How to Write an Artist Statement for Your College Application
If you have a child/ student applying to study art, it’s likely that they’re being asked to submit an artist statement. This is an assignment that stops most students in their tracks, and many parents aren’t sure how to help them get started, however it doesn’t have to be that hard. Let’s look at […]
3 Tips to Improve your Photography
A common misconception about the AP 2D Design course is that it can’t include photography, and I wanted to make sure that you know, that isn’t the case. There are 4 art related AP courses, 2D Design, Drawing, 3D Design, and Art History. Photography, both digital and film ( yes, there are still some people […]
Does Creativity Matter?
”Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.” ~Steven Pressfield When I was a kid my two favorite things to make where, drawings […]
What if You Asked a Different Question
Why? Too often we make choices, choose answers, and follow processes because it’s what someone before us did. We’re doing what’s always been done. This often means that we aren’t making progress, and when it comes to problems, if we always ask the same question, we may always end up with the wrong answer. […]
10 Art and Creativity Posts to Help you Start 2020 off Right
Something that I’m not very good at, but am working on, is taking time to reflect. So today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite posts over 2019. I’ve also found that this practice is helpful, because there is so much information, that it’s hard to keep track of and easy to […]
Where We’re Going in 2020
As the year comes to a close I’ve been reflecting on my business. Thinking about how it started 8 years ago, where it is now, and where I want it to go. I started The Unstandardized Standard while I was teaching 9-12 grade art in the public school system. I loved my students but was growing […]
Creative Careers: Have you Heard of Sketchnoting?
As an Art Teacher, one of the most common concerns I hear is that you’re not going to be able to find a job. This concern usually stems from not being aware of the many creative career options that exist, and there are A LOT. Sketchnoting is a powerful tool to use on your […]
Tips on Art + Homeschooling
As a homeschool parent, it can be hard to know what to teach, especially when it comes to subjects that aren’t your favorite, or that you don’t have much experience with. When it comes to teaching art, I get a lot of questions about, what to teach, and how to teach it. A great place […]
How to Have More Effective Parent Teacher Conferences
Let’s talk about Parent-Teacher Conferences. They’re important. Clear and consistent communication helps everyone. But, so often no one comes to conferences, leaving you sitting alone in your classroom. OR, the scheduled parent-teacher conference time is right before or after report cards go home, which isn’t an effective time to have a conversation, as there is […]
How to Help Students Take Ownership of Their Work
When I first started teaching I would dread the end of each marking period. Suddenly student after student would be asking for extra credit and wanting to know why I gave them a ” C”. Then reports cards would go home, and I’d receive angry parent emails wondering how in the world their child got […]