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Can you be a successful artist without going to art school?

• I love art and love painting. My artwork has been published so it has been recognized and all. However, people tell me that my "talent will go to waste" if I don't pursure art as a major. (I'm in the process of applying to colleges). I have always thought that no matter what, I'll pursue art as my passion on the side like I have been doing my whole life. One day I'd love to have a gallery to showcase my work and yet people tell me that without going to art school or without art majors it will be unlikely for me to ever be successful or get big shows or whatnot. I figured that any artist would have the same chance of finding commissions or galleries with better chances or lower chances based on their talent and work, NOT their education history. Can anyone clarify on similiar experiences? Or explain why having an art major makes you more successful? Or how it doesnt? I believe art is personal and it is what you make of it. You don't need teachers or classrooms to create, you only need yourself. (and some paints!)

• Answer:

  I felt that this question was very interesting. I started painting at a very young age, my mother and grandfather were unqualified artists, and the talent and interest was passed down, my daughter also has a great gift too. All my other children are good at art as well, we all paint. I not only do paintings, I do moulds of peoples faces and paint them, I have airbrushed motor bike tanks, leather jackets, I take photos of people and put them in scenes of the future of science fiction. I have done scenes on kids bedroom walls of under the sea, and made a real difference to their comfort at night. Ive made no end of money from it and many people tell me my paintings look like photo's, its a great way to give gifts to friends too! Apart from a GCSE A+, I never bothered with qualifications. People always pressured me into getting qualifications..what for? As far as Im concerned I have acheived far more than most with these qualifications and they mean nothing to me. However 3 years ago I attended college, wiped the floor with everyone there, they couldnt teach me jack! There just a bunch of toffs with a bit of paper that says "I went to college" "I know best" load of rubbish!! Keep painting, keep smiling and enjoy what you do x the only person to ever teach me anything was Bob Ross and Peter Jones.Sci-Fi...Im a real fan! Inspiration from 1 to another is great, dont believe merits etc makes you worth more x