What are some of the misconceptions out there about GCSE art? If you are contemplating of taking GCSE in Art & Design or are in the middle of your studies and having difficulties, then this video is for you.
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On today's topic, I will discuss about the Myths & Misconceptions relating to GCSE art. So let’s get started!
Myth #1- You have to be super talented in art
Not really! Well…, being talented in art and making perfect drawings is not enough to get a good mark in the GCSE; because you are not only being judged on your skill, but also on your research, the quantity and variety of your studies, and your creative process. Check out my video on the Creative Process. And even if you are not that great, remember practice makes better and by the end of the course your skills will develop. So practice, and with time you will improve and discover your own style and strengths.
It is exciting for teachers and examiners to see how your work improved from the beginning to the end. We are not looking for perfection, but we are interested in your ability to be creative, in your process, in the research and effort you put in the development of your own ideas. If you are doing excellent paintings, but have not developed any studies or explored any ideas and materials, or even researched other artists, you could get a lower mark than a less skilled student who has done a lot more studies and preparation work to develop ideas for a piece. Being a lazy thinker will not just compensate with excellent artistic skills. I had students who were very talented in drawing and painting but did not put the time and effort to create enough studies and research artists. By the end of the year, their portfolios were really poor, with few pages and they could not even get a passing mark.
Also, bear in mind that when viewing portfolios on youtube and various websites, you might see featured the best work from around the world, but please, please do not get daunted and assume that you have to have extraordinary skills. If you work hard and put the time it will show, so do as much as you can and sometimes quantity will compensate for the lack of quality.
Myth #2- Art can be fun ‘filler’ subject
Oftentimes many students choose Art with the impression that it will be a fun subject where they can just relax, splash some paint, and do whatever. They select art to avoid other difficult subjects, but they end up regretting it. Yes, art can be enjoyable but students are misguided to believe that it’s also easy. Art can be demanding and you will have lots of amount of work. It is time-consuming and requires dedication and ongoing effort. You should take art because you enjoy it and you are seriously interested in it, otherwise you will resent it. On this note lets’ move on to our next myth…
Myth #3: You have tons of coursework and NO free time
Ok, yes in art you will have lots of homework, but it is manageable with the right attitude. The difference here from other subjects is that you cannot be casual about art and leave things to the last minute. You need to be consistent and have good work habits. Every week you should be dedicating time to your art to complete your projects..., if you neglect things they pile up, and then it's too difficult to catch up with all the work. It takes time to make art and it is not something you can rush last minute. So if you are organized, manage your time and be consistent, you should be fine. Also, you can find smart ways to create art faster, by using techniques or materials that can help you speed up your process.
Myth #4: You have to read and write a lot in your sketchbook
Not really. You are not expected to read or write a lot and fill in your pages with endless amounts of information. Yes, you do need to research and learn about artists, but if you do not want to read endless texts, you can always watch a documentary or a YouTube video about an artist or a topic. And you are expected to write thoughtfully about it; meaning that you understand what you write and you reflect on it. The text is just meant to support the visuals, so don't get carried away and fill in pages with long and detailed information that you just copy from online. Sometimes less is more! Oftentimes I recommend to my students to write things in their own words, use short notes, keywords, and when necessary just write small and concise paragraphs.
I hope you found this helpful… Is there anything specific you want to ask me? Tell me about your questions or concerns, in the comments below. Also don’t forget to grab the guides at the link below and book for your first free trial for online tutoring.
· Click here to book your first FREE trial for 30 mins online tutoring with me.
· Download the guide ‘Quick Tips for GCSE in Art Students’, from the link below to help you prepare for your art studies.
· Do you want to excel in your GCSE in Art and create outstanding sketchbooks? Go ahead and check out my online course ‘GCSE in Art & Design made simple: The Complete Beginners’ Guide’ at https://www.stellakarageorgi.com/online-courses
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