<p>I need to post this here b'c I can only give so much advice on my own.</p>
<p>I have a friend who's a Studio Art Major in her 5th semester. She's had a rough time because of having to take 3-4 remedial classes and repeating at least 3 classes she failed from attendance over the years. She's also been going to a cc which has limited the selection of art classes, science classes (botany she wanted), and quality of the art teachers; which really frustrated her. But she's only got a little over 3 semesters left.</p>
<p>She's a very good artist and after getting accepted to a vendor slot at two shows and accepted for mentoring by her old art teacher she decided she wanted to pursue doing it on her own and drop out. Her schooling is also being paid for by veteran's grants. She wants to work part time jobs while she tries this. (she already took a 2 year break before college and didn't pursue much with that time.) </p>
<p>I told her this was a bad idea and she needed to stay in school for a variety of reasons, (mainly having a BA as a good backup plan if things don't work out), but I think maybe some outside perspective might help. So let's here it :)</p>
<p>Most truly talented individuals do not get better by attending art school, in fact art school is arguably best for those that are decent but not excellent artists and could benefit from formal instruction. Isn't it interesting that most art profs are NOT accomplished artists in their own right, but usually someone who is good but not great? Of course, art is a difficult way to make a living, and attending school means you keep other options open. Hopefully it works out well for her.</p>
<p>Art (either commercial or fine) is a field where a degree really doesn't matter much. Aside from the education itself (and I hate to agree with GroovyGeek but much of what he/she says is true), the benefit from art school is mostly in the contacts and possible mentors you can meet. BUT --- it's pretty much impossible to make it in any art field, education or no, without a lot of ambition, perseverance and hard work</p>
<p>OP, you may be right, but it's her life and it sounds like she is of sound mind to make this decision. My suggestion would be to try to put aside your own misgivings and nonjudgmentally accept her decision. If you are able to do that, then she will find it easier to talk with you about how she is doing, and to accept your help and listen to your advice if things don't work out as she is hoping.</p>
<p>Ok. Think like this: Her school is 100% paid for plus a $1000/month government stipend for attending classes 15 hours a week which nets her an unprecedented amount of free time when given the other options. School isn't getting in the way of her pursuits. If she finishes up THREE more semesters the job opportunities change from blockbuster and McDonald's to Newspaper, Magazine, or Gallery work. (even graduate school.)</p>
<p>I may be missing something, but how is she getting a BA at a cc? Did she transfer to a four-year school?</p>
<p>My husband also dropped out of art school, many years ago, and he's okay with it. But not having a degree has limited his options quite a bit. (He can't teach, for example.)</p>
<p>She was only going to a cc for some gen-ed classes, and then only because she didn't know any better until I told her. The plan was for a 4 year degree since it's paid for, which is what she would be about 3 semesters away from. (actually the original plan was to go to grad school for psychology, art, or both, but that ambition washed away after a lot of partying.)</p>
<p>Yes, this all sounds very attractive, and I assume that you've made these points to her. I personally can't add anything to what you've said. I would still suggest at some point soon that you step back and, for better or worse, allow to make up her own mind.</p>
<p>Although I agree with all of the above points regarding the necessity/utility of art degrees, the reality is - right now, you really need to get a college degree. </p>
<p>Many artists also teach, either at community schools, or public schools. In our area, you can't even be a teacher's aid without some sort of degree. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, until she makes it in the art world, she has to live in the non-Art world, where a degree seems to be more and more required. Especially if it is all paid for by somebody else - never walk away from free money.</p>
<p>A BFA is a four year degree, and regardless of the major, it is still a sheepskin. Should she choose to change direction, it's as marketable as a liberal arts BA, or a performance BM, and allows for competition in the same employment pool.</p>
<p>It's also one step closer to a masters, a requirement should she wish to change careers, or academic focus.</p>
<p>As someone who is in the job market recently and looking at all sorts of jobs (empty nest!), I have been marveling at the requests for a degree even for many jobs that only pay $10.00 - $12.00 an hour. Artists can find school stifling, if she can simply hold out and view her 15 hours a week as a part time job for which she earns more than $1,000 per month, she might find it has a great return in the future. You should pull up some part time jobs and print them out for her... it is unlikely she can make more money quitting school than staying in school. Going to school probably beats ringing up sales at some retail store. In the end, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.</p>
<p>Not everyone is ready to go to school <em>right now</em> - maybe your friend needs some time to regroup & understand why she is going to school. Once she finds her focus & a sense of purpose, she may be better ready for what is required of her. To my knowledge, veterans' benefits don't need to be used within a certain time period. I don't see the harm in taking some time off.</p>
<p>As wonderful as these benefits sound to you, if it's not what she wants, it's meaningless to her.
Also, I should amend my comments earlier about the art degree -- it's not really necessary for practicing artists, especially in commercial art (such as graphic design, illustration, for example, where what you really need is an impressive portfolio), but it IS a requirement for teaching.</p>