There’s no doubt about it: art school is weird, but that’s a good thing. Where else can you meet some of the most creative young minds from all around the world or bond with someone over your mutual love of obscure artists? Art school can honestly feel like a wonderland of exciting new experiences, opportunities and lessons, but you can still find yourself feeling a bit like Alice lost in this Wonderland.
But have no fear! Here are five art school survival essentials to help ease the transition into your creative experience.
1. A notebook
a. This seems pretty basic, and you may be saying to yourself, “Yeah, okay Lindsay, we all went school supply shopping last month. You don’t need to remind me to bring a notebook to class.”
But I’m not talking about the standard-issue, one subject Staples notebook you always manage to snag. I’m talking about getting yourself a notebook or journal dedicated entirely to documenting your new experiences. You can use this notebook to jot down new ideas and concepts for your work or have it act as a diary—it’s up to you. Years down the line when you’ve graduated and are now a successful curator/director/gallery artist,you’ll be happy you kept documentation of your time as an art student.
2. So. Many. Tote bags.
a. Really, I can’t get enough tote bags. It’s gotten to the point where my roommate and I have dedicated an entire drawer to our ever-growing tote bag collection. Tote bags are awesome for two reasons: they’re cute and they’re useful. You can throw all of your art supplies in one bag fifteen minutes before class and your teacher will think you actually came prepared. Another cool tote bag feature is that if you’re the trendy sort, you can DIY the heck out of almost any tote bag and personalize it to your style, which is always awesome.
3. An open mind.
a. I couldn’t resist adding one non-tangible, somewhat cliché concept to this list—but this is actually a pretty important one. Whether you’re a first-year or a third-year art student, keeping an open mind is pretty much the most essential art school essential. You’re going to meet so many new and wonderful people during your time here and be introduced to new concepts, ideas and ways of thinking. It can be overwhelming, so just remember to treat every unfamiliar bit of information as a way to learn outside of yourself as this will make both you and your art grow.
4. A coupon booklet.
a. Not a physical one, but you will need the mindset that comes along with it. Look, art supplies are expensive, and it’s not unheard of to drop hundreds of dollars at Blick or Amazon depending on what your concentration is, so becoming a savvy shopper is pretty much par for the course in art school. I’m not saying to begin couponing with the passionate intensity akin to TLC’s short-lived but iconic show, Extreme Couponing, but you’ll probably want to adopt a few similar spending habits. Shop clearance, wait for sales and look up all the places that offer student discounts. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
5. Sleep.
a. “Sleep?” You may say to yourself. “What does sleep have to do with surviving art school?”
And to that, I would say, “Everything.”
Art school is intense sometimes; you have deadlines and project proposals and internships and work and so much stuff that sometimes, you begin to neglect the basics. It is a very real possibility to burn yourself out from work, so it’s important to get enough rest every night. The occasional all-nighter is fine, but making a habit of it can lead to a drop in productivity, creativity and even health problems.