Hello everyone,
I've been an inactive member of this site for... a long time now. I'm at a point in my life where I just need to get real. I work a job I hate - unable to find work in the field (sociology) I graduated in 8 years ago, and now, I really want to make something out of what's left of my life. I simply can't see myself continue to work a job I despise so much just for the money.
A little bit of back story -
I have a college degree in sociology and also did quite a bit of digital art (photoshop) that I never continued with. I have a keen interest in game design and understand the work involve. I'm not looking for some quick fix. Two years ago I went back to school for a second degree in computer science, however I had to stop attending due to the fact that I received no financial aid as a second degree student, thus it became unafordable for me with all else I have to pay for.
A new hope -
I like to do research and try different things when the odds are agaisnt me. Thus, after a regular school became unafordable, I read about Gameinstitute.com which offers game design courses for very cheap. I aslo read many negatives about them but at those prices, I thought I would find out for myself. I bought their entry level programing 1 course (which I'm still doing) and to my surprise, it was/is very close to what I was taking at Umass Boston, except one course there was close to $1000. So I plan to continue with all of the Gameinstitute courses and eventually do the animations as well. What I would like to know is, with the skills I will gain, will I be able to find a job in the industry if I can put together a decent work porfolio or will the industry "look down" on me as someone they won't bother with due to where I learned my stuff?
The goal -
I want to be independent and work for myself. I'd like to make apps/games for IOS and others. Not looking to be a millionaire or anything, but I just want to be free from corporate america. I would rather make 45k working for myself than make 100k slaving in the corporate salt mines. That is my long term goal. Now remember that is my lonnnnnng term goal, just so no one is confused since in my last paragraph I'm asking if I'll be able to find work in the industry.
So am I on the right track? What would you recommend or do different? It is wise of me to learn c++ first or should I go for Objective C instead? Am I at a disatvantage in learning 3d Studio Max (only one offered at GameInstitute) over Maya, in the next few months?
Thanks for taking the time to read about my mid-life crisis and will appreciate every reply.
cheers-
Helmacc