Art Academy of Cincinnati

I definitely have a love-hate relationship with AAC. The professors are amazing, and there's a lot of resources here. But the student atmosphere can be a little much at times. There are a lot of issues that overshadow the charm of this school. It's nice and small, good for if you're an introvert. But that means there is little to no school life outside of class outside of the occasional staff-led events.

I love going here. It's really inclusive and the professors are very one-on-one, and really level with us. We have intelligent conversations about politics, current events, social justice, and the mood around the Academy is usually lively. You see art everywhere, and hardly anybody is afraid to express themselves, at least I'm not. There are problems with attendance, like with any school, but I think some people have a hard time disciplining themselves, especially with how open and empathetic our profs are, some don't go to class at all. A lot of people going to the Art Academy are very open about mental illness and health, but I feel some treat it in negative ways, like with drugs and alcohol. I don't partake, but I find that my classmates should concentrate more of their pain onto their artwork, instead of turning to drugs and alcohol. My sister is an Alumni, but she said that even when she was going to school there several years back, there were problems with alcohol, too, and she mentioned that some had to drop out because of their problem. Many have dropped out already, and with such a small school, I just hope we're not bled dry before too long. There is an open drug culture, but often it's just marijuana is mentioned, and we're pretty liberal about, but sometimes I feel my classmates come in high or really down on themselves because of it, and don't complete the work in the best way they can. I hope even more that none of my classmates are into really hard drugs like meth and heroin. Despite the kinks and chips in the paint, I still love the Art Academy, and want to see my classmates and I thrive. I love our little busy hive of artists, and there's always something going on! I wish more people knew about it, I think they'd be really happy here.

The school isn't that bad. Compared to most it's cheaper than other art colleges. If you're looking to just get your hands in art, or your more of a fine artist this is the school for you. However, if you're wanting to field in something specific like animation, production, illustration in regards to concept art, or even some film stuff I don't recommend this school. The illustration program is mainly filled and taught by people who focus in old comics and children's books. The school also doesn't really have an animation program even though they wave it around like they do. What I mean by that is they don't have the proper class to get the skill, and for the animation classes they do have they have people teaching it who have never worked in that field a day in their life. Like I said, it's a good art school to start, but if you know what kind of artist you want to be and you know what you want to learn, this may not be it.

Very expensive, but that's to be expected of an art school. Otherwise, a very inviting environment in the heart of downtown. A great place to start an education, but only if you're truly prepared for the costs. It caught me off guard, and I struggle paying it off.

The Art Academy is a cool school to be in. The students their are hard workers in there own special way. Everyone there are nice to be around and we can relate to each other .The school environment like being at home. I love to see students and teachers works a hanging on the walls of the school. The different perceptive on life is very enjoyable to see. The Art Academy is a place that creative can come to life.

The Art Academy of Cincinnati isn't perfect, but I wouldn't go anywhere else. One of my priorities is being able to connect with my professors and other people. The Art Academy is a small school, so it's easy to get to know people. Professors are always willing to help students when needed. Most people are willing to make new friends. Art remains AAC's focus, but academics are still taken seriously. My main critique is that I wish there was more effective communication in the financial department. It's the one part of AAC that doesn't operate as effectively as the rest of the school. Information is sometimes relayed with little time to complete financial tasks, and some things don't get through to the financial office. If you can get past this unfortunate detail, it's a wonderful school that I believe many artists could come to love. I encourage people to take tours of the Art Academy of Cincinnati and see if they think it's the right place for them. AAC has had such a positive impact on me and my understanding of what art can be. It is a truly mind changing place.