6 answers
Quinn
Student
Greendale, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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Do you feel that you've lost your "passion" for creative arts if you pursue an art major?
I'm going to school for fine arts (painting/drawing) and am nervous that my initial love for the arts will be diminished by the academic pressure of doing it for school.
I was wondering if anyone else had experiences this or had similar concerns, and what did you do to cope with that?
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6 answers
Ester Reis
Freelencer Artist
2
Answers
Pouso Alegre, MG
Updated
Ester’s Answer
Hi there,
I'm a visual arts student focusing on painting and drawing, and I totally understand what you're going through. I felt the same way when I started college; it seemed like I used to enjoy art a lot more. I even thought about quitting because it felt like my passion for art had vanished. But then I began working on art projects and activities that I truly enjoyed, outside of college assignments. This helped me reignite my love for creative arts. By doing what I love and using what I learned in college, I found a way to stay interested and motivated.
I'm a visual arts student focusing on painting and drawing, and I totally understand what you're going through. I felt the same way when I started college; it seemed like I used to enjoy art a lot more. I even thought about quitting because it felt like my passion for art had vanished. But then I began working on art projects and activities that I truly enjoyed, outside of college assignments. This helped me reignite my love for creative arts. By doing what I love and using what I learned in college, I found a way to stay interested and motivated.
Hannah Gibbs
UX Design
3
Answers
Cedar Rapids
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Quinn!
Great question! This is something I struggled with too, but I have a couple pieces of advice for you:
1.) Please please please dive into your classes head first. You will not lose that passion because you are discovering more of it. You are refining your skills, style and techniques.
2.) I think when you finished with you degree is when you could really lose your passion, because you are not exploring what you want to do and taking directions from someone else. This is when I would find your deepest passion and add boundaries to it. My passion is photography, and I hold it very sacredly. I only accept jobs from friends and family and I pick what type of photography I am willing to do. I would never ever accept a job that makes me a full time photographer. Putting limitations, boundaries and deciding what you want to do with that passion will help you cope with that fear of losing it.
3.) If you do lose that passion, I promise you didn't actually lose it, it's most likely burnout. So when that happens give yourself some space, and take baby steps. Do not force yourself to do something when you aren't really feeling it. Take breaks, don't get frustrated, and don't be afraid to start a project over. You will find your passion again.
Great question! This is something I struggled with too, but I have a couple pieces of advice for you:
1.) Please please please dive into your classes head first. You will not lose that passion because you are discovering more of it. You are refining your skills, style and techniques.
2.) I think when you finished with you degree is when you could really lose your passion, because you are not exploring what you want to do and taking directions from someone else. This is when I would find your deepest passion and add boundaries to it. My passion is photography, and I hold it very sacredly. I only accept jobs from friends and family and I pick what type of photography I am willing to do. I would never ever accept a job that makes me a full time photographer. Putting limitations, boundaries and deciding what you want to do with that passion will help you cope with that fear of losing it.
3.) If you do lose that passion, I promise you didn't actually lose it, it's most likely burnout. So when that happens give yourself some space, and take baby steps. Do not force yourself to do something when you aren't really feeling it. Take breaks, don't get frustrated, and don't be afraid to start a project over. You will find your passion again.
Crystal Uehara
Freelance Illustrator
2
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Crystal’s Answer
Hi there Quinn. I think I can provide a slightly different perspective, because my answer is "yes, and no".
I attended college for Animation and Game Arts, and then switched to Illustration. Pursing an art major definitely improved my art in so many ways. It helped me better grasp concepts, theories, anatomy, composition, and really just everything essential to illustration as a whole. I've improved so much over my time at college, and I can safely say I don't regret it at all.
But on the flipside, it wasn't what I wanted to do. I struggle with working on projects that don't peak my interest, and we were pushed heavily to create original work instead of things like fan art. So it's not like I could use my interests often for class projects. On top of that, I had the unfortunate experience of being in the wrong place, wrong time. What I mean is when I started college as an AGA major, I had too complex of a style for animating. Then, after I switched to Illustration in my sophomore year, I found my simple, easy to animate style, and realized that I was right the first time in what I wanted to do. I just hadn't found my style yet.
I work as a freelance illustrator now because I wanted to do my own art so I wouldn't lose my passion to create. And after making that decision, I've been doing much better mentally while also supporting myself by having jobs in other industries. Sometimes, there's still the art block and the lack of motivation, but what works for me is to participate in art communities in places such as Discord and draw art of other peoples' characters. That way, I don't have to struggle with what to draw, and I get extra practice in.
I hope this helps a little bit, and I wish you luck in school!
I attended college for Animation and Game Arts, and then switched to Illustration. Pursing an art major definitely improved my art in so many ways. It helped me better grasp concepts, theories, anatomy, composition, and really just everything essential to illustration as a whole. I've improved so much over my time at college, and I can safely say I don't regret it at all.
But on the flipside, it wasn't what I wanted to do. I struggle with working on projects that don't peak my interest, and we were pushed heavily to create original work instead of things like fan art. So it's not like I could use my interests often for class projects. On top of that, I had the unfortunate experience of being in the wrong place, wrong time. What I mean is when I started college as an AGA major, I had too complex of a style for animating. Then, after I switched to Illustration in my sophomore year, I found my simple, easy to animate style, and realized that I was right the first time in what I wanted to do. I just hadn't found my style yet.
I work as a freelance illustrator now because I wanted to do my own art so I wouldn't lose my passion to create. And after making that decision, I've been doing much better mentally while also supporting myself by having jobs in other industries. Sometimes, there's still the art block and the lack of motivation, but what works for me is to participate in art communities in places such as Discord and draw art of other peoples' characters. That way, I don't have to struggle with what to draw, and I get extra practice in.
I hope this helps a little bit, and I wish you luck in school!
Wyatt s Miles
Animator
21
Answers
Dayton, ID
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Quinn,
I chose to pursue the Creative Arts. I am working as an Animator presently. While I would say that over the course of my last 20 years, my passion has waxed and waned, it has never left me and is more powerful today than it has ever been. I have learned some great lessons that I will share with you now. If you continue to pursue the Creative Arts path, you will have to work for many years under the tutelage of others (Think of this as your Apprenticeship). Be Humble and Teachable and Find Joy in Being and making friends and learn all the best lessons that these great teachers have to offer you, but also continue to follow your own personal dreams on the side, even if the amount of time you can spend doing so is minimal. Never give that up! It will fuel you and take you places so wonderful, you couldn't have imagined them on your own. If you believe in God or a Higher Power, let that guide you. Try to keep in mind, There is no better than Here. When you get There, you will likely look back with longing on your present Here. This is to say, Live in the Present, Embrace it and Enjoy it and there's no telling how far that will take you.
Sincerely,
Your Brother
Wyatt s Miles
I chose to pursue the Creative Arts. I am working as an Animator presently. While I would say that over the course of my last 20 years, my passion has waxed and waned, it has never left me and is more powerful today than it has ever been. I have learned some great lessons that I will share with you now. If you continue to pursue the Creative Arts path, you will have to work for many years under the tutelage of others (Think of this as your Apprenticeship). Be Humble and Teachable and Find Joy in Being and making friends and learn all the best lessons that these great teachers have to offer you, but also continue to follow your own personal dreams on the side, even if the amount of time you can spend doing so is minimal. Never give that up! It will fuel you and take you places so wonderful, you couldn't have imagined them on your own. If you believe in God or a Higher Power, let that guide you. Try to keep in mind, There is no better than Here. When you get There, you will likely look back with longing on your present Here. This is to say, Live in the Present, Embrace it and Enjoy it and there's no telling how far that will take you.
Sincerely,
Your Brother
Wyatt s Miles
Debbie Sampson
Professional artist oil painter
2
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
You have a passion for creativity that should stick with you. Don't let the teacher or professor change your style, just go with it, add what the instructor is 'suggesting' and go your own path. I am self-taught professional artist for over 45 years. My mentor Mario Gramaldi, who was involved with the american flag movement in the 60's along with very well known artists and he told me to never go to school, they will change what you have, trying to mold you in their way. Yes I wanted to go to college for art to experience it but in those days 70's he was right. I had a teacher in high school that wouldn't let me do my thing so I quit. When I turned around 27, I went back to my art. It was in me. I had to create to this day....I still have to create. I'm not saying don't go to college or school, go...and take a business course as well because it is very hard to make a living in the art world. I was lucky. I have a 'thing' that I can't explain. If you feel pressure, just stay loose. Chill out and do your thing but grow. I am learning every day with new techniques. You will be amazed how your work will change from year to year and stay out of the lines. Your going to be fine. It will always work out in the end.
Joseph Spirtos
Enter art contests
5
Answers
Poland, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey there!
I suggest that you should try to do (fun art) so to speak on the side. What I mean is, try to enter local art contests nearby. Or similar things like contests. That way you will still be able to do your own thing and have fun with art; but also keep up with your classes which may very well seem boring at times. It is a very fun and rewarding feeling to win an art contest; and it is even fun to just enter!
I suggest that you should try to do (fun art) so to speak on the side. What I mean is, try to enter local art contests nearby. Or similar things like contests. That way you will still be able to do your own thing and have fun with art; but also keep up with your classes which may very well seem boring at times. It is a very fun and rewarding feeling to win an art contest; and it is even fun to just enter!