mpebbles

What is a better summer program in animation, CalArts or RISD?

CalArts was competitive to get into, and is way cheaper for a CA resident.

RISD's program admits pretty much everyone, but their summer curriculum includes design/foundation drawing/art history in addition to animation, which may be good for adding pieces to a portfolio over the summer.

What would look better on an application this fall for someone interested in pursuing animation and applying to UCLA Arts, USC film/animation, RISD, and CalArts?

silverpetal

Both are fine institutions.

If I were in your shoes, I'd choose CalArts. If you're a CA resident, the cost alone would be worth it. It has (as I've heard) more clout in the animation world. Yes, it's true that you should be a well-rounded artist but I would think you'd benefit more in CalArts as for the most part, animation schools want portfolios that are more or less geared on animation.

mpebbles

I should have said that the program at CalArts is run by Innerspark (California State Summer School for the Arts) -- it is held at CalArts.

Is RISD held in higher regard as far as applying to colleges and art schools?
For example, would RISD itself care that someone went to their summer program? Or does it not matter, since it is not too selective for pre-college programs?

PATSY55

My D went to Innerspark two years in a row. First in music performance and second in music composition. She still, as Junior in College, she finds that the
connections she made at the program invaluable. She still is in touch with the musicians and composers that she met there.
(she had master classes with John Adams,possibly the one of the most important composers today). And the most selective and best
program there was the animation program. The kids there spent time with
professionals at Pixar, Warner Bros, and Paramount. GO THERE.

PATSY55

I forgot to add. Its a great place to find out if you really have what it takes.
You WILL work hard. In the compostition program, she was in the studio from
about 8am to 12pm.

sketchy

My son attended the RISD summer program "majoring" in animation last summer, and really loved it. RISD has excellent facilities and instructors, and Providence is a fun city.

However, I would give the edge to CalArts as far as their ranking. From what I've gathered, CalArts is rated #1 among schools for animation, especially in
2D. RISD might be ranked right behind. The summer program for animation at RISD is only a couple of years old, and as you stated, isn't as competitive as CalArts.

Overall I'd give the edge to CalArts, unless I was sure I was going to attend college at RISD.

Moominmama

I know a couple who both went to Cal Arts summer programs, and got hired directly out of high school --never went to college! They are both working professionals in hand-drawn animation.

ktwofish

I would not choose a summer program with the intention of making a college application stronger. Summer programs are opportunities to experience college life, specific majors, etc. My daughter went to Pratt's summer pre-college. It helped her to decide that she definitely wanted to go to art school...just not at Pratt.

bladeofgrass

CalArts without a doubt. I attended CalArts and my daughter attends RISD. She doesn't like RISD and will probably transfer. RISD, imo, is 'way' overrated.

speductr

This is a bit off topic but I had to respond to the "way" overrated comment. My daughter just finished her Freshman year at RISD and she has been so impressed by
the caliber of her fellow students. Not every professor is the greatest, but overall she says that the variety of student talent as well as professors is tremendous and she has learned so much . She knew it was highly regarded before she went and that opinion has not changed.