full general-ed studies similar linguistic communication, science, and humanities.
This is a very adept choice if you desire if you want a traditional bachelor's degree with actual value to concept art work.
Since this is an accredited school your credits and degree volition transfer to other accredited schools if you ever want to switch or get to grad school.
Information technology'southward also a skillful option if you lot're at a beginner level and desire a comprehensive start-to-finish programme to bring your work up to a professional level.
The analogy and visual development programs both focus on art foundations, tools and techniques, presentation power, and artistic skills on working within a client's specifications.
This higher also works with students to develop a career plan and offers courses that teach the necessary skills to state work in the industry.
In add-on to creating loftier-quality portfolios, students in both programs develop their own signature manner which can make them a more sought-later on professional in the industry.
Overall the education is superb and this is certainly one of the meliorate accredited options much like ArtCenter.
Of import Info:
Location: San Francisco, California.
Tuition: Undergrad full-time per academic year: $23,757 (does not include housing).
You tin can fill out a FAFSA like you would for any other accredited school to apply for grants, loans, and work study positions. The university also offers scholarships and grants of their own.
Program Length: 4 years
Accredited? Aye
Syn Studio
Check Out Syn Studio
Syn Studio Art School Montreal is located in the downtown core of the city, a famous hub for art and game studios.
The school organizes events such as student art shows and portfolio reviews which assist students go their art in front of the public and people in the industry looking for new hires.
Students brainstorm with studies in concept sketching, anatomy, and visual communications, and so motion into more specific instructions related to specialties in concept art.
These include creature pattern, character blueprint, environmental blueprint, props, vehicles, and how to develop artistic skills to craft any of these subjects for a real project.
Syn Studio's program finishes with a form specifically geared towards helping students succeed in the industry.
Also this includes i-on-1 coaching with industry professionals along with professional person studio tours, demos from famous concept artists, and access to manufacture parties. Information technology's a fantastic school for developing fine art skills and getting your name out in that location.
Syn Studio prides itself on its friendly temper, cozy fine art studio feel, and an environment where students are costless to explore and abound as artists. Notwithstanding there's also a clear learning structure that helps students empathize deadlines and projection requirements.
Syn Studio demands a loftier level of commitment but promises a world of positivity, opportunity, and support.
Graduates are currently employed at major studios like Warner Brothers, Ubisoft, Cartoon Network, and Gameloft.
Important Info:
Location: Montreal, Canada
Tuition: $35,995 CAD total for the entire program ($27,260 USD)
Programme Length: 18 months
Accredited? Syn Studio is accredited by The Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Research of Quebec, but credits may not transfer to U.s. schools. Make certain to check with any prospective US schools to see if they'll have Syn Studio course credits.
CG Spectrum
Bank check Out CG Spectrum
CG Spectrum is a completely online school that specializes in personalized education from manufacture professionals.
This is not a brick and mortar school so information technology'southward not exactly a "higher" in this sense. Simply it all the same deserves a spot on our list because it's an excellent selection if you desire to go into professional person concept art and develop your skills for a career, but you aren't able relocate or attend school total fourth dimension.
The school bases its learning arrangement on exercises and homework from industry mentors. Students can enroll in the courses alone and receive i-on-one attention from their mentor that runs the course, or they can enroll in a group course with others studying online in a classroom setting.
Fifty-fifty if students take courses solo they'll take opportunities to interact with other students, so they get the best of both worlds! However it does cost more for private lessons.
CG Spectrum offers diploma programs in VFX, game pattern, 3D animation & modeling, and concept art.
The best function is that each diploma plan comes with a prior "intro" course to prepare newbies for more advanced learning. This ways yous can get started with nearly no feel and acquire everything you need right from CG Spectrum.
At present their construction is a piddling unusual. The intro courses run for six months which are divided into ii periods with a break in between.
The diploma programs final ten months and are divided into iii periods with breaks in betwixt.
So instead of taking a bunch of dissimilar classes in unlike subjects, students take i big course that covers all the necessary elements on a week-by-calendar week schedule.
For both intro courses and diploma programs, assignments are given on a weekly basis and critiqued. Each week students log into the learning dashboard to watch pre-recorded lectures and get the assignments for that week.
Students can practice this on their ain time which makes CG Spectrum a viable selection for artists who already work a full-time task and cannot commit all 24-hour interval to studying.
So after each lesson the students complete a commencement pass of the assignment and submit it to their mentor for feedback.
After that students do a second laissez passer of the consignment and submit their final draft by the finish of the week. They'll receive a recorded video of the instructor'due south critique on that which is very detailed.
Virtually instructor/mentor(same thing) critiques include recorded videos of the instructor fixing the educatee's working file. This is huge since you tin can actually meet how a professional would approach each do, set up mistakes, and handle such a project in an industry setting.
This way, students go a firsthand wait at a professional person workflow and thought process.
This pattern of submitting drafts and receiving critiques mimics the construction of about industry projects also.
Although these courses aren't fully self-paced, the lectures and projects can exist accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection and they tin can exist completed on your own time. Every bit long as y'all're meeting deadlines for assignments you lot're good.
This makes the classes piece of cake to fit around a hectic work schedule.
We wrote a very detailed review of CG Spectrum's concept fine art diploma course if y'all wanna check that out. You tin see previews of the exercises and how the learning procedure works.
Big studios specifically await to CG Spectrum for new applicants to fill up their junior positions. Alumni are employed at studios like Dreamworks, Sony Animation, Ubisoft, and Riot Games.
And information technology should be mentioned that every single mentor that teaches for CG Spectrum has industry experience. Every single i.
Mentors have worked on big name projects like James Cameron's Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, Frozen, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Incredibles, and the Harry Potter movies.
Important Info:
Location: Online
Tuition:
$2895 for a vi month group intro course
$7795 for a 10 calendar month group diploma programme
Payment plans are available for all courses so you lot tin can pay upfront or on a monthly schedule.
Program Length: half-dozen-12 months
Accredited? No
Writer: McKella Sawyer
McKella is an artist and freelance writer from Salt Lake City, Utah. When she isn't painting or writing for clients she loves to write fiction, travel, and explore the mountains near her home either on foot, horseback, or a mountain wheel. You can view her fine art on Etsy and her writing services at TheCafeWordsmith.com.
Source: https://conceptartempire.com/concept-art-schools/
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