Resources & Tools For Art Students
Updated April 12, 2023
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Continue Your Education & Advance Your Career in Art with Online Resources
As students pursuing an art degree near graduation, finding resources for continuing education, up-to-date-news and networking opportunities can help them launch successful careers. These resources allow artists to grow in their chosen career, and find new opportunities. Discover apps, networking possibilities and chances to continue learning in the field of art below.
Education & Skill Development
Because culture and art forms are always changing, it can be a challenge to keep up with new technology and techniques. These courses are just a few options if you're looking to further your education, or freshen up your repertoire.
Offered as part of a certificate program or as a stand-alone course, students learn the fundamentals of 3-D printing with hands-on experience. This course, provided by The Cooper Union, is perfect for artists, designers, architects and others.
Each month, a designer offers tips for professionals in areas like negotiations, business and design, creative growth and market value.
Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art
Developed by the Museum of Modern Art, this course is designed for art teachers who want to develop activity-based strategies for their classrooms. It's available in subtitles in a number of languages.
Art as a Global Business: The Value of Art
Students in this course learn the structure, history and dynamics of the art market and are able to evaluate the opportunities and risks.
The beginning art student can dive into the history of humanity, through art. Students learn about how religion and art relate as well as Western culture, the Renaissance and everything from contemporary art to prehistoric art.
Adults can take a range of noncredit courses in an effort to develop personally, jumpstart their careers or network with other artists in their area. Course offerings vary by semester.
Several times a month, this organization offers online webinars to help artists improve and learn new skills. Courses include acrylic painting for encaustic effects, painting skin tones and pastel painting tips.
This course for art educators helps teachers use art as an intervention tool and deal with the challenging behaviors that often accompany students with autism.
Learn more about this world-renowned glass blower with a series of videos that feature his work from Finland to Denver and everywhere in between.
Complex Meaning Behind One of Christmas's Most Enduring Symbols
This article from Artsy is just one of a large collection of art education articles. The resources are meant for both students and art educators.
Drawing the Figure with Charcoal and Dry Pastels
For artists looking for a new medium, this course is a quick study in using charcoal and explores dry pastels with different papers and surface types. It's offered through The Cooper Union in NYC.
Covering 1900 to 1970, this course studies 20th century art, early abstraction, art in both world wars as well as post-war art in Europe. Students take a peek into Warhol and pop art as well as how architecture relates to art.
Offered by Tyler School of art at Temple University in Philadelphia, this summer intensive workshop is taught by nationally and internationally renowned faculty who provide an intensive studio experience for students.
Introduction to Art: Concepts & Techniques
This course introduces a number of artists and their work and helps students develop an appreciation for concepts and techniques these artists use. It's a seven-week course that's great for beginners.
Introduction to Computational Arts: Visual Arts
Artists wanting to work with digital media will benefit from this course offered by instructors from the State University of New York. Each week's courses consist of two videos—one is based on art theory and the other on practice.
The MoMA offers self-guided courses online with a variety of topics, including color in modern and contemporary art, experimenting with collage, modern art from 1880 to 1945 and materials and techniques of postwar abstract painting.
Painting Abstraction: Skills for Expression
Want to learn a new form or brush up on your abstraction skills? This online course can be taken anywhere, at any time. Simply log in when it's convenient to view the content, watch videos and take the quizzes.
Artists and those interested in art theory and analysis will learn the vocabulary and writing techniques they need to review many works of art.
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Academics & Research
Art history and art education students know that they will be required to complete a written thesis (master's level) or dissertation (doctoral level) as part of their curriculum. Those planning to major in other art disciplines, such as fine arts, architecture, photography or fashion might be surprised to learn that a written thesis or dissertation may by a requirement of their degree programs as well. Whatever the specific case may be, art grads should not think that conducting research will not be part of their academic experience. The links below offer a sample of the online research resources currently available to art students.
Americans for the Arts – Research
Americans for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts and arts education. Although geared mainly for the advocacy of art education, this research page offers links to studies, statistics and data that graduate students will find useful.
From the Smithsonian Institution, the Archives of American Art website provides online access to a substantial part of the institution's art collection, research collection and other holdings. Resources not immediately accessible online are indexed and may be requested for on-site viewing.
The title says it all: a huge resource for information on artists, art work, art movements, museums and pretty much anything else to do with fine art, all accessible through the site's search engine.
Searchable dictionary to over 3,600 terms used in art. Includes pronunciation notes, supporting images, quotations and cross-references.
Sponsored by the Getty Research institute, the Getty Research Portal is an "online search platform providing global access to digitized art history texts," including fundamental texts, rare books, exhibition catalogues, auction catalogues and other related literature.
Library of Congress – American Memory
Not limited to fine arts, American Memory provides free and open online access to written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps and sheet music documenting the "American experience."
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Research
This website provides an excellent starting point for exploring the museums vast resources, both those available in digital format and those that are not. Included is a comprehensive search engine to the vast MetPublications archive.
The Museum of Modern Art Dadabase
Dadabase is the online catalog of The Museum of Modern Art Library and Study Centers, and includes selected holdings of the museum's archives. Most items found in the database refer to physical items that must be viewed onsite, but some material is digitized and can be accessed online.
NYARC is a collaboration of three museum libraries in New York City: Brooklyn Museum, The Frick Collection, and The Museum of Modern Art. From this website, individuals can search for books, ebooks, journal articles, images, dissertations, web archives and much more.
Research Index for Art Education
Not just for art educators, this index is an anthology of references by theorists, researchers, educators, artists and others on art education. Research topics can be cross-referenced.
Internships
Most artists are looking for a job in the field while they develop their own portfolio. There are many career options out there; one just needs to know where to look. These sources can be used to find a job, work at an internship or explore some of the most promising fields in art.
If you want to work for one of the top names in technology today, this internship is a great pick. The digital media intern interacts with user communities by answering questions, creating video tutorials and more.
Association of Art Museum Curators
This list of internships and fellowships covers the gamut of opportunities all across the country. Each internship has its own deadline; check out the list for more information.
This apprentice program for college students and post-grads allows artists to develop their skills in silkscreen printing and working with fabrics. Apprentices work in the studio and assist in projects.
If your heart is set on studying and working in art overseas, this site can hook you up—no matter where you attend school. An internship abroad helps art students to expand their style and learn from artists they won't encounter at their home school.
While this article focuses on how to get an internship at Artsy, online resource for art collection and education, the tips it offers will resonate with internship seekers everywhere.Internships.com
With hundreds of pages of internships all over the country, it's easy to find one near you. Some choices include art studio assistant, art instructor and the Wunderkid online gallery, which sells student artwork.
With lists of art internships based in corporate and non-profit, museums and studios, this website has hundreds of options for those looking to improve their knowledge before entering the job market. The “resources” section offers tips on how to write your application letter and other helpful tips.
Interns work with curators and educators as they gain more experience working in museums. Both seasonal and year-long, full-time internships are available. The museum hosts about 25 interns each season and some are paid opportunities.
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Interns gain professional experience working for a non-profit art museum and provide supplementary learning experiences. They help with public programming like exhibition openings, art talks and community outreach.
Groups & Networking
Getting noticed in the art world is a cinch, if an artist participates in the right professional societies and learns how to finesse the networking circuit. Below you'll find just a few of the many ways you can build leadership skills, meet other art professionals and share your art across the globe.
Formerly the American Association of Museums, this organization supports 30,000 museums, individuals and companies through advocacy, resource and career development and developing best practices and high standards.
American Art Therapy Association
Members of the AATA believe that artistry is a healing and life-enhancing act. It collaborates with other organizations in order to serve its members, providing standards of professional competence and professional development.
American Institute of Graphic Arts
The AIGA has 25,000 members and 70 chapters across the country. Its mission is to enhance the value of design and make more of an impact on business and society.
This organization works to ensure that every American has access to the arts by connecting ideas and leaders from the arts, community efforts and businesses. It advocates for art programs, leads arts professionals and government officials and connects artists across the country.
Association of Art Museum Curators
The AAMC aims to be the voice for museum curators, no matter the field or skill level. It offers professional development, leadership opportunities and networking events for non-profit art curators
Association of Professional Art Advisors
Established in 1980 to establish a high set of standards in the art community, the APAA's members help to build and maintain art collections for private collectors and major organizations. There are stringent requirements for membership.
International Association of Art
Representing 40 national member organizations in Europe, the IAA supports the international cooperation of artists, free of political or other bias. It works to improve the economic and social position of artists across the globe.
National Art Education Association
The NAEA supports art education in an effort to influence stakeholders in supporting the arts in schools. It conducts research to help expand art education.
National Association of Independent Artists
This membership organization assists artists in exhibiting their artwork, encourages creative expression and helps to expand public awareness about the arts in general. It also advocates for artists to support community art shows and establish new shows.
7 Helpful Networking Tips for Artists
Networking can be a challenge for some who don't have experience in this “art.” This article spotlights helping others, being prepared with your elevator speech and aiming to connect—not sell—when attending networking events.
Artists2artists Social Network
Exclusively for artists, this online community allows artists to follow one another, share links and portfolios, create groups and blog about artistry and their art. It's also a safe place to get critiques and submit work for others to view.
This online community for artists allows you to look at and discover art from specific artists and galleries. Members can comment on pieces and connect directly with artists, museums and professionals. You can also post your art for sale on the Market Place page.
This social platform allows artists to showcase their work and check out the work of like-minded individuals. Work can be filtered by project, field, most-liked and geographic location.
Contemporary Art network group
A LinkedIn group with nearly 20,000 members, this group invites members to share experiences, activities, development, advice and business ideas with others who value and enjoy contemporary art.
Face-to-Face Networking Essentials
Brought to you by an art business coach, this article walks artists through everything from business cards to 10-second introductions to follow-ups. It's a must-read for any new artists who is just getting started networking.
If you struggle with networking in person, this article offers tips on what you can do to feel more comfortable and make a good impression with other artists.
Seven Rules for Effective Social Networking for Artists
This article explores how some musical artists are engaging their audience on social media and offers tips on how artists can be successful at networking online.
n the same vein as speed dating, events like this one connect artists to one another quickly—with five minutes to get to know each artist. Find a similar event in your area!
Industry News & Scholarship
Stay on top of the news and professional goings-on with these online and print news outlets and journals. While some of these resources are free, others require a membership fee to view all the content.
Providing art news from around the world, Artcyclopedia makes it easy to find information about the top artist searches, masterpieces and museums. Students can also find information about specific art movements in a handy box on the home page.
The first daily art newspaper on the Internet, ArtDaily features newsworthy articles from across the globe, from new leaders to new exhibits to best new photos of the day featuring noteworthy pieces.
Based in London and New York, this online and print publication provides news through its network of sister editions and 50 correspondents around the globe. Not only does it cover news about museums and creation, it also covers cultural policy, law and politics relating to art.
Published by ArtistsNetwork, The Artist's Magazine features the latest art news and tricks. It comes out monthly in both print and downloadable formats.
ArtNet provides the latest news about the global art market, including art auctions, new exceptional pieces and features of big names in the industry.
Since 1902, this magazine has published art news for collectors, dealers, historians, enthusiasts, and curators. It's published four times per year and is the oldest art magazine in the world. It also publishes on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute art news.
This online journal features articles from some of the best-known newspapers, magazines and publications that feature stories about art and culture. Its blog is authored by more than 60 writers.
The online news and editorial source for industries and business, Huffington Post has an art section that includes the latest exhibitions, interviews with high-caliber artists and news curated from other sources.
Afterall: A Journal of Art, Context and Enquiry
This contemporary art journal analyzes artists' work and includes the context in which the art was created. It's an academic journal with researched articles written from a variety of perspectives.
This publication from the Newington-Cropsey Cultural Studies Center allows artists from a variety of mediums to reconnect history and craft while taking into account the complexities of life today.
This peer-reviewed journal publishes research in architecture, visual culture, creative practice and art and design. It's published three times a year in March, July and November.
Animation Practice, Process & Production
Published in the U.K., this journal is a double-blind peer-reviewed publication that analyzes how animation is created.
A wide range of international artists, curators and scholars submit timely articles in a global format. The goal of the journal is to pay homage to art from ancient China to Brooklyn today. It's published every two months.
This publication is dedicated to providing innovative and feminist perspectives on film, television and visual media. It includes essay, debates, interviews and summary pieces of a wide range of practices. It has been in existence since 1976 and is available in both print and online formats.
This journal, published twice a year, advocates for emerging craft research. It looks at new methods, concepts, processes, materials and styles in relation to arts and crafts and craft education.
An international journal discussing both commercial and cultural aspects of design. It's published three times a year for design scholars, educators and professionals. Article topics include designing for special needs and how students learn the concept of design.
Journal of Visual Art Practice
Encompassing all of visual arts in one journal, this progressive publication reflects on recent changes in the world of art. Topics include hybrid printmaking, woodcutting and contradictions in the printed image.
Apps, Tools & Tech in Art
Technology changes daily and while that can be a challenge, you might be surprised at many ways tech can benefit the art world. Here you'll find some apps and technology tools you can use in your artwork, or while you're working away.
Everything you need to create art from anywhere. From pastels, colored pencils, oil paints and crayons, you can try out new mediums you've only dreamed about.
This sketching, painting and photo editing tool can help artists create works quickly. A desktop version is also available.
This app allows users access to thousands of images and collections, searchable by artist or keyword. Users can also receive regular updates on specific pieces or artists and learn about upcoming art events.
Create realistic watercolor paintings without the large studio space typically required. This award-winning app offers intuitive interface and a wide variety of tools, so it's almost like the real thing but without the paper and paint.
Ever wondered what an art piece would sound like, if put to music? This app does just that. It reacts to the environment of an art piece and translates the into music. You simply take a photo of the art piece and the app does the rest.
With the increasing popularity of street art, this app helps users find and share street art in your own city or abroad. In collaboration with the partner website, it calls itself the “comprehensive guides to the global street art scene.”
This app is your own, portable recording studio. It allows users to record music on their mobile device and use sound boards already on the app. It's perfect for toddlers to professional musicians.
This app simulates wet paint on campus, making it stand out from other, similar apps. It blends colors like no other and is designed specifically for professional artists (though beginners will also benefit from its capabilities).
Get your ideas down quickly with this sketching app. You can create everything from cartoons to architectural sketches, or simply take notes, with a wide range of tools. Then share your creations on social media!
Learn the backstory of some of the most popular fonts and typefaces. This app includes both short essays and illustrations to tell each story.
Create 3-dimensional art from anywhere with this pen. Download blueprints or a piece of art to the pen or draw freehand in the air and voila! A new piece of art is born.
7 Ways Technology is Changing How Art is Made
This article analyzes the history of how technology has changed art in general, from the invention of portable paint tubes to the new digital revolution.
This online professional learning community is full of art teachers who post videos, photos, less plans and more—all in the name of art. It's a helpful tool for art teachers who are looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives.
Artists spend hours a day sitting in a chair. This stool helps prevent stoop-shouldered posture by engaging the core for active sitting.
Evernote Smart Notebook and My Moleskine
Scribble notes, take a photo of your notes and Evernote will upload and categorize your images in your Evernote app.
Art teachers can teach innovative lessons using iPads as the medium. This website has lesson ideas, teaching tips and a host of resources.
This website allows artists to ask questions about utilizing various forms of technology. Questions include how to post an image online to upgrading to Windows 10. It's a go-to forum for all things tech and art.
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