I am in the process of getting a BFA with a concentration in photography and I have learned many things about being an art student that would otherwise be unknown. I just assumed I was going to be making stuff and didn’t realize what else might be attached to that

1. The portfolio.

If you see someone on campus walking around with a giant portfolio (which is often two big pieces of cardboard taped together) it’s probably an art student going to their three-hour long studio class. That is how people would recognize me from far away - a woman carrying a giant piece of black cardboard.

2. Three hourlong classes.

Yes, the majority of art classes are three hours long twice a week-- unfortunately, the artwork usually requires working out of class for an even longer amount of time.

3. The materials.

You always end up having to buy a bunch of material for the specific art class you are taking. If you run out; you have to make sure you get more in time to finish your assignment.

4. The projects.

The projects and assignments are most of the time very fun, but you don’t understand them unless you are an art student. Having to explain to someone who isn’t an art major often ends with them just laughing, because they weren’t in your class and don’t understand how long it took to make.

5. Space.

You have to keep your work somewhere and you can’t throw it away because your will need it for portfolio review or can enter it into a show. Everything becomes covered with your projects, closets to cars.

Now, with all that said I am still an art student and I appreciate everything I am learning. In the end, it is all worth it.