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How much schooling do I need to become an artist?
I am currently a senior in high school, what are some good art colleges and what degree would becoming an artist need?
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Briana’s Answer
Hi, Yili.
This link has a good list of well- known art schools: https://www.artandobject.com/slideshows/10-best-art-schools-us
That being said, you In all honesty, you don't *need* any classes or an art degree to be an artist. It's mainly about having a strong body of work you can show potential clients, employers, or collaborators.
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to art. This can be painting, visual art, ceramics, animation, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you learn and hone your craft. And it helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to asl for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for a art sample(s) in addition to your standard college application essay. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work.
If you can, try taking art classes and/or workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age artists, such as YoungArts, that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other creators. You should also research to see if there are any hobby groups/clubs in your area that you can join.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a firld of art. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking. Many people major in related fields such as marketing or comunications.
Another option is to minor in some type of art while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Build your portfolio of work
Detemine if you want to go to art school or major in a separate field
Network with other artists
This link has a good list of well- known art schools: https://www.artandobject.com/slideshows/10-best-art-schools-us
That being said, you In all honesty, you don't *need* any classes or an art degree to be an artist. It's mainly about having a strong body of work you can show potential clients, employers, or collaborators.
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to art. This can be painting, visual art, ceramics, animation, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you learn and hone your craft. And it helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to asl for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for a art sample(s) in addition to your standard college application essay. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work.
If you can, try taking art classes and/or workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age artists, such as YoungArts, that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other creators. You should also research to see if there are any hobby groups/clubs in your area that you can join.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a firld of art. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking. Many people major in related fields such as marketing or comunications.
Another option is to minor in some type of art while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
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Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Yili
Good question, but you need to think about what sort of an "artist" you want to be. Being an "artist" is really a range of possibilities, and you have choices. You could be a: fine artist (painter, sculptor, printmaker etc.), or a graphic designer, or a freelance illustrator of children's books, or an interior designer, and so on. There are many career paths in the visual arts, and which one you choose depends on your skills and interests and experiences and training in art.
To become a fine artist, yes your portfolio, (a good one with excellent and original artwork), is important. But to get that excellent portfolio artists usually need training in art, in either an art school, or a college or a university with a major in studio art. Same with graphic design, or illustration, or other art fields; getting a degree in art really helps. For becoming a fine artist, then getting an MFA after your bachelors is often important, as it gives your further training in creating your own personal style and meaning in your art.
The best school is the one that is best for YOU. The one that will accept your level of art skills, one where you can afford the tuition and housing through self-pay or scholarships, and one where you feel comfortable. There are lots of lists of top art schools, but don't be bedazzled by the "top"schools, choose the one that makes sense for you and your vision of the future.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Good question, but you need to think about what sort of an "artist" you want to be. Being an "artist" is really a range of possibilities, and you have choices. You could be a: fine artist (painter, sculptor, printmaker etc.), or a graphic designer, or a freelance illustrator of children's books, or an interior designer, and so on. There are many career paths in the visual arts, and which one you choose depends on your skills and interests and experiences and training in art.
To become a fine artist, yes your portfolio, (a good one with excellent and original artwork), is important. But to get that excellent portfolio artists usually need training in art, in either an art school, or a college or a university with a major in studio art. Same with graphic design, or illustration, or other art fields; getting a degree in art really helps. For becoming a fine artist, then getting an MFA after your bachelors is often important, as it gives your further training in creating your own personal style and meaning in your art.
The best school is the one that is best for YOU. The one that will accept your level of art skills, one where you can afford the tuition and housing through self-pay or scholarships, and one where you feel comfortable. There are lots of lists of top art schools, but don't be bedazzled by the "top"schools, choose the one that makes sense for you and your vision of the future.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Yili