It's come to the time of me having to choose a university course and after going to several open days I'm just as confused about which to pick than before I'd even gone. I've had a look at a Games Art and Design course and an Animation course. I was just wondering, by taking the Games Art and Design course am I perhaps, as an aspiring concept artist, painting myself into a corner? Can anyone offer any advice on which I generally better if you want to get into this field?

 I know this is a bit vague and a lot of stuff is course specific but I just don't want to make the wrong decision. I'm not asking for people to make my mind up for me but some general advice would be great.

Thanks in advance.

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Reignfall - Devlog - Current Game Project

I'd quite like, just once, to read a post where someone aspired to be something other than a concept artist.

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i don't know em... it seems to be the done thing now, maybe it's thought to give more chances of employment? it's that word again though isn't it, 'concept'

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Knowing buggerall about the business of concept art other than what I see and read in magazines, it seems to me that those who stand out are those who draw well. My advice is to go to the place where there are talented artists who will teach you how to draw well.

I've been to an art school and talked to many other people who have been to other art schools and there is evidence that a course designed for, say, "Games Art and Design" does not necessarily mean it's the best course to get you a job in game art. This goes for other courses, i.e. an illustrator might be better doing a fine art course rather than a course specifically tailored for commercial illustration to become a good illustrator. You probably know this already so I'll shut up and let those who have experience answer.

I'm not gonna claim to be super experienced & I'm way far off being a professional, but I'll share my experiences with this kinda thing see if it helps! I had a friend who took up the Game Design BA at Southampton (I think) & quit after the first year to transfer to their Illustration degree instead, simply because the lack of job prospects scared him. I'm on a different BA Illustration, & would recommend Illustration as the best degree for getting into concept art kinda stuff. It should teach you conceptual skills, & if you work hard lots of drawing & design skills as well. I don't think designing concepts for games is much different to designing concepts for film or books etc, you need a hell of a lot of skills in drawing, concept, imagination, business, the whole shebang... But as previously mentioned, plenty of people move out of the kinda career their BA had in mind for them after they graduate, & as always you have to take control of your education! A lot of people graduate every year, if you want to stand out & get that dream job you gotta work like hell in your free time alongside your coursework. Actually, just a suggestion, if you do look at illustration courses, be sure to check they'd be nurturing to fantasy/sci-fi etc style, as some are known for being quite pushy into more fashionable mainstream styles. Hope that was at least a bit helpful! :)

To go straight into concept art I guess it would be very very competitive in gaining employment. It seems to be a very sought after role, as the artist generally has alot of freedom in regards to briefs. However if you are serious about going into games I would probably opt for a 3d modelling and animation course. With those skills behind you it may just go in your favour regarding employment. Once your foot is in the door, you can then start pushing your 2d work to work up to that concept art position. On the plus side as a 3d modeller/animator you will get chance to work on concepts. Just my take..hope this helps..somehow. However, I also agree with Pumpkin.

I just wanted to add you these links I found a few months ago while doing some research for uni:

 http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/careers-a-tough-choice

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/industry-skills-message-hits-mainstream-news

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/skill-shortage

 I hope they work lol!

What stood out to me about these is a guy from EA saying they prefer you to come to them with a degree in say computer science or maths if you wanted to get into making games, he even mentions creative writing & English degrees in there.  I would suppose if you wanted to go into concept art, as it's usually 2D, you'd need something slightly different to physics or maths, but the games industry seems to be a tough place whatever route you take!  I hope the links will give better advice than I can, anyway!