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Prepping Students for the Art World

Prepping students for the art world is more than just advising them to use professional photographers for their work or understanding art contracts.

Yes, there’s no denying that both of those are crucial aspects of succeeding as an artist. Yet so much of finding success starts with a certain amount of mental mastery.

Nobody understands the importance of this more than arts educators.

Mentally Prepping Students for the Art World

Students attending arts-integrated middle and high schools are not only drawn to learning academics through art. For many of them, becoming a professional artist is the hopeful endgame. And being in an arts-centric environment is inspirational.

As such, educators must prepare them for the art world’s unique mental and emotional demands. Throughout each student’s middle and high school career, teachers reinforce the following:

1. Let Go of Perfectionism

Perfection doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion. And the sooner an aspiring artist grasps this, the better. Otherwise, they’ll be inclined to throw in the towel each time they don’t create a masterpiece. Or they may not even attempt to create until conditions are “just right.” Which they rarely are.

For some students, this isn’t a big deal. They’re simply not wired to be perfectionists. But for those who do struggle with it, moving away from perfectionism can be a challenge. Educators attempt to teach students the importance of changing their perspective. They help them to understand that it’s the process and not the outcome. And they encourage them to keep going even when they’re feeling hesitant.

2. Celebrate Your Unique Perspective

Art is so cool because it’s never one-size-fits-all. Art educators emphasize this to their students. That what works for one student may be completely lost on another. And this is a GOOD thing.

Because a student’s future as an artist isn’t going to look like anybody else’s. Period. Having a unique perspective is what sets them apart. And staying true to their vision is the best thing they can do.

3. Stay Clear on Your Priorities

Art teachers will often challenge their students to recognize their priorities as an artist. For younger people first setting out to become artists, it can be all too tempting to just put ‘making art’ off to the side in favor of a party or dinner with friends. And sometimes that’s exactly what they need.

Sometimes it’s not though. So young students need to learn how dedicate time and space to their work and how to say ‘no’ when there are too many events that will pull them away from creating.

It comes down to striking a balance; about teaching students how to be intentional and strategic with their time as they work to establish themselves.

4. Work Hard and Be Patient

Making it as an artist is tough. REALLY tough.

The vast majority of artists face a lot of rejection and discouragement at the beginning. There will be setbacks and doubt. But the key to getting through all of that is to keep showing up and putting in the creative work. And this is something art teachers reinforce time and time again.

Arts educators are almost always artists themselves. So they know all too well the feeling of not getting anywhere. They’ll often advise students to celebrate the small victories. This could be mastering a technique, getting praise from a fellow artist or mentor, or having the courage to step outside their comfort zone and trying something new.

They strive to get students to understand that continued work and patience are necessary components to becoming a successful artist. That they have to approach their art with passion and dedication and never give up. Learning this as a middle school or high school student is invaluable.

5. Connect with an Arts Community/Network

For kids receiving an arts-centered education, they already have a basic understanding of the importance of being around other creative folks. But once they graduate from high school, they may struggle with losing this unless they connect with a local artist community.

Art teachers encourage student artists at the high school level to start exploring galleries and attend openings of other artists to start making connections. Community centers and local artists guilds are also valuable resources.

Getting tips from other artists, or even establishing a mentorship, goes the distance in helping an aspiring artist know that they’re not alone and part of something bigger. Plus, experienced artists also have the inside scoop on navigating the art world. And you can’t put a price on that.

Give Your Artistic Child the Competitive Edge

If you have a highly creative child who has his/her/their sights set on becoming a professional artist, giving them an arts-integrated education will provide them the best chance at success.

So contact us today to set up a tour of our school.

Our teachers know that making it as an artist is tough. So mentally prepping students for the art world is a top priority.

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