I'm in my mid 30's, have some money saved up, and thinking of going to art school. Yes? No?
December 15, 2009 7:11 PM Subscribe
I'm in my mid 30's, have some money saved up, and thinking of going to art school. Yes? No?
I guess what I'm really asking is, will I be able to afford it? I have close to $100 grand.. but by then it might be down to 50-60..? I know.. it's 20 something per semester (thousands) so it's like going to USC. But that's only assuming I can get in. I'm starting by continuing at the local community college art classes and hope to build the portfolio there. I'm hoping I've taken enough to meet most of the first year requirements.. so maybe I could finish in fewer years, if I do it full time.
I'm asking here instead of looking at the art schools and contacting them, because I'm not even sure I'll go through with this. It all depends on this upcoming year, whether this being 'fired' will motivate me or bring out some unseen drive I didn't know I had. Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I was fired. That's what's bringing this up... long story, but basically I'm at a point I have no job, I can't see myself going back to the fields I was in, I don't see anything out there I want/can do, and I'm not bad at art.. but I'm about as "not bad" at art as many many other people are. I'm not great.. but I could see myself still improving even now. Hey, I been playing bass 2 months and already playing Iron Maiden.. n u know Steve Harris is just insane.. so I'm a quick learner ;) (I might play at some gig too.. going from zero playing to up on stage in 2 months.. hmm.. just pattin myself on the back hehe) But it made me realize age means nothing. It helps that I looked like a kid my whole life too ;P
I feel good about my potential.. as in art skills, but it's the realistic element that worries me. Is this realistic?
Any words of wisdom? Success stories? Failure stories?
I'm really scared I'll lose the interest or passion, or just realize my skill only will plateau and never really reach that arteest level, or I'll be this washed up has been who's broke.
I guess what I'm really asking is, will I be able to afford it? I have close to $100 grand.. but by then it might be down to 50-60..? I know.. it's 20 something per semester (thousands) so it's like going to USC. But that's only assuming I can get in. I'm starting by continuing at the local community college art classes and hope to build the portfolio there. I'm hoping I've taken enough to meet most of the first year requirements.. so maybe I could finish in fewer years, if I do it full time.
I'm asking here instead of looking at the art schools and contacting them, because I'm not even sure I'll go through with this. It all depends on this upcoming year, whether this being 'fired' will motivate me or bring out some unseen drive I didn't know I had. Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I was fired. That's what's bringing this up... long story, but basically I'm at a point I have no job, I can't see myself going back to the fields I was in, I don't see anything out there I want/can do, and I'm not bad at art.. but I'm about as "not bad" at art as many many other people are. I'm not great.. but I could see myself still improving even now. Hey, I been playing bass 2 months and already playing Iron Maiden.. n u know Steve Harris is just insane.. so I'm a quick learner ;) (I might play at some gig too.. going from zero playing to up on stage in 2 months.. hmm.. just pattin myself on the back hehe) But it made me realize age means nothing. It helps that I looked like a kid my whole life too ;P
I feel good about my potential.. as in art skills, but it's the realistic element that worries me. Is this realistic?
Any words of wisdom? Success stories? Failure stories?
I'm really scared I'll lose the interest or passion, or just realize my skill only will plateau and never really reach that arteest level, or I'll be this washed up has been who's broke.
Okay so let's figure this out. Your question is can you afford art school? Certainly, if you actually want to go! It sounds like you have some money saved up and that's a step in the right direction but uh...it doesn't even sound like you really want to go to art school. Based on the phrasing of this question, it sounds like you are just going out on a whim because it sounds like a fun idea and you might work decently hard and get famous and besides you don't have a job anyways. So I think you should figure out whether or not you actually want to go Art School before you figure out how you can get there.
posted by lucy.jakobs at 7:24 PM on December 15, 2009
posted by lucy.jakobs at 7:24 PM on December 15, 2009
Going to school can be awesome, but you also have to think about end goals. What would you like to be doing when you're done? In 10 years? Because if you have the itch to get away you could always rent a cheap apartment and paris and paint away to your hearts content, and i'd probably be a lot cheaper than school.
I also know plenty of graphic designers who have done well with themselves without stepping foot at college, they worked extremely hard on their own. It all depends on what you want.
posted by mattsweaters at 7:32 PM on December 15, 2009
I also know plenty of graphic designers who have done well with themselves without stepping foot at college, they worked extremely hard on their own. It all depends on what you want.
posted by mattsweaters at 7:32 PM on December 15, 2009
If you're in your mid-30's and have $100K saved, you're way 'ahead' of most people. That's a nice security net.
It sounds like you have a rare opportunity to do something that you enjoy, so you should definitely do it.
There aren't many such opportunities in life, and they get fewer and more valuable as you get older.
posted by rokusan at 7:45 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
It sounds like you have a rare opportunity to do something that you enjoy, so you should definitely do it.
There aren't many such opportunities in life, and they get fewer and more valuable as you get older.
posted by rokusan at 7:45 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
I must say that you should heavily, heavily investigate the instructors and the calibre of education you expect from your chosen school. I chose a community college versus a university or dedicated art school and to be honest it was a complete waste of time save for a few classes.
If you can, do an intensive 1-year program instead of an extended affair. It may seem more expensive (sometimes into the $15–20,000 range) but that's for 8-hour/day art instruction and you're going to get a lot more out of it in my opinion.
Also, a heating pack for your shoulders (easel drawing/erasing/painting/sculpting will wreak havoc on your lats/delts)
And please, if you're considering "graphic design" or any other marketing/communicative design work, take typography classes because it is almost singly the most important part of any kind of design and seperates amateurs from the pros.
posted by Khazk at 7:51 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
If you can, do an intensive 1-year program instead of an extended affair. It may seem more expensive (sometimes into the $15–20,000 range) but that's for 8-hour/day art instruction and you're going to get a lot more out of it in my opinion.
Also, a heating pack for your shoulders (easel drawing/erasing/painting/sculpting will wreak havoc on your lats/delts)
And please, if you're considering "graphic design" or any other marketing/communicative design work, take typography classes because it is almost singly the most important part of any kind of design and seperates amateurs from the pros.
posted by Khazk at 7:51 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
Why are you going to art school? If you think it's gonna get you a job think again. Your money will not be well spent.
If you think you're going to learn a lot about art, and improve your ability, meet new interesting people, and contacts that will be both intrinsically worthwhile and also might lead to the opportunity to ask for new work, then yes, it could be worthwhile.
Personally, if I were you, I would think about upskilling in something else if you're set on it - something cushy - and then developing my art further as a hobby first, and then maybe start thinking about part time art school or some such down the road.
I would say don't necessarily write your current field off - workplaces differ dramatically though the work may be different.
posted by smoke at 7:54 PM on December 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
If you think you're going to learn a lot about art, and improve your ability, meet new interesting people, and contacts that will be both intrinsically worthwhile and also might lead to the opportunity to ask for new work, then yes, it could be worthwhile.
Personally, if I were you, I would think about upskilling in something else if you're set on it - something cushy - and then developing my art further as a hobby first, and then maybe start thinking about part time art school or some such down the road.
I would say don't necessarily write your current field off - workplaces differ dramatically though the work may be different.
posted by smoke at 7:54 PM on December 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
I'm going to advise you not to do it. I think there are a number of courses you can take without going to art school full time. Heck, you can even do a summer intensive course for $6K. Many art schools will be happy to take your money.
Is this $100K of your rainy day savings? Do you have an emergency fund? Do you have a retirement fund? Even if it's pure funny money, I don't think art school is a wise investment. I'm sure for $20K, you can get private one on one lessons for a month with your favorite artist.
posted by anniecat at 7:56 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
Is this $100K of your rainy day savings? Do you have an emergency fund? Do you have a retirement fund? Even if it's pure funny money, I don't think art school is a wise investment. I'm sure for $20K, you can get private one on one lessons for a month with your favorite artist.
posted by anniecat at 7:56 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
If you are serious look at Ringling School of Art.
I mean it.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:58 PM on December 15, 2009
I mean it.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:58 PM on December 15, 2009
Why are you going to art school? If you think it's gonna get you a job think again. Your money will not be well spent.
Exactly.
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 8:00 PM on December 15, 2009
Exactly.
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 8:00 PM on December 15, 2009
My wife is volunteers with a mentoring program for gifted and talented high school art students, and she claims that the biggest obstacle is the portfolio. It might be worth finding someone similar ( perhaps someone who teaches AP Art at the HS level ) to give yours a "going over" in respect to what a particular school will be looking for. Good Luck !
posted by lobstah at 8:06 PM on December 15, 2009
posted by lobstah at 8:06 PM on December 15, 2009
As someone who is currently in school for art, I would carefully weigh the pros and cons of choosing such a degree. I knew what I was getting into when I set out to be an artist, and yes, it's awesome, if that type of lifestyle is what you want. Yes, you'll meet all kinds of interesting people, do lots of cool stuff, learn skills that others will be amazed by, but no, you will not be an art rock star and you will not make money. Do art school if you want to, but go to a place where the program will be worth a damn, not community college (sorry to those who might be offended by that statement). If you are serious about learning to be an artist AND what it MEANS to be an artist, then yes, by all means, come join our little corner of the world.
Your money will be wasted, but you will have the time of your life doing it. Art makes me happy and that's why I still waste my time and money doing it.
God speed!
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 8:24 PM on December 15, 2009
Your money will be wasted, but you will have the time of your life doing it. Art makes me happy and that's why I still waste my time and money doing it.
God speed!
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 8:24 PM on December 15, 2009
One thing you might do is throw out all the reasons why you want to: keep your job, go to art school, not go to art school, quit your job, save your money, spend your money, etc.
What do you want to get out of going to art school? Grind that down into a one word answer.
Does that one word inspire you to go to art school? Or keep your job? Whatever it inspires you to do, you should do it because now you're being honest with yourself about what you really want to do. Then you'll have no regrets.
Best of luck.
posted by bam at 8:24 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
What do you want to get out of going to art school? Grind that down into a one word answer.
Does that one word inspire you to go to art school? Or keep your job? Whatever it inspires you to do, you should do it because now you're being honest with yourself about what you really want to do. Then you'll have no regrets.
Best of luck.
posted by bam at 8:24 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
First of all, congratulations on getting the Maiden down so quickly. That is indeed awesome.
Second, I'm nthing making sure you want to do art before you go to art school. Start making art and keep doing it until you hit the point at which you're doing something really challenging and maybe unpleasant. Are you still interested in doing it at that point? If so, then maybe going to school for it might be for you.
When I think that maybe I want to get out of my current profession, art school and business school usually float into my head while I'm in that funk. With the art school idea, at least, I pretty quickly remember that I enjoy making art but wouldn't be able to enjoy it under the financial pressure a career in art often creates.
posted by ignignokt at 8:46 PM on December 15, 2009
Second, I'm nthing making sure you want to do art before you go to art school. Start making art and keep doing it until you hit the point at which you're doing something really challenging and maybe unpleasant. Are you still interested in doing it at that point? If so, then maybe going to school for it might be for you.
When I think that maybe I want to get out of my current profession, art school and business school usually float into my head while I'm in that funk. With the art school idea, at least, I pretty quickly remember that I enjoy making art but wouldn't be able to enjoy it under the financial pressure a career in art often creates.
posted by ignignokt at 8:46 PM on December 15, 2009
I am seconding Bomb Shelter's remarks. For me it was a great pathway for many internal reasons.
Since you have no job I would suggest that you schedule a tour with several academic advisors in the Los Angeles area. Many very highly regarded schools are here, and the art scene is very lively. It costs you nothing to look over the schools sit in on some classes and decide what's right for you. I can't believe how many people apply and attend schools they have never visited when it's such an expenditure of time, money and avocation.
The right school for me had great working conditions and an accessible faculty. Many of the top art schools are so theory heavy they are painful and not useful for what I was seeking as a creative path. Good luck.
posted by effluvia at 8:47 PM on December 15, 2009
Since you have no job I would suggest that you schedule a tour with several academic advisors in the Los Angeles area. Many very highly regarded schools are here, and the art scene is very lively. It costs you nothing to look over the schools sit in on some classes and decide what's right for you. I can't believe how many people apply and attend schools they have never visited when it's such an expenditure of time, money and avocation.
The right school for me had great working conditions and an accessible faculty. Many of the top art schools are so theory heavy they are painful and not useful for what I was seeking as a creative path. Good luck.
posted by effluvia at 8:47 PM on December 15, 2009
It would be wise to take some classes somewhere nearby without matriculating first.
posted by xammerboy at 9:03 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by xammerboy at 9:03 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
I think your best bet here would be to apply, and see how your financial aid looks.
Any financial aid award (other than a competitive merit-only scholarship) is going to reflect the assets on hand of the applicant. If a student has $60,000 in the bank, the school is going to expect them to spend more or less all of that $60,000 on tuition and fees (over the course of their expected time at the school) when they figure out that student's financial aid package.
If you can, do an intensive 1-year program instead of an extended affair. It may seem more expensive (sometimes into the $15–20,000 range) but that's for 8-hour/day art instruction
I'm a bit confused by this. A year of regular art school at most if not all private art schools in the US costs considerably more than that.
If the OP's looking at California Institute of the Arts or California College of the Arts (assuming the OP is in California based on the reference to USC) for example, that's $35,000+ a year in tuition and fees. Now, obviously those are degree-granting undergraduate/graduate programs, rather than something that's purely skills-focused, but a $20,000 year-long intensive would be a tremendous bargain as far as I know.
If you are serious look at Ringling School of Art.
Ringling is an excellent school, but only marginally cheaper than equally excellent art schools in California--the difference in cost might well be offset by moving expenses (presuming that I was correct in my assumption that the OP is living in California now).
posted by Sidhedevil at 9:18 PM on December 15, 2009
Any financial aid award (other than a competitive merit-only scholarship) is going to reflect the assets on hand of the applicant. If a student has $60,000 in the bank, the school is going to expect them to spend more or less all of that $60,000 on tuition and fees (over the course of their expected time at the school) when they figure out that student's financial aid package.
If you can, do an intensive 1-year program instead of an extended affair. It may seem more expensive (sometimes into the $15–20,000 range) but that's for 8-hour/day art instruction
I'm a bit confused by this. A year of regular art school at most if not all private art schools in the US costs considerably more than that.
If the OP's looking at California Institute of the Arts or California College of the Arts (assuming the OP is in California based on the reference to USC) for example, that's $35,000+ a year in tuition and fees. Now, obviously those are degree-granting undergraduate/graduate programs, rather than something that's purely skills-focused, but a $20,000 year-long intensive would be a tremendous bargain as far as I know.
If you are serious look at Ringling School of Art.
Ringling is an excellent school, but only marginally cheaper than equally excellent art schools in California--the difference in cost might well be offset by moving expenses (presuming that I was correct in my assumption that the OP is living in California now).
posted by Sidhedevil at 9:18 PM on December 15, 2009
As an investment in your career, spending $100k in savings on art school is about the worst possible idea you could have.
As an investment in your emotional and spiritual well-being, it might be worth it--you know that better than any of us. But in terms of putting down large savings on art school and expecting that money to be paid back afterwards? Worst. Idea. Ever. Almost no one who goes to art school, even good art schools, makes their living making art afterwards. The attrition rate after five years is in the high 90s.
If you want to make art, find a way to make art that doesn't involve blowing an awesome nest egg you've built up. Work part time, live cheap, and take classes on the side. Or just invest money in making art itself while working the local art scene. Maybe move somewhere for a job in a coffee shop and a chance at breaking into a big art scene, like New York or LA. But count that $100K out of the equation unless you want to spend it and never see anything for it but the price tag of an awesome experience.
Put another way, you don't need the $100K to be an artist if that's what you want to and can be. So don't waste it trying to polevault into your dreams.
posted by fatbird at 9:32 PM on December 15, 2009 [7 favorites]
As an investment in your emotional and spiritual well-being, it might be worth it--you know that better than any of us. But in terms of putting down large savings on art school and expecting that money to be paid back afterwards? Worst. Idea. Ever. Almost no one who goes to art school, even good art schools, makes their living making art afterwards. The attrition rate after five years is in the high 90s.
If you want to make art, find a way to make art that doesn't involve blowing an awesome nest egg you've built up. Work part time, live cheap, and take classes on the side. Or just invest money in making art itself while working the local art scene. Maybe move somewhere for a job in a coffee shop and a chance at breaking into a big art scene, like New York or LA. But count that $100K out of the equation unless you want to spend it and never see anything for it but the price tag of an awesome experience.
Put another way, you don't need the $100K to be an artist if that's what you want to and can be. So don't waste it trying to polevault into your dreams.
posted by fatbird at 9:32 PM on December 15, 2009 [7 favorites]
I went to art school and these were the things that were valuable to me from that experience:
-being surrounded by other artists all day every day
-learning to talk about art and design intelligently and discuss visual ideas in a constructive way. honestly this is 90% of art school.
-getting in the habit of getting up every day and making work
-getting to spend 4 years doing nothing but finding my own voice and building a portfolio
-getting to try new things and collaborate with people in different areas of study
-being forced to study art history very intensely, which I think is something that would be hard to do on your own (and I love art history)
-the networking aspect
The first 3 are the big ones.
I also learned a ton of invaluable stuff about my field doing an internship, which was free.
Most of the people I went to school with are not doing anything related to art. However, a lot are doing exactly what they studied. It was really obvious from day one of freshman year who would end up in which group, and I think if you honestly evaluate what you want out of art school you can figure out what will happen to you post-BFA.
I knew what I was signing up for when I went to art school and what being a working artist in my field meant. I work hard, do what I love, and even if I'm not rich or famous (ha) I wouldn't want to do anything else.
posted by bradbane at 10:23 PM on December 15, 2009 [2 favorites]
-being surrounded by other artists all day every day
-learning to talk about art and design intelligently and discuss visual ideas in a constructive way. honestly this is 90% of art school.
-getting in the habit of getting up every day and making work
-getting to spend 4 years doing nothing but finding my own voice and building a portfolio
-getting to try new things and collaborate with people in different areas of study
-being forced to study art history very intensely, which I think is something that would be hard to do on your own (and I love art history)
-the networking aspect
The first 3 are the big ones.
I also learned a ton of invaluable stuff about my field doing an internship, which was free.
Most of the people I went to school with are not doing anything related to art. However, a lot are doing exactly what they studied. It was really obvious from day one of freshman year who would end up in which group, and I think if you honestly evaluate what you want out of art school you can figure out what will happen to you post-BFA.
I knew what I was signing up for when I went to art school and what being a working artist in my field meant. I work hard, do what I love, and even if I'm not rich or famous (ha) I wouldn't want to do anything else.
posted by bradbane at 10:23 PM on December 15, 2009 [2 favorites]
I always *wanted* to go to art school. Instead I took a single Drawing 1 class. It taught me a few things, beyond drawing.
1) It's a lot of work.
2) It's not easy.
3) I suck at drawing.
So I'm not cut out for art school, but I know this now and I still want to take a few classes.
Maybe you want to express yourself, improve your drawing ability, and also get paid for it. Might I suggest looking into Graphic Design? You will take a lot of the same classes you'd take in art class. The downshot is that the industry is pretty cutthroat, but you'll be able to find work.
Just a suggestion. I do not claim to know everything about graphic design, but maybe that's what you want.
posted by hellojed at 10:24 PM on December 15, 2009
1) It's a lot of work.
2) It's not easy.
3) I suck at drawing.
So I'm not cut out for art school, but I know this now and I still want to take a few classes.
Maybe you want to express yourself, improve your drawing ability, and also get paid for it. Might I suggest looking into Graphic Design? You will take a lot of the same classes you'd take in art class. The downshot is that the industry is pretty cutthroat, but you'll be able to find work.
Just a suggestion. I do not claim to know everything about graphic design, but maybe that's what you want.
posted by hellojed at 10:24 PM on December 15, 2009
Twenty K per semester?
If you were to hire working artists off of Craigslist to give you tutorials and critique you, at $20/hr., you could get 1000 hours of 1 on 1 training. In a standard class, you get-- what-- maybe 1 hour total of 1 on 1 assistance?
Enroll in a few classes, as part of a non-degreed program. That'll cost you a few hundred bucks, and give you the benefits that accrue from hanging out with other aspiring artists.
Then hire a few different working artists off of Craigslist to give you personal tutorials-- you'll get far... far... far... more individually tailored assistance, at much... much... much... lower cost. The neat thing is, you'll be able to look at the portfolios of the people teaching you... so you'll know something ahead of time about the talent and vision of the people doing the teaching.
If not Craigslist, call up the Art Department of any given school, and ask for some referrals of people you can hire.
posted by darth_tedious at 10:41 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
If you were to hire working artists off of Craigslist to give you tutorials and critique you, at $20/hr., you could get 1000 hours of 1 on 1 training. In a standard class, you get-- what-- maybe 1 hour total of 1 on 1 assistance?
Enroll in a few classes, as part of a non-degreed program. That'll cost you a few hundred bucks, and give you the benefits that accrue from hanging out with other aspiring artists.
Then hire a few different working artists off of Craigslist to give you personal tutorials-- you'll get far... far... far... more individually tailored assistance, at much... much... much... lower cost. The neat thing is, you'll be able to look at the portfolios of the people teaching you... so you'll know something ahead of time about the talent and vision of the people doing the teaching.
If not Craigslist, call up the Art Department of any given school, and ask for some referrals of people you can hire.
posted by darth_tedious at 10:41 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
If I had $100K and a desire to learn a creative trade the last thing I'd do is go to art school. Part of it is because a great many art colleges are crap who deliberately mislead their students about the expectations after graduation1. But mostly it's because you're a proper grown-up now and don't need people to hold your hand while you learn. I'd travel to the most inspiring places I know2, buy some decent paints/instrument/camera/clay/computer/whatever I want to learn, and spend 6 hours a day for the next several years doing it. I'd bring in tutors from time to time to point me in the right direction. I'd spend lots of time online learning and sharing what I'm doing. Put paying some business tens of thousands of dollars a semester would run me out of money faster and, honestly, get in my way now.
But that's just me.
Oh, and yeah, like everyone else says, be realistic about what you'll get out of it. A well paying job isn't likely no matter how you go about it or what you study. At least you're not planning to go into debt doing it.
1 I had a friend who graduated from a big name design school and expected her first job to be design director at a major international agency. For those that don't know this is entirely wrong. Her salary expectations were off by 10x.
2 Paris tends to be really inspiring to artists, and last time I checked France will more or less let you live there as long as you have money. There are amazing, beautiful, inspiring places on this planet that cost significantly less than the US to live. And there's nothing like a cross-cultural experience to trigger creativity.
posted by Ookseer at 11:14 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
But that's just me.
Oh, and yeah, like everyone else says, be realistic about what you'll get out of it. A well paying job isn't likely no matter how you go about it or what you study. At least you're not planning to go into debt doing it.
1 I had a friend who graduated from a big name design school and expected her first job to be design director at a major international agency. For those that don't know this is entirely wrong. Her salary expectations were off by 10x.
2 Paris tends to be really inspiring to artists, and last time I checked France will more or less let you live there as long as you have money. There are amazing, beautiful, inspiring places on this planet that cost significantly less than the US to live. And there's nothing like a cross-cultural experience to trigger creativity.
posted by Ookseer at 11:14 PM on December 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
I went to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) which is one of the top art schools in the country. Was it worth it? Well, it depends on your definition. I was in the Visualization program and was more there for the business end of art (advertising) and the connections I made and projects I learned helped me break into the industry at some of the top agencies.
I'm now several years into my career and unemployed...go figure.
That said, you need to look at your motivations for wanting to go. If you think you will be gaining the skills to begin a new career, I strongly urge you to reconsider. If you want to learn design, take some private classes...it will cost you a fraction of art school and you could probably get some work as a result of them.
If you want to be a classically trained artist for a living and you are "just ok", good luck. I don't say that to discourage you but I want you to be realistic. Every day I would walk down the halls and see the most mind-blowing art I've ever seen in my life. It was incredibly inspirational. But it was also a huge reality-check when I saw my friends who actually created these things work. They are truly gifted and they came to school as artists who were already in the top 5% in terms of raw talent--the school just helps refine that.
Honestly, if I were in your shoes I'd take some private lessons or buy/download a bunch of books/videos and learn that way and then save the money. You don't know how long it will take you to become gainfully employed again and it would be a damn shame to throw away a huge chunk of your life savings like that.
posted by Elminster24 at 1:02 AM on December 16, 2009
I'm now several years into my career and unemployed...go figure.
That said, you need to look at your motivations for wanting to go. If you think you will be gaining the skills to begin a new career, I strongly urge you to reconsider. If you want to learn design, take some private classes...it will cost you a fraction of art school and you could probably get some work as a result of them.
If you want to be a classically trained artist for a living and you are "just ok", good luck. I don't say that to discourage you but I want you to be realistic. Every day I would walk down the halls and see the most mind-blowing art I've ever seen in my life. It was incredibly inspirational. But it was also a huge reality-check when I saw my friends who actually created these things work. They are truly gifted and they came to school as artists who were already in the top 5% in terms of raw talent--the school just helps refine that.
Honestly, if I were in your shoes I'd take some private lessons or buy/download a bunch of books/videos and learn that way and then save the money. You don't know how long it will take you to become gainfully employed again and it would be a damn shame to throw away a huge chunk of your life savings like that.
posted by Elminster24 at 1:02 AM on December 16, 2009
Why stay in the US? There are great art schools elsewhere, some of which have lower fees for international (US) students than many american universities do. Bonus: you get 4 years abroad as well as the art degree.
posted by handee at 1:06 AM on December 16, 2009
posted by handee at 1:06 AM on December 16, 2009
Seconding Ookseer and others who have alluded to spending some time abroad. There are artist colonies throughout Europe. These are great places to improve your craft and also meet other artists. You have the funds to spend a big chunk of time virtually anywhere in the world. I would take advantage of that.
posted by Ljubljana at 1:58 AM on December 16, 2009
posted by Ljubljana at 1:58 AM on December 16, 2009
You don't really say what you're hoping to get out of art school. Technical skills? Networking? job prospects? Is your aim to be a working artist or to teach or be a designer? You need to look very carefully at the school's orientation and find one that matches what you are looking for. Some schools are technique and media centric, others are more philosophically based and will give you wide but shallow exposure. Is there a particular medium you want to work in? These are all factors you need to look at.
Whatever you do, look for an art school that teaches the business of being an artist. When I went to art school that was a dirty word but today fortunately far more programs take the need to actually support oneself into account in designing a program. Most working artists I know end up combining a number of things to make a living - teaching, design work, studio work, commercial work. For most of us it's emphatically not a fantastic living either financially. I can't imagine doing anything else though and coming to it as an adult gives you a focus and maturity which should make an immense difference. I wouldn't do it unless you really feel internally compelled to do so - it's too hard a way to make a living. As others have said, think about ways to incorporate art making and learning into your life otherwise. and good luck!
posted by leslies at 5:37 AM on December 16, 2009
Whatever you do, look for an art school that teaches the business of being an artist. When I went to art school that was a dirty word but today fortunately far more programs take the need to actually support oneself into account in designing a program. Most working artists I know end up combining a number of things to make a living - teaching, design work, studio work, commercial work. For most of us it's emphatically not a fantastic living either financially. I can't imagine doing anything else though and coming to it as an adult gives you a focus and maturity which should make an immense difference. I wouldn't do it unless you really feel internally compelled to do so - it's too hard a way to make a living. As others have said, think about ways to incorporate art making and learning into your life otherwise. and good luck!
posted by leslies at 5:37 AM on December 16, 2009
If you are truly passionate about art, consider the Art Institutes. They have a reputation for getting you into a career, not just taking your money. And mid-30s is certainly not too late.
posted by rahnefan at 5:44 AM on December 16, 2009
posted by rahnefan at 5:44 AM on December 16, 2009
I went to art school.
Perhaps I'm slightly bitter because I had a horrible relationship with my advisors who made it their mission to keep me from getting into grad school (good thing I didn't want to go to grad school to start with!), but even without that...
Spend the money on studio space. And materials. Those were the only, only things that art school had to provide that I can't afford out in the real world. The most important thing I've learned since leaving art school is not to let other people's opinions affect my work - which is the inverse of what art school is all about.
Get a ton of books. Educate yourself in art history. Maybe take a few classes or get involved in drawing groups at a gallery (I know a lot of galleries that offer informal classes). But art school is a huge, huge waste of time and money. Unless you then want to get an MFA and teach. But that's about it.
I have other friends who have also gone to art school and lived to say the same thing: Just make art. Don't worry about the school end of it. It won't help you as an ARTIST. If what you want to be is an artist, art school is totally 100% unnecessary.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:32 AM on December 16, 2009
Perhaps I'm slightly bitter because I had a horrible relationship with my advisors who made it their mission to keep me from getting into grad school (good thing I didn't want to go to grad school to start with!), but even without that...
Spend the money on studio space. And materials. Those were the only, only things that art school had to provide that I can't afford out in the real world. The most important thing I've learned since leaving art school is not to let other people's opinions affect my work - which is the inverse of what art school is all about.
Get a ton of books. Educate yourself in art history. Maybe take a few classes or get involved in drawing groups at a gallery (I know a lot of galleries that offer informal classes). But art school is a huge, huge waste of time and money. Unless you then want to get an MFA and teach. But that's about it.
I have other friends who have also gone to art school and lived to say the same thing: Just make art. Don't worry about the school end of it. It won't help you as an ARTIST. If what you want to be is an artist, art school is totally 100% unnecessary.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:32 AM on December 16, 2009
As an investment in your career, spending $100k in savings on art school is about the worst possible idea you could have.
Yeah, that too. My career has nothing to do with having an art education, I would have been totally better off getting a degree in something actually useful. As is, I'm paying back student loans for basically no reason. My parents insisted that I go to college, but studying art was a major mistake in terms of future investment. I would never in a million years go back now and start off studying art.
Yes, ok, I really am bitter because the only purpose I can think of to have art schools in the first place is to employ art professors.
There is absolutely no reason to go to art school unless you want to be an art professor. Just making art? Yeah, just sit down and make yourself do it. Get involved with other artists in your community. Go to galleries. A lot. Talk to gallery owners and find ways to volunteer. Take informal art classes. I've done all of these things and they were better uses of time and way cheaper than the soul draining experience of paying to have excruciating crits that made me cry.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:38 AM on December 16, 2009
Yeah, that too. My career has nothing to do with having an art education, I would have been totally better off getting a degree in something actually useful. As is, I'm paying back student loans for basically no reason. My parents insisted that I go to college, but studying art was a major mistake in terms of future investment. I would never in a million years go back now and start off studying art.
Yes, ok, I really am bitter because the only purpose I can think of to have art schools in the first place is to employ art professors.
There is absolutely no reason to go to art school unless you want to be an art professor. Just making art? Yeah, just sit down and make yourself do it. Get involved with other artists in your community. Go to galleries. A lot. Talk to gallery owners and find ways to volunteer. Take informal art classes. I've done all of these things and they were better uses of time and way cheaper than the soul draining experience of paying to have excruciating crits that made me cry.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:38 AM on December 16, 2009
Art schools exist to take parent's money.
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:56 AM on December 16, 2009
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:56 AM on December 16, 2009
I know quite a few working artists. You know what they would do with 100K?
Paint. (Sculpt, sew, dance, etc)
Seriously, 100 f'in thousand and you want to spend it on school? Artists are easy to find. They are in their studios. Buy one lunch (that won't be a hard sell) and ask what they would do in your shoes with your resources. They will say throw yourself in to the community, and learn from other artists. Art school is really Art History School, which, if art is sufficiently fascinating for you, is something that you can pursue your own course of study in. (That is, in fact, how artists themselves continue their education once they become working artists.)
Artists are driven people. The serious ones do what they do because they cannot do differently. It's very difficult to make a real living (and maintain responsibilities beyond yourself) by being an artist. There are a lot of starving artists. None of them wants to be a starving artist.
A practical suggestion: There are many, many very talented artists in all fields that would be more than happy to tutor you at least to the extent that you could get some focused attention and a pretty accurate appraisal for your intuitive talent. You could get some valuable one-on-one coaching on technique. Most importantly, you will have an opportunity to see what the real, non-romanticized life is like. If you don't have raw talent, it's unfortunate, but true, that it will be very difficult to be successful in the arts in the way that most beginners imagine themselves being successful. You can help an artist by paying for their expertise and talent to help you determine what yours is. Win-Win. Maybe you are clearly talented and would be someone who would benefit from a serious art school education.
That isn't to say that pursuing the arts isn't worthwhile, regardless of your natural abilities or willingness to devote yourself to the real lifestyle of an artist. Art is always good to do. Always. But it may be that you find yourself better suited to art as a fulfilling, valuable hobby. You can find all of this out for far less than the 20K your very first semester will cost. If it isn't for you professionally, just think of the money you will have saved to spend on paints for your new life-long painting hobby.
posted by nickjadlowe at 10:58 AM on December 16, 2009 [3 favorites]
Paint. (Sculpt, sew, dance, etc)
Seriously, 100 f'in thousand and you want to spend it on school? Artists are easy to find. They are in their studios. Buy one lunch (that won't be a hard sell) and ask what they would do in your shoes with your resources. They will say throw yourself in to the community, and learn from other artists. Art school is really Art History School, which, if art is sufficiently fascinating for you, is something that you can pursue your own course of study in. (That is, in fact, how artists themselves continue their education once they become working artists.)
Artists are driven people. The serious ones do what they do because they cannot do differently. It's very difficult to make a real living (and maintain responsibilities beyond yourself) by being an artist. There are a lot of starving artists. None of them wants to be a starving artist.
A practical suggestion: There are many, many very talented artists in all fields that would be more than happy to tutor you at least to the extent that you could get some focused attention and a pretty accurate appraisal for your intuitive talent. You could get some valuable one-on-one coaching on technique. Most importantly, you will have an opportunity to see what the real, non-romanticized life is like. If you don't have raw talent, it's unfortunate, but true, that it will be very difficult to be successful in the arts in the way that most beginners imagine themselves being successful. You can help an artist by paying for their expertise and talent to help you determine what yours is. Win-Win. Maybe you are clearly talented and would be someone who would benefit from a serious art school education.
That isn't to say that pursuing the arts isn't worthwhile, regardless of your natural abilities or willingness to devote yourself to the real lifestyle of an artist. Art is always good to do. Always. But it may be that you find yourself better suited to art as a fulfilling, valuable hobby. You can find all of this out for far less than the 20K your very first semester will cost. If it isn't for you professionally, just think of the money you will have saved to spend on paints for your new life-long painting hobby.
posted by nickjadlowe at 10:58 AM on December 16, 2009 [3 favorites]
reiterate: Art School is FUN, but not a lucrative career move.
If you go to Art School, you get to meet some very groovy people and you get to go to great parties. You can learn things which can inspire you for the rest of your life, but often from unexpected directions.
The degree can to be somewhat useless, and the fine arts profession is statistically rather poorly paying, unless you are an exception to the statistics.
Notes:
When I went to Art School years back, mature students were often impatient with the simple level of hand-holding in the mandatory introductory courses, and there were often drop-outs. If you go, you should talk to admissions and try to get 'Advanced Standing' and skip some foundation classes. A decent portfolio should help. (May not apply to all programs).
Also: in the last few years there has been more emphasis on academic studies in arts programs.
Studio art is fun, but not everybody likes essay deadlines and exams. Not everybody likes Art-Theory, but some people do. I do. But I don't like exams.
If I had to do it again, I would try to apply for an independent studies program and only go to the classes which I was specifically interested in.
Also, I would probably go as a part-time student. You could also work part-time and not eat all your nest-eggs, and have more flexibility for which classes you want (if available, which can sometimes be a problem as some schools give part-timers second-pickings when scheduling. On the other hand, the classes which are the most rewarding are sometimes surprises).
posted by ovvl at 4:44 PM on December 16, 2009
If you go to Art School, you get to meet some very groovy people and you get to go to great parties. You can learn things which can inspire you for the rest of your life, but often from unexpected directions.
The degree can to be somewhat useless, and the fine arts profession is statistically rather poorly paying, unless you are an exception to the statistics.
Notes:
When I went to Art School years back, mature students were often impatient with the simple level of hand-holding in the mandatory introductory courses, and there were often drop-outs. If you go, you should talk to admissions and try to get 'Advanced Standing' and skip some foundation classes. A decent portfolio should help. (May not apply to all programs).
Also: in the last few years there has been more emphasis on academic studies in arts programs.
Studio art is fun, but not everybody likes essay deadlines and exams. Not everybody likes Art-Theory, but some people do. I do. But I don't like exams.
If I had to do it again, I would try to apply for an independent studies program and only go to the classes which I was specifically interested in.
Also, I would probably go as a part-time student. You could also work part-time and not eat all your nest-eggs, and have more flexibility for which classes you want (if available, which can sometimes be a problem as some schools give part-timers second-pickings when scheduling. On the other hand, the classes which are the most rewarding are sometimes surprises).
posted by ovvl at 4:44 PM on December 16, 2009
How about art school in Europe? Or Canada? Wouldn't it be cheaper? More authentic? More interesting?
posted by anniecat at 7:40 AM on December 17, 2009
posted by anniecat at 7:40 AM on December 17, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
How are you living currently? If you have a mortgage/wife/children/family to care for, it would be a better idea to look for another job asap and go to school part time.
If not, I don't think there's a problem with going back to school full-time. If you do get accepted, make sure you work out your expenses beforehand and have six months of emergency money just in case something happens.
That being said, full time or part time, I think you should definitely go. I'm nineteen, and I know a lot of adults around your age who have this dream that they wish they had fulfilled, but now that they have all these responsibilities they don't have the time/money/etc. They keep saying they'll do it, they feel disappointed they haven't, but ten years goes by and they still haven't done it... you get the jist.
Therefore, I think you should go for it while you can. You don't want to regret it years down the road.
posted by biochemist at 7:20 PM on December 15, 2009