Want to apply to an art school, should I even try?! New at this, critiques wanted!

[mynameisbran]

So, I'm new at art, and want to continue with it. I've only taken three art classes while attending community college, and really liked it. I would love to go to a school like SVA or Pratt, but I feel that what I have so far for my portfolio is lack-luster. Please give me critiques, and suggestions on what type of pieces I should add! It would be greatly appreciated!! I know I definitely have issues with creativity.

http://instagram.com/p/SqO03VIAS9/
http://instagram.com/p/SOX0xsoARx/
http://instagram.com/p/SBf6KPoAbc/
http://instagram.com/p/R8V7uZoAVS/
http://instagram.com/p/RvdbroIAWk/
http://instagram.com/p/QDS8RUoAWv/
http://instagram.com/p/RGJ8efIAXT/

(I had trouble uploading from my computer so I only used the pieces I posted on Instagram.) The first one I'm adding color to, though whether or not that finished product goes into my portfolio depends on how it turns out. Also, might not have the last two in there. Thanks again!

[David_a_ray]

The education you get from an art school will be useful, but merely taking the courses does not guarantee that you will improve as an artist. Your motivation to learn, and the effort you put fourth are the deciding elements. I’m finishing up my BS in Game Art, and I can personally attest to this. In fact, the majority of my fellow students and graduate artwork looks like it was done by a lobotomized five-year old.

It would be my advice to pursue art as far as you can on your own, and then take the courses you want. This will ensure that you know exactly what classes you need to take, and you won’t end up wasting money taking blind contour drawing classes taught by an ex-hippie.

Find books by Andrew Loomis and James Gurney, and practice all the time. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, no amount of Art College will.

[Giacomo]

These are pretty good. You have a lot talent for a beginner!

If you want to move forward with the intent of applying to art school, you should *really* 1) focus on drawing faces and hands (right now you're pretty weak in those areas), 2) start learning to work with oil paint, and 3) get in the habit of creating work that's more involved than straightforward figure drawings--i.e., start producing finished paintings or illustration in a style you'd like to get paid for working in.

I'd recommend you take some classes (SVA, Pratt, and Parsons all have evening programs--SVA's is best in my opinion) and put some serious mileage (a year or two) in on all three of those areas before you apply to art school. You *might* get in with the portfolio you have now---but if you do, you'll be spending $10K a semester to learn basic stuff that you can pick up for much cheaper in continuing-ed classes. It's better to get your chops up before you start so you can take full advantage of what the faculty has to offer.

Just my two cents.

[Elwell]

So, I'm new at art, and want to continue with it. I've only taken three art classes while attending community college, and really liked it. I would love to go to a school like SVA or Pratt, but I feel that what I have so far for my portfolio is lack-luster.

What you have would probably get you in to most art schools. Admissions portfolios are about potential, and your work definitely shows that. You mention SVA and Pratt, so I assume you are in the NYC area? Both of those schools have continuing ed departments where you can take individual classes, it's a good way of checking things out, and portfolio building. Here's link to SVA's continuing ed info sessions.

[Inkrabid]

You have a pretty strong life art portfolio I think. But thats all you have, so I'd recommend making some pictures from fantasy, like an alien landscape or something equal. Maybe put a charicature in there, but make sure it looks serious. Maybe you could make a futuristic vehicle design too, just to show some diversity.

[Symson]

You should always apply. Always take a chance. Let the school decide if they want you or not.

You should not be the first one to take yourself out of the equation. With that kind of outlook, you'll always be your own worst enemy.