How can an art school help me in my future?

Question

Hiya, I'm 13, looking to get into an art high school soon. I'm just thinking lately about it. A lot of people I've met have said that there are no good careers to do with art, and that taking all these courses is a waste of time. Is this true? what types of careers can you do after going to an art high school, or what further schooling can you move onto from there? Does going to an art school improve your chances? By this I don't mean just what you learn, but does art high school really make a resume look better? What do you do after an art-based high school? Am I better off leaving art as a hobby? I really want some opinions or maybe some other peoples' stories on this. Has anybody gone to art school and has it helped you in life? Is it worth it?

Thanks for any help in advance! ^-^

Answer 1

If you feel that art is more than a hobby for you then you should absolutely try to go to an arts high school. All high schools have the same basic requirements within your state so it's not like you won't take math or english - you'll just have much more opportunity to take classes in what you love. The majority of arts schools also offer advanced, honors and AP classes too, though maybe not the same amount (really depends on where you live). If you decide to continue your education in Art, the experiences you have at an arts school will help you immensely. You will build a portfolio and have the help of advisers and teachers who understand the schools you want to apply to far better than their colleagues at normal high schools. As for jobs after your education it's really not possible to say. It depends on how much you dedicate yourself to becoming an artist and how marketable that art is. You could always continue with  a master's degree in art history or arts management if you feel you cannot be successful as a working artist. At any rate, you are at an age where you should feel free to follow any path that you think might lead to happiness. You can always change your mind...

Answer 2

There is big pay in advertising and graphic design and special schools after high school for these.

I would wait and see how your talents develop. People who do portraits of humans and animals are in demand. But the average painter doesn't do all that well.

If nothing else it will make you a well rounded person.