So you’ve received your acceptance letter and you’re excited to begin classes at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design! While starting college can be one of the most exciting times of your life, it can also be one of the most overwhelming. Between choosing art classes, getting to know classmates and professors, and finding where you fit in, there’s a lot to take in. To help avoid some of the trial and error, we interviewed four recent RMCAD graduates for their best college advice for incoming and current students. Whether you’re starting your first semester or earning your second bachelor’s degree, here are 10 college tips that RMCAD students wish they knew before starting.
1. The Importance of Time Management
Balancing Creative Projects and Class Deadlines
Creative work can be incredibly time-consuming. Unlike subjects with clear-cut answers, art assignments often require extra time for experimentation, revision, and execution. Quinn Bruck, an Interior Design graduate, says, “From the beginning, you need to understand what your timing is and how you work in class or online. It’s important to understand which professor requires what because those targets will always change. Some professors care about certain assignments over others, and they’re all different.” It’s easy to underestimate how long a project will take or get lost in perfecting details. Balancing that with general education courses and life outside of art school can quickly become overwhelming. Prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals for each work session makes a huge difference.
Using Tools Like Planners and Digital Calendars
Keeping track of assignments, critiques, and personal projects is much easier with the help of planners and digital tools like Google Calendar or Notion. Cynthia Figueroa, an Interior Design graduate, shared, “For me, it made a huge difference just utilizing a planner and Google Calendar to help with reminders for deadlines or reaching out to professors.” Mapping out deadlines, class schedules, and even blocked-off creative time can help you stay focused and avoid last-minute stress. Bruck shared that as a deadline-oriented person, the typical Wednesday and Sunday night deadlines were very helpful for her, but this could look different for everyone. The earlier you build a time management routine, the smoother your semesters will go.
2. Critiques Are Meant to Help You Grow
Learning to Embrace Constructive Feedback
At first, critiques can feel intimidating, especially when you’ve poured your heart into your work. But learning to separate yourself from your work is essential. Rachel Mitchell, an Illustrative Design graduate, described her own difficulties with adjusting to criticism. “It feels so hard when you’ve put so much work into a project and so much time into the small details. But ultimately, your peers are there to help you get better, and there’s always room for improvement.” Feedback is part of the process, and it’s there to help you see what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve. The most successful artists are the ones who are open to growth.
How to Give and Receive Criticism Effectively
Offering thoughtful feedback to peers can sharpen your own critical eye. Be specific, be kind, and focus on the intention of the piece. Mitchell explained the importance of receiving constructive criticism, but also making sure you’re providing productive feedback as well. “I felt that my feedback was valuable and valued by the people I was working with.” When receiving critique, listen without defensiveness and ask questions if something’s unclear. It’s not about “fixing” your work to please others, it’s about learning how to make your creative vision stronger.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Explore Different Media
RMCAD Encourages Interdisciplinary Work
At RMCAD, you’re encouraged to step outside your comfort zone and explore different art mediums. Even if you’re focused on animation, taking a painting or sculpture class can teach you something new about form, color, or texture that improves your primary work. Bruck suggests doing thorough research before art classes even begin. “Interview with a current student or review the course catalogs and see what your degree requires in terms of different interests and understanding whether or not you would like to be more specific and what other electives you’d like to take advantage of.”
Surprising Discoveries Can Lead to New Passions
Many students come in with one idea of what they want to do and leave with an entirely different goal. Figueroa described her experience with this discovery. “Coming into RMCAD, I didn’t know that they offered two different Interior Design programs until partway through my freshman year. I wish I had researched that more.” You might take a photography elective and fall in love with it, or discover that you enjoy collaborating on sound design more than you expected. Don’t limit yourself. College is the time to explore, and RMCAD allows you to do so.
4. Your Professors Are Invaluable Resources
Take Advantage of Their Industry Experience
Professors often have deep ties to their industries. They’ve worked with major studios, shown in galleries, and published work in professional settings. Tap into their knowledge! Bruck shared her timeless college advice, “People are your biggest resource”. Asking professors about their career paths, the industry today, and how they navigated challenges might prove to be surprisingly helpful in discovering your own creative journey.
Office Hours Aren’t Just for Academic Help
Office hours can be great for feedback on projects or help understanding an assignment, but they’re also a great time to connect, ask career questions, or get advice on your art portfolio. Jarline Duran, a Graphic Design graduate, shares, “The teachers were always so supportive. They always understood that you were working, that you had a life outside of class, and that events would pop up that you can’t anticipate.” Building relationships with your professors can lead to mentorship opportunities and even future job recommendations.
5. Community and Collaboration Matter
Get Involved in Student Clubs and Events
Creative work can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re working late hours or learning remotely. But there’s a strong, vibrant community and student life at RMCAD whenever you need it. Join clubs, volunteer for events, or attend gallery and speaker nights. These connections can lead to friendships, collaborations, and support when you need it most. Mitchell attributed her strongest connections to the American Institute of Graphic Design (AIGA) student chapter. “Getting involved with AIGA was the thing I am most grateful for. I had so many friendships come from that club, as well as valuable internships and the internship that I’m currently working for. All of the connections I made in that club were invaluable.” Bruck found similar success as a RMCAD Student Ambassador, “I got so many more recommendation letters because I was a student ambassador, because they were more inclined to help me because they knew my interests and my skillset.”
Working with Peers Teaches Real-World Skills
Group projects aren’t just about sharing the workload—they mirror real-world creative environments where collaboration is key. Bruck shared, “You do more with more people, and the more you allow people to help you, the more successful you’re going to be. You cannot get through art school alone.” Learning how to communicate your ideas, respect others’ input, and build something together is a skill that will serve you well in any creative career.
6. Art Supplies and Software Can Be Costly—Plan Ahead
Budgeting for Materials Is Essential
From sketchbooks and canvases to subscriptions and software, creative tools add up quickly. Look ahead at supply lists and plan your budget early. Buck suggests, “Do your research on what you’re going to need. Look through your entire art degree program to see what software you’re expected to know and run in your final art classes before you buy your computer or tablet.” Buying used, renting equipment, or applying for student discounts can help lighten the load.
Knowing What You Really Need vs. Nice-to-Haves
It’s tempting to buy every tool you see on an art supply website, but not everything is essential. “Don’t buy all your art supplies before you start your course. Art stores will always be there if you need them later on. You don’t need to buy every marker and paint brush listed before you know you’ll be using them. Be savvy with your money,” says Bruck. Focus on what your courses require, and build your toolkit as you go. Additionally, speak with former students or instructors as to what materials are worth investing in and what can wait.
7. Online and On-Campus Programs Offer Flexibility
Know Your Learning Style and Choose Accordingly
Whether you attend classes in person or opt for online learning, both formats have their advantages. Duran had her reservations when starting Graphic Design at RMCAD while living in New York and working a full-time job. Having taken some online classes previously, she was concerned the workload would be overwhelming, but was pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise. “When I took on the opportunity to study at RMCAD, I was afraid of the workload being too much. But I felt like the classes were organized the right way. Every week, it was so organized and I never felt like I was falling behind. I felt like I had so much flexibility and I was still able to graduate from college and that’s one of the things I loved about RMCAD.” Online programs can offer more flexibility, especially if you’re balancing school with work or family. On-campus programs may offer more in-person studio time or spontaneous collaboration.
Both Formats Provide Access to the Same Creative Resources
At RMCAD, both online and on-campus students have access to the same experienced faculty, creative feedback, and student services. There’s also a large variety of clubs and organizations to join for both campus and online students. Bruck shared, “I leaned on career services, I leaned on my financial aid supervisor, I leaned on my admissions counselor. I asked so many questions before and during school. Am I on track? What else can I be doing? What am I not utilizing? Everyone is there to help you, especially career services. That is a very unique opportunity that RMCAD offers.” No matter your path, you’re supported with the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
8. Your Portfolio Will Constantly Evolve
Save All Your Work, Even Early Projects
You never know which piece might be the foundation for a future art portfolio or showcase your progress. Mitchell shares, “Imperfection doesn’t mean failure. The process is longer than one piece of artwork.” Save everything. Even early work has value, it’s all part of your journey and can sometimes be reworked into something stronger. “At one point, you might think ‘I can’t do this anymore’, but you are doing it.”
Start Building Your Online Presence Early
Creating an online art portfolio or social media presence during school helps you get comfortable sharing your work. Platforms like Behance, Instagram, or personal websites can help you connect with peers, potential clients, and future employers. Start small and stay on top of keeping it updated.
9. Inspiration Can Come From Unlikely Places
Visit Galleries, Attend Lectures, and Explore
Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Inspiration can be found in city murals, unexpected conversations, or even a local thrift store. Take time to explore Denver’s creative scene or attend campus lectures and workshops. Bruck suggests taking advantage of any and all RMCAD events. “Attend VASD and every speaking event you can and take advantage of those opportunities. Hear what artists in the field are actually doing and prepare meaningful questions before you go. Do your research on the speaker and come in with questions that are relevant to your field and your personal journey.” Broadening your experiences can fuel new ideas.
Stay Curious and Open to New Experiences
Be open to learning from everything—even mistakes. A failed project can teach you more than a successful one. Stay curious, ask questions, and remember that your perspective is constantly evolving.
10. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
It’s Okay to Change Your Mind
College is a time for discovery, not definitive answers. Your interests may shift, your goals may change, and that’s not only okay, it’s expected. Allow yourself to explore different paths without pressure. Mitchell shares, “The hard thing you’re going through in school isn’t going to matter when you’re done, the failures don’t add up to much if you keep going.”
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism can be paralyzing, especially in creative work. Instead of aiming for flawless results every time, focus on growth. Bruck says journaling helps her keep better track of her progress. “Small goals are very important. It’s really important for me to journal every day, even for just 5 minutes. It allows me to understand if I’m processing and understanding what skills I’m building, and keep track of those things. So now, at the end of my art degree, I’m able to see how my goals aligned with where I am and how I achieved those skills.” Each project is a step forward, even if it doesn’t turn out how you imagined. Learn from the process and keep moving.
Your Creative Path Ahead
Starting college is exciting, challenging, and full of unexpected lessons. From managing your time to building your art portfolio, navigating critiques, and finding your community, there’s a lot to take in. But remember: you’re not alone. Every artist starts somewhere, and every step you take, no matter how small, gets you closer to your goals. Stay curious, stay open, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Start Your Artistic Journey Today!
RMCAD offers year-round classes in both online and in-person formats, so you can choose the learning experience that works best for you. Request information to learn more about our art degree programs today, or take the next step in your artistic journey by completing our online application for admission.
Many of the quotes in this story have been edited for brevity and clarity by the author, but retain the significance and purpose of the original speaker.
