Portfolio Schools: Are They Worth It?
There’s been a debate whether or not it’s worth paying thousands and thousands of dollars to attend portfolio schools such as the VCU Adcenter, Creative Circus, and Miami Ad School (just to name a few).
I do remember finding myself asking for school information to be sent to me, and daydreaming about the day I would be able to study in one of these schools. The material I received were visual eye candy and it got me excited about the thought the possibility of getting in. What really caught my eye was that, as one of their students, you’d be taught by those in the industry and that you’d also be able to make valuable contacts with their alumni, faculty members, fellow classmates, etc. Having that chance to network with important people in the industry will definitely give you an advantage over everyone else (like me) when it comes to looking for a job.
The other great things about ad school: structure and convenience. There’s no doubt that you’ll be working your ass off during your time there, but at least you’ll have great resources at your fingertips. You’ll have the faculty and fellow classmates to help you out, you’ll get used to the habit of constant brainstorming and working in a team, and you won’t need to go out of your way for these resources because they’ll be right there. And there’s no doubt that the relationships you build while you’re there will be priceless.
Granted, I’ve never had the opportunity to attend any of these schools, but this is what comes to mind. Would I personally apply to a portfolio school? I could see myself doing so if I could afford it. But since I have my own loan to pay off with the BA I’m close to completing, I doubt I would be applying to ad school anytime in the near future.
And this is a big part of why I’ve created My Own Ad School. I know I’m not alone in this and that there are others just like me who want to get into advertising but can’t attend a portfolio school for whatever reason. I’m just suggesting another alternative, which is to take control of your situation by learning things yourself. I’m sure there’s a big group of successful creatives who didn’t attend any portfolio school and made it on their own this way. You just need to be passionate, persistent and have initiative. Don’t be afraid to suck and make a lot of mistakes because that’s what you’ll need to become the best you can be.
So are portfolio schools worth it? They could be. But the more important thing is how and what you learn along the way. These schools can work for some and not for others. But it’s ultimately your choice whether you decide what the best move is. Do your research on this school, and if you can, visit the campus and maybe you’ll get an idea if attending a portfolio school is right for you.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Bianca,
Interesting new blog you’ve put together here. Best of luck with it.
To answer the question at hand, are they worth it? Well, that depends on YOU. Yes, it’s quite possible to put together a book without attending portfolio school. But to do it right takes a level of dedication that most just-finishing-high-school or even college students aren’t ready to put in, IMO. This is an incredibly tough industry, and its rise in popularity is making it even tougher to break into. That gives the students who are attending portfolio school an immediate advantage. Then you have to consider that, even within the portfolio schools, some students are vastly more motivated than others.
As you’ve already noted, it’s ALL about the book. Even more so than I think you mentioned in your post below. I’ve yet to be asked for grades, transcripts, or anything relating to school. I haven’t even been asked for proof that I attended school. Nobody cares. This is one of the few industries where that background just doesn’t matter (at least on the creative side).
I’d say portfolio school is worth it. It provides structure for a process that is already difficult and vastly competitive. If you can’t afford to go, though, there’s still hope. As long as you realize what you’re up against and you’re willing to work that much harder. Make contacts on your own. Find people who will serve as teachers/mentors by giving feedback on your work, etc. You can definitely make it happen.
Best of luck!
April 20th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Hi Danny,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I completely agree with your comment: it depends on the individual and how determined they are to get that big break. I do see portfolio school as a worthwhile experience, but unfortunately, not everyone is accepted and some may not have the means to get there. In the end, it’s hard work that will pay off.
Also, thank you for mentioning that the book is all that matters. You’ve confirmed what I’ve read in books and articles on how to get a job in advertising, and the fact that you strongly stated that nobody cares about grades and transcripts makes it even more of a reality. I will definitely alway keep that in mind and spread that message to others like myself. Thanks again for the great advice!
July 20th, 2007 at 2:17 am
This is exactly what I expected to find out after reading the title Portfolio Schools: Are They Worth It?. Thanks for informative article
May 7th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I’ve applied to an ad school and while I’d really like to go I just can’t justify the 60,000 dollars of debt I’d occur by going there. So I guess I’m doing the same thing by trying to do it on my own. I’ve been taking classes through the local community college to learn technical skills. I’d really like to know though can anyone justify $60,000 for one of these schools? It’s not like you’re going to be a doctor afterwards.