Thinking of doing a Fine Art Degree? Advice for Students

I DID NOT EXPECT THIS VIDEO TO BE SO LONG. I apologise this is my first "informative" video so I hope to get better after some practice.
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Should you do an art degree?
This video is for students who are interested in what a fine art degree actually offers and are thinking of going down a more creative route for their career. I'm currently an artist living in China and graduated from the university of the arts London in 2018. I plan on doing (shorter) videos on other topics such as doing a foundation course, whether traditional training is relevant in a contemporary context and more.
I hope this video had some information valuable to the few that may watch it.
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Camera: Canon EOS 80D and Mi Mix 3 Phone
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[@TomasFolanHasici]

Recently started a series on what you actually do each year in Fine Art - I've displayed the playlist on my channel for those interested!

[@nadianilforoushan1859]

Thank you for posting this video, there is a lack of uk uni advice for artists on KZbin. Most of it is American art school stuff. Many thanks from London

[@TomasFolanHasici]

@@nadianilforoushan1859 Trying to fill that gap haha, you're welcome!

[@splinterbyrd]

I graduated from an especially crappy UK art school with a third class in fine art age 22; the tutors thought I was useless. Five years later I was exhibiting a portrait at the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

I really don't think the arts care about qualifications at all lol. If your portfolio is strong and you know how to get attention you'll win.

[@mainguyen626]

I had similar experience as you ! :)

[@eshsond7390]

Only a few minutes in and already thankful for this video! As a second year a level fine art student trying to decide in a career in English or fine art this is very helpful!

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Very glad this is useful for some 😁 feel free to message me if you wanted to ask anything else.

[@hifi8844]

This is what happened to me 10 years ago lol. Everything you said in the video had a good final show but like I done the wrong things went to a North East uni with little art scene in area, little connections. I loved fine art and still have my original work. I've had to now leave the scene totally behind. I wish you the best of luck though its a very hard career one of the hardest ever becoming a well known artist luck definitely plays a part right place right time.

[@Menachen_Gaming]

Some really great advice here, you really pointed out the facts of uni, everyone should listen to this. A lot of people don’t understand that they don’t teach at uni and there comes the problem as well as doing it when they don’t need to for their actual job. I’m doing my second year only because I want to be a art teacher, if it weren’t for that I would just do freelance without one.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Appreciate the comment, thanks 😄 all the best for your degree and teaching career 👍

[@Subhechhabhatta]

The video is indeed resourceful and kind of an eye opener . Thank you so much . Please keep posting such videos . It would be really helpful.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Glad that it could help a bit 😄 thank you, I plan to keep going 👍

[@aishamalik4602]

Thank you for all the insights & useful tips, just watched a bunch of your videos! :D I’ve been considering doing Fine Art in Oxford -as an undergraduate, although i only have less than a week now to decide and apply. Art is the only subject that throughout my whole life has never disappointed me, the one subject i didn’t mind spending all my time into to achieve the highest possible grade by being able to fully portray my skills as a pay off. I absolutely love painting & acrylics and colours, i have a really good sense of visuals & aesthetics too. Truly what i have always loved doing the most since the age of 3 + I’m deeply passionate about & acknowledged of. I have always excelled & done art throughout my whole education life (moved from Italy to the UK still excelled). I did GCSE Art too achieved a 9, but i didn’t choose to do it as an A level as i didn’t want to go through the insane stress just for a grade again, as art means more to me. My main career path was to be a CEO of my own creative company - having sub categories for different sectors e.g. cinematography film, animation , literature, music & so on to be able to inspire people. Hence i did GCSE Business & had this realisation that i could combine all my skills into one place, which led me to choose it as an Alevel too, but that’s the only reason, as i couldn’t give up on Art - being the skill that I’m most good at. Oxbridge doesn’t offer business related undergraduate courses, hence why i thought i should major my first degree in fine art - as it’s something i love doing, and do my post graduate in business leadership. The problem is i am unsure on whether i should do a degree in art and get back into the overwhelming stress, by working intensely on art again after 2 years+, i did miss doing art as a subject during the time. I think it’s frustrating how a majority of prestigious unis do not offer creative+business related courses, as that’s what i was looking towards. Another problem is that I don’t have an art portfolio to display, besides all the GCSE high quality works and external unfinished projects i did / sketches. You have mentioned in a video to look over the “feel of the environment”, sadly with the virus situation that can’t happen :(, which has led me into even more confusion as i have been relying over my past experiences with the subjects & youtube videos + google. As you mentioned in the video about the “27000£”, i thought about whether do i really need a degree in Art to portray the already known fact that i have the skills to do art. Hence why another reason why i wasn’t considering doing art at first as a degree. Art has been my “comfort-home subject” for years, hence why with the virus situation right now, i would be better at studying & doing art as I’m most skilled & acknowledged of, while figuring out more business- career related during my free times as a next step, as my ideas change all the time. It is just pretty difficult to make a decision, without any help / open days :(. Sorry for the lengthy comment

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Drop me a dm on Instagram? I might be able to help you get an idea of what direction might be right for you.

[@zipporah_Art]

Tomas, I like your presenting style. Very calm and informative. Peppered with top tips too. As a mature student about to start BA in Fine Art this autumn I have appreciated this insight. I am glad to hear I can work from my home studio without it having a detrimental impact on my studies. As soon as galleries open I am going to be giving out save the date for my degree show cards ( homemade of course 😂 ) thanks again look forward to more content.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Great to hear 😄 yeah I can't wait for galleries to open again. All the best for your studies! 😎

[@2809kean]

Hi Tomas, Thank you so much for making such informative video. I am from Malaysia and planning to get my BA in Fine Art in the London.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

You're welcome! 😄

[@kelciusminor423]

I’m thinking about getting my Masters in Fine Arts in Drawing. This was informative btw. I’ve been drawing for most of my life and looking to do more with my art.

[@justmedemian6040]

this helped me a lot thank u

[@jorgegoncalves286]

Hey, great video. I feel very lost when it comes to choosing my career path, so I am thinking of pursuing fine arts for how immersive it is, I've also looked into illustration and animation yet I'm not sure wich way to follow. Could u comment a lil bit in various art courses. Also, do you have any tips on wich uni to choose Thanks for everything

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Illustration and animation will likely be a lot more structured than fine art. Fine art is essentially complete freedom to do whatever you want so you need to think about whether your working style suits an environment like that. As for the universities, talk to students that are already doing the course you want to do, it's the best way to get an honest opinion on the course. Always look at the specifcs of the courses and go and see the environment you'll be working in.

[@nadianilforoushan1859]

Basically I finished my foundation year at uni (4 year course) and now I feel like not continuing. I realise I am better off as an artist than an art student (Fine Art BA). I have the talent and potential and know that having tutors to nurture that can help immensely. However, I have always done my best work tight/ over deadlines, and in a nutshell realise I do my best rebelling against any deadlines. Right now think it’s best I just work on becoming an artist rather than doing an intensive course at uni where I don’t think I am capable. In a nutshell, I realise I am more of an artist rather than an art student

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Having self awareness is key when making these kinds of decisions, doing or not doing a degree will depend on each individual situation so - all the best!

[@nadianilforoushan1859]

Tomas Folan-Hasici thank you and stay home :)

[@jhb61249]

In the USA, there are numerous degrees that are oriented to the visual arts. BA with a major in art history. Typically 1 year of study. BA with a major in studio art. Typically 1 year of study. BFA in studio art. (A professional art degree.) Typically 4-5 years of study. MA in Art History. Typically 1 year of study. MA in studio art. Typically 1 year of study. MFA in studio art. (A terminal fine art professional degree often thought to be equivalent to PhD.) Typically 3 years of study. For bachelor degrees, admission widely varies, but typically there is no specific requirements for beginning classes, but a portfolio review and acceptance is required for upper level classes. For masters level degrees, admission requires the usual portfolio plus certain basic bachelor's level art course equivalents if not an art degree. Also additional graduate level courses may be required beyond basic degree requirement as make up or supportive work. By the way, much like your experience, I found myself living and working in Seoul, Korea: a special experience. I earned 5 degrees. I worked in many positions in many capacities. Only one time did I ever have to prove I had a degree in order to be hired. I only needed references.

[@catcat1526]

I figure out that art teacher can be a good way to save career.

[@ENUFF_]

Hi Tomas, thank you for this video! It was very informative. Also I think that it's awesome that you are now in China, well done! I am interested in watching the foundation course video you said you will upload soon so looking forward to that (subscribed). I have a question too... I am currently 22 years old and considering going to Uni at UAL for similar reasons you did; to study painting and to do it in the City of London of course. However, I will be 24 yrs old when I start the foundation. My question is how old were you when you started? Cheers

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Wow glad it was helpful! I'll try to do that foundation video asap then 😄 I was 20 when I started my foundation, feel free to ask anymore questions if you need more info. Thanks for the sub!

[@ENUFF_]

Tomas Folan-Hasici I do have another question, do you know if it's possible to get a student loan for the foundation and then also for the BA Hons too as you progress onto it? Hope that makes sense :/ thanks again!

[@TomasFolanHasici]

@@ENUFF_ I know some foundations offer buseries to cover fees, my foundation was free for me so unfortunately I have no idea of the process. I don't know if student loans would cover a foundation year, sorry!

[@ENUFF_]

Tomas Folan-Hasici ok cool no worries I'll look into it for sure, thank you!

[@LoscoX]

Fundations are essential for each degree, but mainly for the most practical, like fine arts and formal science degrees (Computer sciences, math,....). The main difference between the two categories is that you can get a fine art degree even without ever having learned about foundations, while after years I'm still struggling to study courses for my CS degree because just now I'm ending studying math and cs foundations (and that's one of the main reasons why formal science students tend to get the higher pay in the job market then).

[@ruchilamichhane1143]

Hey tomas,thank you for making this video I’ve no prior knowledge on art and doing know how to draw or paint as well but I’m intrested in art sector and thinking about joining bachelor in fine art by leaving bachelor in computer science and information technology as i joined this with only purpose of learning graphic designs What do you think is this best idea?

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Dm me on Instagram 👍🏼 @tomasfolanhasici

[@julieholland7051]

Hi Tomas. Could you by any chance show an example and go through and explain the process of a painting assignment/project you got from university? I really would love to do a degree but no one shows you the process what is actually involved!

[@TomasFolanHasici]

You've given me some new video ideas just now xD I'll do a 3 videos on "What you do in Fine Art Year X" for the 3 years. I'll do my best to get hold of the actual structure of the course so I don't miss anything too. For now, just know that the bulk of your time is actually spent alone in your studio space so if you want to prepare I would tell you to try and build as much independence as you can and find a process of working that suits you. (I'll get the first video out asap :D)

[@julieholland7051]

@@TomasFolanHasici Awesome! I really do think your channel is unique on here. Thankyou! I'm looking forward to seeing your next videos. :) Glad I gave you some ideas!

[@creativevibes4490]

""BUT"" is very important in your every videos, I havenoticed😁😁...bcz after that word I find something more important than other stuff...😀👍🏼👍🏼

[@crtanjeislikanje8702]

Thank you!

[@TomasFolanHasici]

You're welcome! 😄

[@RovexHD]

Universities are a business and operate as such. Absolutely not worth the investment. Students at school should be encouraged to pursue other routes like apprenticeships where you’re learning the trade and being financially rewarded for it.

[@rosienicholson1690]

Hey Tomas I am about to embark on my fine art degree. I am interested in becoming a teacher please could you give me some information on how you became a teacher after your degree and how you aimed towards the career. Thank you.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

I think you'll need to do a 1 year course after your degree called a PGC which qualifies you to be a teacher.

[@fatimabhadelia3717]

Hi, I have applied for BA fine arts and I have also got an acceptance on the course but I’m kind of doubting my decision to go for a fine arts degree. I really don’t know what to do now

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Drop me a message on Instagram if you want @tomasfolanhasici

[@fatimabhadelia3717]

Tomas Folan-Hasici I just did that , literally just a second ago . Thankyou !!

[@hifi8844]

I'm a fine art graduate and I will give you some advice straight to the point no bs. The only way your guna make it as a famous artist is number 1. Going to a good university somewhere the art scene is busy like London. 2. connections after university to help you. Otherwise there is teaching but that is not for everyone. I didn't think before I went into a ba hon for me it was a complete waste of time even coming out with a 1st. I would be very careful because like me you will do 3 years and if at the wrong uni where art is not popular in the area or no connections after your going to get nowhere fast. You will have crazy debt hanging over you and I think I will honestly never pay mine back. I've had to actually change career to tattooing now since got nowhere with fine art like many other artists. It's crazy though because I have seen a girl on KZbin didn't come out with a 1st she can barely paint yet she is selling canvas for 20 grand a piece simply because she is from a rich family who got her an art agent. That's what I mean it's more about who you know rather than actual creative talant. So think twice believe me. Seems to be more for the rich and a lot of snobbery in the fine art scene. You won't learnt how to paint or draw you will basically just left to do your own thing creatively they will give you advice that's it. What I really don't understand is why have these courses when there's no jobs at end? Seems like a scam of university to get peoples cash. It can really set people back mislead people in life doing a course like this it's risky. The uni I was at in North east nobody out of 30 students does art anymore after graduating now that's saying something. They have went into different careers because you need to bring money in to live.

[@rosienicholson1690]

hifi 88 what uni did u go to

[@euNechii]

Hello! Could you please recommend any good universities with bachelor degree where they actually competitive and teaches you how to draw? Maybe more classical and academic learning? I wanna learn so bad:)

[@jerendenlar]

Video Game Art & Design 1y (VanArts) or Animation for Film and Games Diploma 2y (CapU)?

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Sorry I have 0 knowledge of either of those courses xD

[@EmilyCate2650]

I’m starting to think about getting an art degree. I grew up doing art. Question - If a degree program in painting doesn’t include teaching you technique, what do they teach? Why is painting technique instruction not automatically included? I’ll know to go through the curriculum with a fine-toothed comb before I choose a school and a degree program.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Majority of fine art courses now have little to no technical lessons at all. It's just not part of the curriculum anymore. The best thing you can do is also talk to students, get a real idea of what they do everyday on the course 👍 Most of the time spent is just "studio time" and conceptual lectures. Tutorials for me were only 20 mins every 5 weeks or so. I have a 3 part video series on what I did in years one two and three if that's helpful!

[@chuanchuan9899]

Really nice outfit. Love it. Is it custom made? :)

[@TomasFolanHasici]

No just a cool outfit I got from taobao in China 😆

[@chrismechery]

Hello Tomas, I have been thinking about getting an art degree for a long time. Because a lot of times people say you don’t need an art degree, but any artist I look up has a minimum of diploma or a degree to their name. I’m from India and I’m a bit confused about art schools and art colleges/university in UK. Is there a difference? Would be helpful if you could clarify. Thanks for the advices through your videos. They are really helpful!

[@RovexHD]

Diplomas are considerably cheaper and usually a year long. Makes far more sense, i think.

[@joaoii1082]

Is UAL any good

[@anastasiawang5441]

Hi. I have one question. I want to study as art critic, but I quite dont understand what subject in college I should choose.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Try and contact as many critics or art magazines as possible and ask them what route you can take. I'd expect critics probably took the "art history" route as it involves more writing but that's just my educated guess haha 😁

[@anastasiawang5441]

@@TomasFolanHasici thanks for reply and advice)

[@TomasFolanHasici]

@@anastasiawang5441 you're welcome 👍

[@williambarrett1234]

How r u able to make a living off of art as of now?

[@ritika7449]

Is their scholarship for the students from abroad in the fine arts fields

[@elenamonastyreva1989]

What University did you attended please? thank you Elena

[@TomasFolanHasici]

I went to UAL Wimbledon.

[@a.h.s75]

I just chosen that😐🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😐

[@ElizahMendoza]

May I know why you chose to be based in China? Is Art thriving there?

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Not where I am currently, but I have a fantastic space to work in and build my portfolio up if I head elsewhere to show my work 😁

[@lunjiahu5159]

@@TomasFolanHasici is it because the cost of living is so much cheaper for artist there?

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Oh much much cheaper than London, also supplies such as canvas stretchers etc are crazy cheap. Expensive paint is still expensive though xD

[@ellalouise615]

Hi, how old were you when you went to uni cause I will be 20 and I'm nervous about being older :/

[@TomasFolanHasici]

Don't worry at all lol. I was literally the same age as you 😆 just think if you met someone on your course 2 years older would you care? I don't remember discussing my age with anyone even once

[@ellalouise615]

@@TomasFolanHasici Thank you so much for your reply I feel more relaxed now! You're right I wouldn't care about someone being older

[@stechriswillgil3686]

No young person should embark on such an endeavour with extremely high risk of no reward at the end of it. Let’s be clear : Fine Art ( in fact Art college in general ) is a LIFESTYLE choice, not a sensible and wise career move ! As long as you understand that from the start then you can accept full responsibility for the consequences. In my opinion, things would be a lot clearer if Art School was outside the mainstream higher education system. Abolish Art ‘ A’ level in schools and stop giving out ‘ Degrees ‘ in Art. That way, young people can see that the course they are embarking on is not on a par with a STEM subject degree. By all means issue a ‘ certificate of attendance ‘ from an Art School but remove the system entirely from UCCAS. Art schools should be on a par with Ballet School. You can’t delude yourself with a ‘ degree ‘ in Ballet and try and apply to join the RAF as an Officer for example !