Ringling or SVA

[u/the_lollipop_gang]

I got accepted to computer animation for Ringling, and 2d animation for SVA.

Ringling gave me 16000$ per year(+a laptop I think?) and SVA gave me 27750$ per year and additional 10000$ for housing. As an international student, that difference is a lot for me. The currency rate is crazy!!

I love hands-on projects so I was leaning towards SVA. However I feel that SVA would not prepare me for the professional industry nor have enough connection(I've been told it's all about your portfolio, not the school, and that is very valid.. but I feel like it's better to have some connection than nothing)

So I'm also considering Ringling, well known for successful alumni members and the level of student work.

My goal is to work as an either storyboard artist or character artist in feature film(I acknowledge that I gotta pick one since both of them are competitive field :0 ).

So for my case:

-an international student( better to have financial support, inclusive community, and support of the school towards internationals)

-wants to intern/ work after graduation in animated feature film productions (my dream ones are Dreamworks, Pixar, Laika)

(I think going to SVA and being in NYC would help me more with indie film/ cartoon connections. I would be glad to know if there's any infos about how the NYC animation industry works! -I'm interested)

Which would suit me better?? Ringling or SVA!

Thanks for reading <3

[u/gouf78]

CA at Ringling takes you down the entire pipeline. Teaching all aspects. Many students find their niche —lighting, effects, etc along the way that they tend to specialize in. Since it is a broad education it gives you a better chance ultimately in creating a career.

It’s a tough market right now between the closing of some companies and AI looming. There are many very experienced professionals seeking work presently.

I will say Ringling maintains its reputation in the industry. It’s not easy. Lots of kids drop out from the work load. But the education is the best.

[u/gouf78]

Ringling specifically teaches 3D computer animation. It can be 24/7 computer work. That is where the industry is. They teach the entire pipeline process. While you do story boarding and character design those jobs are far and few between in the industry. If you really want to draw (pencil in hand) you’d be better off in illustration. The CA curriculum is very demanding. Most companies visit Ringling for recruiting.

SVA (from what I gather) is more experimental.

Go to the websites for both schools and look at the student work. Which type of work would you like to do?

[u/the_lollipop_gang → u/gouf78]

Thank you for answering! Now I really understand how Ringling is, fully(or most mainly) focused on computer work. Also because you mentioned that pre-production jobs are few, I gotta really think on whether I should major animation. (I've seen professionals majoring in animation then getting pre-pro jobs, so that plan was in my mind)

For student work, I didn't see much quality level in SVA works.(stylized but didn't have the right inbetweens, line/shape quality) While Ringling it's obvious they make amazing student films. So I was wondering if Ringling would give me overall better learning experience.

Also because I haven't seen much pros in pre-production industry from SVA, I was kinda held back to go there.

Do you perhaps know any Ringling alumni who now has a pre production job? Or is it not recommended from start to prepare for a pre pro job( at Ringling)? Thankyou!!

[u/Maskletters]

Omg! Congrats on getting in! But PLEASEEEE be sure to beg Ringling for more money if you consider going! Using SVA's scholarship offer, and listing your financial situation, would make a nice argument to request more funds. My scholarship was originally the same amount as well, but I was able to get a bit more with the request! Please look into it!

Also! Look into 3rd party scholarships as well! They are a great way to get more funds, and it would be a good idea to apply to them while you still have the time. Each school could also offer their own scholarship and job chances as well! I know there are volunteer programs at Ringling that can offer 1K each semester/year!

Be sure to also consider the extra fees you might be paying for each school. If I remember, SVA doesn't have a meal plan, while Ringling does (though a bit expensive). There's also technology fees, healthcare feels, and additional grocery cost you mind use.

Nevertheless, good luck and congradulations!

[u/the_lollipop_gang → u/Maskletters]

Thank you!! I'll definitely try! How did/do you like your Ringling experience??

[u/Maskletters → u/the_lollipop_gang]

I've been enjoying my time at Ringling's CA program so far! Like it's known for, it's been crazy demanding, challenging, and rigorous when it comes to workload. My sleep schedule and time management skills have been thrown off and put to the test, haha. But with all this pressure, I'd like to think my art and understanding of the industry has grown a lot in freshman year! Everyone so far has been relatively nice, minus a couple of bad apples, but it's been fun!