Posted on May 20th, 2025. 

As one navigates the artistic spectrum, the question of whether to pursue a more educational environment or self-teaching may arise. Each path offers its own challenges and rewards, and it ultimately depends on one's individual drive and vision. 

Art classes provide an environment with experienced instructors and the opportunity for valuable feedback and collaboration. On the other hand, self-taught artists have the freedom to curate their own learning experience and cultivate their own style. Whichever path is chosen, the exploration of art is a fulfilling and ever-evolving journey. 

Exploring Art Classes 

Our art classes provide a relaxing atmosphere where you can practice essential techniques and learn theoretical concepts while still doing your own art. You will engage with a broad spectrum of skills, from foundational drawing to painting .

Art classes also create an environment where you can develop your eye for detail. Under the guidance of experienced instructors

Your tutors, have years of experience, provide invaluable insights and personal tips that are difficult to come by outside of a classroom setting. Their professional perspectives aid in honing your skills and refining your style. 

Furthermore, an educational setting extends beyond learning from instructors. An often undervalued aspect of attending art classes is the opportunity for feedback. Regular critiques help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately fostering a stronger and more confident artistic voice. 

In addition, the educational setting offers networking opportunities within a close-knit artistic community. Meeting like-minded individuals can be incredibly inspiring and may lead to collaborations, exhibitions, and other creative pursuits. In the collaborative environment of a classroom, you might find mentors amongst your peers, too.  

The Self-Taught Artist Journey 

Without the structured curriculum of an art class, you, the artist, become the architect of your education, crafting a learning path uniquely tailored to your interests and passions. This journey demands a profound level of self-discipline, as you must motivate yourself to persevere through the inevitable hurdles of self-discovery. Yet, this autonomy can be invigorating.  

However, the path isn't devoid of stumbling blocks. You might face knowledge gaps in foundational techniques without access to the curated content that art classes provide. Nevertheless, the freedom to chart your course encourages innovative thinking and the possibility of pioneering a visually distinctive style all your own. 

One of the notable joys of being a self-taught artist is the ability to set personal art goals that align with your artistic vision rather than an institution's criteria. These goals are remarkably personal, rooted deeply in your aspirations, and evolve with your experiences and insights along the way. 

Crafting and adjusting these objectives fosters not just growth in skill but also cultivates an intrinsic drive that propels your creative journey forward. Yet this freedom also entails responsibility. Without the external pressure of deadlines and grades, your perseverance and commitment are continually tested. 

You become accountable to yourself, an entity that, intriguingly, can be both the harshest critic and the greatest ally. While pursuing this independent route, finding reliable resources can be an invaluable strategy. Online platforms, art books, and digital tutorials become companions in your quest for knowledge, offering techniques and histories otherwise embedded in a classroom. However it can become frustrating if these do not provide the information you need. 

Networking with other self-taught artists through forums or local meetups can also provide feedback and camaraderie, creating a community that enriches your solitary process. 

Comparing Art School and Self-Teaching 

Whether you are inclined towards an art school’s or the experimental freedom of teaching yourself, consider how each mode complements different learning styles and aspirations. Structured lessons foster methodical learners who thrive under guided instruction and continuous feedback. These settings are a boon if you value routine and external accountability, as they help maintain consistent progress. 

They also offer access to resources like studios, equipment, and perhaps most importantly, a community of mentors and peers to critique, inspire, and push each other toward excellence. For those who are invigorated by dialogue, collaboration, and comparative learning, this path provides a fertile ground for growth. Participation in exhibitions, competitions, and shows, which are often facilitated through formal programmes, can also serve as vital stepping stones to gaining exposure and building confidence. 

Conversely, self-teaching attracts individuals preferring to chart their journey and learning pace. This path provides unique advantages to artists who are autodidacts at heart, thriving when they take the reins of their educational voyage. For these artists, the learning experience is shaped by personal interests, evolving organically 

Moreover, choosing between self-taught artistry and formalised education can align with your longer-term artistic goals. If your aspirations include professional recognition or academia, education might offer a more direct pathway, granting qualifications that can unlock further opportunities. However, if your primary ambition is self-expression, leading to creating without predefined objectives or institutions, a self-directed approach can allow your unique vision to flourish unencumbered. 

Each path carries the potential for deep personal satisfaction and artistic development, yet both require perseverance and passion. Whether you choose the art classes or the liberty of a self-taught course, the key is in pursuing what feels right to you, nurturing your creativity, and staying engaged with the artistic landscape around you. 

Related: How Art Critique and Feedback Can Help You Improve Your Creativity 

Looking for Expert Help? 

Here at The Arts College Worthing, we recognise the importance of finding an approach that resonates with your learning style and personal ambitions. Experienced instructors provide hands-on guidance, comprehensive feedback, and valuable insights that ensure you progress confidently in your artistic pursuits. 

You’ll join a community where collaboration and networking can further enhance your artistic journey, facilitating continual growth and development. Notably, our programme is crafted from student feedback, meaning your learning is tailored to your needs. We embrace a broad array of subjects, including animals, architecture, portraits, and more, to guarantee that your creative inclinations are both nurtured and challenged. 

 With our straightforward, step-by-step techniques, you’ll master drawing and painting skills that might currently seem daunting. We guide you through overcoming common frustrations by focusing on specific themes and mediums that align with your passion, thereby enabling you to build a repertoire that feels authentic and fulfilling. 

Join us and uncover your potential! 

You can explore more about our offerings or gain insights into your preferred path by contacting us at [email protected] or ringing us on 07414 235633.