Expert: Andre Hickman - 2/6/2011

Question
My name is Prasad (Male, 27 years, India). I have already read a question "Caught between the arts and engineering". I was quite impressed, and since you are also from engineering background, I am asking you this question (actually, a questionnaire!).
(First, about me, following is a long essay! I am trying to let you know as much as about me, so that it will help you answer my question more precisely).
I have my graduation in Mechanical engineering & post graduation in Industrial engineering. About three years of experience in engineering industry. Have also done a short course in CAD (ProE). Learned very crude level basics of Visual Basic 6.0. Based on these learnings, I learned VBA for Microsoft Excel myself (little for Word). I have tried animation in Excel like analog clock, a racing game, etc. I have passed drawing exams; drawing & painting are my hobbies, I really like it. When I had some time after completing post graduation, I did a modular course in animation; it includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash & 3DS Max.
Long before coming to engineering, my parents decided with me that instead of going into arts, I should go for engineering. Because, then it looked more stable (economically for the future) & I was good at maths, I went for engineering. Though I didn't like it from heart, I finished it, and did post graduation & above listed things. I am willing to switch to animation now; that's why I did that modular course in animation (a year before) so that I get to experience it firsthand before switching over. Now, I think I like it & should make a move.
My possible plan is, do a year or so course in animation here in India. Do job for a couple of years. Then, do specialization if required, possibly abroad. Meanwhile, I am also opting for lectureship in engineering college, so that I can pay fees required for animation (I can't do it now with my current job, since I get no time out of it).
Now, about the animation course. It spans over 1 to 2 years & includes graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, InDesign), 2D animation (Flash), 3D animation (3DS max & Maya), and other compositing softwares like After Effects, Premier, ZBrush, etc. There are many institutions here, all teach more or less same syllabus as I listed. I am asking many friends (& they ask professionals in animation) about choosing the institution. What is your opinion on how should I go & choose one?
When I go for enquiry, almost everyone tells to go for web design, since I have engineering background. I know I can do it, but my interests are in animation more. So, should I consider it? Will it help me to switch over?

I would like you to advise me on the switch over. Am I planning the right way or not? And any other recommendations are appreciated.

Answer
Hey Prasad,

I hear you and feel you! The syllabus is right on target.  As far as choosing an institution, I really can't help you there, because I simply have never gone to one for graphic design.  I am entirely self-taught in that respect.  If they are teaching the same thing, then I would choose the most affordable.  Why? because what they will teach you is only the basics of the software and techniques.  If you want to get good at it, you are going to have to train yourself to be superior.  I still do that.  matter of fact I just created a some small training projects for myself, to work on some advanced compositing techniques, and I put the videos on youtube. Here are the links, and feel free to share them:

"Ridiculous Speed Sign"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xnWYx8YK8

"Talk to the Hand"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FpYeLGBg4U

Now don't judge them as perfectly polished videos, because that was not the goal.  My goal was to work on a particular technique or a series of techniques in a workflow. That is the process I use to teach myself and learn.

For school, you will have to push yourself far beyond the standard of an educational institution if you want to be great.  Also realize that you will be becoming your professors' competition, so they are only going to teach so much.  You will have to do what I have done, what I am doing, and what I will continue to do, to become the extraordinary.

As far as choosing web over animation, GO WITH YOUR HEART!  You have already gone to school based on other peoples opinions of what will be best for you. Now do it for you!!! Don't think about making money (even though that is hard for you right now).  Think about your passion.  Trust me, your engineering knowledge will go just as far(if not farther) in animation.  You understand physics and physical properties, which is very key to making animations look believable.  My opinion is to stop waiting for other peoples opinion, and listen to your own!!!  And have fun, because it is a journey!!!

Cheers,
Andre