Art Supplement-Self-taught and not sure whether good enough.

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm thinking of submitting art supplements to Brown, CMU but I'm not sure if my skill is adequate. I'll just say straight out that I am somehow good at it but I simply don't have much variance nor any basics. I did have formal education(art was an elective that I took) but it was a real joke, we were never taught dimensions, perspectives, or any sort of painting technique. Most of the time we were given obscure questions (Draw some sort of monster in a mysterious forest setting/Paint a village afflicted with draught/etc) that were really childish and with no sort of art instruction at all. The aim for the whole subject was to get an A+ in the national examinations(which I did, fortunately) Prior to this experience, I taught myself how to paint watercolor and draw portraits. I started off with manga drawings before that but I don't think I'll submit any of those on the supplements. And my ECs are kind of geared towards art as well so that's that.</p>

<p>Considering my lack of art education, with no observational drawings/paintings, no pattern play or that sort and a specialization towards watercolor, will submitting my art supplements hurt my application?</p>

<p>P.S. I've seen some RISD home tests and I just can't help comparing myself. Their stuff is good. I'm going to major in engineering anyway so it's slightly alright.</p>

2

<p>You present an interesting profile. It’s uncommon, but not unheard of for an engineering prospect to also be interested in music, but the combination of engineering and painting is very unusual. I believe it is to your advantage to send examples of your work.</p>

3

<p>I would definitely submit those. Since your ECs are focussed on art, it would be good to show your work. Since you’re not planning to major in art, the lack of variety of technique shouldn’t hurt you.</p>

<p>Engineering and art are not incompatible. If you get into product design, whether it be for machines or apps, a good aesthetic sense is important.</p>

4

<p>I agree. Submit those. I’m not an expert, but they are definitely good enough that they can only help your application, and they show that you are a talented and interesting person. My D is also an artist (and musician) planning to major in engineering. She paints, but really loves to work with metals and jewelry. To those who don’t understand why she’s planning to be an engineer, she points to Da Vinci as one example of someone who successfully engaged in both art and engineering.</p>

5

<p>MODERATOR NOTE: Link to samples deleted per CCs Terms of Service regarding Word Filtering.</p>