Art Foundation or straight to degree???

Hi!
I've just finished my foundation year at Loughborough University. I know exactly how you feel; I was adamant throughout AS that I didn't want to do a Foundation. However I work in a gallery with many Art graduates and post graduates and they all told me to do a foundation year (they said it was the best year of their academic lifes! even better than degree) and so I did one and it was the best decision I could have made, the tutors give better career and UCAS advice because the system for art is very different to other subject in terms of what you need in a personal statement and reference. In terms of your situation, foundation is great for deciding specialisms but I went into foundation knowing I wanted to do fine art but I have still learnt a lot about my practice and trying different mediums.
Finally university prefer foundation year students even though its not a "requirement" every interview i went to this year for degree told me that it was a good thing i had done a foundation and they could tell i had done one from my portfolio,
so I think foundation is a good idea.

I hope i have helped!

Do a foundation.
I'm a mature student, so can tell you one thing - when you're doing art, the longer you stay in education, the longer you have an access to the studios and facilities (printing, photography, video, computers). If you don't need to pay for foundation, don't hesitate. Your studio practice will become mature. Foundation is a good place to do the diagnostic and find out what you're good at. Also the way you approach the assignments will become more professional.

Although that there are many reasons why studying an art foundation can be extremely beneficial, I just wanted to nip in and say it may not be your only option. If you decide that on the whole you'd rather go straight to degree, then your best option is to spend the next six months or so dedicated to building up a the strongest portfolio you can. That way it is definitely possible to get onto a degree course without an art foundation. I'm starting BA Graphic Design in September without one and I've heard of plenty of people who are doing the same.

So yeah my advice would be to really examine both options and decide what's best for you. Don't forget (as mentioned above) that it will probably put you at an advantage over other candidates and that it will be essentially free, but also don't feel pressured if you really don't think it's the best choice for you. It really does depend on how developed your skills are at that point compared to the people who have had that extra year's experience. Plus, bear in mind you can also apply to art foundation courses alongside degree level ones, in case things don't work out.

By the way if you have any questions about interviews and things feel free to message me as I've just been through it and I know how stressful it can be!

Keep in mind also that it's not about rushing, or accelerating yourself into finishing as quickly as possible: the benefits of doing an art foundation may not be immediately apparent. It is an opportunity to do work (and be MADE to try different things and break from your comfort zone, something art students aren't great at) you wouldn't necessarily get to do in a specialised degree. The more time you spend in art education, the more time you have to improve, the better you will be when you reach the end of your degree. I started off on an illustration HND after my foundation, and am now a graphic design student at DJCAD. I have picked up numerous other skills I wouldn't have had I gone straight into a degree, and in an increasingly competitive creative industry, that experience is golden.

Particularly with the specialisms you've mentioned, quite a specific portfolio is required for most courses. Animation in particular like to see life drawing, and their bread and butter is walk-cycles. Have a tutor who knows about the discipline vet your folio for the kind of course you want to do.

Most art & design universities don't require you to have an art foundation / foundation diploma, but I feel having one will help strengthen your skills and chances of going onto a degree level. I mean, the main thing is that you will need to stand out against those thousands of the other students who are applying for the same BA course as you, and having that extra qualification and a great-quality portfolio will certainly give you that edge.

Personally I've done a foundation in art and design, and from that I was able to build up a body of work, gain more of an understanding of what the subject was about and what tutors are looking for at a degree level.

And if it's illustration you are really passionate about studying, the majority of people I know who have studied / are studying BA Illustration have done an art and design foundation at UAL and UCA. There are many foundation courses, so it'll help to do a lot of research into seeing what course works best for you, and what the university can do for you. Research into what they'll be teaching you and what facilities they have on-site, whether they have things like drawing tablets and screen-printing presses etc. Having art/illustrative-based tuition and facilities like this will be beneficial for building a great-quality portfolio.

Hi!
I've just finished my foundation year at Loughborough University. I know exactly how you feel; I was adamant throughout AS that I didn't want to do a Foundation. However I work in a gallery with many Art graduates and post graduates and they all told me to do a foundation year (they said it was the best year of their academic lifes! even better than degree) and so I did one and it was the best decision I could have made, the tutors give better career and UCAS advice because the system for art is very different to other subject in terms of what you need in a personal statement and reference. In terms of your situation, foundation is great for deciding specialisms but I went into foundation knowing I wanted to do fine art but I have still learnt a lot about my practice and trying different mediums.
Finally university prefer foundation year students even though its not a "requirement" every interview i went to this year for degree told me that it was a good thing i had done a foundation and they could tell i had done one from my portfolio,
so I think foundation is a good idea.

I hope i have helped!

Do a foundation.
I'm a mature student, so can tell you one thing - when you're doing art, the longer you stay in education, the longer you have an access to the studios and facilities (printing, photography, video, computers). If you don't need to pay for foundation, don't hesitate. Your studio practice will become mature. Foundation is a good place to do the diagnostic and find out what you're good at. Also the way you approach the assignments will become more professional.

I would recommend the Foundation for many reasons, not only will it increase your skills, experience and portfolio but they get you used to working at a Uni level rather than A level. Based on experience, many of the more popular and highly rated courses are looking for this qualification now and it can really broaden your wider skills and networks.
My daughter has just completed hers, she was adamant that she wanted to do a BA in Film but after the initial taster weeks in the Foundation, she chose Costume Design. Many of her friends also changed their minds after trying out different activities as it broadened their horizons on what else they could do with their existing skills that they might not have considered.
Best of all, it is free if you do it straight after A levels.
Good luck !

I just finished my Art Foundation and would 100% recommend it. It definitely makes you stand out against students going from A-Level, not only because you have more experience and a stronger portfolio, but you are generally more confident about talking about your work.
If the facilities are available now, then take them as they are free!
xx