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School Advice Please: FullSail vs DMAC

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School Advice Please: FullSail vs DMAC

Hello,

I'm very new to all of this. I'm currently scheduled to begin the Computer Animation course at FullSail in January. However, I received a call from DMAC in Boca Raton, FL, trying to sway me away. I was annoyed at first, but the lady I spoke with had some good points, actually: in more or less the same time I would get my Associate's degree from FS, I could get an MFA at DMAC, and likely for cheaper as well. And I could still start this January...I already have a BA in music, so this isn't my first college experience.

I suppose my question is: does anyone know any of the positives/negatives of DMAC in particular (I know it's a "young" school), or the value of an MFA over an Assoc. degree in this field generally? I've heard all sorts of things about FullSail, good and bad, but basically know what I would be getting there. DMAC...?

Thanks for your time. :)

In the long run it doesn't matter if you have an Associates or a MFA; if the quality of your work is not up to a certain level you are going to have a hard time finding work.

You aren't going to school to learn the software you are going to learn the art of animation.

Over the long-term, having a higher degree such as an MFA will put you at an advantage over others in the job market. Also, in the process of seeking this higher degree you will spend more time learning to think like an artist. While some can argue the quality of your demo reel is the end-all-be-all of the application process, a newcomer to this industry needs every advantage over established CG artists.

Fullsail does NOT teach the art of animation. They gloss over the principles of animation, and since I completed the program they have added another animation class (totalling 3). Fullsail's methodology of teaching focuses on learning the software (in their case, Maya). It's a button-pressing school.

I go into this phenomenon in my articles. You should seriously consider what I have written before you commit to take the plunge into $50,000 worth of debt. Everything you need to know is there. If you still have questions after that, email me.

http://www.geocities.com/fullsailexposed/

choices

Asher -

Be careful what criteria you use for selecting a school. The length of time you have to spend in school may not be directly related to how much it costs for you to go to school. For example, Ohio State University has a graduate program. They are a state school, so the tuition is lower for starters. Additionally you may be able to receive a graduate assistantship after you've been there for a while. That comes with a tuition waiver plus a stipend.

As to the difference between the associates and the MFA, it is substantial. It will make little difference if you go into production and stay there all your life. But many people work in production for a number of years and then decide to teach. Without the MFA your teaching opportunities are quite limited. You may never go this route, but it's good to keep your options open.

I looked at the web page for DMAC. You mentioned that it's a new school and I don't know much about it. One question I would ask is whether it is accredited by NASAD (the National Association of Schools or Art and DEsign). Most good schools (not training facilities) are accredited.

You can learn software on your own. The most important thing you need to get from school is strong artistic skills. That's not something you can get from a book. Just to support the argument ... many studios hire traditional animators and train them on the software cause it's easier than training someone who knows the software in art and animation! They toss reel after reel of folks that 'know the software', but don't know what to do with it.

Extra time in school may be cheaper in the long run, that not getting everytihng you need and taking years to refine your skills. Cheaper is not always cheaper.

- Marla

In the long run it doesn't matter if you have an Associates or a MFA; if the quality of your work is not up to a certain level you are going to have a hard time finding work.

You aren't going to school to learn the software you are going to learn the art of animation. If this is your first time getting into the computer animation the amount of time at either place is going to make it hard to become efficient at your craft.

And don't forget there are a lot of other students in longer programs and experienced animators out there that you are going to be competing with for the same jobs.

ed

Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida

Hi Ed...Thanks for the reply.

I've read a lot on FullSail, a lot of it surprisingly (and discouragingly) vitriolic. I've read nothing about DMAC, however. In your opinion, if you have one on the matter, is FullSail really something of a liability in one's job search? Does the quality of one's reel truly trump all educational factors?

I sort of am going to learn the software, as well as the process, and to get a boost up in my hands-on experience with the format. I have some traditional animation experience, albeit relatively limited. I have no illusions about graduating and going to work for Pixar or ILM or Bioware...I'm expecting to spend years honing my craft before getting decent work. I know I won't graduate with the skill or experience to land the job I want. But do you think just getting the software and spending years on my own to learn it and working my way up in a studio is a better alternative to "trade school"?

I see a benefit in immersing myself in a learning environment for a year and a half, to get a grip on the technical side of things. Longer than that is not very feasible for me (for being in school).

I've been a musician for a while now, though not a...hrmm...financially successful one. But drawing and animation were always my first loves; and now, at 30, I'm tired of temp jobs and, basically, not supporting myself doing something I love. And yes, I know that likely won't change the day I graduate.

I'm a better artist than musician. And I know it's still a huge gamble, to go from the music world to the animation world, with the same kind of risks, competition, etc. But if I didn't truly believe I *could* be successful doing this, I wouldn't try. I still realize that that's certainly no guarantee of success.

*whew*

Anyhow, I appreciate any more insights you're willing to provide me. I'm looking at spending a lot of moolah. @_@

Thanks!

In your opinion, if you have one on the matter, is FullSail really something of a liability in one's job search? Does the quality of one's reel truly trump all educational factors?

Your demo reel is your calling card; they’re not going to even look at your resume if the work isn’t there on the reel.

I taught at Full Sail a few years back and though I feel the turn around time is rather short I found that a student that applies themselves to the program can walk away with a very thorough understanding of the software. The course directors there know there stuff and are always looking for those students that aren’t looking for the shortcut.

Being 30 will help you in your effort no matter what school you end up attending. Where your fellow school mates are going to be looking for the short cuts and the next party you will have the big picture in mind.

Best of luck,

ed

Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida

Thank you for your input, Ed! I suppose I'm mostly leery of the huge investment (debt) I'm making...but in the end I either have the confidence to move my life forward or not.

Really, I'm going for the broadest introductory training in as many aspects of digital animation/art as possible, and it seems that FullSail fits that bill. And yes, I'm going there to do nothing but "nerd out" on the software; my party days are pretty long gone.

Thanks again for your insight. I've been lurking around this forum for a little while, and have noticed and appreciate you and the other "elders" taking time to advise us greenhorns.