I’m currently looking into art schools. I know about Pratt, Parsons, SVA, CalArts, and so on, but I’m unsure about these colleges for there’s a lot of competition and stress. As an artist I know that I’m the type of person that doesn’t do well in an environment where I have to keep comparing myself with the other students. I know that the best way for me to grow is an environment where there’s enough tools for me to grow on my own. I know I can’t escape competition, but I also know I don’t want to overfill myself with stress.
My current studio teacher is guiding me towards schools such as RISD, Pratt, MICA, and SVA. The big fine art schools. I truthfully don’t want to go to a big fine arts school, because I want to major mainly in design. Such as Jewelry design, fashion, or even graphic. So, I’ve decided to write in this form.
Are there any design schools where competition isn’t so high as Parsons, but doesn’t lack the materials and education? Cost is also a big issue, so if you know a college that gives out plenty of scholarships for portfolio, please tell me.
Thank you~
What about UArts in Philly? They are very strong in Graphic Design and Illustration. You might also look into SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design). You should bring your inquiry to the “College Majors” section, where there is a forum dedicated to Arts.
I have heard that FIDM is good for fashion
@20parkie16, this is a long - and hopefully comprehensive! - answer to your questions.
you’d be interested to know that Pratt and RISD - and Parsons - all have very strong design programs. Pratt, especially, is quite well known for fashion design, as is Parsons. RISD’s apparel dept. is definitely making a name for itself as well.
Pratt has “communications design” which integrates graphic, illustration and advertising. The student chooses a concentration from one of the three but all are schooled in visual design concepts and techniques. My D really likes what she’s learned about this program.
If you are going for less “high pressure” then MICA is the school for you. It’s known not only for it’s excellent art and design programs but also for being a supportive environment among students and faculty alike. MICA is primarily known for it’s fine arts; however, it’s graphic design program is ranked very highly.
Lastly but certainly not least, don’t forget about MCAD in Minneapolis. This might have the best combination of “design” “support” and “small school”. It’s an up and comer on the graphic design scene and is really making a name for itself there. However, the 1st year class size will only be about 150 students or so, and the entire undergrad. program is only 600 students. It has a real campus, 24/7 facilities, everyone gets their own studio by Sophomore year, and student apartments rather than dorms. Northeast Minneapolis was just voted as the #1 artsy area by USA Today, beating out LA, Santa Fe, Baltimore, etc. MCAD is actually located not far away, on the same campus as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Children’s Theatre Company. The only disadvantage of MCAD for you is it does not offer fashion or jewelry design. But the advantage is that it incorporates design principles in all it’s disciplines so whatever you choose to do would be with “design” in mind (that has to help on the job market too). And did I mention that MCAD is only about 2/3 the price of the “big” art and design schools? (Minneapolis is also a more economical community than either NYC, Rhode Island or LA). Very generous with scholarships, too, including offering the “laptop scholarship” to anyone applying by the early action deadline.
Hope that helps - good luck with your decision!
I think you’re going to run into work-related stress in most art schools with foundation years. I know that at RISD, SAIC, and Pratt, the kids work long hours around the clock, especially in that first year.
You might want to look into schools like Philadelphia University or Drexel or Washington University St Louis. They have decent fashion departments.
And I don’t mean to post this to scare anyone off, but I found this article to be enlightening and somewhat relevant
here. It’s about stress and art school.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/arts/art-students-mental-health-a-complicated-picture/27923
Good luck to you.