If you’ve ever taken a college course of any kind, you know the impact it can have on your life. Increased stress, loss of sleep due to long hours of studying, and feeling overwhelmed are just a few of the ways college impacts your life. For artists, this can be a difficult approach to learning more about their craft and actually hinder their creative process. Long studio hours, harsh criticism, and decreased self-care are common due to the environment and pressure that these students feel. It isn’t hard to see the effect of higher education on artists.
Importance of art-focused higher education
It’s important to note that art in higher education is extremely important, both for those studying art and design, as well as other majors. Having an increased and higher level understanding of the arts is a key part of a well rounded education. The technical skills that artists learn at the college level and beyond are essential to their careers, their work, and the understanding and appreciation of art. But it is not without faults.
The environment in college-level art courses
Most fellow college-level artist that I have spoken with have the same perspective, no matter what kind of art they studied or what school they attended. The environment is the same. It involves things like:
- long studio hours, both during and after class due to the need for studio space
- cramped or dated facilities due to lack or loss of funding for the arts
- peer and instructor critique and criticism
- pressure to succeed no matter how your personal life or social relationships are impacted
The Detrimental Effect of Higher Education on Artists:
Increased self-criticism
Higher education art courses often require students to self-critique their work. They’re also asked to present work in front of the class for feedback and critique. The purpose is to help students learn and perfect their own expression in art. But it can also be a hindrance to the student’s mental health, especially if they start to obsess over details in future works or react harshly to their own work.
Self-criticism developed in the art studio is often easily transferred into other areas of life, such as in relationships, work, or other academic classes. The self-criticism developed in these courses can lower confidence and decrease feelings of self-worth. These feelings can leave an impact for years beyond the studio.
Increased stress and anxiety levels
The long hours and high expectations of art courses are naturally stressful. Art students often struggle with mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Increased levels of stress can also promote feelings of burnout and interrupt creative flow. This can lead to low motivation and inability to perform in the arts. While art on it’s own is naturally healing, the pressure at a high level can be detrimental if not cared for properly.
Decreased level of self-care practices
Similar to increased stress levels, art at the higher ed level can often promote decreased ability to engage in self-care practices. This is due to the amount of time and energy expected to get a degree in the arts. Spending more time at the studio leaves less time for relationships, eating well and exercising, as well as engaging in relaxation activities that are necessary for management of the stress levels attained within these programs.
About Therapist Samantha Nolan, MA, LPC, ATR- Barnum Counseling