8 Things I learned from Arts School

I went to an arts school for six years of my life and I loved every second of it. If you have a passion for something artistic, look into exploring an education where you can do both.

1. Nothing and everything is a competition.
   The opinions are the competition, what people like and don't like about your work are the critical keys to your improvement, but there is no winning. Everything is Art. It’s beautiful and always surrounding. So you’re not in a race for mastered art or most authentic talent, it’s all “art”, you’re in competition for approval, to see your name at the top of a list.
2. Take every audition as a learning opportunity.
   If you don’t get it? Well, be glad that you submerged yourself in real life practice!
   “You think you’ve got this audition. You nailed it. Then, the Part/solo/gallery spot, goes to someone else. Your whole life is over.” Nah Friend, it’s just not your time to shine, it’s theirs.
   Every person has their strengths. I LOVE to act. I can’t sing. At All (though I used to be in choir and I don't know how that lasted. I admit, I can’t dance either, yet I still try my best and again, no matter how hard I try, I can’t draw. But the beauty of surrounding yourself with a thousand other talented kids, there’s SO much to learn.
   Everyone has their strengths and highlighted attributes but that doesn't mean you won’t one day be the one showcasing yours.
   
3. Everyone has similar goals
   Happiness? Fame? Success? Having a job you actually love and can't imagine doing anything else?
   “No I need to do something fun with my life, I couldn't even do the 9-5 if I tried”
   It’s scary being realistic.
   But, not every single one of us is going to make it out on that Red Carpet, Grammy stage, or New York Ballet. We all hold our head high and attempt our best; we memorize until our heads hurt, dance until our toes fall off, “shed” until fingers bleed, sing until our voice is gone, and paint until every brush is used.
   We’re all passionate, talented people who have decided to devote, at least part, of our education to art.
   Make sure to wish everyone luck, keep your head up, and remember that the key to artistic success is to be different.
   Why will you make an impact on the upcoming generation? What can you do that hasn’t already been done?
   
4. Some teachers give a damn that you go to a school where you balance two lives… others, do not.
   It's a split. Academics and art. That means double homework.
   Need an Extension? “I’m sure my English teacher will give me one but my Math teacher laughed and said, none of my teachers in college will give me extensions."
   They either want to help you or they don’t. And if they don’t? Good luck, grab a coffee because high school or not; you asked for a double life so get ready for a Hannah Montanna paced life.
   
5. What are sports?
   No, I'm not kidding. Turn the Tv on and watch a game; college and life will be a whirlwind if you don’t pick up on some terms now.
   Touchdown means a goalie kicked a ball into the hoop right?
   Kidding ;)
   
6. Flower Dresses, tie dye, tie up boots, snapbacks, and all black is not always normal.
   There is no dress code. Just a variety of styles because of the varieties people.
   Art School?
   You mean use your clothes to express yo’self-right?
   You know not to judge! Because you’re just as happy that no one is telling you what you can and cannot wear.
   
7. Diversity.
   Talent is not defined by anything other than the work presented.
   If you look at a painting, you don't know who did it, just that hands produced such creativity.
   Gay? Trans? Black? Asian? White? TALENT is welcome, there is no other requirement or expectation. Talent comes from within a person’s identity…And last time I checked that means your true self. Artists take everything that’s true and genuine in their lives and produce a physical, valued insight into their most impactful and personal transitions.
   
8. Artists have big hearts. (Including the deep and insightful conversations)
   Art is impressionism, expressionism, and anything you else you want it to be. It’s the history behind it and watching it evolve from what it once was to what it has become. Feelings, moments, intensity, pain, memories, and utter passion filled with love for the art we’re devoted to. Art derives from feelings and the images that appear alongside, even with the spoken word, it’s the imagery that appears in your head, “What is this person trying to tell you? What emotions are being exhibited and how are you interpreting it?”
   
   Find your artistic side and unleash it. I guarantee the world will be beyond thankful that you did.
   Plus, you might meet some pretty amazing people too.