Seeking advice for Game art education, Animation or Fine Arts Degree

[ken_evin]

Hi all,
This is my first time posting something in this forum, so please forgive me if I'm posting at a wrong place.

I'm originally from China, and living in Australia now. I always wanted to get into game industry and didn't have the courage to start due to many reasons. Specifically, my dream is to become a game character designer (I'm crazy about Chinese and Western fantasies, such as the Monkey King, the lord of the rings etc.).

Recently, Australian government just granted me permanent residency and as a benefit for emigrants and citizens the government provide us with education supports, yeah! So it just occurred to me that it is the right time to start pursuing my dream.

Anyway, I'm stuck on which Degree to choose, animation or Fine arts. Well, I know animation degree is more related to the industry and after finishing the education I probably would have acquired some useful skills. However, as what I learnt from my research animation degrees in Australia don't include any drawing or painting subjects. This would be a major problem for me because I don't have any art background at all (Although I'm fond of drawing and painting since I was a child).

On the other hand, some friend who's working for the Riot Games suggest me start with an art degree and develop an outstanding artist mind during my study. He also mentioned learning software for game artists would be really easy if one person already is an mature artist. Therefore, my concern is whether it is like my friend said drawing and painting skill matter much more than others, or should I just start with an animation degree and learn drawing/painting skills at the same time.

Any replies would be appreciated, Thank you all

[ken_evin]

No one wants to help me out ?
Or just say something

[thekillermiller]

Post at least something you've drawn. Anything. I'll let ya know what I think and give ya some direction.

[Valerien]

Hi ken,

If you have no technical grounding in arts, fine art can be a right choice. However, your degree is less important than the dedication you give to your art. Actually, there are more and deeper learning resources on the internet than you'll find in a university. The school is more interesting as a training ground nowadays, which will provide you with a motivating environment and some basic vocabulary and knowledge that will permit you to grow on your own.

Animation has some interests when it comes to drawing, understanding form, volume and design principles, but as the killermiller suggested, this depends on your skills.

Kind regards !

[maxthebest685]

Go for Art Cource. Fine arts is more important . It will make your base more powerfull.. else these softwares are kind of easy if you have a creative mind.

[jocker]

I will Suggest you to Start Fine arts....about Game art you don't need to get any Degree..In our Field Degree is not Important.. I am working in gaming very easily without even my Course certificate or Collage Degree ...

As Maxthebest said fine arts will give you proper flow as you want to be Character Designer..in your part time you can learn many things by this Forum & tutorials available online....just create the Powerful Portfolio...At the end your work matters.....not Degree or Certificate....Degree will help you to move to other countries for work....