I hadn't taken an art class since the eighth grade before coming to Parsons. I am currently in my Foundation year, which is incredibly intense but so rewarding. In the first semester you learn basics, such as the gray scale and color wheel, proportions of the body and drawing techniques, and how to work with others. You learn through critiques how to make your artwork better than it already may be. Parsons really opens your mind to new ways of thinking and viewing the world.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The education at Parsons is amazing. You learn so much so quickly, and the culture of New York is fantastic. If you are in a division other than Parsons, there are plenty of opportunities to meet friends and enjoy the city. During the first year of Parsons, I have found that you are so busy doing your homework that it is very hard to have time for socializing, although I hear this changes through your time at Parsons. Personally I miss having time for myself and money to spare.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
It is an expensive school, but the teachers are the very best and SO worth it. If you're attending Parsons, don't go by the quoted cost on your financial information page. Add at least a thousand in your budget, as you will spend a range on art supplies and building materials.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Again, add extra money into your budget when planning for Parsons. New York City can be expensive, so watch your spending closely. It's very easy to get caught up in eating out, shopping, and spending money on entertainment if you aren't careful. Get a frequent shopper card at Utrecht or Blick art supply stores, you'll be there quite often. Sketch often, just practice. Don't be afraid of critiques, they can be intimidating but extremely helpful. Same goes with peers. Everyone is at different artistic levels, and it can get intimidating. Just focus on your own personal growth and just take every opportunity to learn as much as possible. Oh, and don't skip class--get a really good alarm clock and a good coffee pot, you'll need it the first year.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
*dedicated, hard workers
*artistic/creative
*open-minded
*willing to spend $$$
*opinionated/talkative- a lot of teachers grade on in class participation
*ambitious- crazy ideas impress :)
I hadn't taken an art class since the eighth grade before coming to Parsons. I am currently in my Foundation year, which is incredibly intense but so rewarding. In the first semester you learn basics, such as the gray scale and color wheel, proportions of the body and drawing techniques, and how to work with others. You learn through critiques how to make your artwork better than it already may be. Parsons really opens your mind to new ways of thinking and viewing the world.
The education at Parsons is amazing. You learn so much so quickly, and the culture of New York is fantastic. If you are in a division other than Parsons, there are plenty of opportunities to meet friends and enjoy the city. During the first year of Parsons, I have found that you are so busy doing your homework that it is very hard to have time for socializing, although I hear this changes through your time at Parsons. Personally I miss having time for myself and money to spare.
It is an expensive school, but the teachers are the very best and SO worth it. If you're attending Parsons, don't go by the quoted cost on your financial information page. Add at least a thousand in your budget, as you will spend a range on art supplies and building materials.
Again, add extra money into your budget when planning for Parsons. New York City can be expensive, so watch your spending closely. It's very easy to get caught up in eating out, shopping, and spending money on entertainment if you aren't careful. Get a frequent shopper card at Utrecht or Blick art supply stores, you'll be there quite often. Sketch often, just practice. Don't be afraid of critiques, they can be intimidating but extremely helpful. Same goes with peers. Everyone is at different artistic levels, and it can get intimidating. Just focus on your own personal growth and just take every opportunity to learn as much as possible. Oh, and don't skip class--get a really good alarm clock and a good coffee pot, you'll need it the first year.
*dedicated, hard workers *artistic/creative *open-minded *willing to spend $$$ *opinionated/talkative- a lot of teachers grade on in class participation *ambitious- crazy ideas impress :)