Art School

Art school has a long and illustrious history in both Western and Eastern societies. To be successful, art school applicants need to develop their talents at the high school or college level and be comfortable with different art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, etc., if they want to go on to earn a bachelor's degree in some aspect of art.

Most art school students want to earn a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which requires students to create an extensive portfolio that is later reviewed by the faculty.

In addition to the standard media mentioned above, many art schools teach specialized craft techniques such as glass blowing or jewelry making. Training in these techniques also requires years of study, often under the close supervision of a master craftsmen. Some students live abroad and train for months, even years, to learn from these masters. Some people think that this is a very expensive course of study with no guarantee of financial or artistic success, while others fully support art as a career in the digital age.

To meet the evolving needs of our technology-driven society, art school has evolved to offer far more than just training in the fine arts. Many of today’s artists can earn their living as full-time professionals or contractors who work as graphic or Web designers, advertising artists or IT instructors.

An art program can also encourage students to take courses in business administration and finance since some of them will end up working on the business end, perhaps managing an art studio or the administration of a museum or art school.

Art School Choices

Art careers are becoming increasingly lucrative and artists in general are in higher demand since the intersection of art and technology. A good art school provides exposure to many art techniques and media. The school’s curriculum should also include the latest in art technology.

An artist looking for a good art school should find one that mixes these two disciplines: art and technology. Also ensure the school’s curriculum prepares the student well enough to be able to leverage these technological advances, and open the doors to the greatest career opportunities.

It is helpful for a student to know what area of art he finds most interesting and try to match these interests with a program. There are many types of art schools, such as graphic design, interior design, web design, fashion design, animation, computer game design, and so on.

Other important criteria to consider when deciding on an art school, includes:

• Facility. Is the school a creative atmosphere? Are the tools and equipment state-of-the-art?
• Faculty. Study the instructors and their bodies of work; are they respected artists and professionals?
• Internship and co-op opportunities. Confirm that the school offers internship and co-op opportunities to students. Work experience during college will give a student an edge in competing for jobs, or for clients as a self-employed artist.
  
• Placement. What is the school’s record for placing graduates in jobs that pertain to their area of study?
  
• Accreditation. Most employers prefer graduates from art schools that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Art Careers

Artists use their craft to convey thoughts, ideas, feelings, and meaning. There is a myriad of methods used by artists to create their art. The artist may paint, draw, write, animate, sculpt, sing, dance, photograph, or use any other form of expression. Along with the variation in method, artists also differ in terms of the media they use.

Typically those who pursue art careers are creative, expressive, and self-motivated. They appreciate the beauty and original characteristics of otherwise ordinary things. They also have novel thoughts and ideas, and approach problem-solving from a creative angle (as opposed to an analytical one).

People who pursue art careers no longer have to accept a fate of poverty. The electronic and digital transformation of American society has given rise to many lucrative art careers. Some of the more lucrative art careers include: graphic design, computer animation, web design, and multimedia.

Art careers, particularly visual artists, can be found in virtually every sector of the economy. Artists help companies design and define their brands, articulate their messages, and package and promote their products. Artists hold positions in corporate America with titles such as: advertising director, graphic designer, brand manager, events planner, and sales and marketing assistant.

Non-profit organizations and government agencies also employ artists in a number of capacities. In addition, many artists find careers in academia. 

The majority (60 percent) of individuals pursuing art careers are self-employed. The Internet has made it easier for the self-employed artist to find clients and buyers for their work, with websites like Guru.com, iFreelance.com, SimplyHired.com, and eBay.com.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites multimedia artists and animators as earning an average of $79,000 a year, and fine artists (which includes sculptors, painters, and illustrators) as earning $23,600 annually.