Do You Need a Degree in Art?- Cons

Last time, I discussed my pros for getting a college degree in art. But what are the cons?

#1- You may spend an unnecessary amount of time and money. Art school can be expensive. Very expensive. It can also take a long time to start getting into your major. As you're trudging through foundation classes, general education classes, and classes plain not related to your major, you'll be looking at your tuition bill saying "I paid this much for that?" Like I said, my college has writing majors doing foundations drawing classes. As can be imagined, many of them struggle through those classes. It doesn't matter that it's not your area of interest, or that you've barely drawn before, you still have to pass those classes.


#2- You can learn pretty much everything on your own. There are tons of books, DVDs, and free and subscription websites out there just waiting to help you out. You could buy nearly everything related to your field of interest, and still not be close to the cost of some college tuitions. The only thing is that you have to have enough personal drive to keep going, especially when your skills seem to be stuck on a plateau.

#3- You can learn pretty much everything for cheaper through non-degree programs. There are tons of online programs/schools/seminars to teach you whatever you want to know. Some of them may cost thousands, but often they offer some sort of loan program, and aren't as expensive as college anyway. These tend to give you a certificate of some sort that you could put in the place of a degree on your resume. Some even have alumni programs. And just because they focus on one area (like Animation Mentor only focuses on animation) doesn't mean you can't learn other important areas on your own.

#4- You may be greatly inconvenienced. If you've got to move, either to a dorm, an apartment, or a new house if you are able, you may be inconvenienced by the process. You may also be inconvenienced by unsatisfactory transportation accommodations (some colleges don't let you bring cars, and on others cars are absolutely necessary). Some colleges (even big ones) may also only offer certain classes on certain times on certain days. I have had to take many classes at times that were far from ideal for me, simply because that was the only time/day that class was offered for the quarter. Trust me, they won't tell you about that in those college brochures.

#5- You may not need a degree in the first place. You're not going to make a great sculpture and show it to an art dealer to hear, "Yeah, it's beautiful! But do you have a degree?" And if you plan to work freelance, most people are just looking for people with skills, not necessarily people trying to work off college debt. If you plan to work for yourself, obviously a degree isn't any sort of issue (though do keep in mind that you may have to work for other people during the slow times).

So my conclusion is, do a bit of research and see how many jobs in your field actually ask for a degree. Then make your own pro/con list. If you've got the courage (and it seems like a sensible idea) I say try the no-degree road. College will still be there if you need it. And if you really can't decide, I say go with college, just to be on the safe side. In the end, with a degree or without, you'll still be able to be a great artist in your field. The main difference will be how long it takes you and how much it costs.

I hope this was helpful! Until next time!