Concept Design, 2D Animation, 3D Animation are different but related majors. Read this blog to learn about the differences and see which might be right for you.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Contest is one of the most accessible nationwide competitions for creative high school students who focus on art and writing. With 28 categories, 17 categories for the arts and 11 categories for writing, there is a category for almost every form of art. On the visual arts side this includes architecture and industrial design, ceramics, jewelry, animation, short film, as well as the traditional fine arts. On the writing side the categories range from poetry to science fiction to fantasy.

Attending National Portfolio Day allows high school visual artists to receive invaluable expert critiques of their portfolios before submitting their applications.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the few truly multidisciplinary art schools in the US. Students do not select a major rather they select coursework, with the guidance of an advisor, in one of about 20 “areas of study” and pursue individualized courses of study. It is also specifically tied programmatically to one of the largest museums in the country, the Art Institute of Chicago, to which students are encouraged to visit often.

Columbia College Chicago is has a full range of majors and minors at both the BFA and BA/BS level to study everything from Animation to Film to Sound Design to Writing for Television, all while you are immersed in Chicago’s artistic community.

Visual arts portfolios are often judged based on: concept, use of color, craftsmanship, composition/design, and observational drawing. Each college has their specific requirements for portfolios based on these characteristics.

Your portfolio might be the most important part of your BFA college application. Here are some tips for how to create your portfolio so you highlight your personal artistic narrative and stand out from other applicants.

We’re always surprised when we talk to people to hear their perspective on careers in the arts. I always start out by asking everyone to look around them. Wherever you are I can guarantee that many artists contributed to creating everything you see, hear and touch.

Creatives are multi-talented and often think outside the box. They’re highly sought after and greatly valued in the job market but often they have to make their own jobs.