4 answers
Kayley
Student
Grafton, Ohio
6
Questions
Asked
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Should I go to a regular college and major in art, or should I go to an art school?
I want to be a concept artist/illustrator, and my dream school is CIA, an art school near me. But I was wondering if it would be more beneficial for me in the long run to go to a regular college or an art school. #art #arts #school #artschool #illustrator #conceptartist
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4 answers
Stephanie Stephen Turner
Retired
13
Answers
Early, Texas
Updated
Stephanie Stephen’s Answer
I do agree that it depends a lot upon the school it’s self. But it also depends a lot upon your, and what you intend to do with an art degree within your career. For instance I have. An ex who went to ITT to study computer aided drafting, which they was able to use to get a job with the county as a drafter drawing maps. That was over 27 years ago, now ITT has closed so the degree is basically useless, however the work experience is not. Which is very much the same problem I ran into when the school I went to closed, making my degree within law useless. And is an inherent problem with trade schools, as well as many smaller universities. But is less of a problem with community colleges, as well as major universities like UT, Baylor, Yale and Harvard. But another problem that is not so much a problem, yet is is when schools like TSTI become accredited colleges and undergo name changes from TSTI, to TSTC.
My suggestion is to play things safely, and go to a fully accredited college even if it is a community college unless you are mostly wanting an art degree to do things like work for Disney or Pixar then you might want to do some research into what art/trade schools they hire from most often. But either way you go, if the school shuts down the actual work experience will always be more valuable then any degree ever could be.
My suggestion is to play things safely, and go to a fully accredited college even if it is a community college unless you are mostly wanting an art degree to do things like work for Disney or Pixar then you might want to do some research into what art/trade schools they hire from most often. But either way you go, if the school shuts down the actual work experience will always be more valuable then any degree ever could be.
Alwyn Velásquez
Senior Product Designer (UI/UX)
60
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alwyn’s Answer
Hello Kayley,
It's me again. To your art school versus college with a major in art question, it depends on the program. Obviously going to art school will hone your skills as an artist, illustrator, or designer as art schools are dedicated learning environments that concentrate on fostering, developing, and maturing creative skills. The benefit of a college with an art major is that you can take non-art related courses that may be of interest to you and/or will augment your creative skills (i.e. running a business and finance for artists). There are art schools that have reciprocal arrangements with other institutions so you can go to art school but take courses elsewhere either as electives or for credit towards a degree - look into this if you decide this is the way you want to move forward. Best of luck!
It's me again. To your art school versus college with a major in art question, it depends on the program. Obviously going to art school will hone your skills as an artist, illustrator, or designer as art schools are dedicated learning environments that concentrate on fostering, developing, and maturing creative skills. The benefit of a college with an art major is that you can take non-art related courses that may be of interest to you and/or will augment your creative skills (i.e. running a business and finance for artists). There are art schools that have reciprocal arrangements with other institutions so you can go to art school but take courses elsewhere either as electives or for credit towards a degree - look into this if you decide this is the way you want to move forward. Best of luck!
James C
Integrated Producer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
James’s Answer
Hello,
A lot of factors should be considered when deciding on a school. Tuition and location played a big role in my decision making, and then there is the curriculum and the faculty that may change from year to year. I ended up at a state university where I was required to take core general education classes in addition to a very well rounded curriculum for my major. In the end, I was glad to have saved myself the long term debt I'd have if I were to have gone to the private art school I was considering. I made the best of the education I received and went on to a portfolio school to transition to work in the advertising industry. After all that, my career shifted to a different role than what I imagined in school. I still get to work in the same field but found a job that I enjoy and has opened more opportunities in the long run.
I'd suggest keeping an open mind, staying flexible, and once you're out of school, keep learning and adding to your skillset.
Best of luck to you.
A lot of factors should be considered when deciding on a school. Tuition and location played a big role in my decision making, and then there is the curriculum and the faculty that may change from year to year. I ended up at a state university where I was required to take core general education classes in addition to a very well rounded curriculum for my major. In the end, I was glad to have saved myself the long term debt I'd have if I were to have gone to the private art school I was considering. I made the best of the education I received and went on to a portfolio school to transition to work in the advertising industry. After all that, my career shifted to a different role than what I imagined in school. I still get to work in the same field but found a job that I enjoy and has opened more opportunities in the long run.
I'd suggest keeping an open mind, staying flexible, and once you're out of school, keep learning and adding to your skillset.
Best of luck to you.
Yana Afanasyeva–Gladkyh
illustrator, event manager, artist
3
Answers
Kiev, Ukraine
Updated
Yana’s Answer
I would recommend an art school for sure, but choose carefully so that you don't waste your time and money.
Do not be scared to live far away from home and family, i did this since I was 16, changing 3 countries.
Go for your dream and apply where ever possible and the course structure satisfies you.
Do not be scared to live far away from home and family, i did this since I was 16, changing 3 countries.
Go for your dream and apply where ever possible and the course structure satisfies you.