NOTE: This is for those that pay for college and a US view
Now, this is my negative opinion about art school. To reiterate, it's just my opinion.
Going to college for art may be a good choice for you but perhaps give me your ear as to explain why I feel it's a foolish decision.
I've seen many an artist dabble on the topic and present good points for both sides. Though they go on and on about it so I won't link the sites unless you ask.
1. Art College is expensive
[spoiler]You will likely notice while snooping around places that the price tag yearly for artistic teachings is wildly absurd.
Usually you're told that your future career will pay for the tuition/debts costs. With art, be it graphic design, illustration, culinary or any other skilled artistic profession that's not really the case. There's a reason the term is "starving artist". In order to be paid well for what you do in the creative world you have to be exceptional at what you do.
Good enough that someone is willing to pick you up and pay for your skill over thousands upon thousands of other artists.[/spoiler]
2. They teach you what you don't need to know
[spoiler]In college the art professors will attempt to teach you how to do everything. Painting, sculpting, cross hatching, abstract, landscapes and everything else. The goal is to cram as much in you as possible whether you need it or not. You end up with all these useless skills that you'll never use.
When what you should focus on is what you do best and improving that. Do you draw mechs really well? Hone that into being phenomenal. Do you 3D scupt weapons better than anything else you do? Then that's the path you should walk down.[/spoiler]
3. Everything you need is on the internet. For free.
[spoiler]There is no way I can pound this notion into anyone's head too much. Almost anything is available at your fingertips for no cost. Why pay someone do show it to you when you can do it yourself?
Tutorials, videos, livestreams, even art communities who can guide you along the way. [/spoiler]
4. Employers don't care what fancy school you went to
[spoiler]What's important? Your portfolio. If you can put together a portfolio that spotlights your skills and shows an employer you have what they want, whatever high end school you went to won't matter. If you can make the sickle that cuts the fact that the silver it was made with came from an untouched mystical mountain is irrelevant.
[/spoiler]
5. Art school doesn't make an artist
[spoiler]Funny thing about art college. Anyone can graduate as long as they turn the work in and show up. Do you have to improve your skills? Do you have to be creative?
Not at all. Finish your work, pass the classes and get out. They've got your money now scram. (Which isn't to say the professors don't care about your)[/spoiler]
There are many more reasons why I'm not particularly fond of the idea but for now that's all I can conjure up.
[b]TL;DR School is bad mkay[/b]
Really, if you don't have any idea what exact job title you're chasing after in art then don't go to school for it. The results will only be that you have a pretty certificate and aimless empty goals that will only allow your debt to increase with interest as you search for a path.
Whatever an art school can do for you, you can do for yourself.
-
Either way you end up making nothing
-
Spending money you don't have to study something that won't pay the bills is insanity.
-
Go to college and get a degree you can make money with. Save the liberal arts shit till after you get a job and want a hobby
-
No, because I want to make money before I die, not after.
-
Anthony Jones also says something very similar to this :3! You should look him up, great work!
-
I'm pretty sure I'd be more comfortable with someone dumping the cost of tuition on the state lottery than an art school. At least some of that money will go to could use, and it's just as safe of an investment for the student.
-
The idea of art school or at least an art class always frustrated me. I felt like I was forced to draw stuff I never wanted to and that pisses off edgy pricks like me so much that every project had something "controversial" in it.
-
-
I can respect this notion, but it is really hard to explain this to parents.
-
It's right for me. I'm going for Audio Production which will net me a Bachelor's in science along the way. No debt either.
-
What type of special do you have to be to choose arts school nowadays? My dad did, in the 70s/80s, did him good, but at the time it was the only way to get an education in the subject, not worth it today I certainly won't be going near an arts uni/college (UK)
-
Go stem or go home. Agriculture is good too.
-
And that's why I became an accountant. And because I topped out at stick people and fingerpaints. On the other hand, some guys have made millions off throwing buckets of paint at a wall by calling it "expressionism".
-
Lol screw being an artist
-
College is a big business...that's it that's all. They just want your money. But in the end it's all worth it if you have a master plan.
-
[quote]In college the art professors will attempt to teach you how to do everything. Painting, sculpting, cross hatching, abstract, landscapes and everything else. The goal is to cram as much in you as possible whether you need it or not. You end up with all these useless skills that you'll never use. When what you should focus on is what you do best and improving that. Do you draw mechs really well? Hone that into being phenomenal. Do you 3D scupt weapons better than anything else you do? Then that's the path you should walk down.[/quote] I thought the purpose was to give you a taste of everything, and [i]find[/i] something you're good at. You say "focus on what you do best". What if "what you do best" is sculpting, but you haven't had the opportunity to try it? I disagree with most of this thread, but I don't have time to give a proper response atm.
-
Art in the education system - which includes the likes of music, creative writing and textiles - is mostly a waste of time entirely.
-
It's different for musicians so this doesn't really apply to me lololololololool
-
Art degrees are a waste of time.
-
Sciences are the master subjects. Art students are dumb. [spoiler]Please don't hate me.[/spoiler]
-
-
Edited by Capiton Render: 6/10/2014 3:01:10 PMIt was an experience for me, i dont have a job in the field, but i wouldnt give up what i learned to do it differently. >mfw no debt
-
No. [spoiler]Visual art at least. But many of you know I can write my arse off. Whether or not I'd want to return to academia is another matter.[/spoiler]
-
I would be bullied for my lack of art skillz and inability to pay the billz
-
The main reasons I want to go back to school for graphic design are having that guiding hand pushing me along to get shit done and progress, even when I'm lacking motivation. To be around people that share my interests in art to some degree because I have absolutely no friends or peers in real life that I can relate to when it comes to my art. And to have access to tools that I do not have at home. In the end, though, I do believe you have to make your own way in the art world. School isn't going to do that for you.
-
Edited by swbwryfyk mayil: 6/10/2014 9:21:30 AMLolnope, I go to real college for a real degree.