How can I convince my parents to let me go to art school?

Question

I've always been into art. I can draw really well and I love to paint, but I've only recently started art classes at school and am only getting better! My teachers always encourage me to look at art schools, but my parents hate the idea. How can I get them to see that I can go to art school and make a career out of something I love??

Answer 1

Your parents probably worry about the money prospects, as a lot of people still can only see the struggling artist that can't make next moths rent. The truth is that as an artist you can make a decent living for yourself whilst feeling emotionally fulfilled as well. Try to calmly explain to them that we can only succeed in our chosen career if we're really crazy about it: that will ensure you're happy to put in the extra hours. Make a little research (talk to your teachers too) about your choices after art school and make a list of possible job options. That could show them that you're committed and serious and should allow them to see your point of view (as well as clarify things for yourself)

Don't let stress bring you down, it's your life and your dreams and nothing could change that, right? A few years ago I was having Homeric fights with my parents about going to art school. Today, they couldn't be prouder.

Answer 2

Personally, I think that your best bet, especially if they won't pay for your education if you go to art school, is to go to a regular college with a good art program. When I went to college I had wanted to be an artist and had been taking art classes since I was 8. But when I was in this new environment and learning all sorts of new things, I fell in love with a field i had never studied before:art history. While I'm sure you will be very successful if you want to be an artist and go to art school, I think its important to think about how certain you are. I had a few friends who went to art schools and dropped out because it just wasn't what they expected at all. I was amazed that when they told me about the schools, they said the only electives they could take were art classes- they had to take some sort of English 101, but they couldn't take any literature or history classes that weren't required. At least if you go to a regular university, you have other options. It is important to choose one with a great art program, but when you go there, take classes in other fields that you might be interested in, just to make sure you really do want this most. This way, you can make your parents a little happier, and at the same time, keep your options open.

Answer 3

Great topic…

As a professional of 20 years in the computer industry with my own business I fully understand that careers with art are on the rise.

In Art school you learn many types of art. Not just painting. There is computer art including Computer Aid Drafting, animation, web design, etc… There is painting and drawing etc… Many professional careers are to be had with an art school education, even drafting.
http://jobsearch.monster.com/Search.aspx?q=%22art+school+graduate%22&fn=&lid=&re=130&cy=us&JSNONREG=1

3 listings. One is right in my own home town. These jobs are NOT the normal $10.00 an hour vocation. I’m talking true careers.

http://jobsearch.monster.com/Search.aspx?q=%22art%20school%22&fn=&lid=&re=0&cy=us&JSNONREG=1&pg=1

17 listings.


Every WEB SITE that you see has to have some sort of art.

Look at the movie industry. There is a LOT of Art Schooling there.. Art schools do teach film, dance, visual art careers. They even have mixed areas. What are the MOST popular movies now? The ones with animation, (Over the Hedge, Beauty and the Beast, The Incredibles, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings)… Look at cartoons, (Jimmy Neutron, Blues Clues (You thing Joe or Steve gets spliced the old fashioned way?), The Wiggles)

Look at every day life. Billboards on the side of the road (Someone designs them). Every corporation has an artist drawing and painting. Books, Cars, Radios, Computers. EVERYTHING HAS to be DESIGNED. And ART colleges TEACH Designing….

You think Chip Foose from Overhaulin just picked up on his ability? NOT… The guy has training. Where did he received it? Art Center College of Design…

I personally have practiced art all my life. I even have art in Australia, UK, Belgium, Germany and the USA. I run a computer business as a consultant and professional but spend just as much time with my art.

Answer 4

Tell them you have a business plan after school so that you don't become a statistic, but will be one of the few who can make a living in the art world. Then they will probably let you go to art school.

Visit my web-site: www.hollandartstudio.com

Answer 5

Most broadcast designers make at least $70k a year. Find some high paying "creative" professions and show them news articles about how wonderful of a career opportunity they are. Another high-paying and specialized artistic career is medical illustration.

Generally parents are reluctant to let you go because they think that you will make no money when you graduate.

Answer 6

You may have to wait until you are college age. The best way to approach it is tell them what you are doing to come up with the tuition and ask them to help out. If you want it badly enough to work for it, they will come around. If you don't want it that badly, they will put it down to a phase.

Study what you can on your own.

Answer 7

They shouldn't restrict you. If art is what you want to do, let your parents know. try showing them your work and asking them, is this good enough to be seen by other people? If it is, they can't say no.

Answer 8

Don't worry about them. Just apply where you want to apply, and when you get offers, go to where you really want to go. If you are planning on them to pay for your education and they refuse to pay if you will attend an art school, then get loans. But whatever you do, don't go into pre-med or whatever it is they want you to do, if that is not what you really want. :)

Answer 9

tell them that it's your life and although they are your parents , they shouldn't deny your freedom. Try to find out more about their past , maybe they were treated ,like you are now , in the past by their parents and they think that's the best way . You could exploit that in your advantage :)

Answer 10

KEEP WORKING AT IT, I MEAN BOTH YOUR PARENTS AND YOUR ART, GET A BUNCH OF YOUR BEST WORK TOGETHER, (THAT SHOW YOUR TECHNIQUE AND YOUR CONCEPTUAL ABILITY) FOR AN PORTFOLIO, AND STAY MOTIVATED TO WHAT YOU WANT. YOUR PARENTS WILL KNOW YOUR SERIOUS AND THAT MIGHT HELP THEM DECIDE IN YOUR FAVOR.