The End: Looking Back

With the final week of this semester approaching, I find myself looking back on my first year in art school. Having only taken one or two art classes in high school, I didn't know what to expect going into this program. I have always enjoyed making art on my own, but I have never devoted this much time and effort into art. It's been fun, confusing, frustrating, and enjoyable. Looking back at the first drawing I did in the fall compared to the last drawing I'm working on for this semester is astounding. To actually see the progress I've made is rewarding. I know I still have a lot of areas to improve on, but to never have taken a drawing class before, I think I've done a great job.

Looking back, if there was one thing I would have done differently, I would have loved to spend more time on my art. I would love to be able to spend hours working on something I could be proud of, but with various things happening outside of school (family, jobs, personal reasons) it always seems hard to make that happen. Even with the lack of sleep I've received this whole year, I wouldn't change it for anything else. I don't see myself being an accountant, a lawyer, an engineer, or doctor. There is a reason why I chose to go to art school. Despite all the frustration I've felt, I would much rather be up late at night working on a piece of art than trying to memorize math equations or all the bones in the body.

In just one year I've produced more designs, drawings, and 3D works than I have ever done in the past. I've learned the importance of mark making, color theory and other various things that I had never thought of in the past. Even though drawing, in general, has been difficult for me, I plan to take what I have learned in these past two semester and use it to my benefit. Over the summer, I plan on drawing.....a lot. I don't want the things I've learned to go to waste. I realized after coming back from the winter break that "if you don't use it, you lose it."

With all that being said, I've really enjoyed what I have experienced in art school. Not just the lessons I've learned, but also the friendships I have made. After taking some of the Gen Ed classes, the art program is completely different. You become much closer to the people in these art classes than you would in an English or Math class. I've enjoyed my time in the program so far, and I can't wait to see what else there is to look forward to in the future.

-Daniel