Self taught concept art/design pathway

[eru]

Hi there, this question sounds pretty vague but its 2014 and I just need some suggestions, reviews and pros and cons. I have decided to go self taught and hopefully a bit of education through night classes etc. Is self taught the best situation for me to go?

I have studied 1 year foundation course and a year of 3D animation although I wasn't enjoying 3D as much as I use to these days(no I dont really want to work in 3D), But I still like 3D sculpting. I am Eru I live in New Zealand and my passion is to be a concept designer for films and games industry.(Entertainment) I have already made my decisions on going self taught rather than going back to school.I am a beginner, so I try to teach my self fundamentals of drawings and coming up with new designs and trying out different traditional media. My concern is I have $20,000 student loan already. I've decided to work full time at any job, I can't free lance at this stage I don't think I'm that good enough but in my spare time like coming home I would use this time to practice and try going to night classes for life drawing, meeting up with groups etc. I did want to study but I fear the student loan. There isn't really a entertainment design in Auckland but 3D is the closest. But I want to pick up drawing with a pencil and making art this way. I'm not born naturally. But I am willing to do online courses or workshops but I have found if I do that, I am spending most of my time at work making money. Money is important for me I need resources and I need to get a license so I can travel too.

What do you think, self teaching good way to go. I am only tying this out for 1 year and if I can't be successful I will look at art schools next year and have proper time in preparing my portfolio.

Please take your time to reply I don't mind :) Thank you