5 Things I Never Learned In Art School

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In this video, I share 5 things that I didn't learn in art school that I probably should have been taught. I thought that I would learn how to draw and paint and be successful as an artist. But, this is not the experience that I had. Perhaps you're curious about art school and what it's like or maybe you're already in art school. Or maybe, you're a graduate of art school. Either way, you'll find this video informative and entertaining.
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[@lunamarr]

I went to art school expecting to come out of it with an in depth knowledge of painting and drawing and instead learned way more about photography and digital arts. The whole experience was more about the mediums that would be popular in the future and how to imitate other artists of the past for appreciation value rather than functional art. This led to a lengthy unhappy career making digital graphics, pop art style icons, and gimmicky logos for others. I never considered myself an artist because to me that wasn’t “my” art and I never grew. Now that I’ve begun to study what I consider to be art I’m growing every day as an artist and thinking about what the future of that can hold.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Art school is a waste of time and money.

[@vincepreston9304]

Sounds to me like they should of called it Art Con-age instead of college! 😕

[@paulah317]

I started college as an art major and lasted one year. It was in the early 70's and I can't remember if I learned anything. I do remember a live model drawing class and it was my favorite class. I sure wish I would have saved those drawings to look back and see how I drew then. I ended up in the nutrition field for 20 years, then went back to school for a master's degree in medicine and worked for another 16 years. I took a watercolor class through community education 9 years ago and was hooked. I'm now retired and making up for lost time and draw and paint nearly every day and have branched out to charcoal, pastels, drawing and thank Matt and Ashley for their instruction! It's the best YT art school ever!!!!

[@dianeo]

I majored in art in college (it wasn't an art school) and was so disillusioned by the end of sophomore year that I wanted to drop out because I wasn't learning anything! My parents were paying my tuition and wanted me to get a degree because then I "could get a great job anywhere!". Yeah... not so much. Many years later, I learned a lot more from KZbin!

[@christopherwelch5568]

The stuff I didn't learn at art school could fill a book. Where I went they expected you to have a base skill set and proceeded to push you right out of it.

[@MarcWindahl]

I retired early and last week finished my first year back at art school. I agree on not learning drawing. I am spending a couple of hours a day this summer focusing on that. I disagree with not learning painting. I chose my school by using the local "Studio crawl" to audition painting teachers. The one I chose has taught me TONS of great info and I think my work shows the improvement. But my wife's experience at art school in the 1990's matches yours. Three quick other points: (and not trying to pick on fellow students; just using examples that I think art school is letting them down and I would benefit from this being addressed also) 1) too many of my fellow students are fresh out of high school and already have a style. I, at age 57, am too young to have a style. Their last drawing in Foundation: Drawing was the same as their first. My homework had a huge range of experiments in style, methods, processes, etc. It was 70+ works that match the range of your timed drawing seasons. Try lots of things and I was surprised with what I learned and could apply to my pastel and oil paintings. I don't think the professor even tried to address or teach this. 2) too many of my fellow students draw and paint with a pencil or brush in one hand and their phone in the other. I wish instructors spent more time teaching the importance of working from life. Now, I admit I am a Plein Air painter that spends the entire summer outdoors (confessing my bias😃), but I think they are learning bad habits by limiting themselves to a photo on a small screen. Again, this needed coverage time. 3) I don't think I was taught WHY to have a sketchbook and use it often. Profs mentioned using one, but it was not until a few months in that I stumbled upon how and why to use one. My sketchbooks are now FULL of stuff: notes from class and demos, reference photos, studying other artists, thumbnails to plan work, etc. This will be my long-term treasure from art school. I am waiting for the next post!

[@azalea1404]

It's pretty much the same in Europe. Emphasis in art college curricula is often on Philosophy, Art History (the latter is of course relevant and important) and other art forms - and seldom on basic drawing and painting techniques. Those skills are somehow expected to be aquired by yourself.

[@M.O.1981]

Same in England.

[@trailwalker19]

I may have said this once before, I'm sorry, but at age 15, readers digest had a thing called CAN YOU DRAW THIS I liked the subject, spent 4 hrs doing it, never had a copy or anything (1970) sent it off and forgot it. Later, coming home from school, a man from Minnesota Art School was there and he wanted me to come. dad said no. So I took an art class at school then got busy with raising and having 6 kids. Youngest is 26 and I started drawing again. son's future mil saw my stuff and asked for 3 drawings and would pay me. I'm like, what? are you sure. anyway, I'm drawing everyday now, got the money from her and I'm building up my confidence. I posted samples on a social media site and ppl liked it and 1 told me it's a gift from God and he was going to get back into it... learning everyday and enjoying it. thanks!

[@cockatielnation5425]

I took art classes at a highly prestigious college back in the 60's. I actually did learn some basic skills in lithography and figure drawing but it wasn't until I retired and started taking on line classes that I started learning the crafts of drawing and painting...

[@danasterry4]

I'm in the Virtual Instructor Art School! LOL! And I love it! So happy to see a new video like this uploaded Matt. I'm learning what my favorite mediums are and developing my personal style. Right now, I am really enjoying graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. I love your style of instruction!

[@kennethhurst6715]

Im an artist self tot im sixty years and still have so much to learn. Your videos are very good and informative they help me to improve my artwork. Thank you.

[@janjans1178]

Im an art college graduate … i,m looking forward to the benefits from art college episode! I agree with the 5 things you didnt learn in art school. I gave a few art classes to friends children during lockdown - to teach them how to paint and draw!! We all had fun with that! X

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Art school teaches you that you need to practice. On your own. That's all it is. Practice. I've been an artist for 30 years. Im still drawing and painting, learning... Every day.

[@rbk5322]

Wow! I am an art school graduate from the 80’s. Don’t know where you went to school but I’m horrified by your experience! How about naming names? Art school isn’t cheep and the kids should be spared the bad experience. Your work is great BTW. Thanks for sharing.

[@mitchell4217]

I was thinking the same thing. For what people are paying, they absolutely deserve to learn technique. That's the whole point of getting an education. It would be so much better not having to take useless classes the first 2 years of school before you even get to the courses related to your major.

[@teressacooks7928]

Omgosh! I remember my 1st roll. B&W. The instructor had us practice on a "dummy roll" with eyes open and eyes closed. Once the student felt confident, they would go into this tiny closet. It was so eerie to have your eyes open and see...NOTHING! No matter how claustrophobic or frustrated you were, you couldn't leave, or you would ruin your roll! No roll, no print. No print, no grade. With that being said, some of us were in that tiny room for quite a while 🤣🤣

[@eileencollins3126]

I majored in art the first time I went to college, in the early 70's. I can totally relate to the first 4 points! I graduated, then turned around and went back to college the next quarter and got myself an engineering degree!! Couldn't figure out how to make a living as an artist. When I was working as an engineer, or staying home taking care of my children, I did as much art as possible, and helped out in the classrooms teaching art to kids. I am now retired, make art almost every day, and enjoy every minute of it!

[@katfyte]

I learned to draw from a brilliant teacher who taught me about contour drawing and really seeing and expression. I would have got there anyway but she taught me exercises that would strengthen my skills. She taught me discipline.

[@sandradonofrio413]

Art school was my dream come true. But I was like a kid in a toy store: I wanted everything. I tried as much as I could but I could have spent another four years deciding what I wanted to pursue as a career.

[@danamahmoud951]

Thank you for sharing this, you have no idea how much this means to me. I’ve always wanted to be an artist (since I was 4 yrs old), and have managed to apply for visual communications degree, with a focus in photography, back in 2008. The only problem that I noticed, in almost every single art course I took, the students in my class were way ahead of me and super talented in every aspect. I found this shocking and terribly frustrating… My lifelong goal was to be a cartoon artist, however, that option was not available at my university, but I made the most of it despite feeling that all of my professors did not give me what I really needed or teach me what I needed to learn, in order to master most art skills. I blamed myself, and felt confused, shame, and even envy towards the other students in my class. I was talented, I just did not know how to properly execute my work, not only that, but I also have a learning disability which included ADHD and dyscalculia (mathematic based dyslexia). I had to work 10X as hard to get my assignments done and pass all of my classes (I felt overlooked, due to this and was treated like a spoiled brat for needing special help). Even after graduating, I felt lacking and depressed. I’m turning 35 this Oct, and now I’ve taken up art courses to help me learn what I am seeking out, and building up my knowledge and skills. I feel like this channel is a God send and the answer to my prayers

[@NightStarGamer]

I went to college for art, I remember really enjoying the art part but it came at a bad time where from August until November I had 5 deaths in the family which put a toll on my mental health. But I also had a photography teacher who didn't know how to work the cameras that were given to us for the class, any questions ended with a shrug, she had a rule of not being allowed to ask question and she didnt care about any life happening and the exam for that semester fell on the exact day the 5th person I knew passed away. In the short time I was in college, I felt like I was learning a lot, but everything also felt rushed. I remember the teacher who taught us how to do digital art stuff, saying how each stage of perspective could be a course on its own, but he only had 1 lesson for each. I did drop out a bit due to the toll that year had but also because I felt that spending $10,000 a year on classes that seemed rushed didn't feel like a fair trade.

[@stephaniebagaloo1885]

You are right I can see it too. I overcome that situation too. The same experience !

[@KLeonardM]

Invaluable information. I am retired and just trying my hand at something new. Thanks so very much

[@DeWaynesArtDreams]

ahhhhh loading that roll of film onto the development reel I had a few rolls where the film touched and didn't get developed.

[@KariFellWeaves]

I attended art college in the 80's and I did learn to draw. However, learning to draw isn't so much about "tricks" or tips or even about how to make the lines on the paper. It is mainly learning how to see. Seeing lights and darks, angles, proportions and relationships between shapes is the key to drawing. It takes time and practice to train yourself to really "see". As for the other things, ya, they didn't really teach us how to market and make a living. We were told to apply for grant money, but not how to actually sell our work. They did spend a lot of time telling us we are just students and we need to pay our dues and not to make cold calls to galleries.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

You don't need at school for that

[@stevef1076]

I started 4 years ago ( at 56 yrs old)with a cartoon sketch book for my friends little girl. and its gone on from there. i used to draw when i was at school some 45 years ago and now im in the internet school, Matt is the only one ive paid for a course as i think he covers everything in great detail. ive subcribed to a few tho so far, but i cant decide which technique i prefer, tho i love pencil/charcoal realism drawing and watercolour painting animals, urban art is another ive just discovered which i like. I have commisioned a few pet portraits which i never would have thought possible. i still have a long way to go i just wish id done it at school. but its never to late. Working my way through the catalogue of courses at The Virtual instructor is a university education on its own and probably all i will need. So thankyou Matt and Ashley for sharing you wealth of talent and inspiration.

[@lopamudraray4571]

You nailed it....point 3....

[@suzannerevy5683]

Photography major at an art school back in the 80's, mastered loading film onto the reels, but it took a lot of practice. And I teach it now, though not at an art school, we use the plastic reels, which are a little easier to use. Interestingly, I learned how to draw in my Foundation (freshman) year when I had no photography classes. I was not naturally gifted at drawing, but discovered that you can learn it! I actually consider that drawing class one of the most important of my four years there. The business of art was never brought up! Somehow I muddled along and managed a living despite it!

[@jeanineruggeri4573]

I remember the class regarding the spool thing. I had to go in a closet with no light and spool the film. It took a lot of practice!

[@rheba-30310]

Art school dropout. At the time (early 80s) there was a core competency that had to be passed to proceed. I was a fiber artist and had no interest at that time in drawing. And I couldn't draw. Since I've been with The Virtual Instructor, I've realized that I can draw. I probably take longer to "get it" than some others do, bu that's were the perservence comes in. Also, the way that drawing was tought was not conducive to getting better. We had a large newprint pad and some charcoal and were told to draw. I cn't remember any actual instructoion about how to make what I drew look like what I was drawing. But I'm puttering along now. I really enjoy drawing and learning how to do it. Thanks Matt (and Ashley)! Rheba (in Atlanta)

[@milenadanyo3637]

I totally agree with you. I notice that Art classes help me to be more creative and discover techniques of my own. I still have so much to learn but I am enjoying the journey! 😊

[@christinegalysh7433]

Thank you and All the best

[@christinachampion3676]

Thanks Matt, you rock dude! Always comprehensive instructions and insight. From john delly

[@silviasunesen7649]

Thank you very much Matt Never been to art school Enjoy your KZbin videos Very informative

[@carollegros8671]

No I'm older, and I have no interest in art school, but I have learned so much about drawing from your courses.

[@WilliamParmley]

Interesting!

[@karlabritfeld7104]

My nephew like to draw manga when he was a kid so my sister sent him to art school when he graduated high school. They wanted to force the manga out of him so he dropped out. He's working a full time job and still drawing on the side -- manga

[@ambercalhounkern1374]

I went to two art schools. Learned a ton but very similar experiences to yours.

[@hettiegrubbs]

I think that art schools and teachers are dramatically different and if you have a deep love of art but are not receiving the type or quality of instruction that would benefit you the most then trying a different school could exponentially improve your learning experience. Everyone I know who has transferred to a different art program has been happy they made the change. Having said that, absolutely, learning about art and entrepreneurship is a life long process and I totally agree with you that you have to make some bold moves in this life to figure out how to make the artistic life work for you.

[@patriciajung9157]

I did learn to draw at the art student league in NYC and also learned to paint. I am sorry you went to the wrong school. I believe art first and the business will come when you produce amazing art. I think your experience is unique to yourself. I learned alot in art school...

[@mattfussell7631]

Hi Patricia, I didn’t mean to suggest that I went to the wrong school. I went to two of them in fact and both were very similar. I appreciate what I did learn and without the experience I had I would not have the KZbin channel and the thousands of students around the world. I definitely did not go to the wrong school. It was right for me. But if you read the other comments, you’ll note that most people had a similar experience as me. Are you currently a working artist? Do you have work that you can share?

[@icanartsorta]

i did want to go to art school years ago but I'm too poor to go but now with sites like SkillShare, Class101 etc i can learn to improve my skills as a fraction of the cost

[@Cariena66]

When I was at school, art was just a subject such as music or even math with little to no advice how to paint or draw. You were given very poor water color or a pen and forced to draw f.e an animal from your imagination. It's been so frustrating not being able to ask any questions nor to improve. Matt & Ashley I would consider myself as my very first real art teachers. Would never have come so far without their great work and if course, I joined the membership and the incredible great community. What an asset in this world!!!

[@amberforbes3151]

I only took one drawing course and just felt like I didn't learn anything at all. We would go to class and draw whatever we were told to draw. The instructor would walk around and tell us what we were doing wrong, but I never learned anything. I had zero drawing skills, and it was frustrating having classmates who had probably drawn since they were in diapers. I just wanted to do photography, but I had to do all of these other courses before even being able to take photography I. I have learned much better on my own, and while I have opted to use a light pad for anything requiring extensive drawing, I know techniques that I never would have learned in a college course.

[@patriciafeehan7732]

Do students have mentors? My suggestion is to study under someone accomplished in the medium you are choosing. I arrived knowing how to draw and they refined my work and taught me techniques.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

I took Graphic Arts in the early/mid 80s (should have taken Fine Arts instead), and I actually did learn how to load a roll of film onto the processing holder, lol! I think I still have my mini developing tank somewhere.

[@lopamudraray4571]

I did a Diploma in Arts. But chose another profession to earn bread n butter. Art became just a hobby. Didn't know marketing or how to make living. Art doesn't make quick money unless you have strong connections.

[@laureendavis2369]

(this is back in the late 80's.. yes I'm old) I completed the require portfolio needed to apply to the VCU school of art, sent it in, received an acceptance letter 7 days later. One month later, the government pulled the funds for a lot of Pell Grant, including mine. So I had to drop out before I could even begin. 😕 Maybe that's not such a bad thing. I'm very much so a kinesthetic learner so I don't being told/directed/forced how to do something. I just jump in and figure it out myself. (she says while posting on a KZbin channel she loves to... umm.. watch and listen to pick up tips regarding different techniques 😉)

[@egomod]

if i ever go to art school it will be for the social experience. im already 39 tho, so im a bit old to make friends at art school 😂😂😂 online has been a wonderful art school, however. and i can find people my own age! 🎉 discord servers can be a really good place to get a bit of that art community experience.

[@user-gt8oj1bc2z]

Never went to Art school. Was invited to, just didn't take that leap. Finances were scarce and my grants only covered community college. I was a business major with the hope of learning how to market my work... learned nothing beyond "hire a CPA, and Don't F* with ayroll.. I took all of 2 art classes: Drawing 101, and Graphic Arts because I needed an art credit.

[@annaclarke8216]

Is it worth going? I love drawing, and I am trying to improve.

[@dimitrioskalfakis]

nice plug for what could have been a very interesting movie (art school confidential) but nevertheless with a very educational ending ;-)

[@rosannazucchelli4229]

I want to thank you for your interesting videos h

[@peterquest6406]

Never went to art school.They say im an outsider artist, thing is,i never do art outside 😅

[@M.O.1981]

😂

[@H_Froura]

#1 - I didnt learn how to draw in art school, i learned on my own #2 - I dint learn how to paint, i learned on my own #3 - I dint learn how to market my art, i learned on my own #4 - I didnt learn how to make a living as an artist, i learned on my own #5 - I dint learn how to roll film,, i learned on my own

[@vickyneville374]

So if you didnt understand how to do darkroom spool. Why didnt you ask instructor to reshow you. How to??

[@TheTerrylwg]

Excellent topic and very informative. I'm self-taught-- with the help of your video instruction, as well as just about everything KZbin and the whole of the Internet have to offer. I truly apprectiate you being so generous with your knowledge and information.

[@DazzlingAction]

Makes me think that most people forget what an art atelier is...but then again.

[@sjohnson7550]

Hi pls help me with the sites i can learn drawing.

[@Hy-Brasil]

i only dabbled in art classes - never went to an entire school. just middle and high school and one class in college. and it was all basically the same stuff... composition, shading, perspective... i decided if that was all they could offer then i might as well keep my money. it wasn't creative enough for me. and here i am, years later, TEACHING an art class to a gang of 5th grade boys...... some of them are just there because they don't know squat about art and it looked like fun. but there are a couple who are SUPER serious and knowledgeable. but one of them is a little pretentious. While i was trying to teach a lesson he refused to actually follow the instructions. keep in mind, he's in 5th grade. but he acted like he was being forced to deface his masterpiece (i remember being like that so i was sympathetic) but then he says "What i LIKE about ART is you have the freedom to do what YOU want......." i had to stop and collect myself. took a deep breath... and said "Yes art does give you that freedom. SOMETIMES. But art is not always for you. If you have a job in graphic design then you have to follow instructions for what your client or boss wants. If you're being paid to paint a portrait you don't get to do your own thing unless they say you can. MY job is to teach you the rules and different methods... and once you've learned them you can break them. But you will know WHEN and HOW." That seemed to appease him. The class is only once a week so I try to mix it up between an actual lesson and letting them freestyle. Right now there is a LOOOOOOT of minecraft..... but when I tried to do a lesson of perspective and cityscapes the majority of the class struggled so bad. and i'd picked an easy subject! My goal is to inspire them. i dont want to overwhelm them and treat them like they're college kids. they're still young. they're goofs. but when i signed up to do this class it was under the impression that I was TEACHING ART, not doing arts n crafts. the 5th grade girls art class nextdoor is making noodle necklaces and toilet paper roll fish and using potatoes as stamps. it kinda makes me feel bad for my boys, that maybe they're not having fun. But then at the end of the class i hear them saying stuff "this is my favorite class!" or they go around taking pictures of their creations to share on their friggin discord servers lol i really REALLY hope I'm setting a good foundation. i loved my art classes, even the college class. i never really used anything i learned in them except shading and composition. but... those are pretty important. After watching this video I'll think about maybe teaching them some of the things you talked about. One of the kids is trying to earn money so he's doing commissions (mice craft related of course) he's really good at drawing cubes. but when I tried to get him to paint other things or work on shading he acted like he'd never even seen a pencil, much less used one.

[@j.s.vismale5576]

Would y'all recommend me go to an Art school?

[@LytzyBitzySpider]

I've been told that art student should be reccomended to take some business classes if they are able.

[@bellscanyonsurvivor5519]

I went to art school and find "Art School Confidental," painfully accurate.

[@audreycollins9841]

I learnt how to be a Marxist wokey person and that a mouldy loaf of bread or a black canvas gets better marks than artworks people worked hard over.

[@user-gj7yo2dt2l]

My daughter went to art school Amazing talent I'm tens of thousands of dollars in debt We have no clue on how to "cash" in on her talent Of course her art school promised they would take her to that next level Instead, a typical starving artist with a lot of school debt 😒

[@christopherbookout5352]

Went to Ringling back in the 80's... I soon discovered that everything that I learned there, was free to learn outside of school. Why pay that much money just to be taught that you have to practice, practice, practice? The ultimate truth is... all knowledge is free - it's the sheepskin that you're paying for. Which isn't really that valuable in the end. It's the quality of the product that counts.

[@kjmav10135]

I’m glad you’re gonna tell us what you DID learn because, so far, art school sounds like a total nothingburger ripoff. 😅

[@DecoLemon]

Lots of negative information and comments about art school. Formal training is the beginning of understanding technique, not the end. You will continue to grow as an artist as you steadily work throughout your life. The business side of art is a separate issue from technique. Any reputable art school or program will guide a student through the process, either by integrating lessons into the art class or by requiring basic business classes.

[@lesleyevans6938]

Please refrain from playing music in the background of your videos. You cannot hear it but its far too loud for comfort, plus some people don't like JAZZ. I found it very distracting while watching this video.

[@thevirtualinstructor]

Hi Lesley, Thanks for your suggestion. Some people like background music and others don't. I have learned that you can't please everyone, so instead of trying - I create videos that I like to make. Here on KZbin, the videos are completely free for you to watch and even comment on and complain over very low background music. I think that's pretty great.

[@lesleyevans6938]

Thanks Matt I know I’m a pain but I love watching your videos. I only wish I could justify becoming a member but art is just a hobby I started during lockdown but I love drawing along with Gettin’ Sketchy. Thank you very much.