5 Tips for Success at Ringling College of Art & Design

Published on 8 November 2023 6 min read

Get involved in campus life
Manage your time effectively
Seek out resources and help
Network with peers and professionals
Stay focused on your passion

Heading off to Ringling College of Art and Design? Excellent choice! This renowned institution is a haven for creatives and innovators like you. But how can you make the most of your time there? Here are five tips to not only survive but thrive during your years at Ringling College.

Get Involved in Campus Life

Immersing yourself in life at the Ringling College of Art and Design will enrich your college experience tremendously. Here's how:

Join Clubs and Organizations

Ringling College offers a variety of clubs and organizations tailored to the interests of its students. Whether you're an aspiring animator, a budding graphic designer, or a passionate painter, there's likely a group on campus just for you. By joining, you get to:

Meet like-minded peers: These are the people who understand your passion. They're the ones who'll stay up late with you in the studio, give you honest feedback on your latest project, and celebrate with you when you nail that difficult technique.
Learn from different perspectives: Art thrives on diversity. Getting to know students from various backgrounds broadens your own perspective, enriching your work in unexpected ways.

Participate in Campus Events

Ringling College is always buzzing with events. From art exhibits and portfolio reviews to guest lectures by industry professionals, there's always something happening. Participating in these events allows you to:

Stay informed: At Ringling College of Art and Design, learning isn't confined to the classroom. Attending guest lectures, for example, gives you insight into the latest trends and techniques in the art world.
Network: These events also provide ample opportunities to mingle with faculty, visiting artists, and even potential employers. It's a chance to make valuable connections that could open doors for you in the future.

So go ahead, dive into campus life at Ringling College. You'll find it's not just about creating art—it's about creating memories, friendships, and opportunities that will last a lifetime.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Ringling College of Art and Design isn't just about creativity—it's about discipline too. Managing your time effectively is key to keeping your studies and personal life in balance. Here's how you can do that:

Create a Schedule

Between classes, club meetings, and personal projects at Ringling College of Art and Design, your days can get hectic. But a well-planned schedule can help you stay on top of everything. Here's how:

Plan your week ahead: Every Sunday, take some time to map out your week. List all your responsibilities, from classes and assignments to extra-curricular activities, and allocate time for each.
Be realistic: Remember that all tasks take time, even the small ones! So when you're planning your schedule, be sure to consider the actual time it takes to complete each task. This way, you won't end up overbooking yourself.

Use Time Management Apps

In this digital age, there are plenty of apps designed to help students like you manage their time. These apps can:

Keep you organized: With features like to-do lists, reminders, and timers, these apps can help you stay on track with your tasks and deadlines.
Boost your productivity: Some apps also offer productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves breaking your work into intervals with short breaks in between.

Mastering the art of time management at Ringling College of Art and Design won't just help you keep up with your workload—it'll also leave you with more time to relax, explore, and enjoy your college experience.

Seek Out Resources and Help

At Ringling College of Art and Design, you're never alone. The school offers a myriad of resources to support your academic journey and help you navigate any challenges that come your way. Let's dive into some of these resources:

Academic Support

Whether you're struggling with a particular course or just need a little extra help, the academic support at Ringling College of Art and Design is there to assist you. Here's how:

Tutoring Services: The college provides tutoring services in various subjects, helping you understand complex concepts and improve your academic performance.
Writing Studio: If you're having difficulty with an essay or research paper, the writing studio offers assistance with writing, editing, and proofreading.

Career Services

Thinking about life after college can be daunting. But the career services at Ringling College of Art and Design are designed to help you prepare for your future career. Here's what they offer:

Resume and Portfolio Reviews: Career advisors can provide feedback on your resume and portfolio, helping you present your work in the best possible light.
Internship and Job Search Assistance: The career services team can also assist you in finding internships and job opportunities that align with your career goals.

Remember—seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you're proactive, resourceful, and committed to your success at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Network with Peers and Professionals

One key to succeeding at Ringling College of Art and Design—and in your future career—is networking. It's all about making connections with your classmates, professors, and industry professionals. Let's explore how Ringling College of Art and Design fosters these connections.

Student Organizations

Joining a student organization is a great way to meet like-minded individuals, develop leadership skills, and enrich your college experience. At Ringling College of Art and Design, there are over 20 student organizations to choose from, including:

Animation Guild: If you're interested in animation, this club offers opportunities to learn from industry professionals and collaborate on animation projects.
Graphic Design Club: For graphic design students, this club provides a platform to share ideas, discuss design trends, and work on group projects.

Industry Events

Ringling College of Art and Design frequently hosts industry events where students can connect with professionals in their field of interest. These events might include:

Guest Lectures: These talks by industry professionals offer insights into the latest trends and technologies, and provide a unique opportunity to learn from those who've made it in the industry.
Portfolio Reviews: Professionals from various fields come to Ringling to review student portfolios and provide constructive feedback. This is a golden chance to showcase your work and receive advice from experts.

Remember, networking is a two-way street: it's not just about what others can do for you, but also what you can do for others. So, be active, be interested, and be generous in your interactions at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Stay Focused On Your Passion

At Ringling College of Art and Design, you'll find yourself surrounded by a variety of art forms, techniques, and styles. It's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of creativity, but it's important to remember why you're here: to pursue your passion. Here's how you can keep your focus sharp.

Develop a Personal Style

While it's vital to explore different art forms, developing a personal style is equally important. This can set you apart from your peers and make your work easily recognizable. Here are a few tips:

Experiment: Don't be afraid to try out different styles, mediums, and techniques. The more you experiment, the more likely you are to find something that resonates with you.
Reflect: Your art is a reflection of you. Think about what you want your art to say about you and let that guide your style.

Consistent Practice

Art, like any other skill, requires consistent practice. Here's how you can incorporate practice into your routine at Ringling College of Art and Design:

Set aside time each day: Even if it's just half an hour, make it a point to practice your art every day. This consistent effort can lead to significant improvements over time.
Attend workshops: Ringling College of Art and Design offers various workshops that can help you refine your skills. These workshops are a great way to learn from experienced artists and get hands-on practice.

Remember, staying focused on your passion doesn't mean ignoring everything else. It's about finding a balance between exploring new ideas and honing your own style. At Ringling College of Art and Design, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do both.

If you enjoyed our "5 Tips for Success at Ringling College of Art & Design" blog post and want to expand your knowledge in classical painting techniques, be sure to check out the workshop 'Classical Painting in the Modern Day' by Eric Drummond. This workshop will help you develop the skills needed to excel in your studies at Ringling College and beyond.