I'm good at art and I want to put my talent to use by going to an art school. Could it substitute as college?

First I think you should decide what kind of art you want to pursue... fine art (like painting), creative writing, animation/drawing, graphic design on computers, clothing design, architecture (drawing and and math)... Start Googling and figuring out which type of art you're really interested in. Then you can pick a college that has either a major in that type of art or focuses on art completely (like Rhode Island School of Design, or Savannah Art Institute, or The University of the Arts -- ALL of these are colleges). Here's a good website: http://www.onlinecollegesdatabase.org/50-colleges-where-art-programs-abound/

Hi Daria - I also agree with Michelle's advice. It is important to first decide the type of media that you would like to pursue in art school. For example: fine arts (painting or drawing), jewelry making, pottery, graphic design, printing, mixed media, photography, publishing, video, the list can go on and on.

Art schools are the same as colleges - they should be accredited and offer courses, have tuition, and give you credit when completing your curriculum. I actually attended the Rochester Institute of Technology - they have an amazing art school with tons of different majors. Many schools differ but at RIT you have your major field of study, liberal arts classes (science, math, english), and then classes you must complete within your individual school (So I was able to try out drawing and painting even though I was in the printing program). However, there are more traditional art schools where you would be focused solely on art. Some great schools include Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), The Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Massachusetts College of Art.

Please keep in mind that many art programs require portfolios to get accepted. If you have an art teacher at your school they can be a great resource for helping discuss portfolio pieces and also potential career options. Hope this helps!

Hi Daria,

I am unfamiliar with art school, but many universities offer art programs that could lead to a great career. For example, my friend studied design and she is now a graphics interface person at a technology company. She chose to go the technology path, but you could really go into any area.

Best,
Herman