Evolve grads answer the question, "Is Art School Worth the Cost?" Key statistics from the Evolve Foundations 2023-2024 Graduate Survey, show high levels of satisfaction, confidence, and significant increases in commission opportunities and earnings after finishing the Evolve Foundations program. Credit: Evolve Artist.
Art school can be a big investment of both time and money and many aspiring artists find themselves answering the question: Is art school worth the cost? At Evolve Artist, we aim to provide a faster, more efficient, and much more affordable alternative to traditional art schools. In this post, we'll explore the results of the 2023-2024 Evolve Foundations Graduate Report to see how graduates of the Foundations program feel about the value they received and whether their investment paid off.
Let’s dive in!
Block 8 Homework Assignment by Evolve Foundations Program Graduate Kerri H. Credit: Kerri H.
1. Student satisfaction and perceived value
One of the first questions we asked graduates was about their satisfaction with the Evolve program. A whopping 96% of respondents said they were satisfied with their education, and 100% said they would recommend it to other aspiring artists.
Perhaps the most telling statistic is that 95% of graduates said that the value of their Evolve education exceeded the cost with over half of respondents (53%) said the value far exceeded the cost. This is a critical point for those evaluating whether to invest in an art education program—our students clearly feel that Evolve delivered more than they paid for.
Realistic oil paintings created by Evolve Artist students Briana J. and Alex C., showcasing their mastery of foundational techniques. Credit: Evolve Artist.
2. Confidence and accelerated growth
Evolve isn’t just about learning at a lower cost—it’s also about learning faster. When we asked if graduates felt their artistic growth had accelerated after completing the program, 95% said yes. Additionally, 98% of students reported feeling much more confident in their painting skills after completing the program. These students have developed the confidence to tackle any art challenge.
The speed at which students gain these skills sets Evolve apart from traditional art schools, where programs often last 4+ years and require a larger financial and time commitment. Evolve students tailor the pace of the program to their individual lifestyles.
A realistic still life painting by Evolve Artist student Laurie P. Credit: Evolve Artist.
3. Career impact: Commission rates and opportunities
Block 7 Homework Assignment by Evolve Foundations Program Graduate Karl N. Credit: Karl N.
One of the strongest arguments in favor of art education is whether it helps artists become more successful in their careers. In the Evolve Graduate Report, we found that while 19% of students received commissions before taking the Foundations Program, 64% received new commissions after completing the program. That represents a 237% increase in people taking commissions after completing the Foundations program.
Even more impressive is the jump in commission prices for those who completed Evolve. Before the program, the average commission price for graduates was $420. After completing Evolve, this number skyrocketed to $1,656—an increase of nearly 300%! This shows that Evolve not only teaches artists how to create professional-grade work but also how to charge appropriately for it, empowering our students to build successful, sustainable careers.
Youtuber and Evolve student ErgoJosh shares his experience with the Evolve program, saying, "I was able to go from zero experience in something to creating a piece of art that I was actually proud of. Between the personal feedback, group painting sessions, and one-on-one instructor time, I think it’s really possible to reach a prolific level of art at your own pace in this program." Credit: ErgoJosh YouTube Review.
Conclusion: Is art school worth the cost?
So, is art school worth the cost? Well, it depends which art school! According to the data from our Evolve Foundations graduates, the answer is a resounding, "Yes!" Evolve offers an affordable, faster-paced alternative to traditional art schools while delivering results that help students build confidence, accelerate their artistic growth, and increase their earning potential as artists.
If you're wondering whether art school is the right investment for you, consider the results our graduates have experienced. You can check out the full 2023-2024 Graduate Report here and see for yourself how Evolve is changing lives.
Thank you for reading, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insights into art education and career development!
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