Online learning
Artist Paul Canavan explores the 10 most exciting online art schools available today, for all types of artists
There was a time, not so very long ago, when art schools and ateliers were your only options for attaining a higher art education. Typically providing a strong, foundational background for artists with varied aspirations, they were (and still are) a fantastic direction to take when seeking out a career in the creative arts.
Unfortunately, that rounded, long-term education comes at a cost, and particularly for those living outside of Europe, that cost could be prohibitively high, leading to mounting debt and insecurity at the pivotal point in a young artist’s career.
Luckily for our wallets, online art schools have emerged over the past few years that offer a vast range of courses which can rival the bricks and mortar schools in scope… as long as the student is willing to develop a strong work ethic and the drive to work from home. Online education options differ dramatically, from the more traditional foundational courses that can last several months, to individual lessons tailored to fit one subject, from class-based seminars to inspirational podcasts and more.
Through this article I’m going to explore ten of the most exciting schools and courses available online right now, tackling a wide range of subjects to give you a feel for the potential open to you. Whether you aspire to work as a concept artist or 3D modeller in the games industry, a matte painter or animator for films, or a freelance illustrator who gets to paint monsters all day long, whilst still in your pants, there’s an online school for you. Hopefully, the selection will help you pick a path that best suits your personal goals and budget, supplementing existing studies or creating a plan for you to follow from beginning to end.