Life at Art School vs Regular University.

“What do you mean you don't have exams?”

That is the typical question I'd get from my friends who go to regular universities. Some of my friends who are unfamiliar with art school might perceive my experience in art school as an otherworldly one. Art schools offer a distinct setting and college life in contrast of that offered by regular universities.

However, the differences are what make an art school experience special, fun, and challenging at the same time. Let's take a look at what art schools typically offer as opposed to other colleges.

1. No exams
   As mentioned, there is barely any exam in art schools. The curriculum at art schools is comprised mainly of studio classes, which are core are classes that help you build portfolio. So do we have exams in our studio classes? Instead of exams, we have presentations every week as both our homework and exams. So instead of midterm and final exams, we have midterm and final presentations.


2. No textbook required
   The benefit of going to an art school is, you won't have to worry about carrying a 300-page textbook to classes. Instead of spending the money on textbook, art students spend their money on printing, laser cutting, and buying tools and equipments to create their projects.


3. Portfolio Building
   Portfolio plays a crucial role in designer's career. Art schools help aspiring designers to build their portfolio. The portfolio consists of various projects (portfolio pieces) that will demonstrate designer's conceptual thinking and execution ability. A project is usually conceived from a class chosen by the student. For example, if a graphic design student wants to be a motion designer, then he/she will choose mostly motion design-focused classes to add motion graphic pieces in their portfolio. An entire semester is required to create a strong, portfolio piece. Students are expected to present the project progress weekly (or in every class meeting) before the project comes to a completion at the end of the semester – as delivered through the final presentation.


4. Learn by Doing
   Art schools education focus more on the hands-on skills and less on the theory. Students learn by doing. In studio classes, professors give brief tutorials and examples of past class work as form of lectures. The examples of past class work will serve as inspirations for students to work on their projects. In addition to that, professors tend to push and challenge the students to think out of the box by throwing possible ideas or art direction.


5. Studio as Classroom Setting
   Classrooms in art schools aren't like those of regular colleges. Don't expect to sit in class for hours listening to your professor's lecture. Classrooms in art schools have an interactive studio setting, which means, most of the classroom activity involves students presenting their work (the progress of their project). The studio setting and interaction in class reflects a real-life working studio. This is also a way to prepare students for their career after the graduation. Each presentation is followed by critique session delivered by both the professor and students. The session requires students to participate by throwing ideas to the work presented by their classmate.


6. Small Class
   A studio class normally consists of nine to maximum twenty people. However, having only a few people enrolled creates an engaging class, as that brings students together and strengthen the individual bonds between a student and the professor. With that said, skipping class is nearly impossible! A small class also increases the competitiveness but don't worry, along with it comes motivation and encouragement that you need.


7. Rigorous Lifestyle
   One of the popular myths about art students is that they absolutely have no life. This term refers to students lacking sleep, and even being completely occupied all the time even on the weekends. As a former art student, I can confirm that things can get a bit crazy sometimes, especially on midterms and finals week. However, rigorousness is relative as it all really depends on the class workload and how good the students are in managing their time. Some of my friends still managed to have some time off their art school life. Some enroll in a piano or yoga class. The key is, according to them, to get the work done as early as possible and avoid procrastination. Always have room for your personal time. Taking naps in between working also helps maintain your stamina.


8. Critique Session
   Critique is a very important aspect for aspiring designers so they can improve their work and be better designers. You can compare critique to grading exams. In critique, professors and students will normally point out what works and what doesn't work on the student's project. All in all, the professor wants the students to succeed. Gradual improvement will build up to create a strong portfolio piece by the end of the semester.


9. Your professors act as mentorsOne interesting fact about faculty in art schools: most of them don't hold a degree in teaching and education. Professors in art schools are professional designers; some are even renowned in the industry. They own their own studio and actively work in the field outside of their teaching job at college. Professors act as mentors or instructors, as they are addressed in my almamater. They teach not merely by sharing their knowledge, but they will help students art direct their project and give them hands-on skills.


10. Unconventional Campus Life
    Life at art school is sure much busier than at regular colleges. We may not have athletics or sorority houses, but we do have clubs, activities, and all sorts of gathering. Campus activities are mostly driven towards supporting students in maintaining their well-being and relieving stress amidst the crazy, rigorous schedule. An example would be, at my almamater college, the organization in charge of student activities would provide free food at 10 pm – dubbed as late night breakfast – a week before the finals. At that time of the semester, a lot of students tend to stay up late at school and hunger at night becomes inevitable. With the cafeteria being closed and vending machine snacks not being so nutritious, the organization provides healthy food ranging from pancake to fruits buffet style. So, students would flock at the cafeteria where the breakfast takes place and create a lively – though momentary – engagement for students before they have to get back juggling on their finals.

Art school life sure can be tough but at the end of the day, it is all meant to cultivate the best talents ready to plunge into the industry. There is a lot of fun that you can get out of the experience. The key is just have fun with it. Carry the passion with you, work the hardest, and you'll soon sure grow to be the designer you want to be.