What is it like to be a recent art graduate? This year’s art degree exhibitions showcase talent that is as innovative and daring as ever. However, with a shrinking market for fine art and a continually growing number of graduates, it is not going to be an easy task for hopefuls to make their mark upon the industry.
Life after art school paints a gloomy picture with the rising costs of studio space, high unemployment rate, and a culture of unpaid internships. Despite these issues, graduates from the prestigious Glasgow School of Art and Goldsmiths, University of London, are equipped with ambition, talent, and creative thinking to take the art world by storm.
One of the Glasgow graduates, Aileen McEwen, 22, shares her opinion on art college: “When you tell someone you go to art school, they give you that look of condescension. However, I am fiercely defensive because I believe that attending art school helps you learn practical skills and forces you to articulate your ideas, ultimately making you self-motivated.”
Similarly, Goldsmiths student Becca Voelcker, 21, enjoyed the academic side of her course. She says, “I loved attending lectures and seminars and completing my dissertation.”
Although it is harder to break into the art scene today with growing competition, recessions are also known to bring out the creativity within individuals and encourage lateral thinking. Many of these students plan on working part-time jobs but remain optimistic about their artistic practices.
The cost of studio space and materials poses as one of the most significant problems for these art graduates. Christopher M. Smith, a 24-year-old graduate from Goldsmiths, expresses his concerns: “I’m going to miss the workshops. Now that I’m leaving, I am thinking, ‘Where am I going to cast resin?’ I can’t just do it in my bedroom….”
Moreover, unpaid internships at galleries or as artist assistants remain sought after, but they come with a hefty cost. Eleanor Davies, a 22-year-old graduate from Goldsmiths, reveals her discomfort, stating, “I hate how galleries expect interns to work for free and be supported by their parents. They often expect you to work for long hours, leaving me to save enough money considering I don’t want to be working just as free labour.”
Beginning in September, art students will be paying up to £9,000 annually to study art. Surprisingly, graduates hold differing opinions on whether they would still choose art knowing the monetary investment required. While Glasgow graduate Emma Reid, 23, feels appreciative of leaving higher education, Goldsmiths student Ruth Lowe, 23, passionately believes that “you do not attend Goldsmiths to study art because you don’t know what else to do. You come here because you are dedicated and passionate.”
Despite these struggles, future graduates may find financial assistance. Gabriella Marcella DiTano, a 22-year-old Glasgow graduate, won an award from Deutsche Bank, enabling her to set up her own printing firm. DiTano’s parents were initially shocked that she could make money from her artwork.
Perceptions of Glasgow are greatly varied. Steven Grainger, at the age of 24, asserts, "I intend to remain in Glasgow as it is an exhilarating place to be. The city has numerous, new art spaces and creative individuals who strongly believe in their visions."
Many acknowledge that there are several instances of individuals who were constrained to relinquish their aspirations. "It is regrettable to witness graduates from the previous year who do not have their websites up and running," Day expressed. "Possibly, they have pursued other interests."
"In the studio, there is never a dialogue about the future as I think no one has a definite answer," Smith explained.
"The degree showcase is a rare opportunity for a few thousand people to see our work, and it is, and will continue to be, the solely chance for some of us. We may never encounter it again."
