ok, I was just called yesterday by a Representative from the glorius "Art Institute of California, San Diego". I was SOOO excited!!! I have an appointment on May 8th at 10 A.M. so that I can tour the campus, check the financial aid programs, see if what I really want is animating, and other stuff. What the representative asked me to take with me was a copy of my transcript and my art work portafolio. Now, I've never be to such an interview before, and what I need to know is what can I do so that I make a good impression? What should I do? I know that for instance, I need to toss the jeans and go properly dressed as if I was attending church, and always smila, never loose my cool, and of course show lots of intrest in the program, so that I can make a good first impression. Ok, but what else do I need so that I make sure the school wants me?
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
Alt, art institutes in the US are usually pretty willing to admit anyone who can pay, so I wouldn't worry about them liking you. What you should really be thinking about is whether or not THEY will be good enough for YOU. What quality is the student work? Do their educators have a lot of experience? Do past students have good things to say about the program? Do they place a lot of graduates in the same places that you'd like to work some day?
If you're just coming out of high school, you might also think about looking at traditional liberal arts schools with good fine arts/animation programs in your area, if you're at all interested in obtaining a broader education.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
[Edit: General Interview Tips]
-Speak in complete sentences. -If you fill out forms, don't use multiple exclamation points or hyperbole. -Don't use the word "like." You are better off avoiding it altogether. -Think for a moment before you answer complicated questions. -Know the ins and outs of your resume or transcript -- be able to answer questions about the classes you took, the jobs or volunteer work you did. -Bring extra (hard) copies of all paperwork you have. -Get there early. This is so important that you should stay at a hotel if the interview is in a city far away. Regardless, locate the office on foot where you have your first interview at least the day before the first meeting. -Do your research so you can ask specific questions about the position, company, or interests of the interviewer. -Don't wear perfume or cologne, as some interviewers will be allergic. -Comfortable shoes. -Practice answering the obvious questions in advance -- out loud with a friend. -Don't giggle. -Balance out eye contact -- not too much, not too little. -Firm but not crushing handshake. -Write a thank-you follow-up note to everyone you met.
And very importantly for young women:
-Your natural tendancy will likely be to allow your voice to trail up at the end of sentences, as if you were asking a question, even though you are making a statement. Don't do this. It makes you sound unsure. Just say it straight. You will likely have to practice this, as well as practice keeping your voice level and even-pitched in general. Do it.
Good luck!
[As for art schools, Ayelar knows much better than I, so I will -- of course -- defer to her. ]
[ April 27, 2004, 11:04 AM: Message edited by: ClaudiaTherese ]
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
yeah, thanks for pointng that out. Well, the school has broadcasted commercials of they programs on local TV. They've also come to my school to show their student's portafolios and from what I've seen, they are really impressive. I have been thinking about other career options besides being an animator. Animation is still my biggest goal, but I'd also want to be a voice actress, seeing how the U.S. seriously needs good voice actors...A good example of that would be the North American version of Sailor Moon. Although being a voice actress in Mexico would feel more rewarding than if I did it in the U.S. They are the best dubbers in the world you know.
Posted by Beren One Hand (Member # 3403) on :
You do a lot of web design stuff right. Make sure they have the right equipment (browser, monitor) to display your work. Always assume everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Heck, bring your own laptop.
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Oh yeah, if I had one....I don't even own my own computer, I access the nets from school or the library, or a friends house....that sucks. Posted by LockeTreaty (Member # 5627) on :
One of the best ways to show that you want to be there, is that you are informed. Talk about things that are occuring around the campus. Ask about a particular club that you know they have and how active it is. Possibly try to express your interest in being active in clubs, sports, etc. Make yourself stand out, but make sure its in a good way. Don't be an excessive talker, but don't remain quiet throughout the interview either. Otherwise just be yourself, because it they don't want you for who you are, you ultimately won't be happy their either.
At least that is how how decided on a college, but I just turned the question around and made them think that it wasn't a question of whether they wanted me, but if I wanted them. I just made myself seem indispensable to them. It worked for me, and it came down to a bidding war. How much of my loans will you eat up. Arrogance worked for me.
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
Oooh, CT knows what she's talking about.
And, really, I don't have much experience with art schools beyond thinking about attending one for the last year and a half. Most of the tips I have I've gleaned from web forums like www.cgtalk.com, where people in the biz talk about what they're looking for. With 3d animation in particular, there's a glut of students coming from art institutes, which are often more like businesses out to make a buck than a true non-profit college or university. You really need to choose wisely, and with the luxury of living in southern CA, near most of the top schools, you can. Good luck!
Posted by LockeTreaty (Member # 5627) on :
In that case see if you can find a laptop to borrow from a friend or family member.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Two big ones that have served me well in all types of interviews:
1) Don't be afraid of The Silence(tm): Don't feel compelled to fill in silences, awkward and otherwise. It looks a bit desparate, and tentative when you do.
2) The exception that proves the rule above, Engage the Interviewer (not to be confused with Get Engaged to the interviewer, a similar, but much more expensive option): The interviewer is a person too. Act interested, not just in the school, but also try and find a common interest with the interviewer. Remember, they are your advocate to the admissions committee. Make them want to fight for you. By asking questions to the interviewer during the interview, you can fill those silences and not feel under pressure to get the "right" answer to every question. Treat the interviewer as a new acquaintance.
-Bok
Posted by IdemosthenesI (Member # 862) on :
Make sure you address your interviewer properly. Most artistic administration types really secretly want to be called "Skippy." Use this to your best advantage. Also, it can be very advantageous to slip the interviewer a fiver when you shake hands. It shows them you are willing to deal. Also, mention to the interviewer that you dreamed of him/her last night. Admissions folks are easy targets for flattery.
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
Be YOU. That is the most important thing. After all even if a school is the best in the world, if it didn't accept who you are, or who you're trying to become do you really want to go there? Satyagraha
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Thanks for all of this advice. I'll go as best groomed as I can go, and I'll also take artwork as far back as i can find. Of course i'll be myself, and she did seem very intrested when she asked me how long I've been thinking of being an animator. Since i was in 4rth grade. Most students at that age didn't know what they want(at such a young age) but I always ave had a goal and have always stuck to it. Its so easy for me to create stories out of really hard topics, and the good thing is that each story is more diffrent than the other. Like my own mythology. its awsome.
Posted by Beren One Hand (Member # 3403) on :
Can you name some of your artistic influences?
(acutal question of interest, not trying to prep her.)
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Naoko Takeuchi, OSC, Akira Toriyama, Enya, Murazaki, Shinji Mikami, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, the list goes on and on.
Posted by Beren One Hand (Member # 3403) on :
I love Diego Rivera.
Miyazaki and Toriyama's earlier works both remind me of Rivera's simple but graceful style.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
"each story is more diffrent than the other"
*grin* I suppose that's better than being more same than the other.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
[edited for snarkiness]
Good luck, A of D! Let us know how it all turns out.
[ April 27, 2004, 02:34 PM: Message edited by: ClaudiaTherese ]
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Thanks everyone!!! Hey um, I've got artwork as early as KG....I know that I'm told I should have artwork as early as I can take to show how far back I've been into this, but isn't KG a little too early?? Just asking. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Take whatever you can, just in case, so long as it stays organized. If you can't keep it organized or carry it all easily, then take a few representative pieces of the early years.
But more importantly, don't sign anything on this trip, and don't give them any money. Go over any contracts with an experienced adult who acts in your best interest first. If they want you (rather than just your money), then waiting a day to sign won't even come up as an issue. If it does, then give them the fish-eye.
Posted by Altįriėl of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Well said. Thanks for that advice. Its not like I can pay 70.000 dollars that they ask for tuiion costs... but still I must ask for applications to scholarships and student financial aid. Besides, I can't really attend until Fall or Winter 2005. After I graduate from HS, because I'm still a Jr.
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