Is grad school worth it for a painter?

Question

My bachelor is in interior design, I wanna study paintings but I'm not sure if I should go to grad school or just go for some paintings course

Answer 1

If you want to get into a serious painting career that involves heavy heavy concepts about material and process, innovation, multi-media explorations, and $30,000 a year, then go for it. You just have to be prepared with a stunning portfolio (and not necessarily in the traditional technical way).

If you would like to hone your skills as a traditional painter, say with figure and portrait, so that you can sell at art fairs and consignment galleries, then definitely take some continuing ed painting courses at a good school.

It all depends on what you're trying to do with your skills, and what kind of skills you would like to obtain.

Answer 2

First you must be accepted as a candidate for an MFA...Are you ready to submit a portfolio to be judged or did you think it was all your decision? Do you want to study 'Paintings" or pursue painting as a career? Paint something and submit it locally to the community art center for a juried show...you will learn a lot.

Answer 3

If you have a lot of money for grad school and you have a very strong portfolio of great work, then you MIGHT get into an MFA program - they're very selective and only take a few students each year.  Do you want to study painting to develop a career?  Honestly, you don't need an MFA to be a painter.  You need an MFA to become a Painting Professor.  If you don't already have a strong body of work to apply to grad school, chances are slim you'll get in.  I know this now, after applying to many grad schools after getting my BFA in Painting.  It's tough - and now I'm taking the next 3 years to get a STRONG portfolio done to apply...

Answer 4

You need to take more time to figure out what you really want to do. You probably won't get into a painting program if you don't have many paintings to show and have mostly interior design projects under your belt. I would take some time off from school and figure out what you really want to do. Take a few painting classes and see if it is what you want to pursue, painting and art making is not an easy task and unless you just want to end up teaching I wouldn't advise spending time and money into a career that is not only extremely competitive but also a career that does not guarantee any salary beyond high school teacher salary. Maybe art history would be more for you, maybe working in a gallery but not making artwork would be better, explore your options and keep an open mind. You'll find your way, but be careful and don't rush into anything.