Is Attending Art Schools Worthwhile? Unlike becoming a doctor, becoming an artist doesn't require a degree. You can make art anywhere, any time, using only a few inexpensive supplies. Launching your art career doesn't require becoming certified or getting hired by an employer. So why bother with art schools? Even if you're an artistic prodigy with loads of talent, no real world responsibilities and a relentless drive to succeed, art schools still have a lot to offer you.  Top 10 Advantages of Art Schools 1. Time Aspiring artists who choose to take the do-it-yourself approach to launching their artistic careers often struggle to find the time to create art during those precious hours when they're not folding sweaters or waiting tables in order to pay the rent. As an art school student, on the other hand, you'll be able to devote the bulk of your energies to making art. 2. Access to equipment Art schools typically have thousands of dollars worth of state-of-the art equipment that you'd be hard-pressed to get your hands on in any other way. Even if your particular medium doesn't require a lot of equipment, art school is the perfect place to experiment with techniques that require more than paint and a paintbrush. 3. Studio space Along with equipment, most art schools allow students lots of access to well designed studio space. While there's nothing wrong with working in your garage, access to a perfectly set up studio can certainly aid your process. 4. Expert instruction Art school professors are seasoned professionals who are ready and willing to put their years of experience behind guiding your work and helping to shape your career. Just a little help from even one trusted mentor can save you from years of struggling to figure out who you are as an artist, where you want to go with your work, and how to get there. 5. Shortened learning curve Working on your own, it can take years to gain enough knowledge just to understand what you need to learn. Attending art school, on the other hand, allows you to move quickly through a structured curriculum designed to provide you with a broad base of useful knowledge. This can help you fast-track your career. 6. Built-in community Even the most talented artist needs a peer group to keep him or her motivated and productive. At art school, you'll have an easy time building the professional network that will serve you well throughout your career. 7. Exposure Not only will your professors and classmates become intimately acquainted with your work, student shows will allow you to get your work seen by the public. 8. Networking opportunities Many art schools host visiting artists and put on all sorts of extra-curricular events that will allow you to make contacts outside of your school circle. 9. Internships and other work Professional artists and art-related organizations often turn to art schools first when looking for assistants. In addition, many art schools offer career counseling or career placement services to help you find employment in your field after graduation. 10. Business skills Along with developing and honing your artistic abilities, most art schools will teach you the basics of how to run a small business, including how to make a budget, price your art, handle basic accounting tasks and market your work―all invaluable skills when it comes to launching your career. Get Started in Art Schools If you're ready to take the first step toward an art career, explore our database of art schools. Find a school near you with programs in your field of interest. Request information to get started. |
