so i just finished 2 classes at AAU...

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Feb 28, 2006
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with the economy as shitty as it is and the tuition going up for Academy of Art U, im having second thoughts about continuing my education there. so far, i completed my Analysis and Form class (which is charcoal drawing) and did pretty well getting a B- since ive never done charcoal in my life. and i got an A for Animation101 which is basic 3-d animation. i dont plan on doing 3d, cant fuck with sitting on the computer 20 hrs a day clicking away.

if i drop out now, ill lose 5 grand out of my pocket that ill have to repay student loans. something im not really tripping off of since its a monthly plan i could afford. yet, if i continue trying to persue my art career, 4k is gonna turn into 20-30k of debt, maybe even more. thats probably my biggest fear. having that amount of debt and become a starving artist.

statistically, only about 20-30% of AAU students end up graduating. not just that, ive heard of folks who are working a 9-5 still trying to pay off their debt not being able to actually get a career as a successful artist. yet again, ive heard of graphic designers blowing up and making so much dough that shes taking a year off just to travel the world.

so, what makes an artist successful? i could consider myself an artist. but being just an artist doesnt automatically brings success. you could be the dopest artist out there, but without the drive and the intelligence of knowing how to set up shop and getting into the business, youre practically nothing.

right now, im leaning on just dropping out. ive soaked up alot of game in charcoal art and plan on selling my work at fishermans wharf as a hobby.
 
Jun 25, 2005
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Yeah bein an artist is hard as hell specially in this economy. I agree wit you on the 3D part but I'm thinkin bout fuckin with it cuz errybody is lookin for people with some 3d knowledge and skill.

If I were you I'd probly stick it out and maybe try to get a cal grant(if they still have cal grants). Looks like you got some bars so maybe if you took some more classes you could parlay it. I'm sure theres faculty members that got connects where maybe you could get a coo job after graduating and maybe by then tha economy will get better...maybe LOL

But if you really feel like droppin out then go for it cuz in tha end its what you want for your life.