Bad Grades in Art School?

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

Hi, all

I go to what would be considered an art conservatory (meaning only art majors are offered, including photo and film). I’m an illustration major currently.

I have been doing art all my life, took AP art twice in high school, won awards for scholastics and within my high school itself. I even just won an award at my college for a contest (I came in 3rd).

Despite all of this, I have been getting bad grades? Don’t get me wrong - I know college is much different than high school, especially the grading within art schools. I worked really hard in high school, ended up with a 3.9, straight A’s, e.t.c. I expected that to change in art school, for sure - my artistic skill and standard test-taking ability are completely different. I told myself I’d be fine with B’s on assignments, maybe the occasional C (although I work around the clock and at least strive for A’s although it’s considered to be near impossible).

But … I’m almost failing a class? I have a 71. It’s figure drawing. I’m definitely not amazing at it, but I didn’t think I was that … bad? We only have like 6 grades for that class within the semester, two of which for me are 71’s, giving me that grade. I also have B’s in two other classes, and one A (which is a class that has almost nothing to do with my major - funny). What strikes me is that me and the teacher talk on the daily, I really like him a lot, and as far as I know he dropped no hints of me nearly failing the class. He gives me pointers on my work, of course, but he does that with everyone else, too. He even hand-picks a few students to go to tutoring who he thinks need extra help, and I was never notified.

I’m all for getting extra help. If I need tutoring, need to take an extra class, I’m all for it. But I’m just bothered that I was never notified, like, hey, you’re almost failing! I thought I was doing just fine. The teachers really don’t give much feedback at this school. Everything is electronic, so they’ll basically just post your grade with no comments / critiques attached.

I’d totally understand this if I slacked off, didn’t do my homework, and just didn’t care. But I work so insanely hard. I turn everything in on time, I pour my heart into even the smallest of assignments, and more often then not I’m extremely proud of what I do. It’s almost discouraging to spend that much time on work only to get subpar grades.

It’s almost as if I don’t hold a candle to the other kids here - they’re a completely different beast. I’m not sure if they’re setting the bar high and I just pale in comparison or if I really just suck, lol.

I’m wondering how important these grades are when it comes to getting a job when compared with your actual portfolio. Also am wondering if I’d be better of at a traditional school, studying for tests which I know I’m actually good at ….

2

Bump

3

The grades aren’t that important - they’ll never appear on your resume. Passing the class and getting the credit are what’s most important.

BUT, ask you professor if you can speak with them about this. Approach them and say that you’ve checked and seen your grade is in the 70s and you’re concerned about that and would like to know what you can do to improve your performance in this class.

I teach art on a college level and anytime a student comes to me with a sincere request to do better, I’m happy to work them or direct them to our class tutors etc, as are most of my colleagues.

4

Thank you. Unfortunately my teachers avoid my emails like the plague so I’ll have to wait till next class to speak with him. :confused:

Good to hear that grades aren’t too important though. I feel like art is a very subjective thing.

5

In person is always best. That way your tone and intent is not misunderstood.

I get a lot of emails at very late hours and let’s just say I’m human too and not always thrilled or rushing to answer them depending on what else is going on in my work and life. BUT when someone asks to speak with me after class or on break it’s a lot easier to make the time for them AND have a more productive conversation in person.

6

I’d let your advisor know that your teachers are avoiding your emails as you stated.

7

I disagree slightly with @madgemini4 above, I would not suggest @coyoteuglee address the email issue yet with their advisor. By their description above, they get along well with the professor. No need to add a “complaint” to the situation yet.

There could be a myriad of reasons why the profs aren’t good at replying via email. I’m known as a prompt replier (& students generally add that as a plus in my reviews) but that’s cuz I have the bad habit of always checking my phone/email on breaks, at home and when I’m working my other job. At least in my art department, I’m unusual in that regards. And with many of the schools I’m familiar with, art profs are often part-time or adjuncts and juggling additional work outside of the classroom. Work that is often NOT at a computer (unlike my field) so not seeing or accessing email that often is common.

If this becomes an ongoing problem - sure mention it to one’s advisor and/or put in your comments at the end of semester reviews, but I don’t think it’s going to help this student navigate how to improve their grade. In person will always be best and a great way for the student to practice how to interact with future employers and clients.

8

College is a “growing up” experience and here the clear “grownup” thing to do is not depend on the prof. to personally notify you when you are not doing as well as you’d like but to speak to him/her about what steps you can take to improve the quality of your work. Let him know you believe you’d benefit from additional tutoring. My daughter at SCAD made use of regular tutoring her foundation year and I believe her 2nd year at SCAD (in animation). She said it was invaluable in helping her progress. Hopefully, your school has that level of support.

Agree with @ArtAngst - grades not “important” for job interviews (that is, the portfolio is the primary focus); however, as we remind our two art school kids, grades are CORRELATED with perceived quality of your work. If your grades are poor, you might do poorly on the job market because your product is poor quality. So it’s very important to be getting feedback from the prof. That doesn’t mean your grades will suddenly become all A’s but it could lead to improvements that raise your grade.

Most if not all studio programs include in-class critique in the studio classes. Is that happening at your school? That’s an invaluable part of the process.

Working insanely hard for OK - mediocre grades sounds about right for a BFA program. Not feeling like you are on par with your classmates sounds about right. I’m guessing you are in foundation year? Reach out to the instructor and to those in your cohort or studio classes who might be able to help and give you pointers. Open yourself up to significant improvement, tutoring, extra sessions, etc., and things will get better. Not necessarily easier, but better.