by Amber Hilton

Created on: July 01, 2008

Art school has been romanticized in popular culture over the years as an educational path that is both glamorous and carefree. However, the picture that movie producers and television execs have painted could not be further from the truth. When it comes to earning an art degree, the competition is tough, the deadlines are tight, the supplies are costly and your future is uncertain.

It is important to note that "art school" can take many different forms. You can choose to attend a formal art school or you can attend a college or university that offers a degree program in fine arts. Generally, either route will require four years of study, but some art schools do offer two-year programs. Art school is much more focused, whereas at a traditional liberal arts college or university you will have the opportunity to dabble in a variety of disciplines. If you are interested in pursuing other subjects in addition to art or if you are unsure of your major, a traditional college with a well-established art program may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you would prefer to be totally immersed in the world of art and surrounded by art and artists twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, art school will most likely be the best fit.

The decision to enroll in art school should be taken just as seriously, if not more so, than the decision to go into business or science or any other area of study. Just because you won a blue ribbon at your fourth grade art fair doesn't mean you're cut out to make a living as an artist. Many people enjoy creating art as a hobby, but few can expect to have the talent and opportunities necessary to make it their career. You must be passionate and determined and truly believe in yourself and your capabilities.

All that said, if you think you have what it takes, art school can be an amazingly rich and life-altering experience. As someone who's survived it all, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

1. Choosing a major. Typically, when people talk about a degree in Art, they are referring to the fine arts, such as painting, ceramics or metal-working. However, this day in age, art school has much more to offer. Students can also earn a degree in fields like Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Multi-media Design and Interior Design. Art Education and Art History are also options. Each of these majors is distinctly different and offers very different career opportunities. The design fields are generally more lucrative and can be a great choice

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