...is what I need. Yes, a bright idea in deed.
Hmm, that sounded somewhat poetic. :)
So, I have been feeling a bit uninspired as of late. I think it's mostly because of my busy schedule and maybe caused by having too much on my mind. As exciting as graduation is, I am a little lost. What's next? I feel like I need a plan - I need to know what is next. I need to have something to prepare for and something to look forward to. I thought getting a Bachelor's of Fine Art would put me on a path towards one day having my own studio. But does it? What if I get tired of painting? There are just too many things I am unsure about regarding my future, and it's definitely very stressful. Maybe I should form a plan right now...here goes:
1. Go to college. That's always a good idea. But which college? Right now I am going to go to the college right here where I live - it's much cheaper than a fine arts college. But where I dream of living is Portland. Oregon is so beautiful. My grandparents live there, so I used to go down there to Oregon every year with my mother. My Grandpa calls it God's country. I think he might be on to something, because every day in Oregon is beautiful. I love the farmlands and the city, and the coast - my God, the coast is beautiful; somewhat fishy smelling in certain areas, but gorgeous. It's really unbelievable. So I was thinking of doing two years here, and two years there, but trying to stay on track for a Fine Arts degree in both places, just in case I end up staying here. That seems so difficult though - trying to make sure all of my classes here would transfer to the Fine Arts college in Oregon.
2. So say I received this degree, what would I do with it? I think I would be happy with a studio where I could sell my art, and help out other up and coming artists. We have a First Friday every month where the art studios have receptions, serve wine and treats, and show new art. We tend to go more in the summer, just because it is too cold in the winter to be wandering around downtown for hours, and it is always so much fun. I love seeing what other people are doing, what their minds are capable of imagining. Anyways, I really think I would enjoy owning my own business and helping out some fellow artists. Also, I would love to have some areas to provide classes for people who want to learn more about art or improve their skills. I took an advertising class a few years ago at a career center and the instructor, a very inspiring person, told the class the keys to success. Unfortunately, I don't remember them all, but I know one of them was to help somebody. Even if it's just to inspire somebody through your own art, you need to somehow connect with humans and help them. I strongly agree with this. If you're not doing anyone any good, then you are not successful.
3. So say I own a studio. Am I successful?
I would like to see that as the plan, but what if I graduate and never get that studio. To own a business, you have to have money. To have money, you need a good job. What kind of job am I going to get right out of college with an Arts degree? Will I end up in an office? That is where I am now, and although the job itself is good, great even, I wasn't made to be in a cubicle all day. Also, do I even really need to go to college to be an artist? Do I have to have a degree to have that title? Artist?
Welcome to the Reverie Rendition blog! Here you can follow the whimsicle and somewhat interesting life of a soon to be striving artist. Nice to meet you, my name is Kathryn.
I know you've been dealing with a lot here latey and know you're not alone. Everyone who is graduating deals with this same process. Some people would tell you that you have to go to college to get a degree in your field to be accomplished others would disagree. You kind of have to decide for yourself what mindset you fall into. I know, easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteLets look at it this way. Right now, you make your art, you sell it on Etsy, you sell it at craft fairs but you also have expanded to be shown in a shop in WA as well. So far, you have no formal schooling and you're doing pretty good for not being out of high school just yet. There is the possibility that if you go to that Arts college and get that degree that some people may take you more seriously; however, what is the point of the degree? You obviously know art, you have the talent and skills to make beautiful pieces.
So what will college change? Expose you to new techniques? Give you more history on different art movements and how they were started and how they have influenced artists since then? Give you a better definition of types of art, classical vs. modern? Do you need that to be an artist? In my opinion, it won't change your talent, it won't make you a great masterful artist; will it change the way you create art? Perhaps.
I know I have said this before but I think you should maybe choose something that will help you achieve your long term goals of having a studio. If you need money for that, then pick something in your field that you can use to make money, whether it be fashion or possibly business management just so that you have a foundation to start your business on and then go forward. I would like to think there are other things in the art field that you can gravitate towards that will help bring in the money you need while you continue to create your art and grow your fan base.
Whatever you do, though, you have a lot of people that believe in you and love you and will support you no matter what. Just my 2 cents. :)