What am I doing wrong? (Mods help!!!)

[3dMatt]

Hello fellow Threedies!
I love this forum but I want some serious advice for a second.
I am heading into my 6th quarter of school and I have about 6 more after that(.. :roll: something like that)
newho...I have gone through compositiing classes, photoshop classes,flash,retas,illustrator..and more..now we are into 3d modelling.
Granted I am a newbie still, but I kind of feel like I am being gyped of my needs. The school teaches you alot of fundamentals and the history and business side of animation, as well as alot of programs. But the problem is I only touch the surface of these programs and I dont think they teach us enough to go out after this with a demo reel thats good. I have seen some of your work and I very impressed, but I think there may be a better school or one just geared towards the area I want to have a career in. Do I give up the $60,000+ school that does offer a bachelors degree in Computer Animation and go to the school that teaches me that specific program and gets me out the door with a demo reel in 1/4 the time, but no degree. I know how big a degree is, but I also know that talent is more appreciated out there in the world.

Frustrated in Florida

[Chris-3DT]

How about both?

get your bachelor degree, then you can still do a year or two of special training. Or take additional courses in the field that you are interested in. no gain without sweat, of course.

[3dMatt]

thanks,

I just fear walking out with that degree in one hand and a "deer in headlights" look wondering what now? And if I graduate and dont go for another degree then I have to start paying that tuition back..thats the stinker. I have also watched people who go to a school for 1 - 1 1/2 years and walk out with a very detailed demo reel. Maybe I am just putting alot of un-needed stress on myself.

[Chris-3DT]

In the end the quality of your demoreel depends on your own efforts not only on your teachers. if you work hard you miht outdo them in little time. ;)

[MonteCristo]

My advice, get a job, get some software. Stay out of debt, and practice in your spare time, but be dedicated. It's the best way IMO. At the end of the day, a strong portfolio speaks for itself, it doesn't matter about the degree so much if your work says: HEY! I KICK ASS! HIRE ME! Forums like these are a good, free way of practicing you art, and recieving the feedback you require from a course. I reckon you could do it, once you've finished your existing course. IMO, a good grounding in Photoshop, and 3DSMAX or similar, will make sure you are never out of work. Provided of course, you practice a lot, and continue to get better. For me, I didn't really start my real education until I was out of Uni and into the workplace. But it can be a vicious circle that one.

My 2 cents... ;)

[FutureMan]

What do you mean you've only scratched the surface of these programs? Is there something you want to do in one of the programs but you don't know how to create it? What aspects of 3d most interest you? Animation, texturing, modelling?

Perhaps you should ask your teachers for additional instruction or simply mention your fears of being inadequately prepared to them.

By the way, what school are you attending, if you don't mind?