by Kate Johns

Created on: July 01, 2008   Last Updated: April 28, 2012

Why in heaven's name do people need tips on surviving art school? It sounds like four years of taking it easy and having a great time. How hard is it really to act like you can paint a naked model?

Well, guess what, surviving art school isn't an easy way of getting straight A's for four years. You have to want to be in art school for one thing and you must have an incredible desire to become an artist, or work in an art related field. It's a place to learn everything you can about art, and your inner artist so that you can make a career out of being who you really are, an artistic creative person.

Here are five tips for surviving art school:

1.Work hard at finding your true inner artist. Art school can cost just as much if not more in tuition than other colleges so work hard and take it seriously. There are some great jobs in the art field that pay actual money. Use your professors for their knowledge, and ask them a lot of questions. You may even have to go to college in an area that is known for having a great art community. Scottsdale Arizona has a large artistic community with a lot of art galleries and several colleges devoted just to art.

2.Majoring in art is a serious thing, so take it that way. Sure you can socialize and have fun, but you are here to learn about the masters of art and learn what it is you are good at. Take the four years to do just that. I had a friend in college who majored in art at an expensive school. We all made fun of him, because we thought going to college for art was a joke. But, he had to study and do research papers and take tests just like the rest of us. He actually got a great job right out of college and amazed us all.

3.Learn from criticism. Let your professors and other students give you constructive criticism. It will help you in the long run, because you will become better at painting, or sculpting, or jewelry making. You have to make mistakes to get better, and college is the best place to make those mistakes and learn from them now.

4.Take the time while you are in art school to seriously consider all of your career options. College is a mind opening experience where your professors will guide you on the path to finding what you are the best at. Talk to your professors and find out all you can from them. Socialize with as many students as possible because they will be your new circle of chosen friends with interests similar to yours. You may open an art gallery with one of those friends; you never know what doors will open later on.

5.Art school is not a cheap date. Besides having to pay for college and all of your own food and clothes and a place to live, you have to pay for school supplies. Why not try selling your already produced creative works? You could sell your wares at art fairs, and community sales, as well as online. By starting a website, and by selling your creations to the community you live in, you will be on your way to becoming an established artist before college is over.

Majoring in art sounds so dreamy and easy, but it really is hard work. Try your best, work hard, talk to as many people as possible, and enjoy your four years of school. You may end up choosing another course of action or you may develop a new creative career where you become a well-known artist.

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