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If you’ve ever wanted to start a career in the creative industries but thought you’d have to quit your job first, listen up.
Art schools have been around for hundreds of years. But they’ve also always had a major problem…
They simply don’t work for everyone.
Rigid schedules, costly tuition, location limits. Many artists have found themselves unable to make their dream a reality.
But there’s something new in town.
The rise of online art programs has made quality art education accessible to anyone with an internet connection. And demand for these programs continues to skyrocket.
In this article:
- Why Online Art Education Is Booming
- The Real Benefits Of Learning Art Online
- How Digital Learning Helps Build Creative Skills
- What To Consider When Choosing An Online Art School
- Tips for Transitioning to Online Learning
Why Online Art Education Is Booming
You don’t have to take my word for it. Online learning is a phenomenon.
In fact, the global e-learning market has grown over 900% since 2000. Seriously.
And online art education is a massive part of this growth.
So what?
Students who choose an art school online can learn from the best in the industry. No matter where they live. Students can learn digital illustration, graphic design, fine arts and more at world-class institutions without leaving their homes.
Here’s the kicker…
The demand for creative skills is at an all-time high. And it’s only going to keep growing.
The United Nations estimates that creative industries account for 6.2% of global employment. That’s hundreds of millions of jobs!
From Graphic Designers to Animators to Illustrators to Digital Artists, creativity is more important than ever.
Businesses need people who can problem-solve through visuals. Who can communicate ideas through design.
And online schools are churning out just that kind of talent.
The Real Benefits Of Learning Art Online
Think back to your traditional education. Your art classes had set times you were required to attend.
Modern online programs have turned that model on its head.
Here’s why that’s important:
When you learn online you call the shots. You can watch lectures after work. Pause lessons to give yourself more time. Rewatch as much as you need to understand new concepts.
But scheduling isn’t the only benefit. Check out a few more perks of online art education.
- Access to instructors from around the world
- Lower cost compared to traditional options
- Ability to learn at your own pace
- Opportunity to gain real-world project experience
Pretty sweet deal, right?
Studies have shown that e-learning students retain 25% to 60% of content versus only 8% to 10% for traditional education. I would say that’s significant.
And that’s because online learning demands students interact with lessons. It’s not just a video you watch passively. You have to engage with and practice what you learn.
How Digital Learning Helps Build Creative Skills
Online learning won’t work for every subject. Or so people say.
Pish posh.
Digital art programs are teaching students how to use the same tools professionals use. Here’s how they do it.
Online schools utilize video to demonstrate technique. Students can watch professionals create illustrations and designs in real time. Then submit their own work for live critique.
Believe it or not…
…the way we create art is digital.
Graphic designers learn Adobe Creative Suite. Animators learn Adobe After Effects and Blender. Illustrators learn Procreate.
And they’re learning it online.
The art industry has gone digital. And remote.
Big studios may still operate out of a physical workspace. But more and more are hiring distributed teams who work from home.
Designers are collaborating across time zones. Artists are sending work over the cloud.
Students that learn online are also training for the type of workforce they’ll enter. Managing your time, practicing self discipline, and communicating digitally are just as important as drawing ability.
That’s something I wish someone told me about online learning.
What To Consider When Choosing An Art School Online
Did I mention not all online schools are created equal?
That’s right. When you’re looking into your options, there are a few key things you should consider.
First, accreditation.
Accredited schools have been certified by regulating organizations. They meet standards for curriculum and faculty. Employers know about accreditation and look favorably upon grads from accredited schools.
Curriculum is another important consideration. A quality online art school should teach:
- Foundation skills like drawing and color theory
- Industry standard software
- How to build a professional portfolio
- Business practices and other professional skills
This last one is huge. Make sure any program you look at hires working professionals as instructors.
Your professors should have up-to-date knowledge of the current industry. Plus working artists are able to connect you with job opportunities after graduation.
Student support is everything.
Just because you’re not going to school on campus doesn’t mean you’ll be going it alone. Look for schools that offer:
- Constructive critique on assignments
- Access to academic advisors
- Career counseling and assistance
- Tech support
Tips for Transitioning to Online Learning
You took the plunge. You’re going to learn how to draw online!
Congrats. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Set up a workspace.
Art doesn’t have to be done at a desk. But you should have a place you consistently go to work.
This helps with focus. And having all your materials in one place will help you maintain momentum.
Establish a schedule.
The beauty of an online program is you have the flexibility to learn when you want. But if you never schedule the time to learn, you’ll never be successful.
Figure out how many hours a week you can commit to studying and schedule it.
Get involved.
Whether it’s online forums, group projects, or peer critiques. Participate in your school community.
You meet your classmates during online school. Make sure you actually talk to them. These are the professionals you’ll network with after graduation.
Take it seriously.
Remember when I talked about how important student behavior is to employers? Well this is it.
When you learn online, you have to teach yourself how to learn. That self-discipline you practice now will set you apart when hunting for a job.
Students succeed at online art schools when they take ownership of their education. Waiting for motivation to study will only hold you back.
And those are the skills you’ll need to thrive in your career.
Bringing It All Together
Thanks to online education anyone can be an artist.
Distance used to be a barrier for top-notch art education. If you didn’t live in the right place you weren’t getting quality instruction.
That’s simply not true anymore.
Online programs have allowed quality art education to proliferate across the globe. Everyone has access to the best tools money can buy.
Let’s recap:
- Online learning is huge. It’s been growing 900% since the year 2000
- The demand for creatives is at an all-time high and shows no sign of slowing down
- Online students learn, and retain, more information than students in traditional schools
- Online programs are teaching students the digital skills they’ll use on day one
- Accreditation and instructors are important to consider when looking at programs
Creative businesses need talented artists, designers and graphic thinkers.
Online schools are creating just that type of employee in massive quantities.
And if you’ve been waiting for your opportunity to get an arts education…
Well excuses no longer exist.
Schools are available. Technology works. The job opportunities are there.
You just have to decide if you’re going to take the plunge.
