How to choose art classes drawing for beginners

Defining the Purpose of Training in Art Education

When choosing an art education program, it’s crucial to define your goals clearly. Here are two common purposes and what to consider for each:

1. Goal: Access to Galleries, Projects, and Networks

In some regions, like Russia and Belarus, art education is often less about learning and more about gaining access to exclusive opportunities. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Commercialization: Many institutions prioritize networking and exposure over education.
• What You’re Paying For: Track whether your fees are funding actual education or simply buying access to galleries, exhibitions, and teacher connections.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: You gain entry into a closed market and benefit from the institution’s reputation.
  • Cons: Mediocrity and plagiarism may be tolerated, as uniqueness isn’t always required.
  2. Goal: Knowledge for Global CompetitivenessIf your aim is to compete on the global stage, consider programs that emphasize creativity, innovation, and skill development:
  • Focus on Ideas: European and British schools often encourage students to develop unique concepts.
  • Opportunities: If you find your unique voice, the institution may provide resources and exposure to help you succeed.
  • Realistic Expectations: Not everyone becomes a groundbreaking artist, and that’s okay. Most students still gain valuable skills and knowledge.
  Conditions for Contemporary Art to ThriveContemporary art depends on specific conditions to flourish:
  1. Access to Technology: Free use of technical advancements in your work.
  2. Minimal Censorship: Freedom to express ideas without excessive restrictions.
  3. Global Competitiveness: Ability to succeed internationally and transform your field.
  4. Relevance: Use of professional skills and trends that align with the global market.
  Important NuancesNot everyone aims to break into the global art scene. Many seek applied skills for their specific industries, such as:
  • Stylists, Videographers, Bloggers, Designers, Photographers, Makeup Artists, Illustrators: These fields rely on a foundation of classical and creative art education.
  How to Choose the Right Program
  1. Start with Free Resources: Study materials from world leaders in your field on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
  2. Evaluate the Course:
     • Structure: Look at the curriculum and teaching hours.
     • Admissions: Does the program have a selection process, or does it accept anyone?
     • Reviews and Student Work: Reach out to former students for honest feedback, especially if the course costs over $100 per month.
  3. Beware of “Survivor Syndrome”: If a program enrolls 50+ students yearly, a few will succeed regardless of the program’s quality. Don’t rely solely on the success stories advertised by the institution.

Choosing the Right Art Teacher or Program

A talented artist isn’t always a good teacher, and vice versa. Teaching requires a different skill set—patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in students’ success. Here’s how to evaluate a teacher or program to ensure it’s the right fit for you:

Red Flags in a Teacher

1. Lack of Interest in You:
   • Does the teacher listen to you, understand your projects, and tailor their guidance to your needs?
   • Or do they impose a one-size-fits-all approach, comparing you to others or sticking to “well-trodden paths”?
2. Ego-Driven Behavior:
   • Beware of teachers who lecture in monologues, saying, “I know better how you should be and what to do.”
   • Avoid those who demand credit for your success, e.g., “You should mention everywhere that your career went up thanks to me.”
3. Vague or Evasive Answers:
   • If a simple question (e.g., “What should an artist’s website include?”) leads to a long, unclear response ending with “We’ll cover that in a separate lesson, ” consider it a red flag.
   How Students Are Selected
   • For Money: Many group online courses accept anyone who pays, regardless of skill level.
   • Pre-Recorded Lessons: These are often used in mass-market courses, which may lack personalized feedback.
   • No Universal Method: A course claiming to suit both beginners and professionals, or students from vastly different educational backgrounds (e.g., the USA vs. CIS countries), is likely oversimplifying.
   Consider Your Starting Point
   • Skill Level: Beginners and professionals have different needs. Mixing them in the same class can hinder learning.
   • Cultural Context: Students from countries with strong art education (e.g., the USA, UK) may already know avant-garde basics, while others might only have practical drawing skills.
   • Credentials: While formal education isn’t everything, it can matter in certain contexts. As the saying goes, “Without a piece of paper, you are a piece of shit, but with a piece of paper, you are a person.”
   What Are You Paying For?Before enrolling, ask:
   • Licensing: Does the program have a valid license for educational services?
   • Transparency: Are there official documents for payments, diplomas, or promised opportunities (e.g., exhibitions, connections)?
   • Relevance: Does the course teach up-to-date skills and knowledge, or is it outdated?
   The Importance of Technical ProgressThe creative world evolves rapidly, and technical advancements are reshaping art professions. Ensure your chosen program teaches relevant, modern skills rather than outdated techniques.

Key Questions to Ask

• Does the teacher genuinely care about my growth, or are they focused on their own ego?
• Is the course tailored to my skill level and goals?
• What am I actually paying for—education, access, or just a certificate?
• Are the skills and knowledge being taught relevant to today’s art world?