Is the Art Institute a good school? (degree, high school, best) - Higher education - City-Data Forum

CTR36 · 11-11-2007, 09:53 PM

My daughter is still in high school but is a really talented graphic artist. She would like to go to a local university, Dallas, that has a good graphic arts program. I attended UTD and it is best known for it's science and engineering programs as well as business. I don't know of any local good art schools except the Art Institute.Is this a legitimate school? How respected is it by employers?

Just trying to get a head start on the college apps. She is just a sophomore.

foma · 11-11-2007, 10:05 PM

AI is located across the country. AI of Houston, AI of PHX etc.

I know a few people who have graduated from there although not personally. I've only herad good things about them. My husband's cousin who is a senior in HS is thinking about attending there, too. I can't give you too much info b'c I don't know that much about the school but I just wanted to let you know that it is reputable. Good luck!

jessiegirl_98 · 11-11-2007, 11:54 PM

The most important thing for graphic design is that she gets really good practical experience where she learns the most up to date programs and develops a great portfolio. Also, that the school has great internship placements. My brother attended graphic design school at Illinois Wesleyn. It was a good program, but not the most well-known. He was able to get a great internship at a place where they beta test program. He was extremely marketable because he knew the new programs before they were even out (he's also a really good artist). Through connections he made during internships, he got an awesome job and now does websites for Atlantic Records making well over 100K.....I can tell you that they just cared that he was talented and knew the programs and didn't care where he went to school. I would check with the school to see how their recent grads are doing, what internship sites they have, etc.

Humanoid · 11-12-2007, 03:43 AM

In graphic design employers mainly look at your portfolio (as mentioned above), although getting a degree from a prestigious school can help. Art Institutes are legitimate schools, but they aren't prestigious art school. Some Art Institutes are better than others too.

The problem with AI is that they have very poor general education. This can be an asset because you can spend more time on art, but if you aren't successful as an artist you are left with very little. Although you may think your daughter is great at what she does the market place may not.