Read the Original Article Here!
The article, “Disadvantages of Art Schools,” discusses the cons of Art schools, more specifically art classes.
As a precursor, the article mainly refers to the visual arts and the way classes are typically taught. The article also only touches upon the disadvantages and does not cover the advantages.
Some of the topics discussed include
- Bad Art Teachers
- Expectation to Conform
- Starting from the Very Beginning
- Limited Freedom of Expression
- Art Promotion or the Business of Art
- Costs
Bad Art Teachers: The article references the idea that occasionally you will get stuck with an art teacher who plays “favorites” or likes some student better then others based on artistic style. While this is true, there are bad teachers everywhere, in ALL subjects, I’d like to point out that art is subjective, and not everyone will like your art. If you’ve ever walked through an art museum or even listened to different genres of music, you won’t necessarily like everything you see or hear. Though art teachers are supposed to grade based on a set of criteria without bias or judgment, were all human beings and subject to our own opinions. Do I think it’s right? No. But as an artist myself, it’s a learning experience.
Expectations to Conform: The next topic covered is the idea that you will be forced to conform at some point in time. This I agree with. In the developing stages of art school, teachers are to teach you the very fundamental basics. During this time you are expected to follow the rules. As an artist, it is your job to decide when to take risks. Granted if you’re in class and you’re being graded on a specific project, I highly suggest you follow the instructions to avoid failure of the task. What I do recommend would be to think about the given assignment and find a way to make it your own while still following the rules. Make yourself standout while still fitting in.
Starting from the Very Beginning: Honestly, this was a given. All artists have to start somewhere, and when you join an art school, unless you have transferred credit, they will assume you don’t know anything. Thus, those who are more advanced will have to stick it out through the basics. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing, because the stronger your basic skills are, the better you can apply them to more complex works.
Limited Freedom of Expression: Going off of my previous statements, because you are stuck in beginner’s art classes temporarily, you will have limited freedom of expression. Realistically, if you have little experience with different styles, techniques, mediums, etc., when you are released into a creatively free class, you can very easily become lost. Yes, it’s terrible to be forced to do projects you’re not necessarily interested in, but in the long-run, it will be beneficial when you are given that freedom.
Art Promotion or the Business of Art: The article does bring up a good point; there is a lack of art classes that teach art in the real world. This is an issue because a lack of marketing and design classes doesn’t show the applicability of art outside of recreational purposes. Currently, there are less and less opportunities to attract the attention of future artists. Society has made it more important to study more structured classes like STEM Subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), when in actuality, the job industry calls for more creative people.
Expenses: Finally, the arts are an expensive endeavor. Whether it’s art classes or music and theater, each of the arts requires an investment. Some will have to pay for private voice or instrument lessons, while other will spend their paycheck on art supplies. To go to an art school specifically requires an even higher tuition expense then a standard school. This is your own choice, of whether or not it’s worth the risk of spending that much on something you love and want to do.
In general, I thought the article provides a thorough list of disadvantages. I felt the article could have had a little more analysis about each topic, but it did get the point across that the Arts are not always beneficial.