So I'm thinking of going back to school. My current job is draining the life from me and I'm looking for a new one. While looking for new jobs, I thought it would be a good idea to go back to school and get a proper artist training.
Anybody know of scholarships for art majors? Scholarships for aspiring artists? What about Setups for discounted tuition since I've been living on my own and been supporting myself for near 10 years? do the feds offer discounts for that?
Any Ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Replies
"If God's ultimate plan was for me to stay at this job, then I've failed misably and I'm almost 99% sure i will get the axe before the year's over."
What is God's will for our lives? Does God have a perfect plan for you that includes what job you should have, what woman you should marry, etc., etc.? We hear these things all the time, but are they Scripturally accurate?
It might help to take the pressure off a bit when we realize that, Scripturally speaking, we have no reason to believe that God has such a plan for our lives. Like any parent, God wants us to grow to be mature, and responsible decision makers. he does not want us to ask Him what we should do at every turn, but to take the principles that he has given us- to know His "will"- and to act on it in a Godly and reasonable way.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification..." 1 Thess. 4:3
It is God's will for our lives that we be Godly. That we act Godly. That we grow in Godliness.
We are free in Christ to take jobs, or leave them as long as we stay within the bounds of Godliness. Do not heap guilt on yourself if you see that your time at this job is coming to a close. As much as it depends on you work every day as unto the Lord, and be free in Christ to go where your God-given desires lead you.
That being said, I would seriously research job opportunities for whatever field you are thinking of entering before you sign up for any schooling. I only say this because I know of so many who have racked up tremendous debt in tuition costs only to find their market/profession of study is either stunted or saturated.
Just trying to help.
All the best.
Thanks Steve:
I need clarify though, my reasoning for going back to school is so I can have more time to draw. With the hopes of changing jobs, I'd figure I explore all options, one of which is going back to school. i cannot stay at my current job, it's getting more of burden, every day is longer and I'm on strike 2. If God's ultimate plan was for me to stay at this job, then I've failed misably and I'm almost 99% sure i will get the axe before the year's over.
I got my BA in Motion graphics and visual FX, and I haven't used that much since graduating 6 years ago. I know degrees don't matter in the world of arts and entertainment, but schools can still and do have good art programs. So I'm hoping for more time to hone and progress in the artist skill and not be bogged down by some job I've outlived my usefulness at. Not to say it hasn't been God's devine blessing to have a job through the recession, but with all that's going on there, I feel he's pushing me to move on.
Could be school, could be another job. Only he knows.
My advice would be not to confuse learning with school. I went to the School of Visual Arts- an art college in NYC- and I have noticed a few things about the institutionalized world of the arts.
First, I noticed that the schools will just as willingly accept money from those students who had obvious talent, and those who didn't. For the school it is about money- after all, it is a business- and there were plenty of people in my classes that literally had me baffled. I was stunned at some people who had plans to be professional artists, yet who lacked even the most basic skills.
I always felt that an honest school career counselor would say to some, "Look, maybe you should consider another line of work." But again, schools are interested in your money, not so much your future. (As someone very close to me found out when she racked up $90,000 in debt getting a specialized library science degree, and is now working in a thrift store.)
Second, being honest, a degree doesn't matter too much in the arts if you can create. I've been a professional freelancer for roughly 20 years, and I have met MANY super-talented people (and some not so much), and not one that I know of was hired for their degrees.
You either produce good work, or you do not. (And if you do not, but are able to schmooze your way in to a job, you WILL be found out. Never fails.)
Plus, I should say that I never graduated from college. I dropped out after my second year. (Being honest, I was too interested in hanging out, and chasing skirts. ...After all, it was my BC period.) But a lack of a degree never stopped me from getting work, and every job I was hired for was due to what I could DO, not what honors I earned.
In fact, my art teacher in high school told me on the very last day of school NOT to go to college. Her advice was to continue learning as I was, and I would find my way. Looking back, I would say she was right. Art wise I learned NOTHING in college, and the only thing that I got our of those years was my wife. ...So, on second thought, yeah... maybe it was a good thing I went.
So, I would suggest, before you plunk down some serious money, to look at other avenues. Perhaps there is an art workshop you can got to for life drawing on a pay-by-the-class type of way. Or perhaps you can link arms with other illustrators and create your own drawing workshops. Or look into a class for whatever program from a learning center, absorb the basics, and explore on your own.
Nothing beats self-determination. The web offers TONS of resources. Video tutorials, articles, book lists, etc.
Funny, I think of a line in "Good Will Hunting" where Will comments on how amazed he is by these students who spend tens of thousands of dollars on the same education they can get with a library card and a few dollars in overdue fees.
Self-assessment is key. Do you have what it takes? Do you have the skills? Do you have the eye? Can you take criticism? A LOT of criticism? Do you have tenacity? Take an inventory of yourself. Be honest, because there are a LOT of illustrators our there looking for work, and no matter what level you are at there are a LOT that are better than both you and me.
Here are a couple o' resources you may want to look into for both info and inspiration:
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/
http://emptyeasel.com/
http://www.artistasbrand.com/
http://muddycolors.blogspot.com/
http://www.conceptart.org/
All the very best to you, Landon.
Oh... one more thing... keep in mind that the world is changing at a terrific rate. Industries and institutions that we grew up with are going the way of the buffalo. Newspapers and traditional publishing are on their last leg. So whatever path you decide on think of how that relates to a new, digital economy. It is something to think about. ...And think about hard.
God bless.
check out full sail. When I check them out I could go for free on line using my GI Bill. But see what offers they have. I will be in prayer for you.