I need some general advice.
I'm 35, have been working as a Graphic Designer and now an Art Director for 12 years. I'm going to go back to school and get my Masters but I'm a little confused on which direction to take.
I like Graphic Design fine, but it's never been where my heart lies. I've always wanted to work on design that went the next step, including motion, sound and three dimensions. I grew up admiring film makers more than traditional artists. I spent more time with a video camera and a computer than I ever did with a paint brush and pencil.
So, the local school I'm looking at attending has 3 graduate programs all of which sound interesting to me, but I'm not really sure of the differences. Here is how things are broken down on the schools website.
Visual Effects - Maya, Shake, RenderMan and Houdini, Photoshop, FinalCut,
Motion Graphics - After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, Maya, Flash, FinalCut
Interactive - Maya, Z Brush, 3ds Max, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and After Effects, Flash, C++ and Dreamweaver.
I know that Interactive is more Web Site Design and Game Design but what is the difference between MoGrah and VFX in the real world? Which one is better in the job market? Which one is more difficult to learn?
Also, school is going to require I take a few prereq classes to boast my portfolio, fine with me. But is it better to spend my time taking Maya or maybe AfterEffects, any recommendations?
What is the difference between Maya - AfterEffects - Shake - Houdini - RenderMan - ZBrush??
Overall my long term goal is to teach (reason for the Masters) and work as an independent freelancer.
The admission counselors at school are fine, but I wanted to get some advice from those in the know.
Thanks!