Thinking about attending an art high school can be challenging as the admissions process can be nerve-wracking and competitive. Yet, there are ways to prepare for admittance. With this in mind, a NYC specialized art high school is a great stepping stone for students who are interested in a more creativity-oriented learning environment. It offers the kind of support and learning experience that can let the student gauge, how interested they are in an arts education and whether it is something they’d like to pursue further as well. Above all, specialized art high schools offer focused creative learning while also fulfilling common core requirements.
What are the jurors looking for?
An NYC art high school portfolio requires good drawing skills. It is important to showcase an interest and include pieces that are authentic to who you are. Being true to yourself while also showcasing an advanced skill set is important. The jurors will look for your special interests, and what makes you, a successful young artist. Foundational drawing skills are still very important in this case. For someone who wants to be accepted into a NYC specialized art high school, it is important to draw as much as possible to develop the skill of seeing and translating form onto paper. In summary, the jurors want to see the full picture of what makes you an artist and what kind of art you are drawn to making. Whether it’s charcoal drawing or drawing characters, don’t shy away from showing what makes you special.
For more portfolio tips you can also check out our “NYC Specialized Art High Schools Admission & Portfolio Guidelines” blog HERE!
(NYC Art High School Portfolio Example)
At a specialized art high school, you will be attending more intensive art classes. It isn’t the usual art class that you get as part of the regular public school curriculum. The teachers are practicing artists themselves helping you develop as an artist. Besides being around teachers that care about providing an arts education, you are around other students like you, that aspire to an arts career or just enjoy being creative. All in all, these are some of the great benefits of attending specialized art classes for high schoolers.
Questions to consider
- Think about what materials you like to use. What excites you about making art?
- Would you like to meet more like-minded peers?
- Would you like to improve your drawing skills?
- Do you desire to attend a high school that focuses on creative learning as much as core curriculum learning?
- Do you have a portfolio ready for an art high school?
- What do you need to complete a portfolio for your high school of choice?
Why go to a specialized art high school?
My personal experience of attending a NYC specialized art high school was pivotal for my development as an artist. I’ve met amazing teachers, that passionately teach about what they love. These teachers consistently pushed my creative parameters and encouraged me every step of the way. My art high school experience is very special to me. I made art I loved which developed my creative voice as a young artist. I also met many like-minded classmates. In conclusion, in a creative art high school, I had the opportunity to forge connections with my classmates based on our creative interests as well as be challenged by my teachers to push myself into learning more.
(NYC Art High School Portfolio Example)
At the New York Art Studio, we can help you prepare for a specialized art high school audition process. Our teachers will teach you more about drawing from observation and help you prepare an outstanding portfolio as well. To learn more about our program, click HERE.
For more information on what to expect when preparing an arts high school portfolio, check out our blog HERE.
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