Hi there. I don't know if there's an intro section, here goes. My name's Bryan. I go to CSU Fullerton and I'm majoring in Creative Photography, but I feel like I'm not learning what I need to learn to make a career out of what I love. I have realized that I have grown conceptually, though, but I still don't think I've learned enough techniques and how to market my work...and I feel like once I get through graduation I'll still be at a loss.
So that's where Hallmark Comes in. From reading their catalog, it seems they really know their stuff and strive to put out only the cream of the crop. I only heard of them through a friend whom I haven't seen since jr. high school. But he graduated top 10% of his class. Not to say that I'll have the same success, but it's something to aspire to. I want to go there because not only do they teach with the hands-on approach, half of their curriculum is the business aspect of photography--how to create a marketable website, finances, and other business techniques.
Now my teacher brought up a good point. She asked me if I plan to end up on the east coast after graduation. I said no. She suggested that I go to a school in the regional area in which I plan to do business since I'll develop all my contacts at school. I don't know how valid that is but it is definitely something to consider. She also suggested Art Center. I'm planning to take a tour of their campus sometime this month but down the grapevine, I hear that it costs a little more than an arm and a leg...and the other leg...and the other arm.
So any thoughts? Suggestions? I'm probably leaving something out, but I'd just like to gauge a reaction.
Edited by Fred Miranda on Mar 05, 2008 at 07:19 PM GMT
I can comment on the "contacts" idea. I don't know much about Hallmark, but I'd imagine most schools like this have a student body and faculty that are diverse in their origins. You might be doing work in the local area, but you're building your social network with your peers. My school's in the midwest, in South Bend, Indiana. Do you think all of the "contacts" I'm developing are going to be in South Bend, Indiana, or even the Midwest? No. My friends are from California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oregon, etc. You get the idea. That's not including the international students I know, and whatever other contacts I've established here. Now, it's different when you have a school in the middle of a large city and you're doing work in the city, like internships. But then again, you can get internships anywhere in the damn world nowadays.
Now, if you have drive and talent, and I can see that you at least have the former... you can do it. There are scholarships abound out there. Just look. Ask your professors now, ask your advisors, ask your dean; ask anyone. Go to the financial aid office at your school. Go online. There are scholarships just sitting there you can apply to. When you get to the school for a tour, go talk to someone about the costs. My tuition is pretty close to $50,000 a year now, and it's rising each year. I am far, far from rich, believe me, but I'm managing. Don't let money be a burden to your passions..
Well, Hallmark's not that cheap either. But IMO in the long run, after however many semesters it takes to grad from Art Center, including supplies and whatnot, I think it'll cost way more than Hallmark. Plus, they're mainly a fine arts school from what I hear.
I guess the next step would be to actually get a first-hand tour of both Art Center and Hallmark to do a real-life comparison. I have an interview setup w/ Hallmark mid-next month. Hope all goes well.
Good luck with that, Bryan. I think you'll do well. There are much more experienced photographers here that have probably traveled down a similar path that could probably help you a lot more. I wish they'd put forth their ideas
