watch this before going to art school

[@jeemaarts]

honestly middle school doesn’t prepare you for high school, high school doesn’t prepare you for college, & college doesn’t really prepare you for real life. i really appreciated that you brought more awareness with the financial aspect, networking, the idea of comparison or people pleasing, etc. i think there are differences of going to a school as an art major vs going to an art school edit: thank you for the likes!! eee haha

[@niya5641]

Def plz explain the difference

[@jeemaarts]

@@niya5641 i cant say i’m an expert on the subject since i’m only an art major at a public university. to my assumption, i think there is a lot of expectation to succeed at an art school since everyone is an artist. on the other hand, in university, majors from any department can take certain electives. it could be their first time ever painting. i had a sculpture major in my intermediate painting class!

[@CGI_Andy]

I agree so much with this so much!

[@basicallyblobbity4226]

And elementary school does not prepare you for middle school no matter how much they say they do (or maybe I had weird teachers…)

[@alicehong7809]

The first part, so true. 😂

[@qbhere]

thank you so much for making this video. i’m a high school freshmen currently in a 4 year visual arts program, and when i tell you there’s barely any videos of college kids talking and documenting their current experiences with art colleges. it’s always established youtubers that complain about how they wasted their time in art school before they dropped out. i finally got to hear a more fresh and relevant perspective for the fine arts 🫶🏾💕

[@brettpaint]

ahhh im so glad I can help fill that gap a bit more! ilyyy

[@audeedawow2529]

same i’m a sophomore

[@shymecha]

@@audeedawow2529 me too 😭

[@caamileon]

I NEEDED THIS OMG!!! im so torn on whether I should go to art school or not and tbh I STILL DON’T KNOW but this video did help a lot and it’s nice to have gained a lot of new insight from someone who’s experienced this.

[@brettpaint]

ARIANA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!? i totally feel that 😩 university is great for giving you options! Also camila you’d literally get into Columbia and Yale with ur portfolio no doubt

[@melatoninbajablast4987]

girl I can confidentally say you're one of the most widely recognized artists of our generation. I've seen your work EVERYWHERE. You're amazing, I definitely think you have MORE than what it takes to get into the top universities in the US to back up your already practically perfect technical skills and ideas. Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, showstopping, spectacular, the list goes on forever honestly.

[@bearshunnypot302]

if youre majoring in animation, graphic design or in any other branch of digital entertainment, you kind of have to have a degree to get hired by most places, but especially if you ever want to work overseas. otherwise yeah art school is kind of a waste of time

[@midnight6994]

Omg caamileon!! Congrats on getting in art school

[@alainalovepink]

I think this important to hear. Art was my passion, but I’m currently a senior at my state university and we’ll be graduating with a fine arts degree. I realized I’m not that good and won’t find a job in art. But guess what it is not a waste. You can turn your bachelors degree to anything. I plan on getting my masters in social work and becoming an arts therapist. It’s possible to bachelor in art and being successful differently. Many jobs just require a bachelors in something to get a job. As I haven’t realization that art wasn’t for me anymore I panicked. But there is always a solution

[@dark_nightwing_xl2797]

So a degree in art is worth getting?

[@spark1181]

This is very true the Bachelors degree is a springboard, while some roles are specific, there are many that just want acknowledgment you can learn. Then, if you use any job like you, you can use transferable skills in any industry

[@veelut]

if you are in art school, start getting into the habit of talking to your professors and colleagues. before you know it, they become more than just those labels and you start to see them as members of your community and you ought to know them. everyone will unintentionally open a door of opportunity for you and if you practice this in your day-to-day life, you will be granted wonderfully. this was a great video and it was honest. thanks for sharing!

[@liaa45]

A really helpful tip there!

[@xoxobubonicbaddiebimbo9169]

I always wondered how adults networked and how to get past the hurdle that is all these new people! Thank you so much for the good advice! 🩷🩷🩷

[@nanamoamoa]

As a graphic design student at another art school, I just want to say that USC is not the only school with a bunch of uncomfortable stools. They're so tall compared to the wheeled desks in the studios so I just have to bend down all the time. My spine is not okay :')

[@rosalial3869]

Same ! I study graphic design on the east coast and the art class stools are terrible. But we have nicer rolling chairs for the GD classes

[@alesswonderland]

For some reason it's a thing to make your students struggle with those stools

[@whoknowswhocares885]

All the art classes I have taken had all those stools. Many of my art professors recommended standing while working for better posturing.

[@devonlewyuxin2716]

I am in Asia and we also have the exact same (uncomfortable) wooden stools. We sit on them for still life sessions which can be four or five hours at a time

[@Iki_baa]

Hii, I’m currently a highschool but I’ll be done in a year and I wanna study graphic design. I don’t really know much about the classes and projects you do in graphic design, so would you be so kind and tell me something abt it? (Only if you’re comfortable with telling me!)

[@Snobeez]

as someone who has been going to art school since 6th grade. i felt this in my soul :,) art school is really not as fun as it looks. you really have to make sure that’s what you truly want to do or else it could really ruin your love for creating. i’ve watched so many people go to art school for a year and say it ruined it for them and left. you really have to be determined and passionate about it. and this isnt meant to discourage anyone! i adore art school as much as it drains me and i yell about how much i hate it. it gives me so many opportunities which i really appreciate and recognize. i’ve made so many works of art that i would’ve never made if it wasent for school that turned out to be works that i’m most proud of. i also wouldn’t be able to experience so many different artistic methods that i have if it wasent for art school. i would’ve never thought of printmaking as something that i would want to do or even if i did, i wouldn’t want to risk the cost of starting with the possibility of hating it. while i dropped out of the printmaking class at my school (i don’t like the curriculum they go by and the teacher), i now have my own printmaking equipment that i love creating with. i could go on and on about the pros and cons about art school but let’s be real, nobody is reading this LMAO . tldr; i’ve been going to art school since 6th grade and this is very true and real

[@kenny_ki]

wow how did you get into art school in 6th grade

[@Snobeez]

@@kenny_ki there are art middle schools and high schools

[@cryptical1210]

@@Snobeez sorry if this is too personal but which one do you go to? I'm looking to do an art high school and if you could recommend me ones it would be so helpful! Thanks :)

[@foxxettie7699]

@@kenny_ki I think what they meant are art classes

[@ghadrawn]

I wouldn't mind hearing the pros and cons from another person's perspective

[@nick_st.laurent04]

I did this thing over the summer through JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) and the AYCC where I spent 3 hours a day, 4 days a week, for 3 weeks in the summer doing a bunch of art projects at a set location, which mine was the art room at the junior high. It made me want to go into a career in art.. and the day I started my senior year, which was like a month after I finished this program, both of my JMG specialists came up to me and basically said: "hey, your instructor was talking to you at our meeting over the summer and was talking about how good you are at art".. the WHOLE JMG TEAM...so now I'm interning at the Oprah House in my town doing stage design and backstage tech and stuff...so yuuuh 😂 now I'm going to UMA to get a bachelor's in art

[@brettpaint]

That is so so so incredible!!!! I love that so much WOW! Congratulations 🥳

[@Adamkezer]

Yooo, I was the vice president and artistic director for Biddeford High School's JMG team in 2012-2014. We did the leadership Education Conference and Career Development Conference. JMG was the single most important thing that taught me the most about entrepreneurship. Small world 😅 ( I also was backstage tech for Biddeford Middle School's auditorium during a lot of the Carmen musicals)

[@nick_st.laurent04]

@@Adamkezer that's awesome! It's a great program. Both of my specialists are amazing.

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

I really enjoyed art college, because I met a lot of like-minded people. It's very possible to network and meet people that will become important in the industry. On the other hand, it's fucking expensive. And since I ended up disabled at 32, I can't say it was a good investment for me personally. But I enjoyed my classes and enjoyed learning. It's entirely possible to learn by yourself nowadays.

[@brettpaint]

so true! there are so many resources now to learn art independently (not to say that its the same as art school, but very very good point!!)

[@sophie-eb9js]

may i ask how you ended up disabled? im in art school right now, and i have constant-ish wrist pains since i was 17. i’m so worried for my future and future career if my pains disable me from then.

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

@@sophie-eb9js I had a thoracic fusion of my spine at 14. Pretty major deal, so I wouldn't worry too much. You need to learn stretches and stretching and pay attention to your ergonomics. You can't bend over at 30 or 40 the way you can when you're 20. Definitely keep up a physical regimen to strengthen your wrists, and if you have access to a doctor let them know your concerns. And hey, edibles are a thing!

[@sophie-eb9js]

@@coyoteclockworkstudios3140 thank you so much for this insight! i hope you still continue to create art

[@lookr8713]

As someone going to art school for 4 years now (4 out of 6 years) I'm glad that i've chosen animation major. Not only you can find interesting people but you can find a job during studying. Some studios open call for people from animation schools for work on different projects. As for fine arts i was always interested in what they were doing after school. Some people became art teachers in schools or universities others started making their own brand and exibited at local art galleries

[@maemae951]

I’ve been contemplating on whether or not to do animation or a different major for college. I like drawing and animation seems like a challenge but I also wanna do biology which I’m interested in (also gonna be junior in hs so I’m keeping my options open) so idk🥲

[@thebakagirl5293]

Really? That’s so cool! I’ll graduate from high school next year and I was thinking about choosing animation, illustration or some other fine arts degree, but I’m still not sure. Also I’ll prob have to study abroad but idk if I can pay for that :( I’m so scared about finishing high school.

[@thebakagirl5293]

@@maemae951don’t worry, you have time. In my country we have to chose a course in hs. Four main courses are arts, science, economy and history. I started hs in science, however I chose to redo my first year but in arts. People say I’d be wasting my time by redoing one whole year but tbh I don’t regret it! I got top tier grades and really learned a lot about drawing, history of arts and we even got a bunch of projects. It was a bit stressful but it’s always better to have an impression of what it is to be an artist as you’re still a minor. Just think carefully. Before high school your vision of the future is really really different. You might change your point of view entirely

[@ilovexiguasensai]

Thank you for making this video! I am 14 years old now. Drawing has been my hobby since I was a child, and I‘m wondering if i'll grow up to be a artist. People always say don't make hobbies your work, but your video made me more determined and understand more about the difficulty , thank you so much!

[@katiemutschler6040]

Musician here! I am a pianist and went to music school. I tell the first year students to watch and see if they lose their passion if they go to music school and stop wanting to practice. For me, I cannot work as a pianist but my friends all are pursuing professional careers in music. It works for some and not others and I think being willing to know your limits will help you figure that out. There is no shame in stepping back so that a hobby remains a hobby

[@TyeArtisik]

"Don't make hobbies your work" what a terrible advice. If you love something then you'll always do good at it

[@ilana6105]

make the difference between hobby and passion; for me, drawing was a hobby that turned into passion. when you study and practice things you are passionate about, you end up achieving great work. with art theres really no end goal as you're always improving, so i'd say go for it!

[@meiphoriaediting6348]

Art student here! Unfortunately Im not a big fan of art school and Im only in my second sophmore semester now. I totally agree with your cons. I was planning not to be in debt since my scholarships cover me, but my school screwed me over with something so now Im stuck with debt. Its very lonely as well since most people do not want to engage or talk, I was excited to have new friends but I barely met people. It absolutely does kill your creativity. This was my dream school but I have not created one single piece ever since Ive been enrolled due to the fact I need to do gen ed classes first. Ive developed many stress factors including extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I basically want to drop out all the time and feel regret that I am not creating every other day. Im either too busy to create or tired. Ive realized also that Im just not a school person ever since I was young. If I could give people advice is to learn time management skills, art college gives you connections. I havent really learned anything, and Im pretty sure this is a waste of time once I graduate. Its very complicated for me, but if I went to community college I would be miserable. I have two years left so I hope I at least get some fun of it. I saw my old sketchbooks not too long and saw the passion in young me, and Im willing to try to get there again. I want to say school in general kills artists sadly, but I hope we all reach our dreams!

[@uhb0o]

I do relate with what you said, well I am pretty much experiencing the same thing here. I did the contest to enter the art school that I always wished for thinking that I wouldn't feel lonely and that I make lots of projects that I would like. I am in my last year and trying to finish it but it feels like I didn't accomplish much and lost so much motivation compared to when I started. I've been making projects only to please the teachers, I don't think that I will be giving up on art but I am trying to get back to it. I've never been a school person at all either, but I am still trying to look on other ways to keep going with what I wish to do. But I really wish for things to go well for you and the others out there who are trying to reach their dreams.

[@alainalovepink]

I’m a senior in a fine arts degree and realized. I hate it and just not as talented as I thought. But after my degree I’ll be getting my masters in social work to become a art therapist. It’s okay to change what you want in life afterwords. I thought I failed but a lot of jobs just require a bachelors in anything.

[@Freddie_Smalls]

Remember, if you fail you should join the army, or maybe get into politics...

[@reaharrison5378]

You have convinced me that you are both very artistically talented and extremely smart. I hope you are getting credit for both. Good luck out there, King.

[@brettpaint]

ahhh thank you so much that means a ton!

[@indy2292]

Love this so much! Currently working on my art portfolio to go to art school this fall and I’m so nervousss! I need all the advice/tips I can get. And honestly I know the cost is crazy, but just being able to delve into that art community full of creatives just seems so priceless to me. I’ve taken so many art classes around my town that were fun, just not very fulfilling how I feel like an actual art school would be. Thank you so much for all the info bb!!

[@brettpaint]

omg YES I have an art portfolio tips video up on my channel!

[@tommannion3454]

work 15 hours a day when you can’t work 18

[@v_artyt7988]

honesty needed this sm, all my life I’ve wanted to go to college for art and now that I’m a Junior in Highschool it’s really dawned on me that I need to decide if this is what I really want, but I never new the real inside scoop of things and this video really helps to clear my head and fill in the gaps :) I really can’t thank you enough for making this

[@tsukikagepanda4825]

i'm in the exact same place as you

[@martynaflisiak2117]

thanks for posting this video! I'm currently studying graphic design and feel so lost in my studies, but your recent videos inspired me to put more energy into making art again. I totally relate to the feeling of wanting to do everything that others are doing without realizing whether it is something that you enjoy doing in the first place + it is so easy to compare yourself to other people at school while being surrounded by so many creative and amazing artists. Thank you for sharing your experience and I wish you a lot of luck with your studies! I'm excited to see your future projects :))

[@brettpaint]

that means a ton ahhh ILYYY

[@minhnhatduong1154]

same I feel so lost in my graphic design program too... Everyone surrounding me is just so creative and talented and a lot of times I feel like I'm falling behind lol..

[@rome316ae3]

I am a painter from Austria and I watched your vdieo thanks for your information

[@WBTS_H-starWzstar_gamen]

How did it go did you get accepted?

[@Thehandbanana]

@@WBTS_H-starWzstar_gamenhe didn’t 😔 he’s getting into politics now.

[@heyeil]

i agree with the cons and pros you have listed especially the MOST INCREDIBLE PEOPLE, literally my friends in art school opened my mind to different views in life and the most chill people to hang out with even though you don't have something to talk to anymore and just sit there side by side it is not really awkward which is a really nice feeling. AND they build you up, if you're not feeling your plates they will give you ideas or suggest what you should do to make it better, literally my friends in art school build up my confidence and I love them sm

[@adriannawojcik]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO!! I’m currently in art school first year and I agree with all these points, especially the back pains! But overall it’s a really good experience, full of learning and growth on your journey. An artist never stops learning and growing, each day you and your art evolve and that transformation is beautiful within everyone! Absolutely love your art and I wish the best for you and everyone too🤍

[@brettpaint]

such a good message!! Thank you so much same to you YASS

[@sighsai2804]

I agree that art school can be lonely. I’m currently a freshman and I’m a full time online student so it’s tough. I’m a type of student who likes to be surrounded with creative people but being online, I only see my professors and fellow classmates on certain days through zoom. But the bright side is that it’s less expensive because art school is heckin expensive!

[@flyuff]

May I ask where you’re going?

[@sighsai2804]

@@flyuff I go to RMCAD

[@jillian7206]

Highly appreciate a video like this. Currently majoring in film and minoring in graphic design at a public university and wish it was standard knowledge that it doesn’t matter how you choose to go about learning and growing as long as you’re passionate about what you’re doing

[@imaniabdul-rahman9659]

I appreciate this video. My son is 14 and he’s a phenomenal artist. He’s auditioning for a prestigious visual arts school this week. I’m so nervous because he hasn’t had training, so I hope they appreciate his raw talent. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼

[@sockcosmos9793]

thanks for sharing your experience! it's interesting to hear, as i recently dropped out of art school and switched to a local school as a psych major. i feel like i didn't necessarily see a future for myself in art and i think that striving for a masters in counseling is more attainable for me. i think art school wasn't what i expected and it just caused a lot of stress. i agree with you, i definitely lost some of my sense of creativity and motivation to create. art school is hard af and i commend anyone who is able to stick with it! if you can think you can do it, then go for it, is my advice. nothing wrong with changing your mind too.

[@annika8674]

I’m happy I found this video! I just started my first semester at an art school after transferring in from a graphic design major at a public university and have been hearing the classic “art school is a waste of time and money” and that made me nervous. But, the reason I transferred from design to illustration with a focus in painting is because, while you said that classes can squash individuality, it is way more so in graphic design. I was constantly getting top grades, getting merit scholarships, and academic awards for my design work but then my work would never get chosen by clients or I’d have to majorly “boring-ify” my work to fit the mold. Meanwhile, yes, art class has critiques and requirements for assignments but in all honesty it’s actually pretty chill. In client work your going to get “critiqued” by the people who give you money so you have to be able to take it and modify your work to make both you AND the client happy or find a way to communicate to the client why your choice is the right one. What I’ve learned from sports and my creative work is that you should listen to every critique but how you apply them is up to you. If you get a crit on a decision you feel strongly about that you don’t necessarily agree with, instead of going with the crit and getting rid of that design choice, do a draft where you work to justify that decision more or make the decision more legible and understandable to the viewer. If it still doesn’t work out, move on and reassess your choices.

[@raiii5]

yasss, because im going to the 9th and im obsessed with art and my mom was telling me she knows I wouldn’t like art school because they teach you about old history, I love free-styling when it comes down to art, my favorite thing to paint is a sunset. but yes, middle school doesn’t teach you nothing about how worse high school is going to be and high school doesn’t teach you nothing or prepare you for college.

[@lavender-rex]

first! i love to make art, and i would want to have a professional career, but i couldnt find a job that i could do professionally. also slayyy i love your art

[@brettpaint]

I totally understand! There are so many ways to start monetizing your art, but it can be super difficult 😢I’m right there with you

[@a-edits4172]

Im from the Philippines, and hopefully will attend an art/animation school in australia this year. I am scared and nervous because my art skills as of now are still subpar, but I do have hope in the future that I will surely get better and be able to express myself in my own way! You seem very energetic and fun to be with. I hope I get to meet people like you in the future!

[@liaa45]

Hiii there! If you don't mind me asking, which college are you going to attend and what course major? I'm also trying to find art colleges to go to

[@a-edits4172]

​@@liaa45 if you have the money, you can try billy blue or victoria uni. Deakins also has it i think. I am still torn on whether i should take 2D or 3D animation. Ill probably go for Griffith, Torrens, SAE, or AIT RMIT is good too for making connections

[@kattsa_ki]

I really appreciate you sharing your opinions on this topic as I’ll be going into college soon and have been doing so much research cause I’m so nervous 😅 Art school has always been a plan for me but I always hear very contradicting things from various people, and not having solid facts is so scary to me. Your views alone have definitely helped my thoughts for my own future and I want to thank you. I wish the best for your future ❤

[@katelinbrown6390]

the chairs at my school are the worst things i have ever experienced. i’m glad to hear that it’s not just me who feels so passionate about hating them💗

[@UnchartedStar]

I started at a community college and im thinking of going to a public university instead of an art school😅 its too expensive and I wanted to double major in animation and illustration. Sometimes art school isnt for everyone and im glad you made this video!

[@manny7662]

smart move. That's what I did!

[@jelly.cupzzz]

how is everything now ?

[@mya1207]

I think it definitely depends on the school you go to! I got to SAIC which is an art school. The school focuses very heavy on conceptual work and I would say is bad for jobs unless you’re in design fashion or architecture. However the school does prepare you very well to work in galleries but um that’s all they do!! They are so gallery heavy they don’t prepare you to function if you don’t plan on going into galleries (like me!). And yes it’s VERY expensive and you have to pay for all of your own supplies which is very expensive. I can’t really speak on loneliness because I am in the video department but being in art school like you said does give you opportunities to collaborate with other artists and I know at least at SAIC they are very helpful if you want to publish art books and magazines or put your work in art galleries run by the school. The biggest cons for me though at SAIC is the price, the weak course-load (because I’m used to being so academic just doing art leaves me with a lot of spare time and my course-load feels small despite taking five classes per semester ) and yes job opportunity post graduation. You really need to have goals and a plan on your future going into school and if it’s not working you need to transfer asap especially at SAIC because we do not have grades (it’s pass or fail basically as long as you make something you pass) and most of our classes do not have transferable credits. But the resources like you said are great and at SAIC if we graduate we actually do keep access to some of them!! Thank you for this video, these were so helpful when I was applying and they’re still helpful while I’m in school now.

[@stichforlife1237]

OH MY GOD! I really really want to get into SAIC. I plan on applying for Fall 2023. Reading thru your comment definitely cemented somethings for me but also left me with more thoughts. I plan on going into fine art and my main goal is doing gallery work (Trust and believe I’ve heard every complaint about going into gallery work from my parents but it’s something I want to do). I know you’re doing video but I was wondering if you would be open to talking about teachers and how open they are to helping you find connections or even when you were applying what did you find worked best. Honestly, I’m open to any info anybody has😅. Oh, only if you would want to though. Thank you!

[@brettpaint]

SAIC looks like such a fun time omg I have a friend that goes there and they LOVE IT. Also Nick Cave is a professor there right? I absolutely loveeee Cave's work! Thank you for the supportttt ily

[@sad_since_yesterday]

I chose 11th and 12th grade arts, thinking that it would benefit me since I was dead set on pursuing arts as a career, especially fine arts. And I did experience all the "I need to do it the way my teacher wants" thing. I remember getting my portfolio approved by both my teachers and there was a clear difference in their opinions. One of them liked something that the other didn't. This gave me a lesson I really needed to learn, that a fine arts degree would not be the best for me. I couldn't create anything for myself for 2 years because I had to finish my assignments on time. I'm now thinking about film making or fashion design. I always support people who aspire to be artists but it's true that you shouldn't put yourself in a situation like this if you're not serious about pursuing it a career because it's mentally [ and physically :') ] draining or if you cannot afford it.

[@thebakagirl5293]

That is so true. Art has to be one of the most expensive and draining routes. And we get payed less than we deserve. It’s just sad. I’m really scared about finishing high school ngl. Idk where am I applying. I’d like to study outside my country but idk if I can

[@sad_since_yesterday]

@@thebakagirl5293 I'd suggest you find what you like to do first. If you like digital art or even traditional art, go for animation, graphic design or communication design as a major. If you're into crafting go for product design or textile/fashion etc. My suggestion would be to try to relate your degree with your passion in a way that it makes you money (i.e. is an in-demand skill like graphic design) and proves to be worth it in terms of tuition, time and energy spent. I hope you get admitted on scholarship, Best of luck for the future! :)

[@thebakagirl5293]

@@sad_since_yesterday thank you! I’ll prob try to apply for Design, Animation and Digital Art in Barcelona. So far it’s prob my best shot. I just really have to focus this school year and most likely say goodbye to a few nights of sleep 😭

[@shh....]

I really like fine arts but you know the financial struggle scares me and I'm not even that good which means chances of getting a job would be super low.. what do I do😭😭😭😭

[@sad_since_yesterday]

@@shh.... Art is a skill more than a talent. Don't worry, you'll do great as long as you're consistent and open to learning new techniques. I know finance is a big part of the equation, but you shouldn't hold back if you think fine arts will be a good major for you. Additionally, you can maybe go for graphic arts. At most you'll need a laptop and a few additional specifications in it, which are not as expensive as constantly buying materials for fine arts classes. You can then go for painting or drawing etc as a minor subject so it doesn't become a financial burden for you.

[@ScriptorMan]

Also, make sure you aren't Austrian or German. This is really important.

[@sunny__johanna]

Thank you so much Brett this is literally the most helpful and real art school advice I’ve heard in years :)

[@doukzu]

Thanks for the pros and cons! I almost went to an art college, I REALLY wanted to go to RCAD for game art, but I realized at the end of the day not going into debt was my best choice so I'm just chilling in my last semester of community college before I transfer to UCF for game design. One thing I have noticed is that even at community college- professors are passionate about their field! That's why they're professors! Whether it's art or painting, most of my teachers just want people to learn what they love. I figure an art school has more competent art professors ofc, but I haven't gone to one to know lmao.

[@geometricevolution]

I'm 47 years old and an artist who didn't really get too serious until about my 30's. I started a double major in studio art in college, but didn't finish it because it was taking too long. Part of me feels like I wish I would have finished the art degree, but for reasons you mentioned, I'm not sure it would have been worth it. I am almost finished paying my student loans, so Brett's most important point is don't do it if you're going to go into debt! For the last 4-ish years I've had the opportunity to work at art full time, and I also started a KZbin channel. I really appreciate Brett's channel because I feel like there aren't many GOOD fine art KZbinrs who are also men (definitely up for recommendations!). My skills have increased very much in this time, but my practice has been extremely limited because I've been living abroad and move a lot, so I limit my materials to what I can carry from country to country. The abundance of resources of art school really allow you to experiment and play, but they also allow you to remain relatively unfocused. Limited resources have the ironic effect of forcing you to focus and innovate. I just thought I would add a little perspective from someone a bit older, because the long-term pros/cons will end up being more significant. I'll end this by saying that I've recently started working full-time again, in design, and I'm still trying to work on art, but it's HARD y'all. But what can I say, I missed making money.

[@brettpaint]

wow this is so eye opening for real! Love hearing about your experience and journey. thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment and for your support 💕

[@geometricevolution]

@@brettpaint thanks for your reply! 🤩I would love if you took a look at my channel, if you have time. Would love to be your artbro.

[@Im-silly-goober]

I’m planning to try and get a scholarship, I’ve had good grades my whole life but I’m still in middle school I hope this plan reaches out to collage. But the fact of the matter is that you’re one of the only people that actually has showed both pros and cons and the things that come with it. The finance, the way it messes up your posture (Mines already is terrible but😂) the fact that it’s lonely at times, but the pros are Absolutely amazing, the diversity, the amazing people that come with it. The resources you get, (arts and educational), I watched this video and think I still might have a shot! But more things is that you should definitely keep good relationships with everyone in that class. The art (Especially animators) community is so small. You’re probably going to work with them. AND POST THAT SHIT! How are you meant to get called too if your keeping your art to yourself??

[@denandagain]

THANK U SM FOR THIS VIDEO! For a while now I've had nooo idea what I wanted to go to college for. I knew I wanted something art related but I couldn't figure out for the LIFE of me what I wanted. WATCHING THIS VIDEO HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH!! I was thinking at first maybe studying illustration, but I know many people who are illustrators and they didn't go to college, which left me feeling stuck. Now after ur video I'm definitely thinking of taking graphic design because of how u said that it can give more job options and I can also combine it with my illustrations I make. Ik this wasn't the point of ur video but I just wanted to let u know that this has helped me SO MUCH even tho it wasn't the topic of your video ❤❤

[@pasteldumpster]

I'm already in art school but your videos remind me why I love it and why I love creating so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@brettpaint]

that warms my heart so much thank you omg 💕 sending you all the good energy

[@h0823]

I love your videos brett they really inspire me to do art more. Im 14 and ive just started painting so im pretty bad at it but your videos give me so much ideas and i just generally love you because you're inspiring so much people!

[@brettpaint]

aww thank you so much! i believe in you !!!

[@consutopia]

I went to art school myself and damn you're spilling facts. I really loved it but it's not worth it :) I lost creativity too but I'm on my way to find it again. Love your content! x

[@alstroemeriamorada]

This video was actually so thorough and insightful thank you

[@adalade_22]

you are my favorite youtuber and your art inspires me so much! I'm excited to go to art school someday, thank you so much for all of your amazing art and efforts!

[@brettpaint]

ILY 💕

[@adalade_22]

@@brettpaint ILYTTT 😭🤚🤍

[@GregorioBravo06]

First off, love your art work, your processes, and thank you for overall being an awesome individual. Second, thank you for creating this video it was very informative. I was planning to apply for my MFA in illustration this upcoming school year and after talking to one of the professors for one of the schools, he me reflect upon my decision. I decided to wait a little more until I was ready to apply. Just like how you said, art school is a HUGE commitment. I was aware that it was going to take time from you but didn’t realize it was to the point that it would be challenging to have a job on the side to continue gaining income. I left a job my last year as an undergrad just because my availability was really hard to meet due to my classes and it made it so challenging when it came to buying more supplies and other necessities 😅 did not want to experience that again. I’m just going to continue to work my skills and abilities in the meantime until I decide when I feel ready to apply for my MFA. Thank you again Brett for this informative video! ❤️

[@brettpaint]

LOVE THAT! corporate/regular jobs are lowkey underrated for artists and aren't talked about as much as they should. Im all here for what you're doing 😤

[@kyragregory6471]

I currently go to art school and I am in my second semester as a freshman. I'm majoring in animation. I was intimidated by art college dropouts who go on and on about how it's a scam and they hated it. Though it can be lonely and very costly, I have realized going to art college has opened more doors for me in the industry than if I were to go to a public university. The professors are more hands-on with you and you can bond to them easier because the classes are smaller. I am doing so much more courses that are geared towards my major compared to my friend, who is in the same major but at university, and much more ahead than her when it comes to skill level because of it. Art schools generally pop out professional artists because they dont have courses that are general ed vs at uni where you usually dont start your art courses until your junior year.

[@danielapetkova3941]

I basically had the absolute same experience, but in high school (art student) and I can confirm and relate so much, I came here for the nostalgia since I've started college now as a design student. I literally have a male friend who behaves and speaks exactly the same way, it's uncanny 😆😆Oh I miss that environment and those people now

[@artdonebyash1688]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO😭 LITERALLY THANK YOU BRETTTTTTT❣️

[@brettpaint]

YASSs

[@Cismithhh]

This was literally the most helpful thing I’ve seen this year.

[@mymanjohan5101]

Thank you. I'm planning on going to art school next year, and i needed to have someone's perspective on it.

[@静鸣-w7r]

Artists school is the most eligible joy to join

[@1nes_martins900]

I went to art school for 3 years and I'm now going to college, and the thing he said about losing your creativity and sense of self because of grades is 100% true, unfortunately. We get so caught up trying to please the teachers and meeting their expectations that, I personally, lost complete interest in drawing at all. But! Its not permanent. As soon as I graduated I started drawing again for myself, spent the summer working on little projects that made Me happy and it was amazing. So stay positive🤞🏻

[@froufroudeluxe]

Watching this as someone who graduated art school is cathartic

[@wabadoochi]

Dude, thank you so much for making this video. I’m 16 and struggling to figure out a path to take in life. I’ve always been super creative, my dad is a full time painter and I’ve always been interested in going to Art School but I’ve had some doubts. This made me chill out and realize theirs so much more to art than painting and I am kind of looking forward to trying out photography, filming, sculpture, etc. I think I’m gonna end up going to Art School and this made me feel a lot better about my future. Thank you 🫶 (also your art is amazing and has inspired me to make several pieces. You’re awesome :) )

[@mosquitocroissant]

I’m also 16, and my dad is also kind of an artist (he’s a photographer) and I have to say it’s nice to see other 16 year old artists who are wondering if art is the path to take. So you’re not in this alone!

[@wabadoochi]

@@mosquitocroissant that’s so cool, I hope you end up doing whatever you love :)

[@wisteria_asmr_]

Haha I’m 16, almost 17, and same thing happening. I love art but dk if I could make a living off of just art. I was thinking maybe art teacher or art therapist and photo in the side. Lmk if you make a decision! And remember everyone has a diff path, you don’t need to know exactly what you’re going to do when you get out of hs

[@thectrqueenmedina92]

This is really helpful because I am getting a free associates degree in digital graphic design in high-school and I want to decide now if art school is right for me.

[@PomitusTV]

Im German, Tutorial not work properly, im now in an Munich Pub talking about some Jewish People.

[@afraidofwhattheyllsay]

This was sOOOO helpful!! thank you for sharing your experience! I want to go to UK for fine arts and art schools are absolutely different where I live, so I mostly know the glorified version of western schools, so now I kinda know better what to await from the art universities. you also made me reconsider the importance of higher education in arts, I still will be getting it, I hope, but my brain stopped seeing it as the final step of my education and I understood that I should probably think farther than just uni, thank you again!!!

[@brettpaint]

omg im so glad!! im rooting for you 😤

[@raeshawnshannon1155]

10 out of 10 my guy you have inspired a 19-year-old again🥰 thank you

[@juliaadamusiak5948]

hey, I'm living in Poland and I will finish my high School in 2 years ( Im 16 yo ) I do seriously art for 2 years almost. Everyone says to me that :,, Yeah Julia you should go to art school, your portraits are soo good.´´ etc. Since then, I started to think about art school seriously. I also started considering to study art abroad. Of course here are also good art schools in Poland, but because I was living in germany for 9 years, I have more possibilities and I really want to achieve smth yk? And I guess art schools abroad are much better than in Poland. I know I have 2 years ahead of me, but still I don't know in what direction I want to focus. Anyways, thank you for your video :)) It really made me thinking and let me see your point of view :D 🤎

[@strudelh]

I wanna go to art school so bad, but my grades in high school were the worst. I don't know whether to just go and apply (specifically MICA lol, but any art school), or do community college to get my grades up. But I also don't wanna wait 2 years....😭

[@brettpaint]

oooo i would just apply and see what happens but community college is a fantastic option! I was going to do that if I didn't get enough money from my school!

[@carzia_speed2235]

I’ve chosen to do community college and I have super good grades and a 3.8 gpa. It’s because I don’t wanna use my dads loan for an over expensive school so I prefer to transfer and personally I’m not ready to go to a university or art school yet

[@strudelh]

@@carzia_speed2235 Yeah I thought the same thing too.. I don’t think I’m ready yet, I need to improve my art a little bit as well. Transfering seems like the better option, I just have to be patient lol but at least I’ll be more prepared, plus I get to save some money.

[@jazartuart]

I believe you can get into SCAD w low grades

[@dodhslsvamava]

i am studying in an art university in Ukraine and they do tell about how to work with galleries and stuff. I am studying icon art and they even take the best of students to draw on churches

[@silverhandsan]

I just started art school today and your point about the "chairss" is soo true!! Literal scrap metal stools my back is already broken

[@dollyrex]

crossing yourself before doing any graphic print is so real-

[@amynicole4630]

At least you get seats to sit on in crits. Art school in Australia we gotta stand for the entire 3 hours and then the other 2 hours when it goes overtime 🙈

[@brettpaint]

NO WAY

[@mojavih3027]

Around 6:20, you mentioned gravitating towards art avenue that has gained followers & fame for that artist. Students need to ask themselves, is it the fame/celebrity/influencer status their chasing OR the actual artwork itself. It’s ok if it’s both or strictly for the fame. The more honest the student is regarding their motive, the less confusing it is

[@dwuddle]

AHAHA YES I took printmaking last semester…the paper I got was literally $100 and I ended up not using most of it. Have to take advanced printmaking next year so that should be fun 🙄

[@liv9413]

Thank you so much for this video now I will like really prepare myself for art school and if I even want to go there

[@loanicastillo3327]

I agree. You are super accurate. I hope this video impact Millions.

[@msspynoodle6505]

I am doing self study on illustration. I want to make a manga one day. I started the beginning of 2023. I bought all the books and courses I think I need. And I am now doing research on what I think might help me in the future, like marketing. I will give myself 1 year and see how far I get.

[@CookiehsAndDreams]

As someone wanting to become a graphic designer, I'm completely torn between going to a university that specializes in art, or going to a regular college that just so happens to have a graphic design program. I'm torn between giving myself a credible background for job applications by going to an art school, or having the regular college experience and it's all something that's been eating away at me for a while.

[@toocasual]

all art school chairs suck. except in graphic design. lol

[@brettpaint]

SO REAL

[@seezymount]

i got accepted to an art university for free and now im going to study pedagogy of fine arts. this is not my dream specialization, but i am still over the moon with happiness. exploring psychology, pedagogy and fine arts at once is so amazing

[@LightingBoy_]

Just remember if you fail art school you can always become a politician in Germany or Austria!

[@AvantTune]

I failed art school and did you know what I did next?

[@ryderwilsons]

Get to work😁

[@test-ot1fz]

Politics

[@jakubpociecha8819]

You became the Chancellor of Germany

[@StxtchKiss]

The way I’ve been stressing my ass out about my commitment to SCAD Atlanta 😭 I wanna do what I love because that office 9-5 looks like hell but I also don’t wanna be flat ass broke and in debt neither. CS isn’t really the go to move anymore because it’s really over saturated and every major tech company is laying off people by the hundreds. SCAD also places us in really good jobs or allows us to intern with fortune-500 companies too. Ughh so much to think about. But ur video helped ease the burden a tad.

[@elllie3630]

I am already in university doing another course about doing xrays. When you said about the money I thought it was interesting cause here the government covers the all the tution fees 🙈 With my course 2 months in you start going to the hospital so you are prepared for when you graduate

[@brettpaint]

omg no way thats so cool!

[@sketchbookscheming]

Very interesting (coming from someone who never had any interest in art school). The cons sounded rough, but then the pros sounded pretty great. "They're just adding adjectives at this point"

[@brettpaint]

ahhh i appreciate you and your comment 💕

[@alinatr2693]

I would like to become an art therapist and help people in rehabilitation clinics, but i don't really know how to become one and how the course is structured, i assume psychology is also part of it and you have to study soo long,like..I have bills to pay and I'm not healty enough to do both

[@zerif1659]

I really want to do art, but I’m new and I would have to learn quick. It is very scary for me, but I’m very interested in it. Just afraid ig

[@brettpaint]

Ahhhhh I would recommend just trying to start! I got into it pretty late (junior year of high school and a lot more serious freshman year in college) but I absolutely love it!

[@Totallyfine29_]

paper sheets are fucking expensive i can approve this as an architecture student 💸💸💸

[@brettpaint]

RIGHT

[@Lunaholic94]

Art school does improve you a lot. Art schools don't care how good you draw or paint but how you work on your art and perceive it. And most importantly they have to be interesting and original

[@princelupingamer9395]

Thank you so much for making this video. Im currently applying for art school, and thanks to this video. I am now considering entering into the world of politics Incase i got rejected.

[@safatkarim630]

Fuhrer!

[@soulcatproductions]

About the money, if you can just go to Europe. In many countries it’s only a few hundred per semester. The one I’m applying for in Switzerland is 800

[@Itz_Tahshin_]

i feel bad for making my dad agree to this lmfao. i cant afford it i just got in class 6 ..but good thing he was cool with it from the start.

[@mxpujasingh]

Oooh the tea is piping hot! 💗

[@DragonKnight401]

What do you plan to do after art school monetary wise? Will you be applying for regular jobs and doing art on the side or is your intention to fully focus on art?

[@brettpaint]

I am going to try to go into corporate and see if it's for me! But I also don't want to waste my chance at freelance/independent small business with the videos I'm putting out now. Definitely keeping my options open 💕

[@Its_Astronomy]

Thank you so much for this video❤ it was very helpful:) I’ve been thinking about going to art school one day (I’m only 13 now😅) and I know it’s probably not going to happen but it just sounds like an amazing and educational experience. At my school I took an art class for a semester where a Art professor gave us lessons on drawing with charcoal every week. She told me after class that she thought that I was at a much higher level then the rest of the people in the class (ages 12-16) and that she really thinks I should presume in art. ever since she said that my confidence has been much higher❤

[@brettpaint]

I BELIEVE IN YOU

[@RoopaDudleyPaintings]

Your art is attractive and insightful. Gifted artist.

[@ethanhu5711]

YO BRETT, its been suuuuch a long time. Dunno if you remember me or not, but you popped up in my reccomendations! Good to see you

[@dare_he_is]

I went to community college and went in as a studio arts major.. I have my associates but when you said that you lose your sense of self in terms of style and identity because you’re so concerned with your grades or professors.. I felt that deeply. I’ve been wanting to go back to school and maybe pursue it again but become a art teacher while doing art on the side n do commissions.. I live in a small cow town and after school I just went straight to work because I paid for everything out of pocket. I’m now working at a cheese factory and trying to figure out what to pursue in terms of my bachelors more for a career route.. I’ve been trying to practice often but working 50+hours a week is tough. I need to practice again and improve my technique. This cow town college was so limited on who I could learn from. There was one professor I went to that inspired me to want to work for a company like Nickelodeon, CN, Disney, Pixar etc. since he was a animator and story board artist for films like Brave, Big Hero 6, Moana, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hercules. I just feel a bit lost at the moment

[@tmann986]

So glad I didn’t major in art. That was something was advised in high school lol

[@CrispNuggs]

At this point, I already got some shit to deal with so might as well suffer cuz WOO!!

[@alymonet2582]

The stools oh my god, I’ve never related more. 😂

[@brettpaint]

IT BE LIKE THAT

[@mercedesmartinez4430]

Omg someone finally said something about the stools, it’s not just me 😂

[@brettpaint]

LOL im glad I'm not alone

[@nox__7646]

Please let me rant a bit, skip if not interested :) so I've always loved painting, drawing and art in general but never felt like I deserved to go to art school bcz 1.it felt like I never put in enough effort to improving my artskills and 2. I was basically scared I wouldn't be good enough, get crushed by the competition, comparison or critique, and was also convinced was never going to be good enough so I shouldn't even try. So I ran away from a good option and ended up majoring in biology, didn't even try for design school when there was a chance, and now everyday I wonder if it was the right choice. My bestfriend is doing architecture and she loves it but says it also sucks- not cost effective, no sleep, too much work, basically every con mentioned here+ more, so she tells me not to regret not going to artschool because it's 50-50 worth-it and not-worth-it but sometimes I wonder if it would've been better to go into art or design because I haven't touched a paintbrush in months and miss art, but there's school and classes and assignments and tests and no time and I don't know why I'm doing bio or if I even like it anymore, if it'll help me have a good career or anything, so now it's like I'm worried about all the things I thought I'd have to stress over if I went to artschool, even without ever going to artschool so what was the point anyway? Atleast if I'd picked arts over science, I could've had existential crisis while doing something I loved, instead of now, doing something I'm not sure I like or dislike, and still having an existential crisis anyway

[@brettpaint]

ahhh thank you for such a thoughtful comment I absolutely love this because its exactly how i feel haha. I go back and forth if its worth it or not and that existential crisis + dread is SO REAL HAHAH

[@s04p11]

Thank you for making this video!! In my country, you have to choose what you want to study in university and study it in high school and it sucks because I'm a super indecisive person and I overthink a lot 😭😭 I'm in my last year of middle school at the moment (9th grade) and they have a program for 9th graders as a guidance of what to take in high school if you're still unsure and it doesn't help at all. My parents want me to go into the field which gives me a stable life/money/independence or it just helps my future: sciences and math (technologies). The only thing I'm good at (somewhat) is art and sadly, in my country, art will get you nowhere. I'm horrible at math and physics and geometry and stuff like that, I'm a person who enjoys history, geography, art and languages over math and physics and sometimes biology :( I love art but I don't think I'm amazing at it. I want to become an anthropologist or someone that studies cultures and how people live. I absolutely hate traveling, I'm not a people person and I don't come from a wealthy family but I'd give up all of that just to be able to study abroad on how people live or used to live. I hate law, psychology, finance, economics whatever, those require so much thinking and I don't feel fit to have those jobs :C I wish money didn't matter, I would totally just become a librarian or a stay at home mom if that was the case.

[@manuucosta7619]

you're just like me, I really wanted to go to art school or be a zoologist but none of both gives you a financial stable life in my country, and I'm worrying sooo much about it because I'm going to my first year in high school. I want to start things NOW, like do comissions and stuff so in the future I already have a secure budget to start things more freely, but I'm so insecure about my art and art supplies are really expensive here. This is just me dumping my feelings honestly

[@leafbrainz]

Thanks so much for this, I’m torn between going to SAIC or going to a university to major in design :’)

[@lapassion24]

One more thing i forgot to say, you have shown a lot of strength, i dont see failure , but I see that you are able to go through this and give clear information out there, another word it’s about hard work & kissing asses .. if I watch this coming from a girl struggling , it would be the same , so I see you pulling this through in that to me is very masculine!! ; )

[@ronjohnson4566]

state-supported schools are a great way to go for most if not all "careers". And, you will get the same if not better instruction and equipment. And, if you have been to most state or private art schools, many of your fellow students don't listen to a word the teacher says. Art History is a great nap time. Figure drawing, basic painting or 3d is a great time to skip class and enjoy the beautiful weather. Especially on a warm sunny spring day. A nap in the grass. After your first year in art school you will probably understand a lot more about yourself. Especially if you are away from home. Missing your HS buddies, Friday Sat, Wedn, and Thursday are get-drunk days, if you're smarter than your instructors or if you say I don't need to paint because I'm going to be a fashion designer. Stop. Maybe art school is a different type of education. I think you need a certain type of mind with a certain need. Who knows why it happens or doesn't. Most art is tactile, mind-opening or closing, daydream positive. And, you should love being alone talking to yourself. For me, art school was a perfect match. my hillbilly mind became a knowledge-seeking hillbilly mind. It's a wonderful life.

[@lapassion24]

You good at this , painting !!

[@lapassion24]

I’m just looking at your right now , as you talking !! 😄😄😄