Karlyn
What are art schools like?
It art all day long? Will I get certiacetes for my art pieces? Will I get money for art? How long can you be in art school? When can you start art school? #ART
2 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Ellen’s Answer
HI Karlyn:
Art school is really wonderful and challenging. Usually you need to have a high school diploma before you can apply to an art school, but you can also attend after college (which is what I did). To apply, you need to follow the requirements of your choice of art school, which usually includes good grades, good references from your teachers, and a portfolio which shows your artwork. Then you will wait to see if you are accepted. If you don't get into an art school, or don't want an art school, you can also major in art in colleges, junior colleges, and universities.
Art school is like going to college, except most of your classes will be for art. Like colleges, it lasts 4 years, and when you graduate, you will receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts (a BFA) or a Bachelor of Arts (a BA) degree. Some art schools require their students to take other subjects too, but the focus will be on art. When I was in art school (a while ago!), I was studying fine art and graphic design, and I remember having long studio classes that lasted for about 2 hours in the morning and again the afternoon. We worked on our artworks during that time, and we also had class critiques, where we would look at each others artworks with our professors and try to help each other improve. I also took some art history classes, which I enjoyed. (There was also the option at my art school to take education classes and receive a degree in art education. ) After classes and in the evenings, I had to work more on my studio art, so it was pretty intense.
I hope this answers some of your questions. You don't say what grade you are in, but I would talk to your art teacher about art schools for your future. Best wishes!
Monique Bradshaw
Monique’s Answer
I agree with Ellen's answer and i'll add more specifics. Besides the regular liberal arts (maths, sciences, etc) there are a number of art classes. I took lettering and calligraphy (i had to learn BY HAND how to create a new font), art history, commercial art (created magazine ads), story boarding, and fine art with different medias (using charcoal, pen, ink, watercolors, oil based paint, and clay) - we drew/painted still life, scenes, landscapes, and live models (clothed and not). We also do many many critiques!! After each assignment , you showed your work and the teach and students would discuss it. This is not for the faint at heart :)
You do not get paid for your work and you do not get certificates for each piece. you get a grade. if its i major piece, it will likely be a bigger grade (like midterms). You will spend time completing your assignment outside of class. If you are late or didn't do the assignment according to instructions, your grade will be lower or you fail.
You're not likely start your career until perhaps senior year, as an intern. Many places would like to see you have experience first and interning is a great way to do that.