Back to School Tips: Studying Art in High School.

I'm starting this series of blog posts about studying Art at different education levels. I say series it's most likely only going to be about 3 posts but anyway. 

High school is that scary time of exams and every-one starts to say your becoming an adult (yikes). 

This will probably only apply to years 9 and above! But during years 7 & 8 this is your time to learn as much as humanly possible and experiment in art. 

Here are my main tips for studying Art at High School.

• Take it seriously. I know so many people who came into a multiple hour art exam laid back and casual claiming it would be a piece of cake and not putting any effort what so ever into there work or exam and then they failed to get the grade they wanted. If you want to someday become an artist and make a living from your work this is the time to start working your butt off.
• Ask for feedback on your work from teachers and other students. This helps improve in not only your work but your practice too.
• Your teachers are Artists ask them for advice on anything, they are there to help!
• Don't waste materials. When you buy your own materials you will understand how much materials and supplies cost, so don't waste your Art departments funds by using the expensive acrylic pants to paint a dick under the table (true story) or you may be using pound shop paint next lesson. 
• Attend after school Art clubs. I attended Art Clubs after school clubs in high school from year 7 until I left in year 11. Not only do you surround yourself with people who love art but it also opens up opportunities for you. Me and my friend Laura attended since year 7, this meant we got to make props for the school production of 'Little Shop of Horrors'. 
• Experiment in everything. Try new materials and techniques.
• This one is more for year 11 students, start to think about college (arghhh i know) but the sooner into year 11 you start to think about it the easier the transition will be. Think about what you want to focus and specialize in and if your not sure ask your teachers for advice. 

Do you have any tips for high school art lessons? Leave them in the comments below!