Just got accepted into art school, any tips or advice?

I just got accepted into CVA in St. Paul, so depending on whether I can find a way to finance myself and get an apartment in the state capitol (there is no housing at CVA), I will be moving there at the end of this summer.
I am more concerned with how I can be successful academically. I have heard it is a pretty laid back school, but I also take a long time doing my work which sometimes only comes out so-so. Do any of you art students have any advice for me? What are your art school experiences?

 

Though skool was a while ago, I feel that Art has been, is, and will continue to be freedom af Expression, therefore: -
Express yourself in whatever manner you feel appropriate
In respect of the production of academic work, seems to me that a formulated proceedure is required - maybe working with a partner may assist in your provision of work (?)
eace:

 

My advice is don't allow your professors to annihalate your visions. My professors were too controlling and I'm still trying to figure out how to bring back my artistic vision. I got so sick of fighting with them I got turned off by my art all the sudden. YOUR ART IS YOURS ALWAYS! Don't ever forget that. The moment you start making art for other people your creative spirit will slowly die.

 

AGREED! I was in art school for a year until I had to stop going. They pretty much sucked me dry of my creativity.

 

my sister could give you all kinds of advie. she went to kendall for years. now she teaches their

 

the best advice i have for you is to listen to what the tutors tell you, especially on assignments, and always ask questions so that you are confident of knowing what is expected of you. At art college you are expected to be able to supply the demands asked of you, as an example of what NOT to do: we were once asked to create a painting that represented the classical roman execution of christ. So some guy who had an ego and thought he was gods gift to art decided to paint a picture of a gun with INRI written above it and the tutor failed his assignment. The reason being that when I asked what was expected of us the tutor said that we could do anything so long as it represented THE CLASSICAL ROMAN EXECUTION OF CHRIST, which meant that in effect it must be recognisable as relating directly to the classical roman times and guns werent around in the roman days.
ASK QUESTIONS always ask questions about what exepected in the assignment to achieve a good grade. some tutors will just say - do your best, but others will elaborate

 

I don't really know much about art school, I'm just throwing in my 2 cents.

Higher ed everywhere is usually overpriced. Consider what you are getting for your money. Very easy to end up with a big debt and no way to pay it.

Maybe talk to some people who have gone to this school, especially 5 years out

 

I'm really envious of where ever you went to art school.

My experience in art school was pretty terrible, but that was just one school. I was doing a combined degree so in the end I ended up only doing one art module but the lectures were rarely on time (at least half an hour late) and pointless and the teachers were all very disorganized. It was very difficult to please all of the teachers and they all seemed to want you to make art that was like theirs. Even with guidance from the teachers no body ever got near the grades that they were predicted. I think the course I did was exceptionally bad though, considering the amount of people who dropped out of it and switched degrees (I have no idea why I didn't do that).
The best advice that I would give is that if you really want to be an artist, go study privately with an artist whose work you admire, take on an apprenticeship with them. I did that and I honestly learned a thousand times more things than I ever did from art school.

I completely agree with e7m8 though, it's good to consider if it's worth it, but if you've done your research and are set for going there then I hope it works out for you and good luck!

 

Art classes are pretty fast paced. Get used to doing art quickly. Especially beginner drawing and painting classes. They will drill the fundamentals into you. After a year I was pretty good at drawing the figure and still lifes. I never thought I could that. Art classes really helped me develop my skills. That's pretty much what they are supposed to do to the student. Keep a good attitude and open mind. Most of all have fun!