COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE ARTS
Defining art can be an elusive task, but art scholarships may do a more comprehensive job of it than some thought possible.
Art scholarships generally break down to drawing, painting, photography, film, design, music and literature.
Sound all encompassing? How about we throw in the culinary arts for good measure? Hey, they have been known to give art scholarships as well and if you’ve ever had a fantastic meal with the perfect wine, well, that tastes like art.
Generally when we speak about art scholarships we are discussing painting, drawing and design. This does not mean that the others should be discounted—it’s just that we need to understand what most art scholarships are actually for.
The main thing that separates art scholarships from other scholarships is the requirement that the student applying for the art scholarship supply a portfolio of past work. For many students this will be the first time they have ever submitted their work to be accepted or rejected on any level. It can be both traumatic and uplifting.
It is important for young artists to not put too much stock in what may feel like a rejection of their work. If they do not win a scholarship for which they have submitted a portfolio it is not the end of the world. It is one set of judges looking at the submitted work. As an artist one needs to strike a balance between being true to one’s original vision while also being able to learn from experience.
Art scholarships should be looked at as an opportunity to receive feedback on your work in addition to the financial help it can provide. The creative student is often overlooked in the scholarship evaluation process so one must take advantage when opportunities for art scholarships present themselves.
Art scholarships usually give a lot of credence to the quality of the portfolio. Good grades and strong test scores will help your case, all other things being equal.
When you are applying for art scholarships there is often a request for an artist’s statement. In the artist’s statement you will want to explain why you want to be an artist, a few artists you admire and why, and what are your ultimate artistic goals. It is important that you give these questions some serious thought before you are asked for an artist’s statement.
To figure out what type of art scholarships you will be applying for you need to know what sort of artist you are and what type of artist you want to be. Thinking about your artist’s statement will help you narrow it down.
Multi-media and animation jobs are the fastest-growing areas in the art world. If you are struggling to figure out where you might fit in you should take a long look at these two disciplines. Do they interest you? If the answer is yes then you might be able to start making a living doing your art sooner rather then later.
Who knows? You may receive some art scholarships and be a working artist before you know it.