Is following a concept art education worth the risk of leaving your home and everything else behind?
Q I live in Columbia and have been studying and drawing art for only a year. Right now, I’m enrolled at CGMA in the foundation and design program, and I feel I have learnt a lot but I’m still ages far from becoming a pro. I also attend a traditional painting class at a local art school with an art master, and I also have a side-job as an English teacher to sustain myself financially.
Thing is; I’ve always dreamed about living in Montreal and working there. I’d love to go through the concept art diploma program at Syn Studio Montreal and have a big big question: Do you recommend I stay in Columbia or migrate to Montreal to learn concept art, under the following circumstances.
If I remain in Colombia I’d have to keep working this side-job as an English teacher and continue living with my parents while studying at CGMA and the traditional art school. If I move to Montreal, I’ll have to take out a loan with a bank and would have to work 20 hours a week to make ends meet. I know I will have to fill out an i864 form, or at least one similar, and I’m not sure if I will be able to financially support myself like the Montreal officials would like me to.
According to my current state, what would you recommend? Staying or migrating?
Best regards,
Sebastián Posada Álvarez
A Good question, but the answer is tricky. I can’t advise you as to what you should do, I can only advise you as to what I would do, If I were in your position and honestly, it all comes down to: How badly do you want it, and what are you willing to sacrifice to get it?”.
You have talent and potential, but attending a school that is dedicated to your career choice, has resources that aren’t currently available to you and, most importantly, has professional teachers who can give you immediate feedback, sounds IMMENSELY ADVANTAGEOUS to me. Whatever I would have to sacrifice to get there, would be worth it for me, because it puts me closer to fulfilling my dream.
But, that’s just me. In your instance, you’d have to give several things deep consideration; like: what exactly would you be giving up?…
Well, you’d be leaving your job (that pays the bills) to take on student debt. Syn studio isn’t cheap, and neither is Montreal. You’re going to be in debt- and that’s stressful, especially since there’s no guarantee that you’ll find work once you’ve graduated. Yes, it is possible that you might be framing your degree in a good diploma frame and keep it like that for a long time until you get a job. In fact, there is a high likelihood that you may still need further training after graduation. It’s going to cost a lot of money, are you sure you want to take on that responsibility? Due to the cost, many people never achieve their dreams of a concept art career. As the cost is high, many people will probably have to take out some loans to afford this career. However, that’s not the end of the world, especially when there are companies, like CreditAssociates (see here to find their contact details), that know how to help people deal with debt. By getting in contact with debt-relief companies, people can manage their finances and pay off this debt. Finances shouldn’t stop you from following your dreams.
Speaking of finances, in the USA, F1 visa holders cannot accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of their studies. Under certain circumstances, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year of study. You should check before assuming that you will be able to work while enrolled in school in Montreal.
You’d also be leaving behind your friends, family, and support system. Being separated in a foreign country, without knowing anyone may be very difficult to overcome- especially if you have serious relationships at home. (Got a girlfriend in Columbia? Well, you won’t in Canada – least not right away).
Lastly, you’d be taking a huge gamble!!! Hopefully, your family will support you through this endeavor, but if you come back after graduation, empty-handed, they may never let you live it down. This can be soul-crushingly painful.
If you’ve read thus far, and your gut reaction is: “no problem, I can do it!”, then there may be hope for you yet. If, however, you get an uneasy feeling in your stomach, then maybe you should stay in Columbia and seek alternative solutions. Here are a few ideas: Continue to take additional online courses. (as many as you can, and as frequently as you can).
Reach out to any concept artist you can find who grew up in Columbia, and ask them what schools they went to, to learn concept art.
Find a mentor who can guide you one-on-one to get you to where you want to be.
If you need help with any of these, visit the BBWCA website to find out your options.
I hope this has been helpful. Best of luck.
-Eliott
Want to help us grow our resources section? If a resource has helped you greatly please e-mail it to me or any suggestions
to: me@eliottlillyart.com. I will be keeping this list updated as I discover new entries. Thank you--
