YouTube is filled to the brim with content. From beauty gurus to meme channels and the dreaded weird side we find at 3 A.M. Then, there’s the art community with speed paints, art subscription boxes, and sketchbook tours. Many of the artists upload high-quality drawings with helpful advice. However, a lot of stuff isn't so helpful and makes learning to paint and draw complex. Sometimes you need more than a YouTube video.
That's when my algorithm gave me a golden recommendation (for once). Directing me to ‘Art Prof: Create and Critique.’ (which I will shorten to Art Prof throughout the blog post). I will explain why the channel is one of the best art ones out there and how they’ve made art more accessible.
What is Art Prof
Art Prof: Create and Critique is a youtube channel created in 2015 by Professor Clara Lieu. Professor Lieu, at the time, taught at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and wanted to share her knowledge of art with others.
However, she didn’t want it in an academic space and without the high costs. In short, Art Prof provides online art education for free. She doesn’t do it alone. Since 2015 the channel has grown, and many students from RISD have joined the team. The TA’s: Jordan McCracken-Foster, Cat Huang, Alex Rowe, Lauryn Welch, Deepti Menon, and Mia Rozear help out.
What sort of education
Since the channel was founded, the content has evolved. For example, in the beginning, the content was focused on portfolio critiques for people going to college or at university.
They then delved into technical skills needed for portrait drawings, using certain paints, and breaking down composition when creating.
The content then changed again as the TA’S and professor Lieu started doing ‘Crit Clashes’. A live stream where two team members would critically argue over whether an artist was good or bad. With the chat deciding who won at the end. Then ‘draw alongs’ where they would live to stream their artwork process. Answered questions and talked to chat. On top of this, they also use Discord to critique artwork and look at fan’s work.
They provide what other channels don’t, from breakdowns of the fundamentals to composition. The content is concise, full of information, and easy to understand. It is a simple tutorial that tells you more than the basics.
In-depth insight
These guys go in-depth. Don’t get me wrong, the tutorials from other channels are good and give you some good stuff to work with, but if your self taught, the tutorials from Art Prof cover more ground and provide better information. Don’t get me wrong other channels have great sketchbook tours, draw along’s and product reviews, but Art Prof beats them at the tutorials, hands down.
Plus, the ability to communicate over Discord and critique work allows for extra engagement. It gives artists a guide to improving, instead of just following a tutorial and being stuck in the dark.
All of this stuff, similar to going to a University or conservatory, is free. With them only getting money from sponsorships, Patreon, and donations in the chat.
Another good thing they tell you about is how to market artwork, price it up, and how getting a place in a gallery works, which other YouTubers don’t know. You are provided with the cold, harsh truth of the elitism within the art world.
How has it made art more accessible?
the channel’s content is free, meaning viewers and subscribers don’t have to put any money towards the cost of running the course. Which, if you are from a low-income household, means you don’t have to fork out for an extra expense. Enabling you to learn a new skill or develop your hobby without worry. Giving people access to information they didn’t have before. Plus, college/ university is expensive. You don’t miss out on the theoretical and critical sides of an art education that you want but can’t have.
Also, it is all online, enabling you not to have to physically attend a lecture room or a workshop. Meaning you can fit it in any time, anywhere in your schedule. Plus, if you are disabled and struggle to get out to classes for whatever reason, you can watch what they’ve published to supplement what you’ve missed. No, it won’t change the fact you need to handle a roller to do printmaking physically. It does give you the theory and prepares you for what to expect.
Professional advice
Ir is run by a group of people who used to be art professors or have some work in the industry; because of this, they can give better advice on getting your foot through the door. Although it won’t make it easier, it does set your expectations and provides viewers with a better understanding, which could help them figure out their path in art quicker.
Professor Lieu has also spoken extensively about racism in academia (and the broader art industry). Preparing many people for what to expect. Also, ways to tackle those issues. Hopefully, talking about these issues will improve the harmful environment within the art industry and teaching spaces.
Why is this a good thing?
What Art Prof provides, in my opinion, to artists is a space where they can evolve and learn without the difficulties of life such as money.
It provides them with the advice they can’t get anywhere else and enables people of all differences and cultures to participate in something usually unavailable to them. Art Prof provides them with skills and knowledge that they need to progress or to further their art career.
Ultimately, due to Art Prof being free, online and providing good practical and knowledgable advice, many people from different backgrounds will improve their art. They break down the barriers in academia and the more significant art industry for many people. They are giving them a great stepping stone for finding their future career or a carefree hobby.
I hope you liked reading Art Prof: How One YouTube Channel is Making Art Accessible.
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