NOTES FROM ART SCHOOL

A few observations from my first year in the paint-splattered, charcoal-dusted, grungy place I call home.

1. You will probably not get through art school without doing something dumb to your hair at some point. For instance, dyeing it so much it turns to a strawlike fuzz, or shaving it all off. Accept this. It's just hair, it grows back.
2. Some of your assignments, particularly in the foundation year, will be mind-numbing and difficult. I could tell you you're learning from them, but I'd be lying. (I drew boxes in charcoal for 3 damn weeks straight. Tell me how that's useful). You are, however, learning the fine skill of punching through frustration, which is extremely valuable no matter what you end up doing in your life.
3. Cafeteria food ranges from "strange tasting but edible" to "no no no why is this in my mouth". Learn what's good and what's not.
4. Good teachers make or break a class. Especially the long studio classes. Suffering though a 1.5 hour English class with a boring teacher is okay, while suffering through a five hour class with a similarly boring teacher is excruciating. 
5. Don't be afraid to switch classes if you have a feeling the class is gonna make you miserable. Save yourself a semester of bashing your head against the wall.
6. Stock up on charcoal and newsprint. You will be burning through those things like crazy.
7. Art supplies left unattended for a few days in workrooms? Your supplies now. 
8. Do NOT use the nasty spray fixative/spray paint in the communal workroom with terrible vents or everybody will hate you. Spray booths and the outdoors exist for a reason.
9. In a pinch, an old magazine makes a decent mixing pallette. And you can throw it away when you're done! 
10. There will be some days when all that's keeping you running is caffeine. That is okay.