First Months at Syn Studio Art School

[@luaartist]

This is well done! I love that you show us a little bit your classes and what they teach you. I can't wait to see more! :)

[@Amanda-fh5mp]

Thank you so much for posting these videos! I’m applying for the October 2020 intake and they’ve been helpful and inspiring :)

[@koiffeedraws2431]

I'm from Uruguay and looking into going to Syn Studio in a year or two after branching out and really developing my portfolio, so it was pretty insightful to see from the perspective of a student what the classes are like!

[@tagnenjosephs3124]

I feel like Syn Studio is the best concept art uni out there

[@coline8026]

Really cool to see how syn stydio's concept art diploma is like! How much hours do students generally work everyday? Is it very demanding in terms of homeoworks for students to become good quickly?

[@vmokry]

That is a good question, Moki! It is expected spent ~40 hours/week on homework, but it all depends. In the end, you spent on homework just enough time to finish them. Because that stream of assignments never ends. :-)

[@kohchenkit266]

I love that there are still great concept art schools outside of Calufornia!

[@rahulrajdebnath83]

Hello would you kindly make a video on where you are staying in montreal, and how much time do you spend in syn studio daily and your routine. And is it true that you can manage a job after completing the diploma course at syn studio?

[@vmokry]

Hi Rahul, thank you for the comment. I cannot promise a much as those videos are an unpaid hobby, but I will definitely think about your idea. Your second question is more complicated as I don't have a crystal ball. :-) Finishing concept art school will definitely increase your chance to find a job as a concept artist. Teachers here work in the field and they know what you have to learn to be accepted.

[@xuanxh]

Hi! Thanks a lot for the video! Are you planing on making some more about Syn Studio? I would love to see one where you go over the portfolio you used to apply to their program, to give us an idea of what they ask exactly. A couple of questions: Does the school organize meetings with representatives of game companies located in Montreal, or art directors? Did you see students finishing the program and then being hired shortly after in Montreal? And finally, have you noticed any students over 30, maybe even close to 40, around the school? I'm an "old" dude (I'll be 35 in a few months), self-taught for the past few years, while keeping my regular job in a totally different field to pay the bills and also my art classes. I would love to move to Canada, specially Montreal. While a good portfolio could convince game studios, it might be trickier to convince the immigration services without any diploma nor experience at my age. So I've been thinking about maybe trying Syn Studio's program, simply to get an official diploma there, and then a work visa: looks like it's the cheaper school in Québec with that kind of program, and 18 months is not that long which in my case time is essential: it's a shame part of our society think you're a "senior" once you're around 40, but it's unlikely I'll have the sufficient funds to pay for the school before a few more years. Thanks a lot!

[@vmokry]

Hi Xuan. Thanks for your comment. 1. Meetings - Yes, every term we go to the game studio for a tour or art presentation. Basically, they know about us and we know about them. Also, we already had three guest speakers, usually art directors that show us their process. It is easy to connect with them and ask for personal feedback. Most of our teachers work for big game companies here. It is not uncommon that they will directly hire you after finishing school. 2. Hiring - I can talk only about what I know, that 90% of the first batch of Concept Art Diploma were hired after finishing school. 3. Age - Well, I am not the youngest either. I have seen some older students in the Full-time programme. I feel that in Montreal, people care more about skills, not age. Of course you have some disadvantage over guys that are around 22, because they learn faster and have more time to grow (and fail), but on the other hand, older folks tend to be better at managing their time, knowing what to focus on, leading and inspiring others, managing projects and handling responsibility and deadlines. YMMV. 4. Immigration - I feel that Immigration cares about your available finances more than missing education. You come here to study after all. For example, I have a master degree in Art Teaching. I was told that it might raise some flags, because why I would need another “lower” diploma? But everything can be explained in the Letter of Explanation. Hope that some answers helped.

[@xuanxh]

Thanks a lot for your answer! It’s good to know studio tours are organized and that students can contact professionals easily. I’m also glad there are some older students. The time for me to raise the money for the diploma and rent, I will be around 38. I’m not too worry about being a slow learner, I’ll continue learning on my own and hopefully I’ll have a level good enough by then. I don’t think I would have problems getting a student visa (I also have a master, but it’s in a totally different field): it’s maily after to stay and work for several years, maybe for life. Are you planing on posting more videos about the school and your studies? I would love to hear more! :)

[@vmokry]

@@xuanxh Man, if you know that all you want to do is draw, apply to concept art school now. Don't wait until 38. Even if they reject you, you will get feedback and you will know what to focus on until next application.

[@xuanxh]

@@vmokry Hi Vladimir! Do you know if Syn Studio has open house days for people to visit the school? I'll be in Montréal in mid-march and would love to check the school for myself if possible. I sent them an email but haven't hard back from them. I've been checking your portfolio on artstation and it's impressive how your skills have skyrocketed! :) Since you've probably getting close to completion with your degree, are you planing on doing a final video to talk about your whole experience there, plus life and cost of living in Montreal as a student? I am still unsure about doing their conceptart diploma, I would need to save for a few more years as money is a bit tight, but it's very likely that I will go for their 10 weeks intensive portfolio program!

[@vmokry]

​@@xuanxh Hi Xuan! IMHO the school is small, so I am sure staff will give you a tour. Just write to them once again. And yes, I am getting closer to the completion of the program (8 weeks? Yeah, 8 weeks). I have a lot of ideas for future videos, but for now, vlogs are not on the top of my priorities. Stay tuned!

[@archemite463]

This vid really gave me perspective about syn studio! Thanks a lot. I’m kind of scared of drawing environment concept art as I am more accustomed to Characters, and I might be left out in class and have little experience with painting environments. Will that be a problem? And also, was the portfolio you submitted about the same level as that of the teacher’s artworks?

[@vmokry]

Your welcome. Please watch my recent videos, there are answers to your questions.

[@vedsarkar]

I am Currently at waiting list 11 for this program!!!

[@vmokry]

Good luck then!

[@anushnapurkayastha9910]

Hey did you get in?

[@destinychescappio549]

Very awesome video! I have a couple questions about the concept art program.. As a communications art & literature graduate from another college, I got more interested in the digital arts and would like to learn more. I came across Syn Studio and would like to know what kind of portfolio are they looking for? a concept art portfolio? a mixed media portfolio from my previous studies? and how many pieces and what are the requirements and tips that'll guarantee an acceptance?

[@vmokry]

Hi Destiny. IIRC there were ~20 pieces that show your art level: digital paintings, life studies (anatomy, still, urban), perspective drawings, sketches, concepts, etc. I would write Syn Studio directly or fill the application form on their website, they will send you current requirements. :-)

[@Richixx98]

do you know anything about international student loans and such, i am from austria/vienna, currently attending a fine arts university but only as a side hobby, my real interests always were digital art/illustrations/concepts, which i am doing in my free time and i would like to go to syn studio but have no clue about student loans and similar since our systems are different, also can you afford a living just by doing concept art or similar contracts, it would be amazing to know considering the 40 hours of homework and still trying to make money somehow ^^

[@vmokry]

Hi Lubmif. Universities in Austria are free, am I right? So you might be already privileged as you can study fine arts as a hobby. Think about it. :-) There might be foundations or scholarship programs in Austria that support excellent students that are going abroad. Do some research / google time. But it is interesting topic, so I will do video about economics of studying private schools. And to your second question, I am not sure if I understand. Now, after graduation, I can afford to live as a full-time concept artist.

[@cecec7102]

Hi ! Thank you very much for sharing your journey with us ! I loved the parts where you showed and explained what exactly it is that you are studying to become a concept artist , it's rare to find personal reviews on schools like syn studio on KZbin ! I would like to apply for next year as a full time student to become a visual development artist 😁 would you mind if I asked you some questions ( only if you have a little time in between classes 😁) keep up the grind and I hope you get to achieve your goals !

[@vmokry]

Thanks for your comment, Anonymousartsy 99! Ask here or write me an email, I will try to answer when I get time.

[@cecec7102]

so I was wondering how the classes work, if you have regular homework assignments and get personal critiques on your work.? I would like to enter the concept art and digital painting classes as well as some figure drawing ones to have both traditional and digital media :D Do you have the possibility to work at the school in case you don't have the space at your accomodation ? and lastly, as an international student, do you have any tips for cheap or affordable accommodation in Montréal ? thank you for taking your time to answer these ! Until then, have a great time at school :D

[@vmokry]

@@cecec7102 I can talk only for Concept Art Diploma Program that I attend. But there is always some class open for students to do homework during a day. Concept Art Diploma students have their separate spaces, so some of us work here until late at night. :-) About accommodation - I plan to do a video about this topic when I get time! :-) But basically, on Kijiji or FB groups, you can find affordable places with roommates or some small studios/flats. I have lived in Montreal in two places with other people, unfortunately, my requirements for cleanliness and focus does not match my roommates so I decided to pay a little bit extra and moving next month to a small studio.

[@dannymaleorange]

I posted a comment in another video, but once accepted, considering the cost and with having to budget, does the school provide you with any materials? I know you mentioned you can borrow a computer and tablet but what about sketchbooks, pencils, clay for modeling, etc.

[@vmokry]

Hi Daniel. Thanks for the comment. The School will provide you with everything you need to succeed. We got all pencils, markers, paper, sketchbooks, clay. Even borrowing a VR set wasn't a problem. As we live in a pandemic world, some things might differ.

[@vetikart6914]

Is there a lot of students from other parts of the world? How do they manage to balance work, homework, and school?

[@vmokry]

Hi VesgoArt, thanks for the comment. Surprisingly, the majority of the Concept Art Diploma Program students are international. My classmates are from China, Brazil, Singapore, Colombia, US, Germany etc. And how do we balance our lives? Hahaha. :-) Ideally, most of your time your draw at school or do your homework. You are expected to study to 110%, there is not much time left for other activities.

[@vetikart6914]

Vmokry how do you earn money when you are studying? Commissions?

[@vmokry]

​@@vetikart6914 I study, so I don't earn money. A few folks here do commissions but I don't expect that it covers their expenses. Also, watch my previous video, there is a note about finances.

[@vetikart6914]

Vmokry wait, so how do you pay for food, and lodging?

[@vmokry]

Most of the time by my card. :-) When people go to study at Stanford or MIT they also have to pay for food and accommodation to survive the study time, right? Or let me ask you, how would you pay for it? What would be the best solution?

[@jikito3199]

Do you have to end Cegep before going there?

[@vmokry]

That would be a perfect question for someone with knowledge of the Quebec education system. :-) AFAIK no, you don't need to finish CEGEP before studying Concept Art Diploma. But better to ask Syn Studio directly, Jikito.

[@jikito3199]

@@vmokry Thank you! I just did

[@emmanuell89]

How many hours a day is the school per ?

[@vmokry]

Hi emmanuell89! Most of the terms we have 4 hours of school per day. 5 days per week. But that is just time at school. Rest of your time you self-study and do homework. :-)

[@emmanuell89]

@@vmokry sounds good , im curently doing a concept art course but its only twice a week for a year and a half, and i want a more demanding enviorment in order to force myself to improve faster, thinking about going to Syn in a year or two

[@danicoman961]

Hi! An awesome video that just increases my excitement to study there. Can I ask you a question about something that I'm not clear about? Is there a period of vacations or rest between terms? You know, to find a job or something like that because as I understand it, while you're studying, there isn't enough time to work. Thank you!

[@vmokry]

Hi Dan! Thanks for the comment. The basic break between terms is one week, Christmas has 4, Summer, which we have right now, two weeks. But honestly. The break is only hypothetical because even now we have workshops and in a few days Gathering of Masters. And "voluntary" tasks like learning more of 3d programs. Voluntary because you HAVE to learn them anyway. On another hand, I do some design contracts for my clients as extra money is always handy. But I feel that every time I do paid work, my studies suffer, but you have to choose your battles. :-)

[@danicoman961]

@@vmokry Thank you so much! That really helps a lot.

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

So cool man :c I heard about Syn Studio recently, would really like to attend to the school. But in my currency, it will take me like 6 years to save money lol I hope studying as a self taught can take me somewhere in the future, otherwise i might just start drawing furries for a living

[@vmokry]

Hahaha, thanks for your honesty Levi! Some of my classmates saved money for 3-4 years to come here. Self studying is also an option, especially if you add some mentors to the mix.

[@dragos6625]

Gosh, I wish I was born in Canada :))