Graphic Arts Degree Recommendations?


I am looking for advice from "Graphic Designers" and
"Media Arts and Graphic Designers" or anyone who has a job in Animation in the Central New Jersey area
(Somerset, Middlesex/Morris counties).

A family member will be graduating with an AA in graphic design. I am aware that an AA will get you nowhere and you need a Bachelors degree, so he is planning on continuing his education.
.
Which school (s) would you recommend to finish the degree and why? School Reputation, Academic program, instructors, internships, job placement opportunities?
Thanks

2008-10-07T18:28:59Z

He really would like to illustrate anime or create anime comic books. The "graphic arts" or "multimedia" degree is required to polish his skills, as he could not go in "cold" anywhere and expect to be successful at this point because there is too much competition in the field. Believe me, if I could persuade him to take up another career interest, I would.

I've already emailed Funimation productions (in California) and they told me exactly what you said. It's really not the years of schooling that count..it's how good you are at your craft as an individual. So I think you are right on target.
P.S. NJ is great for getting a job in science or math...but the arts? Most artists cannot do what they want full time and end up teaching at some point in their career.

2008-10-07T18:29:39Z

Thanks for your input!

Jim RN2008-10-06T09:02:35Z

Favorite Answer

It seems like these days its not what you know, but who you know. first question to ask is what area of graphic arts does this family member want to pursue? Second if looking for a good reputable school, try asking his instructors. Los Angeles and New York are the meccas for the arts. Try emailing different graphic artist in big name industries like Disney, Pixar, Warner Brothers and see if you get a response. Good luck

Jim