Hi @groundcontrol! :) Sorry for just answering now, but I wanted to have the time to get back to you with some good answers, hehe.

Yes, that is correct, I studied at the FAA in Sweden actually, they have a school there as well, and being Norwegian and all it was a good choice for me. ;)

I can really sympathize with the your problem as far as financing three years of studying + costs of living, its a lot of money for sure! Myself, I had to work for a year, had some help from my parents + got financial aid from the Norwegian education system, and it's all thanks to those three factors coming together at the same time that I was able to attend and get through all three years in one go. I know a lot of people who will take one or two trimesters at the time and then go back and work for six months or so to save up the moneys...

All three schools do offer workshops though, so maybe that would be worth looking into? I've never attended a workshop myself, but I've heard a lot of good feedback!

To answer your question;

Where would you be today as an Artist if you didn't go to FAA? How did it change, inform or improve your artistic endeavours afterwards?

Well, one thing is for sure, like you mention yourself, my skill level would be a lot porer at this point in time. In the FAA you develope so fast it sometimes feels like your head is about to explode from all the new information you aquire on a daily basis that your mind is trying to process. Also, of course, you are required to draw and paint up to eight hours a day so that will also do it ;)

It was also great to be part of a comunity with like minded people who loves painting and drawing just as much. You get people from all around the world with different skill levels and experiences as artist so that is a good way to learn about the artworld in general.

One aspect that I found a bit poor was the preporation for what actually goes on in the art world today and how to go about a lot of basic things to make it as an artist. I had to figure a lot out by myself, though of course they do provide you with some info. I remember feeling a bit like ''Here you go, three years of intensive art school, you now know how to paint and draw, now you just have to go out in the world and make it your living!''. I guess everybody is different though, and in general it is a competetiv market where you don't just have to be good at what you do, but good at selling yourself and your work.

I think one thing that is important is remembering why you create your art and what you want it to say. I had a strong idea before FAA but after three years of extreme practice of mainly a method it took a while befor I felt like I came back to myself again if that makes any sense..? Hehe.. This is also of course one of the things that galleries/ collectors and people in the art world will look for as well.

I do definitly think that being part of the FAA community has opened a few doors though. Like I am now connected to a large community that helps each other out and shares info about exhibition oppertunities, galleries, grant applications, shows, reading material etc.. The list goes on. Also, the FAA do hold their own exhibits around the world that has grown well known within the figurative arts community where a lot of Gallerists and collectors will attend.

I can understand that you fell a bit ''underqualified'' in lack of a better word because like you say you don't have any training to back up your work, but I know quite a few succsessful artist that is self thought and is doing great! Odd Nerderum is one of them! ;) I'd say don't let that stop you from entering competitions at least! They can be a great way to get collector and gallerists interested!

I hope you found my reply a bit helpful! If you have more questions just ask, I am happy to try and answer them!

I think you have great skills!! :D <3 Can't wait too see more work from you! :)

Best,

Marie