<p>Hello everyone!
As a high school junior, I am being pressured to look at colleges that will fit my interests. I have a passion for the arts, but my school's art department is next to nonexistent.
I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to what I can do in terms of portfolio development, with limited to no instruction/ guidance from an art teacher. </p>
<p>Also, I plan on applying for SAIC's Summer Precollege program. What should I include in my portfolio if I wish to receive a nice sized scholarship? My strengths are fashion illustration and mixed media painting, not really the traditional observation work I know most schools put an emphasis on.</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation, at a school that never has graduates go to art schools, and one of the things that helped me a lot was taking saturday classes at the closest art college (CCAD). They even had a portfolio class for high school juniors and seniors. I didn’t end up going there but it was very helpful in figuring out how to get where I needed to be for applying to schools and getting scholarships. Also precollege programs will help a lot.</p>
<p>I also had this issue, although I graduated HS in 2003.</p>
<p>In my school, art was non-existent. Sure there were art classes, but they were so badly funded that it was basically impossible to create anything except pencil sketches. And there were so few spots in classes due to this lack of funding, it was next to impossible to be able to take more than 1-2 art classes over four years.</p>
<p>Yet other departments (sports…which I did participate in) received brand new equipment every season, even if it wasn’t necessary.</p>
<p>What did I do to create my art? I worked for myself. As a filmmaker, I developed my own company and went out into the world to hone my craft. It worked for me, but I could understand for more conceptual art (painting, ect) this would be very difficult.</p>
<p>Look for museums / community colleges / summer programs at colleges that offer admissions to high school students.</p>
<p>Find an art mentor locally. Someone who can view your work, and perhaps speak about it in a letter of recommendation. I personally have always loved helping people around my community in film related tasks. There are always people excited to know kids are out there trying to be successful in art, and a select few of those people will help you as much as they can, especially if they didn’t receive that help when they were younger.</p>
<p>Just keep creating. 9 out of every 10 things I do, I dislike. But one piece comes out amazing. For me, its just volume that helps me learn new techniques and abilities</p>
<p>Thank you both very much! Its so nice to know that there are people out there in similair situations who have suceeded. I will keep your advice in mind!</p>