Mail-order art school

Lon Haverly · 08-06-2005, 08:46 PM

I work at the mall in my little portrait studio in the middle of the mall and I meet all kinds of people, and many who claim to be artists. Today, a lady came by and told me she was about to graduate from art school. She said she had completed a four-year course in one year. I congratulated her, and asked her where it was, as I knew of none in our red-neck community. She proudly proclaimed, the American Art Institute. I recognized it as the mail-order art school. I asked her to tell me how she liked it. She proclaimed she got straight Bs! I said, "Is that suspicious, or is that good?" She said, "That is how good I am!" I did not know if she was flattering herself, or apologising.

I asked her how much she paid for it. She said $125 a month.

I wonder; if they had flunked her, would she still send in her money?

Lacey Lewis · 08-06-2005, 09:42 PM

I've seen those "tests" in magazines since I was a teen that will supposedly allow them to tell you if you do or do not have what it takes. You know, copy this simple drawing of a female head and send it in. I've wanted to do an experiment to see what, if anything, would be rejected.

What if instead of drawing the head of the woman, one was to send in a drawing of a plant? Or a photograph of something entirely different than a woman? Or even just a photocopy of the magazine add? What would it take to earn their rejection?

Michele Rushworth · 08-06-2005, 10:27 PM

The ads that I've seen like that in magazines usually say they will tell you "if you have the interest" to become an artist. Of course, it's a self fulfilling test: if you do the drawing and send it in, you're pretty much already interested in "becoming an artist".

I suppose it all comes down to whether they actually teach anything worthwhile. I would be curious, if you ever see this lady again, to see what her drawings look like. Can't be any worse than what little they taught me in my BFA program back in the 1970's!

Lon Haverly · 08-06-2005, 11:22 PM

I asked her to post something on my site, and give me a report on the education she got. I hope to see her work. I have never known anyone who actually followed through on that thing.

I have always been opposed to giving grades in art schools, or classes. The art is the end, not the grade. I was never graded in my nine years of art training. I will not teach in a school system that requires grading.

Jim Riley · 08-08-2005, 12:01 PM

I worked with a gentleman who eventually became Director and Vice President of Color and Design for a major manufacturer of interior products and was a competent fine artist as well. While discussing our earlier work careers he noted that his worst job ever was with a mail order art course company about the time they first became popular. Apparently he had to continue servicing accounts that showed no hope of ever becoming "artist"and acceptance into the program required little evidence of skill.

John Reidy · 08-09-2005, 08:02 PM

I took that test almost 40 years ago. It's been around for a while.

I took it at my mother's bidding. I was certain it was a farce but my mom insisted so I took the test as quickly as I could.

A gentleman came by the house to follow up and gave rave reviews. I was then excused while my mom and the salesman talked. I don't know what was said but my mom informed me I would not be required to take the course. She told me it was a farce.

I can't believe that these ads are still running and am amazed when I see them.

John