<p>Im a freshman at UW, who went in thinking I might do something in science or art. Well I ended up deciding to go the art route, and am now looking up other art/design schools. So my only reason for transferring would be that I want to go to a school that has a decent art/design program. As far as I know, I believe the UW art department is mediocre at best (I'm not quite sure - I just cant seem to find a lot of information on it). </p>
<p>As a note, I love Washington - and thats probably an understatement. I'm a relatively quiet/calm person so the feel of where I live really fits my personality. I'm in love with the outdoors, so the fact that I can pitch my tent up a couple hours drive from here and enjoy nature is pretty neat. My family is here, my friends from high school are all here at UW, and I'm getting in-state tuition, so I dont have to worry about not having enough money to pay for school. </p>
<p>OR, my alternate plan was to finish my undergrad here at UW, and go to a decent design grad school. </p>
<p>It all really depends on how badly you want to be an artist (or what your career choice is).</p>
<p>For example, in the illustration business clients could care less where you went to school (and if you even have a degree to an extent). Ultimately, if you have the skills and a strong portfolio you can find a good job (which is why I'm not too fond of art grad schools unless you're planning to teach).</p>
<p>Overall I would think about how serious you are about art (since at a design school you can't do anything but art) and then decide your best option for improvement. I'd look into the art department at UW more, and if you still find it mediocre then look into some art & design schools.</p>
<p>Personally I would transfer to an art and design school, but that's only because I'm completely sure that's what I want my career to be.
However graduating from UW and going to an art grad school/continuing education program, (or even a couple years at Art Center) seem like a good option too.</p>
<p>Ultimately, you have to compare the value of your comfort with your current location+family+tuition to how much you value your drive to become a better artist.</p>
<p>UW is good in painting/design? As I've said before I really dont know enough about the UW art program currently (its frustrating trying to find information on it other than word of mouth). And truthfully I'm not even set on a particular art major yet - The only thing I'm certain is that I want to do something in art (I've narrowed it down to architecture, illustration, animation, design for video games/web/... so basically architecture or graphic design). As a whole though, everything is still in a pretty fuzzy kind of state. I'm keeping my options open. At this point, I'm just exploring and looking at everything - and one option to look at is transfer</p>
<p>So wander over to the art building, talk to Autumn Yoke (the art advisor) about the design program and what your options are there, and head up to the second floor to look at the design work- it's all over the walls. I'm not sure where in the building there is painting work displayed, but that would be something you could ask Autumn. If you're already on campus, you don't have to ask people on the internet about the program, you can see for yourself!</p>