I Have An Announcement...(please, I need some opinions)

[N3mesis_IceWing_NightWing]

What do you all think of this, I believe I want to become an Author and an Artist in my career days.

All the English teachers (and most everyone else) I've gone through say my writing's very good. After I say that I want to be an author for my career, they'd normally say something like, "I believe you can do it." or "You've got a creative mind, I think you'll manage."

My parents, family, friends, every Art teacher, or whoever else I've asked (showed my work off to) has said "Wow, I don't think I could ever come up with something like that" or "That's more advanced than I think I could do."

I'm worried, however. When/after I do go to college for these things, will this ever bring me to a point where I can in fact make enough to keep on going with my life? To pay for the house I live in, to cover the things I'll probably be attending, or will I just be stuck in a place where I'm financially struggling and can't seem to get out of?

Also, even I'm starting to see that I'm pretty good at what I do. Yet, will I ever lack something I'll be needing to move on?

All these "What If's" have got my mind racing! lol...I suppose I just need someone to talk to about this. But, right now, at the same time I'm trying to focus on my Senior year priorities and leave this school behind, knowing I did the best I could manage to do.

Anyone have advice for me? I think it's something I've been needing to hear lately. I'd appreciate it, thanx

 

[Sally PB]

What kind of writing do you do/want to do? What do you want to do with your art?

If you want to paint pictures, your path is probably different from someone who wants to illustrate books, for instance.

If you want to write novels, that's different from non-fiction or journalism.

Be prepared to be able to support yourself with a "real" job. I put that in quotes because I'm sure you will work very hard on your art and writing. But they might not pay the bills for awhile.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Are you writing now? How much time do you spend at it? Do you write every day? Have you ever submitted any of your writing for publication, to magazines, or in a contest, for example?

There's more to art and writing than just producing. You also have to be able to market your product. You may need an agent for sales, distribution, marketing.

 

[Finchbreeder]

Having a daughter who used to win Poetry competitions and excelled at creative writing in her 1sy year of Uni - as well as selling some of her early art from when she was still in early high School, and continuing to do so even once she graduated Uni - till work got in the way.
Aussie here.
I can tell you what she was told - go for it - but get a base job to cover the lean patches.
Her mentor was a published Author (Glynn Parry - Google him) and he was working as an English teacher at her high School at the time.
No she is not a writer or artist - she is an Environmental Scientist (1st Degree Honours)
She was one who had too many choices and could not do all - but till she could do her 1st love - her lesser ones helped pay the bills.
I wish the same for you.

 

[Rillowen]

What kind of writing do you do/want to do? What do you want to do with your art?

If you want to paint pictures, your path is probably different from someone who wants to illustrate books, for instance.

If you want to write novels, that's different from non-fiction or journalism.

Be prepared to be able to support yourself with a "real" job. I put that in quotes because I'm sure you will work very hard on your art and writing. But they might not pay the bills for awhile.

Agreed. Maybe find a trade/trade school you can enjoy, and then do your art/writing on the side until it takes off. Especially if you are single being able to work part time for money and part time for "the future" will make a huge difference. Even most professional artists and writers did/do this.

 

[Anon112]

It is not always easy to support yourself as an author. I know several published authors (one of whom had a book in process to be adapted into an HBO series), and they all do jobs in addition to writing.

Now, that said, the skills you will learn in a good writing program can serve you very well in certain other jobs.

 

[Rillowen]

The same goes for art. I have sold several pieces and even been published, but overall have made very little from it, art has seved me far better in other ways. Understanding of color and light and even stenciling landed me a pretty nice job in a theater in college, understandg of perspective and demensions and shadows has heled me learn better about geometry and building/physics and the detailed examination that most art takes has helped me greatly in human and animal anatomy.

 

[hammyanne]

Hi! Art school graduate here—I have a BFA in industrial design from RISD. I’ve been a fine artist my whole life but made a concerted effort to major in a field with a strong industry. I’ve made a comfortable living, as have my fellow design graduates. Some standout fine arts majors have made a name for themselves but I think generally struggle to earn as much as their design counterparts. I’m grateful every day of my life that I work in a creative field and use my skills to support myself.


That said, private art school tuition is no joke, and many top schools rarely give out scholarships. Some institutions can be downright predatory. If you’re serious about art school, do some research on which schools have programs that support your interests, think about the alumni network/city where the school is located (that’ll likely be where you get your first job), and which schools offer the best value.

I attended art school nearly 15 years ago, before the rise of social media and wide adoption of open source learning (YouTube can be an incredible resource for learning technical skills). You can teach yourself a lot from what’s available online. That said, what I got most out of college was the camaraderie with peers who were serious about their work (which pushed me to always improve myself) and the notable alumni network. I’m really glad I had four years to throw myself completely into my work.

Happy to chat more about my experience if you ever want to learn more!

 

[Anon112]

The same goes for art. I have sold several pieces and even been published, but overall have made very little from it, art has seved me far better in other ways. Understanding of color and light and even stenciling landed me a pretty nice job in a theater in college, understandg of perspective and demensions and shadows has heled me learn better about geometry and building/physics and the detailed examination that most art takes has helped me greatly in human and animal anatomy.

I think that this is a really important point.

Art as art is not the same as art for business.

 

[Susan Skylark]

Also think about all the famous (now) authors and artists that died poor, their works are now famous and worth millions but only decades or centuries after their death. And it will be even harder in this modern era to even make a living with society wide loss of interest in books, real art, insensitivity to true beauty and wonder, AI producing media at the click of a button…I’m not trying to discourage you, just to know it will be challenging, I’ve got a son who is a talented artist but he also knows he needs a ‘real’ job until his hobby takes off, especially if it never does! I’ve written dozens of books, but made more working summers at a fast food joint in college than I have selling books, and that was when minimum wage was $5/hour, but I still write, because it’s a passion not a day job. The same could be said about raising poultry!