I did a three year BA fine art degree in London in the early 90s - a very similar experience in which technical skills were not taught, shown or encouraged, young artists were left to discover how to make art themselves apart from the occasional & very helpful advice from visiting artists or tutors- thankfully most of the tech people working there were ex art students earning a few extra quid - they were very happy to engage with techniques and pass on ideas even though they weren’t paid to do so… My advice would be to find good, serious art degree that will teach you technical skills to start you on your way in your life as an artist - otherwise save that £27,000 and spend your time studying art in galleries and online, taking life classes, studying drawing and painting, and drawing and painting every day - there are hundreds of great short courses out there held by excellent artists where you’ll learn more than you ever would on most fine art degrees, you will have has a wonderful learning experience, have kept other working artists afloat and have plenty change left out of your £27,000..
I have always had an interest in art, but I don’t draw often (though I should) and I still want to major in studio art. I’m kinda scared of not being good enough or not being able to have a strong portfolio for my application, but I really wanna learn more about art and enjoy it. Your video really helped, I’m in the middle of some self discovery before going to college in a couple month😅
Self awareness is the most important thing, ask yourself as many genuine questions to see what you're really interested in and inform yourself as much as you can about the courses you're interested in. That'll make your decision making process easier 👍🏼 all the best!
I'm a senior in engineering and because of my interest in art I was thinking about getting an art degree(I hate learning in a traditional way). I was hoping you talk more about self-study in art. Btw this video was so helpful.
got into bath school of fine art without a foundation year, without taking A-level art, and with a portfolio thrown together from only my finished projects. portfolio and interview confidence is everything. I did GCSE. Thank you for the video.
Hi , Well you are not wrong ! I am halfway through my fine art degree first yr and it is a minefield . I’m a mature student and luckily I’m fairly confident working under my own steam , but wow yes it’s definitely up to me to push ahead and get the work done and go find info and tutors etc . Hopefully I’ll feel more secure in 2nd yr . Thanks for your help x
Where abouts are you doing your degree (if I may ask)? 😄 Yeah second year was better for me, but make sure you learn about all of the resources your university has and use them as much as you can while you're there 💪🏻 (such as taking out expensive camera equipment, learning skills in workshops, practical skills etc)
This is pretty cool advice! I've a BS.c and MS.c in IT and these were a fairly long time ago but I've always been more into art and whilst I could do another degree in art; I've come to the conclusion something like a HNC/D would be useful mostly to build up my portfolio and seek more experience from there (I could combine what I already have with it too I suppose).
I've been doing art since quite young so my skills are kind of above average and I guess acceptable. Until now, my love and interest for art are still standing strong and everything, but I'm genuinely kind of worried about some factors such as imagination and being out of my comfort zone in your artworks, to be honest, I have no imagination,,, and I understand that art requires a curious mind and I guess flexible thoughts on different things... but like I like art when it looks pretty to me, I enjoy the process of turning a draft into a final work, but honestly my brain just cannot think on creative things to draw, like up till now I like to draw and paint I guess, idols, nice sceneries and in a way, I only focus on "aesthetics" so I'm really worried about like the other factors that would reduce my chances of getting into art unis and stuff. for example, I really dislike drawing anthropomorphic, and I like still-life, and portrait drawings, random things on Pinterest, but I can't make anything creative out of them...
You need to break down what you enjoy and start combining different elements. One route you can take is kinda like Lego, take apart the pieces of the normal models you've built and use the bricks for new builds. As for universities don't worry, they're more interested in you being a good student and taking your money lol. At degree level they're not expecting you to be some genius.
I'm doing art studies in Switzerland right now, I'm paying about 500 fr. a semester if I remember correctly. That's really not much, I would not have gotten into this if I had to pay 30k fr. (about a similar value to pounds). My school works about the same way you're describing it. I think it's sad that some people live in places where they have to stress out about finances all at the same time that they're studying
i really want to study art like you ! i like paintings but i never painted ... i like photography and that unique artistic pictures .. i like that artistic unique visual makeup and fashion ... i like theater and stuffs like that i just like watching them but i never tried one of them that is why im scared to study art plz help me ! i need an advice !!
I’m actually thinking of going into art school and Germany is one of my main options. I’ve never taken any formal drawing or painting classes except the ones at school, and I’m scared I won’t have the level required to go into art school. But I know that studying art is something I really wanna do!! I’m quite lost since there isn’t really anyone who I can ask this stuff...
Thank you so much for your advice, I truly appreciate how you have done your video, it was thought thoroughly. I am an aspiring fine arts student. However my confidence in what I can do has been crushed ever since I was young. So I'm kind of starting from 0 here now that I'm 22 years old I have been drawing like how a kid does. Do you think I'd get accepted to art school with such knowledge? Thank you.
You're actually born in a perfect time for your situation xD right now technical skills are not necessary to be a successful artist, rather the art schools are looking for students with bright ideas and can communicate well with their artwork. Also stay positive! If possible practice drawing daily, you will improve very quickly 😁 Find some subjects that you're interested in and just make art, practicing will always help you improve but don't put yourself down 👍
I realise this is an old video, so hopefully you (or someone else) will see this comment. I'm a fine art photographer interested in studying Fine Arts, part-time (as I work in marketing full time). I'm interested to learn more about the technological side of fine art, however. That is, studio lighting, exhibitions, different styles of painting (history of it), printmaking, painting-to-digital media (converting a painting to digital media). I'm going to speak with a Student Advisor this week to see what the opportunities are, and if not the whole degree, whether I have to option to study one-off courses.
Most fine art courses in London won't have any technical lessons in the curriculum for that. You can learn skills such as print making from the technicians in those areas, but you'll have to do it independently. Honestly I think you're better off doing independent short courses to learn those skills over a fine art degree, they'll be far more focused and beneficial to you.
I’m kind of confused if I should take fine arts as a major… I really want to learn fine arts but people say I won’t have a future LOL…. This video was really helpful!
This is probably the second time me watching this. I really want to do a fine art degree to complete my education in the subject and build a stronger more professional porfiolio but I'm really struggling on what I actually want to be when I'm older. Like I've explored careers like art therapy but it does require a master's and then whenever I talk to people who have done other careers such as art curators and administrative positions I get such negative feedback. Also I'm building my portfolio pieces now like extra pieces besides my a level fine art work
Question!!! I live in the US, so our programs do tend to teach a little bit more about the technical aspects just as a preface. But I have some financial aid that basically allows me to go to any school and study anything for free. There is an associates degree program (a two year degree) that I can do at a local community college in studio art and I want to do it because I want to build a network, build skills, and widen my perspective as an artist (I'm self taught as of now). The career I want to go into is.... complicated. My husband and I are going into ministry and we do creative ministry (basically, church with a focus on people's creativity). So I'm not really expecting a big paycheck ever in my life, I have free education money, and my "career" is going to be arts focused and I want to go into this program. Ministry isn't something that ever requires a degree, and it's more experience based, so it's more for the sake of networking, having more instruction in art, seeing how to do more types of art, and meeting different types of artists. Do you think it's worth it?
Seems to me like the thing you are spending here is time haha. I'll always say to anyone that if you enjoy something and want to make something out of what you enjoy doing you should chase that for the rest of your life. Looks like you have an advantage having no financial investment so if you believe it's worth your time because YOU want to do it then go for it. Even if you're working for the church there's also the fact that you can still build a personal brand on the side and utilize social media to sell work 👍🏼 dm me on insta if you have more questions.
I would say that if like me your goal is to live abroad. And if you like to do what you like to do in life. Dont do what I did wich is not getting a degree. You can always get that degree and hone your skills on the side towards the field you want to work in later. Dropping out of college (even tho it wasn't Art (I wish)), it ruined my life. If you are about to drop out from college or considering not going to college. Are you gonna stay in your home country ? If yes, I think in most countries this is not a problem. Art is more portfolio than resume. But if you want to get a working visa abroad, think twice. Because most countries legally needs you have a bachelor degree.
My advice to international students, don't pull out big loans to do a fine art degree lol. Do something that will actually translate into paid work and build your art practice on the side. Only do art if you're rich with comfortable support 😆
@@TomasFolanHasici Totally agree. My comment was only intended for people who want to live abroad. Without degree unless you are rich, it is merely impossible. Im still trying to leave my country and I wish I didn't dropped out of college. Coz I would have been able to work abroad and study as you said, art on the side.
I know the feeling 😂 I'm actually starting a podcast within the next couple of days talking to students about their universities to get information out there xD
I wish i could get into my job industry WITHOUT my fine art degree, trust me. But sadly, i cannot. i have to do 3 years and then do my masters, which sucks and i think the education system needs changing.
I finish my diploma of fine arts this year and hoping to get into my diploma of fine arts for next year, thank you so much for the advice love from Australia
v helpful x defo tough to be open at the start when ur kinda introverted! do u have any tips for people who are going straight from a level. As some people inevitably do. (saw ur other foundation video as well x)
I'll have a think and do a video on what to do if you're going straight from a level. I'd say make the most out of your summer and work out a system that helps you pump out work/ideas on an independent basis 😄 I guess I'll make a video with suggestions for how to actually do that.
Thanks for this video. I would be doing a degree as a mature student here in the UK. I don't have a portfolio of work to give them, I'd like to do a foundation degree to work out what direction to go in first, I'm also concerned about what you were saying concerning that no one actually teaches you how to do anything, what do I actually pay for? Thanks.
You're pretty much paying for access to the learning environment and the staff/network you could possibly get out of it. You won't learn practical skills with the exception of any workshops the university might do and info you manage to get out of fellow students and tutors. It's important you know a lot about where you're choosing to go, speak to current students and really understand what they're getting out of that specific course.
I'm currently in 1st year studying English and Creative Writing but I'm seriously considering switching to Fine Art. I'm just nervous because I'm already a mature student, so changing pathways feels quite daunting. Would you say art courses are open to receiving older students? I'll be 25 in January
I honestly think I fucked up my education by not considering a foundation level. I have been fighting my way through the first year and I'm honestly petrified of year two.
Now I’m on my path about changing the course from btec to a-level. I feel like I spent 6 months doing nothing and now I’ve strong emotions about a-level but I’m scared changing it... I still don’t know anything much about the content in a-level but what I know exactly is I’m not happy to make any sculptures
I do a-levels and I am doing art a level as well, and you don't have to make any sculptures 😂...if you wanna choose art just practice the basics like shading and proportions and stuff, practice is the only thing which will make you even better :) and good luck with your decision 👍🏻
Hey, I am interested in the the university you have attended! (Attend.) And as you mentioned I am reaching out to get an understanding of what the school experience there may do for me and forming my future career.
Hey, would I need a portfolio to do a foundation year? Cause I have nothing to show and I’m currently studying a course that I do not want to study anymore. So I’d thought it would be ok if I had done a foundation year and then do the three years. And thank you for the video!
All foundation courses I know of require a portfolio because there's an application process you have to go through for limited places. They need an idea of your mindset/process of working xD I actually was in a similar position to you, I ended up taking a year out to work and prepare a portfolio for my foundation course.
Tomas Folan-Hasici is possible for you to tell me how you did that exactly. Like is there summer classes or anything you had to do, to help you with creating a portfolio. Cause I’m completely lost 🥴
@@ak9240 I'll try my best to make a video on this soon 😄 for the UK, usually you prepare about 20 A1 pages (can always stick down smaller works or pictures of larger works down on the larger paper the work doesn't have to be A1) that show your work. At the stage of foundation, they just want an idea of the kind of work you're producing, the ideas you're interested in and a demonstration of willingness to experiment and learn. So don't just submit 20 detailed drawings or paintings, try to experiment a bit with different materials/processes and show you're open minded. As I said I'll have a think about it and try to make a video ASAP because I think this is a question lots of people ask 👍
Tomas Folan-Hasici thank you, this has Thank you! honestly given me a better idea, sounds like there will be a lot of money spent. Also, would it be weird if most of my inspiration came from instagram? And then doing further research and experiments from the inspiration??
@@ak9240 Depends on what you're being inspired by. Don't put "Instagram" as your inspiration, rather look at what the content is such as photography, paintings etc that have actual individuals behind the work. Instagram isn't necessarily your main inspiration but it can be your main source that you go to to get information.
2700, it hurts. I don't know. I'm thinking of taking a level 4 after my extended diploma. And then uni, but then I'm not sure if I'll need it. I'm guessing uni gives you allot of good meetings with people. Also, did you make most of your adult friends at art university. I haven't gone to any open evenings yet, I've applied to places, and I'm thinking when I get accepted for stuff I'll go to some place and check it out, if I like it I'll apply I guess. I just wish I started earlier for all this open evening junk.
Currently living in the Istanbul and try to apply fine art painting in Istanbul but I’m confuse I heard people say university didn’t really teach how to paint from artist. Should I just try to apply too old fine art university like Academy of fine art Paris,vianna, Berlin? I want to learn more about atelier than modern art. I want to get in the real art community than having a useless art degree. What should I do . I do have some foundations but I wanna learn deeply
Basically a basic studio space for you to work within a creative environment - that's mostly what you're paying for. I think self awareness of your own situation and direction is key if you're choosing to go into a degree like fine art, it's definitely not worth it for everyone. Depending on the location and status of the uni there's also small chances of being picked up by galleries during the degree show, I also wouldn't be in China right now if it weren't for my degree so things go the way that they go haha.
@@TomasFolanHasici Wow, in China, so you must be speaking Chinese at the moment, am I right? How did you get there, may I ask? You can choose not to answer if it's too personal, I'll understand.
I found an art degree to be a total waste of time. There is also the business side of art. My school taught nothing about that. If they can teach business for business majors why not the business side of art? If you like traditional art, they steer you away from that and tell you to go into illustration. They can't even tell the best ways to look for decent paying illustration jobs. One good thing about this video is about researching the school. I went to a school where most people were a different religion than I am so they didn't want to network with me.
Greeting from the US, firstly, you’re gorgeous and could listen to you speak for hours. Secondly, I am currently researching studying aboard as the Uni is much more affordable in Europe... I love art with such a passion, I couldn’t see myself doing anything that would make me happier which why I’m considering this degree. I’d love to surround myself with other creatives and learn more techniques but I don’t know how I see myself after Uni or how I’d make a living. I guess I’m more infatuated with the art school experience and meeting like minded people. Do you think I’d find my calling after some time in art school or can I still have my experience while perusing a more relevant degree like journalism or English ? Thanks in advance darling 🖤
Thank you for the kind words haha. Mm I guess it depends on a few things. First thing is do you know what you want to be doing after your degree or have an ideal career in mind? Art universities can be a great environment for the things you describe but also don't teach you how to market or promote your work/live as an artist. Regarding techniques you'll mostly be using their spaces/equipment yourself (you won't get any formal painting lessons for eg speaking from the UK context other countries will differ) and then weigh that up against the cost and if you think personally it's worth it for you then it is. Best thing to do is really not rush into any course without knowing too much about it, ideally find some students from the environment you're interested in and get a real idea of what they're experiencing 👍🏼 You do seem like someone who'd thrive in a good creative, academic environment you'll just need to find the right one for you.
Hi, i'm about to be a senior in highschool and I was looking into fine arts, I was looking into it because it's basically saying if I'm not mistaken is you will be able to draw, paint, do photography, graphic art, animation, sculpting, and like something with video making and I am interested in all of these fields. I was just wondering if I work for my bachelor degree in fine arts will I be able to do all of those things in a job field if I wanted to? I basically want to do all these things and be great at them, I'm just wondering tho because everyone is saying to pick one thing?
First of all when you're really young it's very difficult to be really good at lots of things. It takes a lot of time to get good at even one of those things so you won't be coming out of your degree as an expert in all of those fields. The problem I also had in the UK is my painting degree really didn't teach me much, it was mostly self lead with no technical lessons whatsoever so no one is going to teach you video editing, animation etc. I didn't have a single lesson on painting and I did a painting degree lol. Coming out as a graduate no one is going to hire you to just make art and videos too, reality is if you want to sell your art and make money out of content you need to build an audience which can take years. I hope I'm not coming across as negative, it's just that these things take a lot of time and patience 💪🏼
Hi! I’m new here in your channel because I’m searching for some information for Interior Design and I’m very interested in your videos because I’m trying to understand what major should I take for that and I’m confused on whether is architecture, graphic design, fine arts, or architecturaland engineering design, technology. I really hope you see my comment for a little help 🙋🏻♀️
I havent taken a level art but I am taking it up as a hobby I’m hoping to develop into a potential career, could i use those pieces I’ve done in my spare time as my portfolio and create one myself?
Totally, creative courses tend to care far less about specific qualifications and look straight at the actual portfolio and working process of the applicant.
hey Tomas, I'm interested in applying to fine art, I'm studying a Level 3 extended diploma in art and design (UAL course) at the moment. I'm looking at applying to UAL central saint-martins. i'm still not set on university, I'm open to other options like apprenticeships or jobs or a gap year. I'm not sure at all to be honest, I had been looking at fine art with english lit but decided on just fine art. do you have any advice for like whether university is a good idea for art
Omgosh u speak so softly do u ve podcasts of art.? Coz u sound like you could do. Which London art university did u go? And also.. I'm an artist but I specifically do Calligraphy is there a way I can learn how to draw.. I know how to draw but not perfectly
Got a few episodes speaking to students about different courses, thank you for the kind words 😆 I went to UAL Wimbledon to do a Painting BA, I think that's moved to camberwell now though. Drawing perfectly or mastering a subject can take years of practice, there's amazing videos on RU-vid and skillshare to teach drawing techniques and different approaches to observational drawing but it's putting in the work over time 👍🏼
Alright hi so I'm from India , 18 yrs old and soon will be opting for colleges...and not sure if I should choose a fine art collage especially or um a Normal clg would do? Like I draw and stuff but I'm are there good paid occupation out there in the field? Since your from the same career what's your pov? The vedio was helpful tho! 👏
If you're applying in India I have no idea of the situation over in India for art/art careers xD this video is mainly focused towards those wanting to study in London. Sorry!
I'm planning get in to fine art major but I'm not good at drawing, painting ot even sketching . But i love other art like clay art , resin art and i do a bit painting so I'm really confuse what should I prepare to get in to fine art
Fine art is extremely open and they're receptive to more experimental portfolios. Check out a foundation course possibly first, it'll help you get your head around your practice before you go in to independent work on your degree course. If you're in London go for the Royal drawing school foundation as your number 1 it's a fantastic course 👍🏼
hi, I did my graduation in B.A . and because of my interest in arts. I take a fine arts as a one of subject but after that I start loving doing landscape painting .that's why I did my M.A. in fine arts . but because of covid and lockdown I cannot able to learn anything . but whatever I learn is from RU-vid tutorials .but stell I want to learn and my parents sending me to for the study to abroad . I asked a lot of people they suggest me to do a PHD in fine arts . that will be a right thing to do I am still very confused . yhh.... I do BFA but now I am 23 old . can you suggest me anything please that will be really help for me ..
Hey. I've done my bachelor's in architecture in India. But art is really where my passion's at. I am considering to do a master's degree in Fine arts in Europe. But there's so little information out there. Is there any information you could help me with. It would mean a lot.
I’m about to start a BFA because I want to learn everything I can about painting. But I expect to be taught how to paint. They really don’t teach you technique?
Not in the UK. As far as I know most modern art BAs have absolutely no regular practical teaching at all. You simply have to learn what you can from any tutors who speak to you or fellow classmates (if they even come in).
Hie Thomas ,can you please give me the list of universities in drawing and painting for bachelor's of arts , I am an Engineer Basically my education is MCA, but I was very much interested in learning an bachelor in drawing and painting, from childhood its like my dream,I really want to do please help me to choose the best university ,in which country its best ? I don't want to giveup on things I love to do,whats the procedure, how to apply i don't have any idea, it will be very greatfull if I get some support 🙏
Hi, I just saw your video and it was very helpful in my case I want to find an internship or job while I am attending university I am going to be have my art associates by summer 2021 and transferring from a university , is their any advices you can give me, everywhere I look it has experience 5 years or more required
i keep thinking if i should stay in my design course or switch to visual arts. maybe i could do a major in fine art. i feel old to start again another course even being in my first year (i will be 20 this month). i'm quite confused.
My son has been accepted to study fine arts with a view to teaching overseas initially and then getting a PGCE and teaching here. He has ASD and is doing a foundation course at the mo. You said there's no structured learning, but do you get a brief of what they are looking for?
So in London a lot of time is just "studio time" where there's literally no structure at all. You're not told to do anything except just do your own work. They won't set you any topics or briefs it's all your own ideas. They'll talk to you a little bit about your ideas and how to develop them other than that there's lectures and some write ups you need to do. Have a look at my other videos, I go into more details 👍🏼
@@TomasFolanHasici thank you, this is so helpful... He had an interview for goldsmiths this morning and it went really well... I think he'll be fine with that. The interviewers basically hinted he'd be able to tap into what he REALLY wants to do. He has an unconditional place at Kingston if he doesn't get into goldsmiths. I'm glad I found your channel, it's reassured me that he's headed in the right direction.
How many years was your bachelor's degree in fine arts? Is it possible to do a master art degree in UK if I have a 3-year related to art bachelor's degree?
I've done 3 videos on what you actually do each year if you're interested in details. Basically it's all about concepts, developing your own ideas and just discussing your concept with the tutors. Then of course some academic writing, crits, lectures and group work.
I'm an undergraduate in engineering and i want to pursue masters in fine arts. however as you said i don't have any particular style of my own. i like to try out different art styles and art mediums. i don't have any foundation to begin with i was doing all by myself till now, So is it okay to do masters in fine arts with less knowledge to begin with?
I guess the first reason is why do you want to do a masters in art? What's your goal? Because depending on where you are modern masters degrees aren't going to teach you how to paint or draw etc
Regardless of what you go into there is the reality that you will either succeed or fail, I would rather fail at something I want to strive for and love doing than succeed at something that I dislike or makes me unhappy xD
Hlo I am from India i did my bachelor's in science degree but i am more interested in fine art arts . I am planning to go for masters in fine art plz suggest me best college in which I am eligible .....
I will give you 1 tip don't do a fine art degree unless you are in somewhere like London where there is art scene also with good connections after course. Otherwise you will be stuck with a useless degree you are in debt too.
Even within London most students will come out of the degree learning very little lol. Depends on context, cost and the person going into the degree/what their career aims are.
UAL Wimbledon because they had a Painting specific BA, unfortunately I think the course ended the year after me so it doesn't exist. Try and see which university is most tailored to your interests.
Not the case for international students, also there's the cost of living in halls/rent food etc that needs to be considered for some. On top of that student loans also pile on interest every year so the longer you take to pay the more it builds up.