Kayla Everett

West students are encouraged to “get involved” and invest themselves in their classes to prepare them for college. For senior Nathan Dollschnieder, his investment in the art department allowed him to find his passion and help shape his future.

“Art is something I’ve always been interested in. When I was little I either wanted to be an astronaut or an artist, and so far being an artist is much more attainable,” Dollschnieder said.

Dollschnieder’s concentration – his central idea that numerous pieces revolve around – focuses on his take on high school life, ranging from social issues to academics.

“I struggle a lot with time management and the balancing of social life, college applications, and academics,” Dollschnieder said. “My art gives me a way to get through it, and it gives me a relatable voice. I feel like with words, [a message] is too specific about a problem. With visuals, multiple people can connect to the same message.”

Pursuing art after high school is a must for Dollschnieder.

“I know that stereotypically there’s ‘no point’ in getting a degree in art, but I will be learning from the best people. If I don’t go, I know that I’ll regret it for the rest of my life,” Dollschnieder said.

Applying to rigorous art colleges such as The Cooper Union in New York, Rhode Island School of Design, and Maryland Institute College of Art takes up large amounts of Dollschnieder’s time. A typical application not only comes with the usual components of a transcript and essay, but several take-home tests that require Dollschnieder to create two to seven pieces within a four week limit.

“Art school is already demanding, so I’ve had to put in a lot of hours that I used to spend doing other things like playing lacrosse or going out with my friends,” Dollschnieder said. “I’m still trying to improve myself, and that’s more important than a sport or sacrificing hanging out with my friends occasionally.”

Dollschnieder plans to eventually go into business marketing and going to a traditional university after art school to study marketing. Business is a clear and compatible career-choice with his enthusiasm for art.

“I enjoy the aspect of captivating the consumer,” Dollschnieder said. “I like to express things that I don’t usually talk about. They say ‘do what you love, do what you know.’ I don’t really express what I love, but I express what I know. There’s a stronger message behind what you stand for. Art is all about the message and less about the aesthetics.”