The Most Popular Art Schools
Here are some popular art schools in Canada and the United States. Let’s take a look at the best art schools in Canada and the best art schools in the US. Are you interested in attending any of these popular art schools? Applying to a popular art school is a competitive process. Let me help you get accepted one of these popular art schools!
Popular Art Schools
Best Art Schools in Canada
Here are 7 popular art schools in Canada. Read more about them below and see if they are right for you!
Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) - Toronto, Ontario:
OCAD U is one of the oldest and most distinguished art and design institutions in Canada.
It offers a wide range of programs in art, design, and digital media.
Located in Toronto, providing students with exposure to a diverse artistic community.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design - Vancouver, British Columbia:
Known for its strong emphasis on experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Offers programs in visual arts, media arts, and design.
Located in Vancouver, a city with a thriving art scene close to natural inspiration.
Sheridan College - Oakville, Ontario:
Known for its renowned animation and illustration programs.
Offers a variety of art-related programs, including Bachelor of Animation and Bachelor of Illustration.
Strong connections with industry professionals.
Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) - Calgary, Alberta:
ACAD has a long history and a reputation for fostering creativity and innovation.
Offers programs in fine arts, media arts, and design.
Emphasizes a hands-on and studio-based approach to learning.
University of British Columbia (UBC) - Vancouver, British Columbia:
The Department of Art History, Visual Art, and Theory at UBC offers programs in visual arts.
UBC provides a broader university experience while allowing students to focus on their artistic pursuits.
Concordia University - Montreal, Quebec:
The Faculty of Fine Arts at Concordia is known for its diverse and multidisciplinary approach.
Montreal, with its vibrant arts and cultural scene, provides an inspiring environment for students.
NSCAD University - Halifax, Nova Scotia:
The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) is one of Canada's oldest independent cultural institutions.
Known for its strong focus on studio-based learning and experimentation.
Best Art Schools in US
Here are some of the most popular art schools in the US. Read more about them below to see if one of them is right for you!
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - Providence, Rhode Island:
RISD is renowned for its programs in fine arts, design, architecture, and liberal arts.
It emphasizes a strong foundation in studio practice and critical thinking.
RISD is known for producing successful and influential alumni in various art and design fields.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) - Chicago, Illinois:
SAIC offers a diverse range of programs in visual and performing arts, design, and writing.
It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and experimentation.
Located in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant arts scene.
Parsons School of Design at The New School - New York, New York:
Parsons is part of The New School and is particularly strong in fashion, design, and visual arts.
It has a strong connection to the industry and offers opportunities for internships and collaborations.
The school is situated in New York City, providing students with access to the art and design capital of the world.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Valencia, California:
CalArts is known for its programs in animation, film, theater, dance, and visual arts.
It fosters creativity, experimentation, and a collaborative learning environment.
CalArts has a notable list of alumni who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Cranbrook Academy of Art - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan:
Cranbrook is a graduate-only institution known for its emphasis on individual studio practice.
It offers programs in fine arts, architecture, and design.
The academy provides a unique and immersive environment for artists to develop their work.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) - Baltimore, Maryland:
MICA is known for its strong programs in fine arts, design, and media arts.
It encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches to art-making.
MICA is located in the culturally rich city of Baltimore.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Savannah, Georgia:
SCAD has a global presence with campuses in various locations, including Savannah and Atlanta.
Offers a wide range of programs in art, design, and digital media.
Known for its modern facilities and emphasis on preparing students for careers in creative industries.
What to Consider When Choosing an Art School
When you are considering which art school is right for you there is a lot you will need to consider so that you can choose the best school that suits your needs.
Here are some things to consider when choosing an art school from a list of popular art schools:
Location
Price of tuition
Scholarship opportunities
Faculty
Learn more about how to choose the right art school by clicking on the button below!
You can watch this video training with your teen or send it to them. The questions in the video will help your teen to decide what art school/program is best for them!
How to Make Goals for Art
If you want to go to art school or a popular art school you will need to make some goals for your art. Applying to a popular art school is a competitive process.
You will want to focus on perfecting your art portfolio. Make sure to read the requirements and submit your best pieces. For tips on art portfolio photography click here!
Download my FREE Portfolio Guide with 10 Tips to help your art portfolio stand out here!
If you are going to a competitive and popular art school consider investing in art portfolio coaching. I have worked with countless students helping them get into competitive programs by helping them select what pieces to include in their portfolio, how to title their work, photograph their work and write about it. If you want your portfolio to really stand out and dazzle -click the button below!
How to Know if a School is a Good Fit:
It’s really important that when you choose a school, you know it is a good fit for you. You have to be able to envision yourself being a student at the school. You are going to be at the school for the next four years so it’s a big decision!
It helps to take a tour of the school but make sure you do some exploring on your own too. Check out the art facilities and classroom, check out the residence buildings. If you are living on campus and eat from the cafeteria. Make sure you get the full experience.
Check out the city where the school is located. Does it have art galleries, restaurants, grocery stores nearby? What are the prices of rentals if you live off campus?
Explore the city and see how it is during the day, weekend, and night.
Make sure you feel confident about your decision. If you are feeling unsure or it feels off in your gut -it probably isn’t the right decision for you.
What to Look for in a Program:
Do your research on the program. Have alumni had success with the program? Have they found jobs and held positions you are interested in?
Book a tour and see the program facilities. What tools, technology, and other art resources will you have access to? What condition is the equipment in? What are the hours you have access to the resources? Is there a trained technician who can help you use the equipment?
How big are the class sizes? What are the projects like? What’s the cost of textbooks or what supplies need to be purchased for your program?
How to Budget for Art School
It’s never too early to begin saving for school. You may want to consider getting a part-time job and saving at least 20-30% for school.
Take a look at your savings and the yearly tuition, multiply the tuition by 4 add an extra $1000 or $2000 because tuition does increase!
Then factor in other expenses such as rent or residence payments, food or meal plans, utilities if you are living off campus, phone bill, textbooks, entertainment costs, art supplies, car- insurance, and gas if you have a car or other transportation costs like a bus pass, taxi or Uber, and any other expenses you might need.
Figure out other income like scholarships, RESP contributions, money your family might be giving you, grants, student loans, money from a part time job if you are planning on continuing to work while a student.
Once you know the total expenses and total money you have (revenue) you can figure out if you still need more money and make a plan for how you will get that. You can also take a look at your budget and see if you need to make any cuts like selling your car and taking the bus instead in order to save.
Take a Tour and Visualize
It helps to take a tour of the school and really visualize yourself going there. Not only are you going to that school but you are living in that city.
Make sure it is the right fit for you. Make sure you are happy there, you feel safe and comfortable. Consider your values and what matters most to you to make sure this school and city is a good fit for you!
How to Have Money for School
Make a plan for art school and how you will pay for it. Here are some ideas for ways to make money to pay for art school.
Find a part time job or maybe two. Look for a job that isn’t minimum wage when you can and consider a job that might have good perks for you like an employee discount that could be useful to you.
Start saving from your part time job - open up a high yields savings account like a TFSA.
Research scholarships and begin to apply - the more the better!
Look into grants or student loans if needed.
Consider selling art or giving art as gifts to cut back on holiday spending.
Sell your art or prints on Etsy or your own website to make a little extra cash.
Ready to apply to art school? Check out my FREE guide of 10 Tips to Make Your Art Portfolio Stand Out and Help You Get Accepted! Click the button to download!
Not sure what to put in your art portfolio or how to put your portfolio together? I can help with that - click here to book a coaching call with me!
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