Expert: DJ Murphy - 4/18/2007

Question
Hi DJ Murphy,
My name is Ben Dayton.  I have always wanted to be an artist in one capacity
or another since childhood.  I am now 23 and seriously contemplating going
to art school.  As I'm sure you know art school is very expensive. I am trying
to decide if its worth it.  

I don't think I would go to study fine arts because I think that it is not worth
the money.  My plan was to study graphic design and do fine art on my own.
That way I could subsidize my fine art with my graphic design work until I
could make enough money to just focus on my fine art.  In your opinion, does
this sound like a good idea or do you think I should just work my ass off on
my fine art and go for just that?

Also, I got accepted to Pratt, California College of the Arts, and SCAD.  What
do you think of these schools or anyone you know who that attends(ed)
them?
What is their reputation in the art world?

Do you think living in New York is very important to one's art career?

Thank you so much for making yourself available for people to ask questions
of you.  Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again for your time.
Sincerely, Ben Dayton

Answer
Hello Ben,

First will have to say you exceeded the limit of questions permitted under the "free" rule.  So instead of charging you the usual $$$ amount, I am feeling particularly generous today, and will give you a freebee.

S.C.A.D. has a terrific reputation.......seven thousand students.....growing at a projected rate of 400 more per year....located in one of America's most beautiful cities.....so how can you go wrong there.  Of course Savannah isn't NYC......but considering that it is an education you are seeking my first choice would be S.C.A.D.

Living in NYC as an artist is extremely expensive......I believe at last count 100,000 individuals consider themselves "artists" when classifying their occupations on I.R.S. tax forms.  So do you need to live there to be a successful artist?  No.

At 23, take advantage of the educational opportunities you have available to you........and between "fine arts" and graphic design.....take the latter.

Good luck to you,
dj murphy