SAIC is an interdisciplinary school. This fancy phrase just means they encourage students to explore a wide assortment of media in their work. You can pick and choose what skills or areas of study you want to experiment with. The unique perspectives of my fellow students and professors have had a huge impact on how I understand and relate to conceptual art.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I honestly love it here. At first the artistic community was a little intimidating, but if you're a creative intuitive person you will have no trouble fitting in. Every class is a new opportunity for artistic expression. SAIC's campus is downtown Chicago, but our city playground is the West Loop, the Northside, Logan Square, and all of Chicago is available at our fingertips. Around every corner there are new adventures to explore. The school is definitely an interesting and unique college experience.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
It is true that SAIC is a huge expense. I will be honest, in a lot of ways coming here is a gamble. But there is financial aid available, there are scholarships, (shout out to Appily.com!) and it isn't hard to get a job. Especially when you can put on your resume you went to such an influential conceptual school. There really is no other accredited school like SAIC out there, and having successful working contemporary artists as your instructors is an advantage that would be hard to pass up, especially when they are all so willing to give you advice!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The first year drop out rate is almost 80 percent. Before you come here, I would encourage you to really be certain art is the career path you wish to take. And if it is, be prepared to work for it. Also, don't become isolated. This is a competitive school, and I have seen students cut themselves off from classmates and friends to focus solely on their work. I strongly recommend finding a student group, or establishing some form of community when you get here. You will need people you can go to when the stress levels are driving you insane.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
This school is for the artiest of art nerds. You really have to be a conceptual thinker. If you aren't ready to spend up to six hours a week PER studio class this is not the school for you. Make no mistake, SAIC is not an easy art school. We may have a pass/fail grading system, but project Critiques can make or break you as a student, and more importantly, as an artist.
SAIC is an interdisciplinary school. This fancy phrase just means they encourage students to explore a wide assortment of media in their work. You can pick and choose what skills or areas of study you want to experiment with. The unique perspectives of my fellow students and professors have had a huge impact on how I understand and relate to conceptual art.
I honestly love it here. At first the artistic community was a little intimidating, but if you're a creative intuitive person you will have no trouble fitting in. Every class is a new opportunity for artistic expression. SAIC's campus is downtown Chicago, but our city playground is the West Loop, the Northside, Logan Square, and all of Chicago is available at our fingertips. Around every corner there are new adventures to explore. The school is definitely an interesting and unique college experience.
It is true that SAIC is a huge expense. I will be honest, in a lot of ways coming here is a gamble. But there is financial aid available, there are scholarships, (shout out to Appily.com!) and it isn't hard to get a job. Especially when you can put on your resume you went to such an influential conceptual school. There really is no other accredited school like SAIC out there, and having successful working contemporary artists as your instructors is an advantage that would be hard to pass up, especially when they are all so willing to give you advice!
The first year drop out rate is almost 80 percent. Before you come here, I would encourage you to really be certain art is the career path you wish to take. And if it is, be prepared to work for it. Also, don't become isolated. This is a competitive school, and I have seen students cut themselves off from classmates and friends to focus solely on their work. I strongly recommend finding a student group, or establishing some form of community when you get here. You will need people you can go to when the stress levels are driving you insane.
This school is for the artiest of art nerds. You really have to be a conceptual thinker. If you aren't ready to spend up to six hours a week PER studio class this is not the school for you. Make no mistake, SAIC is not an easy art school. We may have a pass/fail grading system, but project Critiques can make or break you as a student, and more importantly, as an artist.