Academic vs. Self-Taught Art Education: Should You Stay or Leave Art School? - My Advice

Hey everyone,

Many people have asked me this in the past, 'Should I Pursue an Academic Education or Learn by Myself?' or even 'Should I Quit My Art School?'. I assume this is a question often asked by beginner artists who still don't know what the best option is or don't have access to the resources needed to pay for education at an institution. If you have similar doubts in today's post, I'll give you my advice.

Let's start by defining what the fundamental work of an institution, or an art institution in this regard, is.

An art school or institution is supposed to be a place where instructors share their knowledge through an efficient set of teaching methods. This knowledge should align with your goals or the career path you're aiming to develop. These teaching methods somewhat mimic a work environment, where instructors assign tasks and set deadlines. This not only helps in developing discipline but also provides a frame of reference for what job workflows are like. There’s also a focus on social skills like collaboration and teamwork, which are crucial in the workplace. Additionally, being in a well-connected institution can open the door to potential job opportunities. I might be missing some other benefits, but in my opinion, these are essential:

• Guidance through the right theory.
• Practice and execution of this theory.
• Social working skills.
• Networking.

That being said, there are many art schools in the world and many individuals like you with different traits and goals, so I cannot give you a universal solution that applies to all scenarios. However, what I can do is provide a set of questions you should ask yourself to address this issue effectively.

In case you are already in an art school:

1. Is the teaching of this institution in line with my goals?

2. Based on the time I've been studying here, have I actually learned something? If it's too recent, consider giving it two months.

3. If I've learned something, is it useful for my goals? Skills like drawing take time to develop, but I'm talking more about information.

4. How do the courses and instructors align with current industry standards and practices?

5. Am I getting opportunities for networking and real world experience through this institution?

6. Does the school environment stimulate my creativity and encourage critical thinking?

7. Are the resources and facilities provided by the school adequate for my artistic development?

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In case you plan to go to an art school:

1. What are my goals in an art career? My personal answer to this is to make money out of something I like. If you still have doubts about your goal, check these two posts that might set some ground on art as business: 

How to Make Money Out of Art
How To Make Money Out Of Art Part 2 

2. How do I meet those goals? Once you have a few goals, think about the best strategy to achieve them. For instance:

• You've concluded that concept art is the best option because you want to work on Project X or at Studio X.
• What's the educational background of that studio/team? Where did they study, and why?
• If you have an institution's name, ask: What subjects does this institution teach? Who are the professors, teachers, or instructors? Do they have a public presence, perhaps a YouTube channel?
• Think of this as reverse engineering: once you set an end goal (job), understand its composition (team members), and research their background (where they gained their knowledge).

3. How should I plan my learning strategy? Once you set your goal, the next step is planning a strategy for execution. This strategy should encompass various dimensions of learning. Consider the following:

• Which aspects of what I need to learn are the most difficult, and why?
• How much time do I need to learn these, and why?
• Do I need someone to teach me these aspects? Who? How can I access these people's knowledge?
• Will I be able to get in touch with these people to receive feedback on my process? If so, for how long, and how necessary is this duration?
• Am I seeking to connect with potential coworkers or job opportunities? What specific opportunities or connections am I targeting?

Remember, the goal is to focus on subjects that matter and stay consistent over time. While information is readily available, navigating it effectively is key. A structured plan, whether self-designed or provided by an institution, can offer direction and help you use your time efficiently.

4. Do I Need to Pay? Now, let's address the crucial aspect of financial management in your art education. Here are some questions:

• What are the financial requirements of the institutions, courses, or resources I'm considering?
• Are there more cost-effective alternatives that align with my learning goals?
• Can I access scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial aid to support my education?
• How do the potential costs compare to the expected benefits and opportunities provided by the education or resources?
• If I choose self-teaching, what financial resources will I need to allocate for materials, online courses, or workshops?

This structured approach to financial considerations will help you make informed decisions about managing your education expenses and understanding the value of your investment in your art education.

5. What is the institution's reputation and success rate in producing successful artists in my field of interest?

6. What kind of support system does the school offer for career development and post-graduation opportunities?

Conclusion

Some of you might not have the resources to pay or may even live in a country where this specific education isn't available. However, in my opinion, that's not the primary concern. The real challenge lies in the lack of direction, discipline, and determination. Whether you are paying for your education or not, whether you are studying at Harvard or teaching yourself, lacking direction will inevitably lead to wasted time.

It’s often easier to know what you don’t want than to pinpoint exactly what you do want. The purpose of educational institutions is to help shape your thoughts by sharpening your critical thinking skills, essentially paving the road for you to find your direction. But it’s also true that you can achieve this on your own by asking the right questions and paying attention.

Having a direction but no discipline can turn your process into chaos, while having both direction and discipline but lacking determination may lead to giving up. So, no matter what your situation is, it's crucial to clarify these points for yourself and to develop a strategy to achieve your goals. If you’re still feeling confused, don’t worry; feel free to send me a DM, and let's work together to find some solutions.

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