Advice for students interested in Art and Architecture 

Designing The Future 

The dictionary defines design as "the combination of artistic details or architectural features which go to make up a picture, statue, building, etc.; the artistic idea as executed; a piece of decorative work, an artistic device." 

There has never been a better time to be a designer! Students who are creative, adventurous, and inquisitive often cannot imagine their lives without the opportunity to create. At Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, becoming a designer in art or architecture has never been more exciting or rewarding. High school students can take many steps now to prepare themselves to study art or architecture in college. 

Practice Makes Better 

Designers are heavily encouraged to take academic art courses in high school. They should take advantage of opportunities to practice drawing skills as much as they can. Potential architects, as well as artists, should take drawing classes. If schools don’t offer any, then students should consider carrying a sketchbook and drawing whenever there’s a free moment. Sketching objects with which they are familiar (their shoe, their hand, or their surroundings) can usually be a good place to start. A designer can never draw too much! 

Architects should also consider adding physics and calculus to their high school curriculum. These two important classes can help students gain important skills and secure footing as they begin their undergraduate experience. 

The Portfolio 

Artists and architects are usually encouraged by colleges and universities to submit a portfolio. Both fields like to see students’ artwork rather than computer-assisted drawings or drafting designs. Most institutions prefer to see original works from direct observation, as opposed to paintings or drawings created from photographs. We recommend students submit what they consider their best work rather than a range of work. A good way for students to receive feedback from several schools is to attend National Portfolio Days in their areas. The NPD Association posts its calendar at www.npda.org . 

Free To Be Flexible 

The variety of opportunities available today can sometimes make it hard for students to choose a single field to explore in college. At Washington University, designers have a flexible curriculum, which often allows for pursuing a combination of interests. It’s not unusual to see a fashion design student explore the realm of marketing with a second major or minor. Painting students and architects can explore pre-med and pre-law options. Whether it’s another program within the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts or in one of our three other undergraduate divisions, students at Washington University have the flexibility and freedom to explore all their interests. 

The Future 

Designers work in many fields that directly influence our lives. They design the products we consume, the clothes we wear, the furniture and accessories in our homes, and the buildings themselves. They educated our children, influence the media, and stimulate thought. Some may become partners in firms, museum curators, gallery owners, or teachers while others may use their influence in fields such as engineering, medicine, and business. The qualities of imagination and vision have never been in so much demand! 

Please visit http://samfoxschool.wustl.edu/ for more information on the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. 

This information comes from "Counselor’s Canvas", spring 2007 issue, published by Washington University in St. Louis.