how do I break into the concept art field

[olorc]

I am at the point in life where I am thinking about college. I am pretty artistic and like to draw comic book type art. I have been really interested for a few years now about possiblly trying to be in the movie industry as an artist. The sort that might story board or character design or ... well I guess concept art of some type or something of that nature. To cut to the chase, what should I consider when applying to colleges and such? I would prefer not to go to an art school so I could get a more rounded education. I would love to work at Pixar or someplace like that, but I don't really know what that requires in terms of educational background. If you know about this industry and can help please post.
and come the dancers:

[Mr. SmartyPants]

hmmm, this may sound negative... but this is kinda important

my mom told my sister "art should only be a hobby, because its EXTREMELY difficult to get a job in the art industry"

well, My sister still went to MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) andafter she graduated, she couldn't doo much with her art degree. So, she chose a differne't career, and luckly, shes some sort of mortgage consultant

moral is: An Art career is really really really hard to do well in. please take that into consideration

as for comics or manga, I don't know, its really hard though, if ya read some biographies of manga artists, publications always turned their works down.

hope it helped ^_^

[Raiden no Kishi]

I believe that art is best as a hobby, 'cause it would lose its fascination if I made it a job with deadlines n' such. But that's just me, and I'm no artist.

Rai

[Kat Walker]

Lies! All lies!

Seriously though, people make out an art career as far more bohemian than it really is. The key to succeeding financially is looking for the right niche.

In other words, don't expect to make big bucks if you only want to study studio painting. But graphic designers and conceptual artists are ALWAYS in demand somewhere. Movies, video games, television shows, book illustrations, comics -- you don't even need to make your own like most manga-kas do, in America they hire several artists just to work on one issue of a monthly comic book. (However, you'll have to have a well-developed style). They need people to do backgrounds, layouts, character designs, poster/merchandise art, you name it. More often than not these are one-time gigs or on a comission basis, but they pay handsomely enough.

If you want to go into art-related fields that are more stable and commercialized, might I suggest graphic design? There are many opportunities for being both self-employed or to work for a firm. Your work could be on billboards, magazines, even on the net. It can involve making layouts, color schemes, custom graphics, or your own original artwork. Lots of open opportunities.

Personally, I am an aspiring animator. I'd love to work in 2-D, but I'm also very open to the possibilities of 3D as well. I cannot tell you how many times someone's told me things like: "Oh that field's too competitive. Try something easier", or "Art's not a suitable career. Why don't you do something worthwhile?" Yes, these are ignorant and irritating statements, but take into account that an artist ought to be well-rounded in their field of choice.

I'm currently taking an associate's degree program in "Digital Imaging Technology" which covers everything from basic graphic design, photomanipulation, layout and printing, sound and video editing, flash and 3D animation, website design, and portfolio management. They also have a good work-study program, too. And after I'm finished here, I'll get my BA in either animation, general art, or telecommunications at a 4-year university. That way my priority is to do what I love, but I won't run out of options for a more "practical" career path should things not go as planned.

So never let anyone tell you that your aspirations aren't good enough. With some careful planning, you can find many things to do in a field you enjoy. Besides, the only Person with any business telling you how to live your life is God.

[Mave]

I wasn't given the opportunity to get an art degree for the same reasons stated: "We don't want you to become a starving artist! Choose another field."

I partially agree with those statements for the art industry in my home country (most of friends did Advertising and many laughed at my aspirations to be a comic artist/animator). However, I think things are quite different in the States (i.e. more art career opportunities and receptiveness from the U.S audience towards artists). <--- but this is from a science student's perpective

While I ended up studying a science field for my B.S and future M.S degree due to social pressure, I still persevere with my art efforts during my free time (I'm STILL gonna draw, hah! ) . Everything I've done artwise are done during late nights/weekends or boring lectures (teehee) with some help from caffeine.

Do I ever have regrets over that? Yeah sometimes. I've cried over my circumstances before but I am grateful that I've been given the opportunity to pick up non-art related skills. However, I love drawing so much, I'll never give it up (you shouldn't too if you love it as much as I do hehe). After I'm done with my M.S, I'm thinking of enrolling in an art school as a full time (If I can save up enough money for it) or to take art classes part time while working. Whatever it is, it'll probably an associate/diploma thing since I can't afford to pay for a 4 year degree.

I hope those of you who are taking art degrees can tell us about your academic experiences in detail. ^^

[olorc]

Thanks your imput really helps.
I am still interested in my original question and main concern though: What should I consider when applying to colleges and such? I would prefer not to go to an art school so I could get a more rounded education. I would love to work at Pixar or someplace like that, but I don't really know what that requires in terms of educational background.

Thanks everyone.