<p>Hi i'm Jess and i'm currently a Sophomore in high school.</p>
<p>I want to major in communication design but all my artworks are drawings/paintings and I focus mainly on fine arts. I take art lessons after school and practice drawing daily. But since I plan on majoring in communication design, should I switch my focus to design rather than fine arts? I saw some portfolios of other students who plan to major in design and their portfolio consists of mostly graphic design pieces and barely any traditional art pieces. Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks!</p>
<p>It looks extremely good to have a strong background in fine arts when applying for communications design.</p>
<p>You have nothing to worry about! I’m a Communication Design major at an Art & Design school, I submitted traditional art pieces in my portfolio. Just from experience Arts school typically want to see from incoming freshman is drawing from observation. This can tend to differ from art schools, but the majority of leading arts school will love to see your technical skills in the fine arts area. </p>
<p>Your first year at an art school they have a Foundation year, that year they will expose you to different ways of making art, which will required you to have basic or above average experience dealing with fine arts materials. The only way an art school can tell if you’re able to keep with their intense classes is by reflecting fine arts in your portfolio. During your foundation year you will do some design work, but majority of it will be fine art base. Not saying you’re not allowed to submit Design work, but keep it to a minimal in your portfolio. </p>
<p>I have heard kids who were stuck on being a design majors their freshman year , but decided to become an art major at the end of their freshman year. All because of the in depth exposure you get during your foundation year. </p>
<p>I will HIGHLY recommend you have lot of observational pieces in your portfolio, especially if you want a good Merit Scholarship. But you’re a sophomore you have a lot of thinking to do before you decided what you want to pursue as a career in college. I should tell you that good private art schools are not cheap! </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>