How can I immerse myself physically in animation for an extended period of time?
Hello, I am a high school senior looking to take animation seriously as a career path. I was originally thinking about majoring in business, but after realizing how truly passionate I am for the arts, I have decided to start looking at art schools. The problem isn't just the cost, but also the location of the programs I would like most being so far away. I want to become a 2D animator but everything seems to be pointing to CalArts and not many places other than that.
Ringling is my top choice for a college that specializes in animation but it seems like 3D animation is there main focus there, and I am not very interested in that kind of animation. SCAD does not seem the best in general, and I truly want to engage with my passions in a realistic way.
If I go to an art school, I will end up in debt. It is unavoidable. The problem I have is whether I should go into debt for my dreams or go to a state college where it is very likely I will end up being paid to go there. It may sound obvious which choice I should pick, but I genuinely love art and want to do it for the rest of my life. Going to a state college with a barebones animation program feels like it will not be enough for me. Aditionally, the student culture and mindset will differ heavily depending on which college I go to. I want to be surrounded by like-minded people who are just as passionate about art as I am and can exist as friendly competition. I think the debt is the cost of that kind of campus culture at an art school because most kids, especially those that are making such a sacrifice, are serious about their craft.
In any case, art school is expensive. Are there any state colleges with good 2D animation programs? Are there any courses or workshops that I can travel to and work in for a long period of time? I should also say that I am confident in my artistic skills and ability to learn, but my biggest problem is work ethic. I tend to not have much motivation to go above and beyond or work on projects for long periods of time unless a grade or strict deadline is in front of me. That is why I want to go to art school in the first place. An online course risks me putting in less effort on assignments or backing out because I am easily able to do so. If I make the difficult choice of going into debt of my own free will, I am sure I will achieve what I want to achieve. I can stay at home after art school and wouldn't mind working a non-art related job to solely pay off my debt over the course of some years. It would be difficult to go to art school a few years after I graduate highschool, as many of my benefits and scholarships would be less viable, I think. I would regret never going to art school more than going to school and being paid to do so for something I am unhappy doing as my life career. Please help me with some good info, advice, or anything else. 🙏🙏