My art focus --- am scattered. Finding my intersection.

starlitpath · #1 12-21-2012, 01:54 AM

Hi Guys,

My first post! I am so glad to come across this forum and see the activity and help being provided here. Hope to learn lots from here and contribute anything I can. Sorry for the bit of a long post..but I am very conflicted about my artistic focus and path.

I am looking for your opinions on how I can zero in what exactly I want to be doing in the field of art. I majored in a different field (both undergrad and grad) and am working with kids right now (non art-related). The calling for art has always been there (art-making in highschool was the last I did) and I have taken a few courses when I coud eg. drawing 1 and art appreciation in the last few months.. I figured I really want to go for an art degree...basically start my second innings in life with a fresh slate from the beginning. So now, I am planning on taking my studies very seriously and getting it done in a consistent and concentrated way. The only big question mark is, what am I working towards? There was a period in time I was heavily considering graphic designing and even visited a ton of colleges to enquire, but it never materialized. I later realized that the discomfort of creating and manipulating images on the computer was pushing me away. i don't enjoy doing that. I don't consider myself very tech savvy...and learning softwares didn't attract me heavily..(though as part of my art education, I am willing to learn as I know how useful it'll be) I like making things with my hands...the old-fashioned approach. I thought of jewelry designing..and then pottery too. My hands sometimes ache to manipulate mud to make pottery..but I have never taken one of those courses. I plan to as soon as I complete my pre-requisites for that next spring. I have also dabbled in learning about surface pattern designing..and I could explore that as well as I feel I have a talent there I can develop..with all the doodles and marks I unconsciously enjoy making. I also took up a painting course and I enjoyed it though I don't feel I have found a voice yet. I have a long way to go..with the potential I know I have of making some kind of art. I do have a dream of selling my own art creations....the only thing I do not know is what exactly will I be selling? I have even been drawn to painting mugs and got curious about mixed media. I am kind of everywhere as you can see.

How do you suggest I go about this? I already call myself an artist in my soul....and feel it is part of my destiny, and I am willing to immerse myself in studies and practice but I am very scattered right now interms of focus. I am supporting myself right now with another line of work and I might have to continue doing that and do art alongside. Need to develop a lot of self-discipline to balance two fields (until I can take off on my own in art). This Spring of 2013 I will be taking registering for Drawing 2 and 2D Design for sure....the core courses in my local community college.

How can I zero in on the thing I'd enjoy the most? Should I supplement my college courses with as many different workshops as I can? Should I just continue to dabble in all different mediums and not worry about declaring a major yet until I am sure? Is this something everyone experiences in the beginning of setting out on their art journey? If I am correct, I am at the generalist level of a BFA I suppose? A Masters I guess is more focused on a particular field?

Any guidance on my situation is very appreciated. Thank you so much. I am very excited to be returning to my soul's calling. It's so freeing! Wishing everyone all the very best in their art journey.

starlitpath · #2 12-21-2012, 02:03 AM

Oh, I have even envisioned leading creative workshops in art for kids....but am I certified to do that yet? How can I prepare myself for that and what am I focusing on....again, I don't have a focus....Just some vague imaginings all over. Thanks guys.

UnRuli · #3 12-22-2012, 12:28 PM

The first few semesters of art school are primarily for learning basic skills and figuring out what you love. Get your core classes out of the way while taking a few elective intro classes (there are usually openings in degree requirements for elective classes) to see what resonates with you the most. You may have to declare a major, but that can always be changed at a later date.

I went back to school in 2007 to study art. I had NO idea what I wanted to do with it because I had so little experience in art (I drew goofy animals with a #2 pencil, markers and ink....I knew nothing else). I declared my major going in (it was required) as Illustration because it was one area where we were required to learn MULTIPLE things (graphite, charcoal, oils, watercolors, lots of life drawing, digital and some 3D) and I'm glad I did. It turns out that the field suits me! I also wound up taking on a painting minor because I learned to LOVE painting.

I'm now in grad school. I decided I LOVE to teach and this is the next step. While in grad school I'm also teaching two college level illustration courses. The decision to go back to school was a GREAT one for me. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life!

earth3starchild · #4 01-06-2013, 03:25 AM

Hi, I'm new here, I LIKE it. All my life, I always felt something calling me. I PLAYED music, I do woodwork, when I was a kid I was real creative, and new I loved to draw build, paint, etc. Now latter in my life I finally decided to be dedicated to painting, Now I am very happy, like, what have I been missing out on ...I believe strongly that we all have our purpose, listen to your heart, try new stuff, have patience, and have faith.. most important...enjoy the beauty in life.

Superturtle · #5 02-07-2013, 02:42 PM

Sorry this is a long time after that, but if you're interested in art, think of what you're good at and figure out how to integrate that into your career. For example, I was always very into science and art, so I'm doing Paleoillustration. If you're good with people, and enjoy sharing your knowledge, then teaching's a good way to go. If you like working with your hands, are artistic, and have an interest in science, perhaps working in creating prosthetics (ex. prosthetic noses, eyes) could tick all your boxes. You might be surprised at how you could apply your knowledge. My advice on this when it comes to studies is to double major if possible, combining the disciplines you are genuinely interested in, and figure out how to apply those to a career.

lovin art · #6 03-09-2013, 11:12 AM

I hated doing half my visual art diploma , so I quit half way through .... Then I took off to do art like full time learning at the easel the real old fashioned way .... I can't give you any real advice other then do what your heart is saying ...

Oh I see this is a old-ish thread ...oops sorry !

JillianL · #7 05-14-2013, 08:42 PM

Hi Starlitpath-

First, congratulations on deciding to really go for it and pursue your art! I remember feeling much like you are now when I first started art school and was worrying about which direction to take.

The good news is that many of the best art colleges these days are favouring an interdisciplinary approach to artistic study and actually encourage their students to gain general experience before specializing in anything. My college began with a foundation year and I dabbled a bit before figuring out what I was most drawn to. I expect that what you need is just a bit of time engaging in open-minded play. You may be surprised when you discover you have an unknown talent and passion.

In the meantime prepare yourself by engaging in projects that are technically challenging and help you pick up basic skills like accurate rendering, drawing in perspective, establishing tonal relationships, expressing your ideas visually, etc.

All the best to you and good luck!

Salute to our Partners