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.