<p>I've always kind of thought about Architecture, because I've always been interested in Engineering, without the Engineering part. I love buildings and machines and houses and, well, things that require using your hands. I love to doodle and draw, too, but I have to admit that I'm not that good.</p>
<p>If I pursue Architecture seriously, I'm going to do it at UT-K, since it's in-state and a pretty decent school. My main problem, I have to have a portfolio, and I can't draw nearly as well as the pictures they show on their site.</p>
<p>Should I take an art class, or can I learn to draw by myself? Also, how hard is it to get into UT-K's Architecture program?</p>
<p>What else can I do if I want to seriously pursue Architecture? One more question, can I get a job right out of college with a Bachelors, or would I have to get a Masters to start getting job offers?</p>
<p>I tried looking at their student work gallery and kept getting 404's, so I'm speaking in generalities. Normally, the work shown on architecture school websites is the best of the best, and done by people who have already had some instruction in drawing, collaging, software, etc. This isn't necessarily what they expect from you.</p>
<p>If you have the time to take an art class, or ceramics class, or any other "creative" class, I would recommend you do it. Unless you are super good at self-motivating, a class will probably help you create on a schedule.</p>
<p>They are somewhat different approaches - the first two emphasize getting a realistic likeness, the latter though is my favorite - a classic I grew up with.</p>
<p>It is very difficult to produce a portfolio of sufficient breadth and depth to get into the more selective architecture programs without some sort of formal training. I would encourage you to take a variety of art classes, especially drawing classes, to help build your portfolio. If you can't take them at your high school, look around and see if you can take classes at a local college or community college. Sometimes continuing education classes are offered by a city's Parks & Rec Dept. or an art museum for a very small cost. </p>
<p>After you have put together a portfolio, you can bring it to one of the NPD (Natl. Portfolio Day) events to get some preliminary feedback and suggestions on how to strengthen it before submitting it to colleges. I assume you are in-state for UT-K, so you might go to the NPD in Memphis or Nashville. Check the CC archives and you'll find quite a bit of information about them.</p>
<p>What adhzedan said.
[quote]
Normally, the work shown on architecture school websites is the best of the best, and done by people who have already had some instruction in drawing, collaging, software, etc. This isn't necessarily what they expect from you.
[/quote]
Was very apparent when I poked around studios during my son's college tours where I noticed all levels of drawing skills. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I'd bet what worried_mom said is also true.
[quote]
It is very difficult to produce a portfolio of sufficient breadth and depth to get into the more selective architecture programs without some sort of formal training.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Sure, you should improve your drawing skills, lots of good suggestions on that already. </p>
<p>Do check into UT's portfolio requirements, I'd be willing to bet it's not all about your drawing skills.</p>
<p>You could have soooo much fun with your portfolio. </p>
<p>Do you participate in theater productions at your school, helping with set design, makeup, costuming, etc? You could put photos of that in your portfolio.</p>
<p>Do you have a website you designed?</p>
<p>Do you have any hobbies that involve creating with your hands? Origami, woodworking, knitting, etc?</p>
<p>All of that could potentially work, and it would show a lot of range. I know when I was building models, I had to figure out some crazy methods for putting things together, and ended up experimenting a lot with materials. Show them you can be creative :)</p>
<p>what kind of art do they want when applying to architecture programs?</p>
<p>i've been taking art classes throughout high school but most of my stuff is fine arts (like paintings, colored pencils, etc). do they prefer more technical drawings?</p>
<p>Any kind of art is fine. Technical drawings are not preferred, if you have some feel free to included them, but a mix of work is good. From personal experience I think it's good if a person is comfortable thinking in 3d as well as 2d, though that is not a requirement for your portfolio.</p>
<p>yes, freehand it up. Don't worry so much about drawing perfect, just have an understanding of 3dimenional space. Practice your techniques, but you don't have to be a perfect drawer. I suck at drawing, yet I've done well in Architecture design competitions. It's all about heart and determination.</p>
<p>Being able to sketch something up quickly so you present an informal idea is important. You should be able to think in 3D. Also, there is a shift in going into computer graphic, which you may be more comfortable with. Hand drawing is still essential though, and many professor will give hand drawing - but quick sketch - assignments.</p>
<p>I think showing creativity of any kind is important in a portfolio. S included photography, painting, drawings, and photos of sculptures. Depending on the school and professors, drawing can be very important. At s’ school they are required to keep sketchbooks and take freehand drawing classes as part of the program. I think the key here is practice. Draw as much as you can, keep a sketchbook handy and draw anything and anywhere you can.</p>
<p>As to degrees, in Canada, a Masters is required to practise professionally.</p>
<p>Not all architects draw well. Basic sketching is important to get your ideas across, but you don’t have to be a great draftsmen. For portfolios, you want to show good work, but not all architects are great artists. Look up Frank Gehry’s sketches. Terribly sloppy, yet he is considered to be a great designer.</p>