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I know there are many amazing artists who post on this board and I am hoping I can get some advice. My niece is 16, attends Hilliard schools, and really wants to be an artist. She enjoys working with different types of paints on canvas, mixed media and sculpting. Her parents are something less than supportive of her ambition and I am interested in hearing some experiences/advice/lessons learned from the artists on this board. She has taken some classes at CCAD but it scared by the steep tuition. What kinds of things can she do or could I help her with to encourage her or help her get some guidance. While I appreciate art I am the least artistically gifted person I know. Any thoughts are appreciated!!
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Need some advice for budding artist
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drewtoothpaste
upper arlington
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I'm by no means an "amazing artist" and not really involved in the "local art scene" but I do think it would be a good idea to show her how to share her art online (if she doesn't already know - most kids do these days, it seems.)
There are a lot of online art communities as well as blog-type websites that are a good place for young artists to post their work, get feedback, make artist friends, etc.
I wouldn't rule out gallery shows or whatnot, but it's nice to get feedback from people online, around the world... it helps to maintain your interest in what you do as well as expand your horizons beyond hilliard/columbus/ohio/the USA. :)
Posted 3 years ago # -
shmack
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Right now, she needs to begin developing a portfolio that she can send to art schools, scholarship opportunities, and overall practice (assuming that she's entering senior year this fall). In fact, she needs to do this ASAP because applications begin in the fall and the portfolio is usually a retrospective of the student's best work between fall of junior year and fall of senior year. Just the practice of putting together a portfolio will start her on the way to looking at her own work critically and receiving feedback from her peers. Also, she should figure out what medium she wants to concentrate in. I suggest she take AP Art, the structure of AP Art curriculum inserts that portfolio review process and also allows her to submit her body of work for review by the AP Board.
I used to work at an arts education non-profit and I can safely say that there are very few "born" artists. The young adults that do make it in our programs have dedicated teachers, mentors or community programs, and their own cheerleading squads. Knowing you KSquared, you can be all of the above. :wink:
If she lives in Columbus, I'd recommend looking into CCAD's scholarship programs, linked here. The Scholastic Art Awards is the regional program of the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. If she isn't a senior this fall, she should still submit work (the regional level program is based at CCAD and at the senior level, they use it as a recruiting tool). I can't remember if they organize portfolio review workshops prior to the deadline date, but I'm sure if you contact them, they can answer questions. ALSO, if her work goes onto receive awards at the national level, the organization has other scholarship opportunities (around the nation) for her (see Scholarship Provider Network). There is also another very well respected young adult org that is based in Miami (I think) but I'm blanking on the name right now...
Posted 3 years ago # -
columbus native
Columbus the indie art capital of the world
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I like some of the previous comments and here is my 2 cents.
I have never attended art school or even an art class. ART is within me and thats the first step. She must be passionate about art and willing to sacrafice for it.
As for CCAD if she starts now and keeps working on it they have open submissions each year for full ride scholarships. with the right presentation she will stand a good chance of landing this. However OSU does have a wonderfull arts program and would make a great shcool to pick if high tuition is a concern. Also as stated by another poster with talent and drive in this city you don't need a diploma to land a space to show in.
Lastly support her. If she doesn't get it from her parents then be a mentor and offer praise and support. Without it people are far less likely to suceed in any of life's ventures. Myself being a graffiti artist found praise for my work near impossible to recieve from my family. Now that I have been persistent for years and have made some really positive things happen with my artwork. they are forced to recognize my work and praise my efforts. All good things will come with time and effort.
PM me if you think there is anything I could do personally.. Not sure but ARTBOMB may be looking for new students to mentor as well. May be worth shooting him a PM if he doesn't chime in.
Posted 3 years ago # -
artbomb112
The Heights
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I do this all the time. I have several high school kids I work with in the same capacity.
I even have some from Hilliard.
PM me if you want to talk about it.....
Posted 3 years ago # -
artbomb112
The Heights
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Ashland wrote Tell her to get a job at Burger King, and develop a drug problem, then she will be well on her way to being an artist. :lol: :lol:
Fuck off. :lol: :lol:
Posted 3 years ago # -
drew
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I'll second everything Shmack said, with an emphasis on:
Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio
It is *the* focus for admission into colleges of art and design.
Also, don't let CCAD's tuition scare your niece. They are extremely generous with scholarships... both my brother and I had over half of our tuition covered by them.
Because of our emphasis on... portfolio portfolio portfolio
Did I mention portfolio?
-----------
Something worth taking into consideration, though: If your niece goes to a dedicated college of art and design, she will live, eat, sleep and breathe the making and study of art/design in all of it's forms. Which can be a wonderful thing, though she should understand that she'll do that to the exclusion of a well rounded education otherwise... vs a school like OSU which will have more of an academic emphasis.
There's no good rule of thumb I can see as to which direction is preferable for any given person, but I think it's desirable to recognize that two fairly distinct directions exist.
Posted 3 years ago # -
HeySquare
German Village
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Hmmm... my comments are kind of an interesting follow-up to Drew
while my experience doesn't directly relate to arts education, I just wanted to comment on the parent-child relationship, and concern regarding choice of career when dealing with parents.
Why are the parents concerned with the choice of art as a career? I suspect that they are concerned that she will not be able to find a job if she studies art. It may be important to educate them in the variety of income-producing jobs that are available: in graphic arts, design, advertising, animation, art education, recreation etc. The image of the "artist" as an oil painter slaving away in a cold attic is not necessarily reality; however, it can be a powerful stereotype.
I chose to study a "niche" career... mainly because I have a passion for the work I do, and find it very rewarding. I had a hard time convincing my father that I could earn a living at this work. Grad school and a business card helped him understand that I did choose a legimate career field; however, it took a number of years before he lost his skepticism. My mother was quite helpful... I will never forget her saying to me,"If this is what you want to do, then do it. There will never be a better time to explore this career than now... it won't get any easier as you grow older. You can always go back to a more traditional career if things don't work out..."
People with passion usually find a way to make it work. And if she decides it's not for her, a BA can still be a useful degree, and won't kill her chances for a management position at the Gap :)
Posted 3 years ago # -
artbomb112
The Heights
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Thanks Drew.
Especially in a thread about someone young wanting to pursue talent.... that kind of philosophy on what art is is just stupid.
I agree with you... .there is alot of dedication that goes into being an artist. I have been working with high school kids now...for about 8 years... and I can tell you... that when you give them the information they need to succeed... they can surprise you in so many ways.... and even exceed your expectations of them.
Portfolio is necessary... however... I think that motivation and character are far more important in getting into school. My students have created a track record for me to follow... and I have kids out of my class... with really bad attitudes.... make really nice portfolios... and not get money from a school.
It's like the current NFL draft. Schools don't want to take someone with talent and a character problem. The risk isn't worth the reward.
Again, I'd love to talk.
Posted 3 years ago # -
drew
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artbomb112 wrote Thanks Drew.
Especially in a thread about someone young wanting to pursue talent.... that kind of philosophy on what art is is just stupid.
Abso-friggin-lutely.
artbomb112 wrote Portfolio is necessary... however... I think that motivation and character are far more important in getting into school. My students have created a track record for me to follow... and I have kids out of my class... with really bad attitudes.... make really nice portfolios... and not get money from a school.
I agree, and I guess I just assumed (perhaps improperly) from the original post that motivation and proper attitude would exist. If they don't... then get on that, too! :lol:
Posted 3 years ago # -
Ashland
In Ice Cube voice: WESTSIIIIIIIIDE
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In all honesty, I have a very good suggestion for her, which a few practicing artists should follow as well.
Have Fun.
It is art, you do it because it is fun, remember going to art class in Jr. High? Yea, it was a fun class, not some ultra serious thing you are doing. When you stop having fun, and start taking yourself way too seriously is when people brand you with the distinction of "art snob".
Posted 3 years ago # -
columbus native
Columbus the indie art capital of the world
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artbomb112 wrote
Ashland wrote Tell her to get a job at Burger King, and develop a drug problem, then she will be well on her way to being an artist. :lol: :lol:
Fuck off. :lol: :lol:
x2
Posted 3 years ago # -
artbomb112
The Heights
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Ashland wrote In all honesty, I have a very good suggestion for her, which a few practicing artists should follow as well.
Have Fun.
It is art, you do it because it is fun, remember going to art class in Jr. High? Yea, it was a fun class, not some ultra serious thing you are doing. When you stop having fun, and start taking yourself way too seriously is when people brand you with the distinction of "art snob".
This may be the first positive and productive thing I have ever read by you Ashland.
and I couldn't agree more. When people ask me what I do for work... I say "nothing". I enjoy everything I do too much to call it work.
Posted 3 years ago # -
shmack
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Ashland wrote Have Fun.
It is art, you do it because it is fun, remember going to art class in Jr. High? Yea, it was a fun class, not some ultra serious thing you are doing.
What is fun about being a professional? We aren't talking about hobby horses for retirees here. Creative work is still work and should be given due respect as such. Please do not diminish or infantilize the work of CU's talented and HARD WORKING designers, artists, and other creativity driven workers.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Ashland
In Ice Cube voice: WESTSIIIIIIIIDE
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shmack wrote
Ashland wrote Have Fun.
It is art, you do it because it is fun, remember going to art class in Jr. High? Yea, it was a fun class, not some ultra serious thing you are doing.
What is fun about being a professional? We aren't talking about hobby horses for retirees here. Creative work is still work and should be given due respect as such. Please do not diminish or infantilize the work of CU's talented and HARD WORKING designers, artists, and other creativity driven workers.
Sounds like you need a career change, obviously you do not enjoy a professional environment. Art even in a professional setting, should be and is fun.
I remember at my job, I was low man on the totem pole in my group, so i would be responsible for crunching numbers, and putting together all the needed information into pitch books. I would then bring all of this information down to the design department, and they would do the powerpoints, and design the actual pitch books. Going down those few floors, and hanging out with those guys was a great time for me. They were always having fun, joking, and ever were dressed in jeans, and a collared shirt when the rest of teh company was in either business casual or in a suit. If it is seriously not any fun for you, then I would really suggest a career change, because while i am not an artist, the best times at work are sometimes spending time around those "creative types".
Posted 3 years ago #
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