“Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design’s mission has several aims, all consistent with its founding in 1963 as a community of “creatives”: to instill a passion for creativity, innovation, excellence and lifelong learning in both the Fine and Applied Arts; to nurture the individual talents of each student as s/he completes a formal program of study; to integrate critical thinking, analysis and scholarship into the refinement and application of each student’s skills and creativity; to contribute in socially responsible ways to the local, global and professional communities.” -RMCAD
Loading ...
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I am a graduate of RMCAD. I have mixed views on the school. The school does offer some very talented educators but at the same time it was a complete mess. If you know exactly what you want to do with your life ie be an illustrator, graphic design, fine art etc. then you should will have a great experience. If you were like me, not quite sure what you want to do, then you may get lost in their art student shuffle. I never had a counseling session to determine where I would fit. When I was doing poorly I just slipped through the cracks of their education system and they kept taking my money. Their liberal studies were a joke (like most art schools). In the end I regret going to that school. Granted, I take responsibility for my stupidity but if I could do it over again, I would have listened to my mother
and went to a state school and received a better education for a lot less money. Art schools of this caliber are not worth the high price tuition especially if your not sure what you want to do with your life. If you like art then there are many state schools that have great art programs that offer a variety of majors from graphics to fine art. Plus, you will also receive the valuable liberal studies education that is so very important to help you grow and ready yourself for the real world. From my own experience most jobs prefer someone with a BA or BS. Just be careful and if you have any doubt about your future career path then do not attend art school. Keep in mind if you decide to change paths later in life then you are stuck with a BFA and will have a tough time pursueing a masters other than an MFA. Also, keep in mind the art world wether fine arts, graphics or illustration is highly competative. You must have an amazing portfolio or an amazing trust fund in order to survive fianacially. Be prepared to take those entry level graphic jobs for 10 dollars an hour just to gain experience because most fair paying graphic jobs only want some one with at least 2-5 years experience. Then keep in mind you will be competing with people who may have better portfolios than you and who are also applying for those 10 dollar an hour entry level jobs. Also make sure you know those computer programs inside and out because I have found that is usually number 1 on an employer’s list; great computer skills. The more you know the better. Good luck!
August 3rd, 2007 at 6:57 am
Thanks so much, Joe! This is the kind of thoughtful comment I really appreciate. I tend to agree about the cost of art schools. it is amazing how expesive they get. I’m an architect, so I sometimes remind myself that LeCorbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright did not have a formal architectural education, however they were tops in their field. Why? Because they had a clear vision and an incredible drive for their love of architecture. This may be the key to success (Along with schmoozing, maybe).