Conceptual art schools emphasize creativity over traditional technique.
One distinction between some art schools is whether they promote traditional techniques or concept-based art. While traditional techniques can be useful, some artists feel that they stifle their creativity. This is where conceptual art schools come in. Conceptual art schools emphasize the development of ideas, or concepts, over traditional methods and theories of art.
Alignment of Mission
Some schools heavily promote conceptual art, while others concentrate on teaching traditional methods. California College of the Arts (CCA) and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts, or CIA) both promote the development of concepts and the student's unique voice over learning traditional techniques. Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, on the other hand, heavily emphasizes traditional techniques in a student's education. Both can be useful, but students planning to study art should choose a school that will help them develop the abilities and styles that are most important to them personally.
Social and Political Agendas
Because conceptual art schools focus on the development of ideas, there may be thoughts that dominate at any given school. Students looking for a conceptual art school should investigate the predominant social and political agendas that seem to be given voice on campus among the faculty and the students. Those students whose own ideals do not clash with the prevailing views may have a much easier time working with their professors and their peers than would students whose concepts run counter to the majority. One way potential students can pinpoint campus attitudes is to view some of the art produced there. Student publications are also revealing.
Plans for Employment
Students who intend to work in commercial design or illustration after graduation will generally find that studying traditional techniques will serve them well, as these are generally called for in the industry. Another consideration is the professional ties that some schools have to commercial industry and whether they help propel their students to particular desired professions. Again, students should identify their own goals and choose a school that will best help them meet those.
Other Options
Art students do not necessarily have to choose between conceptual or traditional art as the basis for their education. Some schools, such as the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, teach the more employable skills but also offer courses in conceptual art. Gemini School of Visual Arts of Cedar Park, Texas, first teaches important techniques, then moves on to application and creative problem-solving. Such approaches allow students to develop a strong foundation in traditional art skills, while also learning to break that mold and express their own individual voices.
