Mainstream Blogger

should I listen to/purchase the new Vampire Weekend album or

There were several possible reactions I could have had to the rejection letter I got in the mail today from RISD pre-college. I didn’t think anger was going to be one of them.

It’s not that I’m angry about not getting in. I’m angry that I couldn’t show my real talents because of the whole “drawings are better portfolio pieces than graphic design work” rule.

I don’t know if you know this, art schools, but I have never been in a world without Photoshop. Ever. All my life, I have been surrounded by art that is created using desktop publishing programs.

I don’t know if you know this, art schools, but one can learn how to make art with these programs and not know how to draw/paint professionally. I’ve worked in the field for almost 6 months as an intern and I have never drawn anything without the computer.

I don’t know if you know this, art schools, but having half drawings and half REAL art is not a perfect fit for every applicant. And I don’t know if you realize how much pressure that puts on someone who isn’t confident with these kinds of skills.

I don’t know if you know this, art schools, but I fucking know art and I understand what makes it work and what makes it fall flat. And I know how to make great things without a pencil and paper being involved in the process.

I find that as institutions that are supposed to foster creative growth and personal development through art, a formula for portfolio structure is insulting and discouraging. Insulting because it instills in applicants the idea that they aren’t responsible enough to provide enough of their artistic background in their portfolios. And discouraging because people who learned art through computers and technology, like me and surely others, are denied the opportunity to sufficiently highlight where their true talent lies.

I’m likely not applying to RISD this year. Why drop $65 to get another version of the useless rejection I got today? More importantly, why embarrass myself with art that I am not passionate about, but am required to submit because its what the school wants?

allyouladiespopyopussylikedis:

facethedawn replied to your post: facethedawn replied to your post: i’d give you an…

I speak da truth

ah david the voice of truth