There is a student loan crisis, and some have accrued up to six figures in student loan debt. If you plan on attending art school, you probably wonder if taking out a loan is a good idea.
There are instances where student loans are the best option. It helps if you are sure that it will pay off. Here are a few reasons why taking a student loan for art school will eventually pay off.
1. Opportunities to Practice
Art school gives you plenty of opportunities to practice and perfect your skills. While you can always practice independently, having professional guidance is always a good idea. If you love art, you have probably been practicing for a long time. However, you may not have many opportunities to leave your comfort zone.
Going to art school pushes you to take on projects that you would otherwise avoid. You will also learn to commit to tasks that you would otherwise leave incomplete. Art school sharpens your skills and prepares you to be a professional. Take a no-fee private student loan and start practicing.
2. Exposure to Critic
If you love art, you may be unaware of your shortcomings until someone else points them out. You don’t know if you can handle criticism until you get it.
Going to art school subjects you to plenty of professional criticism. Many artists think they can handle criticism until they have a bunch of people pointing out their mistakes.
Constructive criticism is the only way to improve your craft. Art schools typically have long critique sessions for different projects. While it may be difficult initially, it prepares you for future clients, employers, and benefactors.
3. New Methods and Mediums
If you have been practicing for a while, you probably have a trademark medium or style. You are probably sure of your technique and subjects. However, going to art school will expose you to new mediums and methods.
It will compel you to get out of your comfort zone and learn new principles, structures, and rules. Exposure will help you make more informed decisions.
4. Structured Curriculum
Going to art school will give you a structure that makes learning easy. What could take years to learn on your own could take a few weeks in art school. If you have attempted to learn a complicated process, you understand the value of a good tutorial.
Seasoned professionals will walk you through the steps and ensure that you understand what needs to be done. Professionals push you to research new software and material faster than you would on your own.
5. Better Communication
Art school will push you to be more than just a good artist. You must be an excellent communicator to thrive in the competitive business environment. Many artists are naturally uncomfortable with communication. However, art school empowers you to communicate comfortably.
You will typically need to come up with written explanations of your projects. You will have to do presentations in front of a class and listen to their critique. Even though art school won’t make you enjoy public communication, it will improve you.
6. Professional Exposure
Art schools provide professional exposure through gallery openings, art shows, and guest lectures. You get to rub shoulders with industry professionals and fellow students. They will give you valuable insight into the art world.
Student art shows allow you to hang your work and possibly catch the eye of mentors and future clients. You are unlikely to get this level of exposure on your own.
Going to art school has endless benefits. If you hope to become an industry professional, going to college is very important. A student loan may be scary, but it is a good idea.
It opens up job opportunities for you and exposes you to a professional environment. Clients, bosses, and benefactors will respect you more when you have a degree from a reputable art school. They will be more open to working with you.