Here’s something you don’t hear on this site every day. Or…ever. I need your help with something quite personal:
I’ve been applying for colleges and I’ve also been receiving a lot of mail from various schools and universities. Right now I’m applying under pharmacy, but a few art schools have sniffed me out. For a while, I threw out some of the applications because I wasn’t interested, but a one or two schools actually are starting to seem interesting to me.
Lately I’ve been looking at my portfolio out the corner of my eye, kind of wondering if i really should pursue art. I really hate doing design for commission (it makes me really lazy), but it’s still something i love to do. Secondly, there’s an art group at school now that has entry level web design competitions, however, i work and have no time for such.
i still would like to submit work, though, or at least show someone my work. i’m kind of too shy/scared to show anyone my portfolio, and i also don’t know how to approach an instructor with this information since no one has really any idea that i design, other than good friends.
What are some steps that I can take to get off the ground without falling on my face? And do I really have a chance?
October 28th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Do you only mean digital art like web design or “normal” art as well?
My advice would be to start trying to do something every day (or as regularly as you can). It doesn’t have to be for Relentless, it doesn’t have to have a purpose. For you. This will help you determine if this is something you want to do for the rest of your life.
Also, talk to your teacher that you’ve told me about (the web design one) and get his advice. Ask him what you just posted with.
Then, research job options. Is there a market for them, or is it flooded (more people than jobs; much competition)? What is the pay? You have to figure out if you have a good chance of making a living at it while being happy and keeping up with whatever lifestyle you choose.
For example, many people have told me that I should go into art. But there are basically two options: a) freelance artist - take jobs, do art, etc. not guarunteed, not stable, etc. or b) advertising - I’m not interested.
So explore your options and see if it fits for you.
Also, ask yourself why you want pharmacy. I’ve never heard you mention that before in the whole time we’ve known each other. Which makes me question if it is something you really want.
October 28th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Also: did you consider photography?
October 29th, 2007 at 4:37 am
WRT Skye’s comment: I’m guessing digital art - I’ve never seen any traditional art from Angel’s end anyways. (I wouldn’t know, though, so correct me if need be!)
Geez, it’s hard to decide between two extremely different career options. I myself am torn between science and arts at present. Someone heard of this fix, and gave this “smart” sweeping remark:
“If you major in arts, you go nowhere (extreme, I know; but my country ain’t THAT holistic - big reason I study in a boarding school at UK.) Science (ie: pharmacy as you said) will give you stability in terms of job opportunities AND a better salary. An artist’s life isn’t AS stable/sure.”
I think that’s bull - my aunt majored in art, and then took up small design jobs as a freelancer. Few years later, she became an art teacher. She now has her own studio and offers traditional art lessons, but also does digital design projects (not for the web - stuff like banners etc.) She then expanded her business to do photocopying, plus other printing + stationery services (name cards, badges and so on.) All this in the span of nearly 15 years.
My point is, maybe pursuing art won’t restrict job opportunities as much as most think. And it’s not necessarily unstable - it depends on your approach. From my POV, you have 3 ways of approaching this:
- You can go the “usual” way (do freelance, work for a design firm, do advertising and whatnot)
- You can take things differently. So the market is overflowed with freelance designers? No problem. Use your talents in a different way. I’m gonna be a bit silly; but this is just an example - maybe you can be a doctor who heals via visual therapy (your art), hah! xD (Like said, just an example. Use your imagination.)
- If you’re uneasy with what your future might be like if you took design right away, you could stick to medicine/something else as a major - but do a bit of freelancing on the side (do charge for it though.) Don’t stop designing completely; keep it as a regular (payable) hobby like Skye said (you retain keep your skills, and you get money. =D)
It’s possible if you do this, some people might insist you charge less (”cos’ you don’t have the paper qualifications”) but pah, you have the experience, don’t you? (And a portfolio to prove it.)
Whatever the decision, though, be sure it’s something you have the passion for. And consider yourself lucky that the art schools there recognize your talent. Where I am (Malaysia), there isn’t much support for artsy people in general - never mind design/fine arts, even smusicians and other performing arts don’t get enough help. Our local music industry isn’t really getting enough love (though we’ve got popular singers like Guang Liang and Che’nelle; but he’s based in Taiwan and she’s in America!)
Sad, but we’re a science-and-technology-minded society. Not holistic enough.
Okay, I hope that wasn’t too confusing. It’s just my two (or four maybe) cents. Good luck!