by Alexia Lang
Art is messy. It’s not just the splatter-painted clothes. It’s also in the way artists must grapple with content, form and artistic concepts and eventually arrive at meaning.
Expressing deep meaning through art doesn’t require an art degree. But a higher arts education certainly comes with benefits that can aid in launching a successful art career.
There is no single way to approach an art education. The key is finding a school with a program that matches your interests and talents. The success of a student’s college experience and ensuing career depend on a good match between student and college.
So, put in the time, do research on programs and visit schools. This is an investment in the future and a decision should be made with careful consideration and research into prospective colleges.
Some key benefits to choosing a higher art education include:
- ACCESS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT. Art school is a place to explore different mediums and tools to develop art.
- ACCESS TO STUDIO SPACE. Studio space doesn’t often come cheap. While in art school, you will have access to well-designed and equipped space in which to unleash your creativity.
- ACCESS TO EXPERTS. Classes in art school are taught by professionals who are experts in their fields and who are ready and willing to put their years of experience to work in guiding you.
- ACCESS TO A COMMUNITY OF FELLOW ARTISTS. Artists often inspire and motivate other artists. In art school, you have access to a whole community of artists learning together and inspiring each other with a wide variety of artistic mediums and approaches.
- ACCESS TO NETWORKING/PROMOTING OPPORTUNITIES. Art schools offer chances to exhibit your work for the public, building a name for yourself before you even graduate.
- ACCESS TO INTERNSHIPS AND MENTORSHIPS. Professional artists and art organizations tend to reach out to art schools first when seeking interns and assistants. Many schools even have programs to help students find positions that will be just right for them.