I'm interested in pursuing sequential art, maybe a career in comics or animation. Which colleges are the best for this field? I'd love to hear about programs with practical experience or notable alumni.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers a top-notch program in Sequential Art. Their courses cover everything from drawing, inking and painting to scriptwriting, storyboarding, and character development. The school is known for preparing students for a range of fields, including comics, storyboarding, and character design for film and games.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is another great choice, especially if you're interested in animation. Their character animation program encourages students to become versatile in their crafts, emphasizing experimentation and creativity just as much as technical skills. CalArts has an impressive alumni network, with many graduates working at major animation studios like Disney and Pixar.
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York also has a strong cartooning/animation program, and it's in a great location for internships and networking. Their Comics BFA covers comic strips, graphic novels, children's books, and animation, providing a solid foundation in both traditional and digital techniques.
The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) in Vermont offers a rigorous, one or two-year course with a well-rounded curriculum. It's less traditional than SCAD or CalArts, as it's more focused on self-publishing and independent comics.
All these institutions have something unique to offer, but it's crucial for you to visit these schools if possible, view student work, talk to professors, and really get a sense of where you can see yourself. Remember, the best school for sequential art will ultimately be the one that aligns with your artistic goals and vision.
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