don’t go to art school, do this instead

As a disclaimer here: I don't hate the idea of art school. I think for some people it can be a super valuable experience. I didn't go -- I have a degree in political science that was almost fully paid for by a needs-based scholarship and only took a few art classes in college. But I have PLENTY of friends that did.

And do you know what those friends say? They talk about how art school (1) didn't provide them with a deep understanding or grasp of the fundamentals (2) didn't teach them ANYTHING about running a business, and (3) gave them tens to HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of dollars worth of debt. And then they graduated and found out that degrees weren't nearly as important as their portfolios, so they had to keep learning and leveling up.

So, here are some truly affordable options to give you a truly comparable (and even BETTER) skillset and community to keep you accountable!

💕 Check out my notion templates & resources for artists:

📖 RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

⚙️ GEAR & FURNITURE ⚙️ *referral / affiliate links*

* Referral or affiliate links in this description allow me to gain a small commission off of any purchases you make through the link, at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to support the channel :)

[tewfour]

Me already in £40k worth of student debt watching this video 👁👄👁

[rangognochi]

There's one that everyone forgets. Community College!! Especially for people who aren't great at studying online and/or are just new to studying art, Community colleges can get people starter for very cheap and in an actual classroom with the useful responsibility of class deadlines. Community Colleges often only need you to have a high school degree and with financial aid is generally free or even at full price at my local community college is less than 200$ for a semester!

[MarigoldMeredith]

This information is hugely helpful to have, thank you. I’m at a point in my life where I want to retrain in art, after a career I did not love. In my 40’s, quite frankly the last thing I feel emotionally up for is in person classes, and education debt after taking years to pay off the first round of it. Thanks so much for this video.

[RicardoHernandez-tswc]

Love the alternative education angle but I would add that the 4 year university is still a valid path if you have scholarships. There are a lot of resources out there, especially for low income individuals.

[inthemakingca]

Thank you Kelsey I really appreciate your sharing on affordable options here. Being broke is a reality for many of us and all the way along through your educational videos you are encouraging and offer realistic advice for people who have few monetary means. Between sharing your own background story and practical advice to others in similar situations you offer hope and a value can’t be placed on that ❤

[KristenOckertFineArt]

I would also suggest seeking out your local arts community. It’s amazing the opportunities that are just within a few miles of you. I also suggest following a lot of local artists because some may have amazing YouTube channels. And lastly, I am a huge advocate of the community college route. I also got my arts degree through community college. However, the beginning drawing courses I took, looking back were pretty low caliber compared to what I learned later at a classical atelier.

[ComunidadSE]

I've tried NMA, SVS and currently Schoolism, and all of them are great! I've learned a lot from all of them. My favorite teachers from each are Steve Huston's (NMA) and Lee White (SVS.) If you can guys, give it a try!

[bluewren]

It is heartening to see how many more affordable options there are available to artists and for anyone with the discipline, they are wonderful alternatives to paying big $$ for art school. However, art school isn't just about the "learning", it is also about establishing friendships and networks that provide community and opportunities that might not be available with self directed learning. Particularly for young people, I think that is a big plus.

[Steitzness]

I'm so happy I found this channel and video. I've been working through some intense mental health troubles, and I've been wanting to start drawing to help regulate myself. Thank you for these!

[lisaia]

Thank you! I should’ve started this awhile ago but I think Imma start making a mass resource list written down about your suggested resources and the sponsors you advertise. I like all of your info and I’ve been watching you long enough that I realize not writing down all your resources means that I’ve forgotten a lot of them too. Terrible memory 😢

But I’m so serious about this and I’m literally even though moving slomo on my plans - SO mUcH CLoSer to being able to progress on my art this year than I was last year and it’s time to make use of all the resources you provide and line up what resources you provide to aspects of my goals where they would help speed up that step of the plan. Fr- as someone SAHMing a toddler w another on the way - I TRULY APPRECIATE the amount of VALUE and INFORMATION you compile into videos for busy overloaded, low energy, and financially struggling people like me to use. It’s really inspirational to see others making it and sharing their path where I thought I was going to have to figure this out alone taking a mass amount of time doing all the research alone. I’m hoping in the next year or two I can start sharing what I do with people.

[fowlerillus]

Such great info - thanks for this Kelsey! I had heard of all of these except NMA so I'm really glad to be aware. Beautifully delivered and produced as always :) Keep up the great work - cheers!

[samguentherillustration]

I have been using Watts Atelier online, Domestika, and Line of Action. Thanks for telling me about NMA!

[sparklemist]

This is super helpful! Thank you for making this video ❤

[luciathefemininewoman]

Thank you for this, I’m currently in community college and I’m deciding whether to go to art school or use some resources online without going to art school. I want to save money and this is perfect.

[bscott]

I will say that I have been LOVING New Master's Academy. I bought my subscription last December when they had a sale -it was half off so i only paid $256. I just hope I can afford to renew my subscription this year.

I love that they have different paths that you can take with everything already laid out.

[mikeyhunz]

Thanks so much for this! Your vids always give me hope I can achieve my art goals.😁

[mariannecavanagh]

I first found out about NMA from one of your videos. I recently signed up for their 4 year program, and its been so wonderful for me. Thank you for your awesome content.

[g.mariepickett]

I recently bought Nathan Fowkes' book on painting landscapes. I love his style.

[kaidusa]

I did half my education at community college and the other half at an art school in Paris and I have to say, the community college really inspired by and invigorated me, I think very fondly of that time. I felt like I had so much freedom just to express and they fostered my style. But then when I went to art school, they killed my style to try and teach me how to just be an illustrator and it took a while to get my love for art back. But that could also due to the fact that I felt pigeon holed into illustration because the fine art department didn't like representational art.

[visualsweets]

Thank so much for this video. I have been looking for a school to attend to become an illustrator. I was going to sign up for an in-person school near me which costs $2000 per year. It teaches traditional art but it’s not really what I want to learn. After watching your video I realized that I really would like to learn illustration. You broke everything down for me and now I know what school to attend. Thank you again.